1982 Honda CBX1000 Super Sport: Sixy Beast

Matthias Beier was a motorcycle rider long before he bought his first bike. Perched on the tanks of his dad’s dual sports, he would get a few chances to take control of the handlebars, but he didn’t really dive in until he got to high school-which is when he sold his car for a Yamaha R1.
Matthias has been riding ever since, but he and his dad weren’t the only ones in the family who liked bikes. The Honda CBX featured in today’s video belonged to Matthias’ uncle before he passed, and while it’s been in the family since new in 1982, it hasn’t rolled past 5000 on the odometer yet. It’s a very original, very of its era machine. With six carburetors to tune and a striking early-’80s design, the big Honda is a unique motorcycle in its own right, and this particular one has helped Matthias stay connected to his uncle even if they can’t ride together.
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[@NuclearGrizzly]

I was a kid when the CBX1000 came out. We looked at it like we were cavemen first seeing fire.

[@mrfahrenheit3867]

I remember when they came out,we were young, we'd ride our RD350s down to the Honda dealers after hours and proceed to window lick.

[@MrGaryGG48]

@@mrfahrenheit3867 I can easily picture that. That is sooo funny!!

[@gregc6661]

Scott eDog bet you wish you had your RD350’s from those days. They were awesome too

[@f2cmadmaxx]

Oddly for Petrolicious, they really struggled to capture the sound on this one.

[@tizianoniero9165]

Yes, i was a tad disappointed too but i can tell you what happened: To mike a bike is pretty pretty difficult because you pick up wind. Easier to mike a 998 like the one of Peter which is streamlined than a naked bike because it'll take few trial and error to find out how the wind goes through the chassis and bits. Specifically on this bike two factors played against me: 1 - the sound wasn't all that roaring. This is yes a 6 cylinder but with stock pipes. The F1 sound everyone talks about is achieved only with aftermarket pipes. Dunno what to tell you. I filmed the bike, i recorded the bike, that's how it is. So you honestly haven't lost much. 2 - the bike was overheating because the day was super hot and when it came to concentrate on the audio the bike was stalling so i knew i had some sound and we call it a day. Any vintage vehicle gets mystical and when the owner says enough that's when you call it a wrap. Hope it helps.

[@f2cmadmaxx]

@@tizianoniero9165 Makes sense and thanks for the explanation - i know bikes are hard to mic for sure, good to see the bike anyway, it's been a few years since i've been around one. I hope he gets it sorted, it has more problems than just cooling for sure, it's not running right.

[@ridingweeb4801]

The touring version also had a different exhaust that kinda ruined the f1 car sound

[@BrightsideMedia]

We had a hell of a time micing up a CBX. It's not easy, but completely worth it even with stock pipes. They still sound great. Have a listen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofQoGSOlqaIoJo

[@ilovelimpfries]

It's on stock pipes. Stock pipes never sounded good regardless what bike they're on.

[@stuartb9323]

Awesome bike, great story! I almost bought a 79 still in the crate back in 1983, but picked up a V 65 Magna instead. A super bike in its own right, but never forgot that CBX stuck in the box up in Michigan. About 10 years ago, I heard through the grape vine, that a low mileage 79 was for sale....I tracked the rumor down to a local guy that had a car accident, and couldn't get around very well. He had a silver CBX, with only 986 miles on her...WOW. Well, she's in my garage as we speak. She needed help when I picked her up, and she still has 986 miles on her. Life got in the way of getting her back on the road...yet. Anytime a gearhead sees her, it's the same response to those six pipes hangin out front...Awesome, what the hell is that?! lol

[@Thunderous117]

Stuart B you’re a lucky man I’d love it if my build was a cbx as it is I’m trying to rebuild a Suzuki gs450!

[@leswinegar4734]

Are the the rider who showed up on a Sunday @ Common Grounds for bike church with CBX1000 2019?

[@stuartb9323]

Thunder1177 Weekly Hey, that's a cool ride as well ! Good luck with the build

[@stuartb9323]

THAT Guy I'm working on getting parts together as we speak. Hopefully this year : )

[@justinkostelecky6201]

Awesome story! I have a V65 myself, but would love the opportunity to put a CBX in my garage.

[@russphoto]

Maybe its my age, but I love the looks and faring on this bike.

[@RetroMotiveAdventures]

I'm a 19 year old and still love these bikes! I own a 88MR2 and a ninja 250 the CBX1000 is definitely a dream bike of mine! The farings and the curves are beautiful

[@tj-kv6vr]

your age says you know quality.

[@MrMe7111]

“Party in the front, business in the rear”. Sounds like a good time !!! Good for you. Congrats !!

[@thorandmoljnir]

I remember when cars and bikes from the 50's were considered the "old" rides. Now it's the 80's (which I grew up in) rides that are the old ones . Man, I must be getting old!

[@angrygardener2430]

Loved this one. I bought an ‘82 exactly like this one when they were “only” 25 years old. Same story, had been sitting in the back of a garage for years. The 81/82 CBX practically invented the fast sport touring class of bike. Could cruise at 100 mph all day with luggage (tiny luggage). The styling was supposed to be jet fighter inspired, mine even had the optional altimeter. Once running it became my main sport touring bike for the next 5 years, I put 10’s of thousands more miles on it - way more than I expected - my collector bike became my go-to. The only upgrades it needed were modern rubber, stainless brake lines and upgraded fork springs. Modern bikes, like cars, are so capable no driver gets close to their limit on roads. The CBX was more engaging in the sense that the limit was something a decent rider could experience.

[@MrRedhead78]

Best sounding Motorcycle ever. Just like the old F1 cars.

[@DriveLongRoad]

But only with a "real" exhaust system. ;)

[@Billhatestheinternet]

Sounds like some Italian sports cars.

[@CuoreSportivo]

came to write exact same comment.

[@forkboy3309]

@Handsome White Devil maybe not with the stock exhaust setup but with a little work they really do sound incredible.

[@rorymcloughlin2023]

Beautiful bike, it's great that he can maintain it and keep it at it's best plus there is a special history for him. Perfect.

[@julesrussell2270]

I have the exact same bike in England, an American spec white 1982. It's been sitting awhile, and your video has given me the incentive to get it cleaned up and running again! Thank you for a great story and inspiring photography.

[@yammienoob]

Couldn't agree more. Nothing stirs the soul as much as a two wheeled vehicle. Cars never even came close for me.

[@WarrenRCG]

Great story. What a machine. Brings back memories from 25 years ago, seeing a friend's parent's bikes sitting outside, rotting. A CBX and a KZ1000....

[@dlittlester]

You're right about the handling. Mine was the original '79 bare bones. It was 105 HP. The motor was the message. Handling? Not so much. Still, I wish I hadn't sold it. There are lots of aftermarket parts you can use to help it at the expense of taking it away from stock. I took it to a Honda dealer to adjust the 24 valves and balance the carbs and it ran horribly after that. Broke my heart.

[@jesuschristus9410]

What a beautiful bike, great to see it in the right hands

[@johndiaz7240]

Good story thanks . First time I saw one was in a showroom in Oxnard Ca in 1985 ,it was a new 82'. I bought it and still have it.

[@MrGaryGG48]

There were several very fast bikes in the mid-late 1960's and into the '70's, (relatively speaking) but that was the "pre-disc brake" era and you could easily scare the crap out of yourself if you got carried away... Honda CBX, Kawasaki H1 & H2 triples!!! A motorcycle dealer that I had bought several bikes from tossed me keys to a brand new H1 650cc triple when I walked into his shop one day. They had just arrived and I had just read the Cycle magazine road test. I took it up on the freeway a couple blocks from his shop, ran it out of town to where the traffic thinned out and turned around to head back. As I came out of the cloverleaf and entered the southbound traffic I was even with a car running at the 70 mph speed limit. As it passed, I cranked the throttle in 2nd and it just launched! I had passed her before I hit 3rd and just kept grabbing gears. In a VERY short time I had to get on the brakes as the traffic ahead was getting close way too fast. In that very short blast it topped out at about 130 mph!! It had plenty of revs left but no road to use them...

[@CCitis]

Your motorycle stories are awesome! more of these

[@HSHSTAR]

He said true that every bike has its own soul/character that wants something, as with mine my bike has saved me from horrible crashes where i had thought today me and my bike will not survive, but my bike guards me all the time.

[@Visionery1]

Beautiful bike and lines. Love the fairing and dual exhausts. Makes me feel 18 again. :)

[@carguybd]

We're brothers Matthias! I recently came across an identical bike, right down to the mileage and backstory. It too had sat since the late '90s. It's back on the road and I rode it a couple of times last fall prior to snowfall, however like you say, the carbs are finicky. I need to get mine dialed-in better. I've always thought the CBX was a space alien tour-de-force, given its unusual powerplant. It sure gets a lot of attention, that's for sure. I wish you the best with your adventures and your connection to your uncle!

[@RetroMotiveAdventures]

That's a stunning bike!!! I love the styling and the sound is amazing definitely a dream bike of mine.

[@BMC029]

Thank you for sharing. This video takes me back- After college my Dad let me use his red & white CB750F Bol d’ Or-2 when i had my first job. It was a very comfortable bike. Cheers from Manila 🇵🇭

[@idiOTytinflUnceRs]

I purchased, brand new my 1985 Kawasaki 750 Turbo. I recalled the dealer had a row of about five of the CBXs. No regrets in the Kawasaki, but had I bought the CBX, I believe I would have kept the bike. Great episode... thanks for the memories.

[@Lakisleon]

Love the cbx, very smooth engine. Looks like It came out from first mad Max movie. World’s first production six cylinder bike was the Benelli Sei

[@TDM0802]

Awesome bike! Im only 20 and drive the 1982 Suzuki GSX 400e that my Grandpa bought new 😊 It‘s old yes, but i enjoy riding HIS motorcycle, since it gives me the feeling of being „connected“ to him. He sadly passed away 1 year and 1 month before me and my twin brother were even born.

[@oakstream6041]

I personally celebrate 25 on my Africa twin 750. Never let me down and would gladly buy a new one. Hondas will always stand the test of time. 🇸🇪🤗😁

[@tj-kv6vr]

From" ZEN and the ART of motorcycle maintenance" In a car you are watching the movie unfold on you windshield, on a bike you are IN THE MOVIE. well put

[@jeremyb4493]

Styling reminds me vaguely of my old 1984 Honda Nighthawk 700s that I bought wrecked and rebuilt toward the end of high school in the mid 90s... still miss that bike

[@scottsterry8119]

I lusted after this bike at the time it came out.

[@anucray]

Thumbs up for the R1 👍

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

Thank you for having the awareness to keep such an original beauty as she is.

[@nicwilson89]

Hands down the best sounding bike man has ever created. Sounds kinda like a Nissan RB (with a decent exhaust). ...I have no idea how you could own one without putting a nice exhaust on it but I just like loud stuff that sounds nice :D

[@wearesecret6481]

I knew I guy way back in the day had one just like this one, but had a kerker(sp?)exhaust and sounded amazing. Best sounding motorcycle at the time and still would now. Oh by the way i had a 79 back in 83.

[@mereclander]

I love this 6 cil engine. The sound is like F1. Very nice history also. I agree this guy: no car can offer the kind of sensations a bike does.

[@happychappers8311]

4 wheels move the body 2 wheels moves the soul. As the saying goes.

[@FunWithAJ]

Love the motorcycle love. That's one of the best sounding bikes Honda ever created.

[@shedred1967]

21,000 on my 79 CBX when I picked it up for $1 a cc. Great deal from a nice rich guy. Now has 54,000 and I just took off the original cylinder and pistons(still in great shape) as I found a fresh big bore kit with prepped cylinder. So going to change bearings and chains and it will be 1146 cc vs 1047 cc original and like new again.

[@SonicPoetryIII]

Petrolicious, if you ever come to Canada and want a 2nd part to this CBX film, hit me up. I have a very nice original 79 with a Schüle exhaust that gives the engine it's proper opportunity to sing. I have driven many modern high power bikes, but nothing comes close to the thrill of the CBX. All of it's flaws get canceled by it's engine. It's "only" 100 hp, but _that sound_. The most fun you can have with your pants on. The original naked version is also perhaps one of the most beautiful bikes ever built, the engine being showcases brilliantly. If you like mechanical art, you like Petrolicious and the CBX. I bought the bike when I was 23 in 2015. It has been the best decision I have ever taken. Restoring it during the winters and enjoying it during the summers, it's part of my life and weekend routine. This motorcycle is nothing but passion. Credits to Honda back when they were run by real enthusiasts. All I can say to others is don't just dream it, do it. A little sacrifice and dedication is well worth it. If you want to buy a CBX, don't wait. They are getting more expensive by the minute. If you plan on restoring, don't be cheap on parts. OEM or nothing, or you will regret it. There is a very strong and kind community dedicated to the CBX and it's well being. Testimony to how legendary it is. Greeting from Canada.

[@CrispyMustard]

Im in love with this bike now

[@operamatthew]

this is one of the coolest motorcycles ever made and i’m not a two wheel guy

[@MrTe450-Hayabusa-No-Limits]

What a bike! And what an absolutely mint condition!

[@scottieray]

Honda makes well-built motorcycles in 2020, but their build quality from late 70's to late 80's was so superior to any other manufacturer (except maybe Bimoto) at the time. This version of the CBX has a real presence that will never fade. 4 years after this was made Honda was putting out VFR's and starting designs on the NSR and Fireblade. The 80's were just an amazing time in motorcycling.

[@ncsteeltoe]

This was good. More bikes.

[@edhartley5765]

What a great piece of Honda history, you're lucky.

[@bengtsjoholm3308]

I really like this video. It’s personal and a very good mix of driving shots and historia. Super nice!

[@NielsGarage]

Put that engine in a Mini and you’d have a seriously hot hatch!

[@rideroll9609]

Put in K20 and you will have jet fighter...

[@patrickmalone9380]

I remember the cbx 1000 fb I prefer it to the original prolink and better forks and ventilated front discs what a machine

[@ROCKYPEAK1]

I got my first '81 CBX in '82 and put 24k miles on it. The second '81 CBX I put 75k miles on it. My third '81 CBX I put 135k miles on it (I still have it) and I am now on my fourth '81 CBX and it has 97K miles on it. No carb work, no alternator work and no rear air shock work. It a Honda.

[@stuartb9323]

Victor Van Tress That's fantastic! I'd like to pick your brain about maintenance ....where do you get parts for your bikes?! Specifically brake parts! Thanks

[@ROCKYPEAK1]

@@stuartb9323 There's a guy in Florida Louis Matron who has amazed alot of CBX parts (Google that). Bike #2 taught me NOT to modify the bike and use OEM parts whenever possible. Brake parts you might have to use EBC pads and rotors but I would advise not to if possible. Rubber brake lines are a different matter as metal lines wouldn't age like rubber will. One more point is rotors don't warp. They get material transfer from the pads to the rotor. Don't have them turned down, just what's called disco. Front rotors got very scarce a long time ago. Matron may have used but probably not OEM. My advice is don't do anything unnecessary and don't use aftermarket exhaust as carbs don't work well with reduced back pressure Have Fun

[@stuartb9323]

Victor Van Tress Thanks for the info! My bike suffers from sitting, not riding. I bought her years ago with only 986 miles. She sat for years without running or riding. So my issues are the front and rear Master cyl's. Probably the calibers too. I haven't yet to try n get her running yet. The previous owner had race fuel in her for the long storage period. So who knows how bad the carbs are?! I will definitely look up that guy in Florida .....thanks again!

[@grahamsmith2022]

Honda at is very best,what a fantastic machine,keep it looking like this and the value will rocket.

[@leswinegar4734]

Owned a1979 CBX1000 with RC headers pipes and the sound was Porsche 911 not F1 as a few people have stated. The CBX lacked bottom toque that the Kawasaki or Suzuki had and I played catch up in the 1/4 mile race many times. Currently riding a BMW k1300s.

[@alananderson5202]

It's beautiful. Must be kept stock. Don't be mistaken, us old bike guys all know what it is.

[@juanrobertobarroso9045]

Tuve una igual color gris, me arrepiento mucho de haberla vendido. Esas motos son especiales.

[@bentv7]

You and jay Leno need to go for a ride together and he might even do your carbs for you. Would be epic to hear and see two CBX1000s going down the road together.

[@project-horizon-exe]

Honda cbx is the Lexus LFA of motorcycles

[@Tvvugt]

Year 3: still searching that intro song

[@TunaStrata]

I think hodinkee use that intro too.

[@twagn]

Uncle Tom didn’t ride it much. Only about 1000 miles. Now it has about 5000 miles. You haven’t rode it much either

[@JamesAllmond]

Really, I've put 7K on a Ural since May. He needs to ride more, pontificate less.

[@aussiebloke609]

Probably for the best, considering the size of the fuel leak @ 4:49 while he's revving it on the stand.

[@miaxix888]

Beautiful Bike ! I just picked one myself last week.

[@elmoomle4565]

I remember when they first came out...every one wanted one and no one bought them. Years later, everyone wants one...me included. Until I rode, not one, but 3 different ones and now I know why no one bought them back in the day. They do sound good though...

[@kevinruger8819]

Jay Leno has one and did an Episode of Jay Leno’s Garage with a review on the bike.

[@Jednoustopou]

Awesome, awesome video! More of this on KZbin pls.

[@g00dfeeling]

He reminded me on wrist watch story from the Pulp Fiction :)

[@thehamptonsbutcher3786]

The Clod buster is a classic!

[@GadgetyMV]

Nice driving there on that curvy road, Mr Beier. To Petrolicious, very sophisticated video as usual, and yet I would have enjoyed hearing the engine more, such as at the beginning, and even in the garage, as it's being revved, rather than music overlayed.

[@MightyWiggus]

I'll take all the motorcycles you can throw at us!

[@valentinorossi9300]

Best sounding bike ever period ... (IMO)

[@patrickbateman331]

How does petrolicious always have sublime documentaries on each one of my fav automobiles be it car or bike

[@TerribleTimes]

Same version Leno has :)

[@ChrisLoew]

For a bike that is all about sound and unique engine mechanics, would expect more than two flybys with meh audio. Solid piece just more soul.

[@deadfishparty]

A lot of us look as the new hi tech bikes with electronics and superchargers and what not and think that new bikes have no soul, yet this bike was cutting edge at the time and I wonder what people thought of it then.

[@dbc1dc]

Funny, as soon as the road shots started, i said...I know that road. In fact I'll be there next week:) Always loved the CBX, although I prefer the earlier stripped down version.

[@juanrobertobarroso9045]

Puedo decir que tuve una igual de color gris, y es una auténtica maravilla.

[@C-M-E]

After clamoring for years to get a modern rendition of one of these bikes (isn't reviving 80s stuff the new new these days?!) I'm thiiiiis close to 'Alright, I'll do it myself'ing one. If I weren't hip deep in a jet engine bike already, this would be my woo piece.

[@AlpoMartinez88]

Awesome bike

[@robbyracer9715]

This bike, with a 6 into 1 header had an ear piercing shriek just like a Ferrari F1 car

[@DriveLongRoad]

Nice. Please make a review of the Honda CB 1100 R from the 80s. :)

[@danielsimanjuntak6790]

Oh Lord, i need this beast..

[@mmagrone4668]

Per me è una delle più belle moto di sempre! 😍

[@TheKelzer]

I had to sell my 82 as everytime I put my helmet on....the "CHiPs" theme played in my head........seriously. (I have a naked 79 now).

[@Porkycheun]

Brakes are more a suggestion... I know that feeling, but not on something almost twice as powerful and 70 kg heavier... Scary Beast!

[@Porkycheun]

@Bunnyshooter 223 I can but it will be easier to buy another bike though. To be fair, last sunday I grabed a handful (literally 4 fingers braking) of the brake lever (on purpose) and it was ok (locked the front wheel, no ABS) but you really have to pull HARD to obtain decent braking performance, where you only need two fingers or even one on modern motorcycles to achieve the same result so...

[@masanovajapan3181]

Honda CBX1000 は良いバイクだがやはり乗り手は選ぶ。このバイクはいい人に巡り会えたようだ。BEIERは優れたライダーでこれ自体奇跡と言える。彼の優しさが伝わる。またこうゆうバイクが生産されることを祈る。

[@teddy33131]

a friend of my dad had one, while he was riding his turbo 500cx.... never saw another one

[@Thunderous117]

Both gorgeous bikes

[@marcscordato4385]

The Japanese annihilated the British motorcycle industry . They owned the 80s . Japanese bikes from this area were very special .

[@arthurveldhoen3932]

Nice video and I appreciate the story. But there's hardly any mention of just how special that straight six engine is, in sound and smoothness as it comes up through the revs. On a motorcycle, there is simply nothing like it. Well, there's the Kawa Z1300 and that Benelli...

[@Jorge-Tamacas]

This motorcycle has the best engine sound, It sounds like an old V12 F1 engine, nothing compares to it, not even a BMW K1600 sounds that great (my personal opinion)

[@ilovelimpfries]

Find a better sounding motorcycle engine than a cbx1000 at full chat. You will fail.

[@RetroMotiveAdventures]

Totally agree! The CBX1000 is easily my favorite sounding bike it's like an old-school F1 car like mentioned. Incredible vehicle

[@vincentleviangelomagbojos5241]

How abouy honda 2stroke nsr500?

[@BunnyR13]

It's not a bad sound by a long stretch, but a big-bang RC30's better.

[@alexandreboyenval3140]

Benelli sei... The same sound, with more italian (hard)core :-)

[@moonlightfilms5279]

Can't wait to hear the exhaust, dang KZbin adds!!!

[@dirkrieger8783]

running lean on cylinder 2 ?

[@muhammadfikrihilyatulaulia7403]

Beautiful.

[@juanrobertobarroso9045]

Solo había dos en la Isla, y los extranjeros no paraban de hacerle fotos.

[@gabrielmillien7439]

Beautiful

[@carlosbrites8201]

Amazing,Thanks.👈

[@DC73rr]

That seems odd. Mathias loves riding so that he only put 5000 miles on a 30 year old Honda. Ride it, love it.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

It's all about that motor....

[@bubot17]

beautiful

[@朝倉現在-d8f]

Love HONDA from Japan🇯🇵 🔥本田🔥

[@ThomasHegland]

A guy has to kick himself knowing I could have bought a new one for under $2k when they were new. OHHHHHH - What was I thinking. LOL

[@TheFlorisJ]

Looking at 4:48 i'd say he's mucking the bike up 'working' on it. Nicely overflowing carbs next to a hot exhaust. Please go to a mechanic if you don't know what you're doing.

[@US-px7wc]

Time capsule!

[@MovilidadOkeimas]

Great video now that you are working with motorcycles! I dont really know why but you film this at 60FPS? the color, frames and edit are a little off for my taste. You really nailed it with cars! But is time to try something like the approach of FortNine have with classic motorcycles. Keep the good work!

[@MovilidadOkeimas]

Also the sound of the motorcycle is thin, like you took the sound coming from the camera. Please dont get me wrong :) I expect that more from Petrolicius content.

[@glutenfreegam3r177]

In respect of your uncle... F

[@CantThinkofaCoolOne]

Wonderful!

[@jhonatanrodriguez421]

Buena máquina brother brutal