Buying guide for the HONDA CBX 1000 .

[@olafzijnbuis]

I had a CBX-1000 Prolink from 1982 for 23 years. Great bike. Check for oil leaks on the outgoing shaft (to the chain wheel). This seal is hard to replace. To do it the proper way you have to split the engine case. They are easy to work on. Checking the valve clearance is a simple job. The shims are easy to change. No need to remove the camshafts. I had to swap shims only a few times and only on the exhaust side of the inner cylinders.

[@ekspatriat]

the Prolink was a wastes of time as a collectable or otherwise its a loser

[@olafzijnbuis]

@@ekspatriatThe Prolink may not be so collectible, but it is a nicer bike to ride. Slightly bigger front suspension and a much better Prolink system for the rear. I also had a brace fitted between the front dampers for extra rigidity.

[@ekspatriat]

And many times uglier. The Z was a beauty.@@olafzijnbuis

[@Jodyrides]

The CBX was top dog fastest for one month. It was on the cover of cycle magazine one month, I still have that issue of cycle magazine with the CBX on the cover. It was a shock to the system...the very next month, the Yamaha XS1100, drive shaft and all was faster.. then, the very next month after the Yamaha was top dog, the best all-around package, the Suzuki GS 1000 E was fastest, unlike the CBX and the Yamaha, the Suzuki could actually go around bends.. When the CBX first came out it had just over 100 hp, then because of government non riding expert pressures in Europe, it was detuned slightly to just under 100 hp. I rode and sold Honda CBX’s at that time ,I only remember the shop I worked in selling one. They were $5299 in 1982.. The dealership I worked at used to hand out decks of playing cards that Honda supplied. There were 52 cards in the deck, and each card had a different Honda motorcycle on it. I still have one of those decks of cards..My riding buddy had the first year cbx,it was candy apple red, the second year, it was metallic gray/black, he did not have the 1981 which was light gray metallic with a faring and bags and single shock rear suspension.. but he did have the final year,pearl white Honda CBX, he bought it as a leftover from the shop i worked at part time... They did not sell well. My buddy Traded his 1982 CX 500 turbo in on the CBX left over in 1984... they only gave him $2400 for his 9000 miles perfect CX 500 turbo on trade against retail. we often swapped bikes on Saturday/Sunday all day rides. My first impression of the CBX, I loved the red backlit gauges at night. The power was smooth, but not touchy for a machine that did not have a lot of fly wheel to smooth things out.. I was riding a Moto Guzzi SP1000 and a 77 cb750 F in those days..Both very comfortable bikes. But I learned never to have two similar bikes at the same time, because, as soon as my ass started aching, I always wished I had brought the bike i left at home.. The CBX felt to me like I was sitting on top of it rather than sitting into it..The CBX Engine looked massive, but in fact, it was only 20 mm wider than the single cam 8 valve CB 750 engine. It had a nice roomy flat seat you could move around on, well-positioned rubber covered foot pegs, a nice big fuel tank, Side stand and center stand.. I was road racing at that time..RDs,TZ250s.. I was in four 24hr road races, one of which i rode a cb750( not mine) During those intense motorcycle developement ..Those were magical years, the gold wing came out, Kawasaki and Honda introduced six cylinder engines, laverta had a V-6, water cooling was showing up, single shock suspensions were starting to appear, four valves per cylinder, electronic ignition’s, The kick starter actually started to disappear, technology was advancing like going up an Escalator that is going up, two steps at a time. those pre harley tariff years were a motorcycle junkie’s heaven...during my 8 years of road racing in AHMRR, WERA,AMA, and the most competitive cut throat serious of all, Nelson ledges, I only saw one CBX on the race track. He was one of the top club racers from New England.. I believe he won his race that weekend, what a wonderful sound it made with that open header.. The CBX had one Achilles heel. The engine did not survive crashes, even minor ones. That was the issue with Kawasaki two stroke triples also.. The Kawasaki 500 triple was one of the worst handling wiggling tank slapper motorcycles on the race track at that time if not the worst, combine that with an engine that got broken in get offs,And that was the end of them on the race tracks. The 250, 350, and 400 Kawasaki triples were excellent handler’s, I had two of them as street bikes.they were as good as the track ruler Yamaha RDs, they were also slightly faster than the Yamaha‘s, but they also could not survive crashes without damaging the engine/crankshaft..The Yamaha’s, including mine, were tossed down the tracks, and no engine damage other than some side case badge of honor scuff marks.. in fact, I never saw an RD engine get destroyed in a crash. I remember watching the guy that raced the CBX do a jet change at the track. He removed all of the engine bolts that held it into the frame except for the rear lower bolt. He just loosened that one, then lowered the engine down while still in the frame, because the frame Did not have down tubes in the way, which gave him complete access to all six carburetors and spark plugs.. my friend with the pearl white CBX sold it to a motorcycle connoisseur when BMW came out with their water cooled k100 (which he hated)..The guy that bought the CBX actually had an EGLI in his living room, and a barn with 4 jaguar XKEs..He lived within 5 miles of me in an old farmhouse, and I have seen that CBX at bike nights and out on Sundays for the last four decades now and then..

[@runesika]

Hi Jody , Thats a pretty impressive write up and I’m sure people will be interested in reading it having been written by someone with genuine experience of these fantastic bike from back in the day . I would add that in my real world experience racing my brother on his 1979 GS1000S (now mine and being totally restored ) that my CBX was just slightly faster , we were neck and neck for almost a mile before the CBX just edged him out , also that was on my Prolink CBX-C not my 1980 CBX-Z . I once rode a XS 1100 and was not overly impressed with it apart from being fairly grunty and very nice to look at in its black/cream paintwork, sadly I’ve had no experience with the Z900 Z1000 range apart from regularly beating one on my GPZ 305 commuter bike riding back roads to work (yes really) . The GS is definitely the best handling bike from the late 70s but lacks charisma compared to the CBX . The CBX top end is easy to service and tilting the engine is the recognise method but with the carburettors removed as with the standard set up you have airbox issues. I have crashed several CBXs and have found the crankcases to be robust unless they hit a raised kerb but did find myself stranded at the BMF show one year when my Moto Martin CBX fell off the side stand and broke the left hand end cap , a friend of mines AA membership card got me home . Maybe I’ve just been lucky ?

[@r.c.reasor4807]

That is one of the best idling and sounding CBX I've heard in a long time! Great video!

[@dvamateur]

Beautiful machine!!! Basically the front light, the tank, the engine, and the tail piece. They make the bike aesthetically. And of course the size. Amazing style.

[@rick928]

As soon as he started it, memories of mine came flooding back ....... wish I still had it!

[@rockhardlyable]

I had 7 of these. I shipped 4 to England from Nova Scotia, Canada. Three were 1979 with consecutive VINs

[@runesika]

Rose breasted grosbeak 😉

[@Syampvrs]

Can i get one

[@shedred1967]

My buddy did his with a rattle can and it out shows mine done professionally at the higher cost. He did sand between every coat so it's less like factory and much prettier in depth with no orange peal. I think the brakes are awesome but your correct. I definitely put on better lines and pads. Also, I keep those rotors hand sanded flat with each set of brake pads. Use that quarter test. Even with a stuck upper tensioner and a bit of chain noise, my CBX still passed the quarter test. Smooth as butter. Had a mechanic repair the upper tensioner head bolt threads, which he did with a jb weld type product. It also stuck the tensioner guide rod in the head. Had to fix that myself. New chains and no noise. CBX!!

[@llewvirtue861]

I currently own a seventy nine, mine came from New Jersey, I have done a lot of work on mine as it needed it. I have a 81 front end with progressive springs and the fork top tensioners, braided lines and four pot calipers, fork brace. I tried to give it the best from all models as standard was going to be too hard a route. Only have paint and a few little things to do 7 yrs work. Hope I get to ride it before I expire So love them

[@scottw550]

I have an 80 with 81 calipers and rotors coming from eBay plus some billed motor mounts and finned covers from Weboke Japan, trying to keep the bike with a Made in Japan theme.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Had one when I was 19 here in northern Ireland great bike but at that age warming it up hum ,, now bit more ready ,,but a lot of overtime to buy it now 😁😁😁😁 my mate put the 6_1 when he bought it,, never asked for the standard pipe ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

[@andrewshore262]

I owned a Honda 750 KZ purchased new in 1979 (first of the twin cam Honda 750’s). It was absolutely plagued with issues nightmare bike it was launched at the same time as the CBX, if only I’d saved a few more pennies, the CBX to me is still a fantastic machine great vid thanks for sharing.

[@runesika]

Andrew Shore . Hi , I remember the CX 500 having issues also lots of problems with the later ,first V4 engines (cam shaft faces ) sounds like you were unlucky with the KZ . Glad you liked the vid ,thanks .

[@andrewshore262]

runesika Think I was unlucky, mainshaft seal failed throwing oil over the rear of the bike, camchain snapped at high rpm, and the 4 into 4 exhaust system started rotting internally allowing the baffles to rattle around. Interestingly you mention issues with CBX rotting it’s exhaust system from the inside out. In all fairness Honda picked up the tab under (warranty), but I’d had enough and sold it on. 👍

[@bobmizen1]

Great honest review, I don’t understand why people get upset at your opinion which you are giving freely at no cost. Would love to have one, or rather my son to have one as I can’t due to health issues. He’s just bought a new Moto Guzzi V7 by the way. Thanks again. Regards, Bob M, South Wales

[@runesika]

Thanks Bob , I’m pleased it was of interest to you .

[@beowulf5982]

A beautiful machine just wish i had bought one in the seventies instead of pissing money away on beer. Thank you for sharing.

[@runesika]

You say "pissing money away on beer" like it’s a bad thing ! The trick is to try and do both 😉

[@beowulf5982]

@@runesika Wise words:) . Have a good day.

[@richardmerrifield8186]

I have a '79 and noticed an alarming charge rate one Sunday am.Figured generator brushes.During disassembly on removal of the wire going from the generator to the right side of the bike under the side cover. ....Horrors! The back side of the large multiwire connector had completely melted on the back side. ! Do yourself a favor and check for this connector for over heating.Resistance builds up in the connector due to corrosion or the normal weathering of the contacts.

[@jinnoo7866]

Really love this bike....

[@LilSaint001100]

I would say. Japan CBX Imports are almost all amazing conditions. Due to strict inspections on them.

[@runesika]

Hi. I don’t think CBXs in the U.K. are recent imports from Japan as I’m sure Japanese riders were restricted to smaller engines in 1978 and they were not sold in Japan . Most imported CBXs in the U.K. come from the USA and Europe.

[@hakmati6620]

Hi there nice cbx 👍👍

[@prof.hectorholbrook4692]

Interesting and very similar indeed to mine, including colour. Start-up identical too, i.e. "lazy". Relatively abysmal handling; ok in a straight line. Valve & carb balancing a total nightmare. But lovely machine at end of the day. (Hector, UK).

[@llewvirtue861]

Look up on Google the motorcycle project. Mike is now retired, was previously tech director for Honda America, started as a mechanic. Has worked wonders for me and others

[@Stinkymens]

As if I’m gonna be able to afford one of these 😂 , beautiful machine!

[@cbh148]

I would’ve figured the US exhausts would be more prone to rotting away, but I suppose it depends on which part of the US in particular.

[@runesika]

The problem is the U.K. climate rather than the origin of the exhaust , cold ,damp mornings produce condensation that rot the mild steel baffles . U.K. owners generally know that if you start the bike make sure it’ thoroughly warmed up before you switch off the engine .

[@brandongarner2369]

The U.S. got screwed when it came to looks. When I got my CBX I gave like $600 for the sport kit I don’t know if I got took but you can’t go to your local Honda Dealer and get them. I’ll never get reed of mine, every time I get it out it turns heads.

[@waynepantry7023]

You need to replace your starter motor brushes . It's slow to start because of them. People think if they sit for a few months or longer they are hard to start. So they wind it over and over and over without pumping the throttle . The 3rd carb in on the left is a pumper carb that fills the rest when starting. So pump and pump and pump the carbs while starting them. Americian model delete the silly vaccum fuel diaphragm and connect from tank to carbs. They love full carbs. Keep twisting the throttle. Can't flood it.

[@runesika]

Yes , I agree with the throttle pumping , works every time . I do say on the video "that it needs a set of brushes " .

[@yamaha2stroke499]

where can i get one how much will it cost at present

[@earthtrekker1]

In 1987 my uncle Kevin had one, I remember the sound! Insane, I just found out today that the guy he sold it to still has it, stored in a garage close to me, should I blow my wedding budget on a buy and restore project? Or should I keep my future wife ? I've dreamed of both intently🤣

[@tediouja8099]

Go for the bike lol

[@earthtrekker1]

@@tediouja8099 yo man, as you can see in my profile pic I got a honda fireblade 918cc 1996 model streetfighter, a d that is now my project, u call it the beast, the half can micron exhaust without a baffle sounds incredibly loud and powerful 👊

[@enoz.j3506]

Ditch the wife,the CBX is gonna bring more smiles for sure.

[@aumkar2]

The Honda CBX, the Yamaha RD350 and the Honda RC30. These 3 are the only bikes a man can ever need. Don't know when I'll be able to add an RC30 to my collection though!

[@ekspatriat]

First Blade/ Duke 916 /Ducati Mono/etc....Also you word 'need' is misplaced.

[@buzz10014]

a gentleman suggested changing the oil every 1,000 miles (filter every 2). would you agree?

[@runesika]

Nate : From memory the service intervals from Honda are 1750 miles oil and filter , as oil and filters are so much cheaper than a rebuild and these bike often go over a year before clocking a thousand miles I think a thousand or fifteen hundred or yearly ( whatever comes sooner) would be fine . I always change the filter as I don’t like the old filter oil circulating with my new oil . This is such an easy home job that no one should require a dealer to change the oil and filter so not a huge running expense in my opinion.

[@robertchapman6795]

New buying guide for Honda CBX1000; if you want one and you see one for sale and you have the readies. Make an offer and buy the bike!

[@carlmelchert6457]

Got a 79. Excellent shape.Just bought, drove once, perfect!!! 2nd time, went 2miles, fouled plug, changed plugs. Won't start. Had gas off, good gas, but very confused about diaphragms. How do you tell on a 79. Does the gas run straight in carbs with or without diaphragm., like older bikes?? Need to crank and crank until it starts. How do I check to see if gas dripped into my crank shaft or motor area??? Just don't know.

[@runesika]

Always turn off petrol (gas ) when not in use . The only way to tell if petrol has leaked into oil is either the oil level or the smell , personally unless it’s obviously from that I wouldn’t worry too much about it . You can always change the oil anyway if it looks dirty or you don’t know when it was last changed . CBXs are reluctant to start after a few days and require lots of throttle pumping to get going, every time you open the throttle the accelerator pumps fires a jet of petrol and you should start to hear it catching on a few cylinders before all six chime in . Was your choke stuck on when it stopped ? Check cable returns ok . I am not a carburettor expert and have never encountered your problem on a CBX , I would join a CBX forum as there are many owners more knowledgeable than myself but hopefully I’ve pointed you in the right direction . Once sorted you will love it .

[@richardmerrifield8186]

Time fotr alternator brushes!

[@FranckSonata]

I don't quite get this being a 1980 model. Looks precisely as my red '79. I thought, or learned, that the 1980 model universally was equipped with a storage compartment in the tail part. I have used that criterion to judge whether a CBX is the original 78/79 or the revised 1980.

[@runesika]

This is a U.K. CBX , it would have been made in around 78 /79 but many remained unsold until 1980 like this one . The U.K. never had the storage compartment, or air forks of the A model , we only had the original Z (my bike shown )and the B and C Prolink models .

[@Matt-rc5hf]

Probably not a popular opinion but Looking to modernize a cbx Any issues with the gaskets, leaks primarily around the engine? The bmw k100 is a nightmare for replacing parts. Hoping to fix the control and breaking power of the cbx bike and not have to bet my life for the sake of originality. This engine is out of this planet. As always, riding responsibly.

[@runesika]

Mat Bledski . No they are pretty oil tight , the cam cover can sometimes leak from the gaskets but more likely from the rubber around the holding bolts . My advice would be join CBX club from whatever country you are from as many owners have either changed brakes or entire front and rear ends fitting upside down forks and modern wheels and tyres . Personally I think the only thing that spoils a CBX is a non standard pant job , I’ve yet to see a CBX that looked better to my eye with a paint job but as always "to each his own "

[@rugby3874]

They are very hard to find.

[@oxcart4172]

Milyard's V-12 bike might be smoother still!😂😂

[@runesika]

I’m more then willing to test any of Millyard’s creations , just waiting for an invite . The Honda six replica and the Viper monster please

[@oxcart4172]

@@runesika good luck, mate!

[@user-sc3nj6sh5j]

本田宗一郎の魂ですね！

[@duanem2083]

Are u ever going to sell it?

[@runesika]

Unlikely I would say

[@Jordendog]

Like all classics, they can`t compare to modern standards but are irreplaceable to the eye, heart and mind.

[@TBT13977]

Do you ever ride I?

[@runesika]

I ride every day to work but not on the CBX , it’s only for sunny summer days.

[@gantoo]

The parts are bloody expensive.

[@rokcetscience]

its called a sport kit in the US......the regular way a european cbx looks.....lol

[@igsaanwilliams2048]

not a pro link

[@checker3694]

Why would Uk bikes be better, I would have a dry state US bike any day of the week that’s not been pitted by road salt and sat in damp UK climate , you talk about UK bike over imported bike, Uk bikes are imported, they did not appear out of a Honda plant in Swindon. Don’t buy any CBX in UK , check mainland Europe and you seen why these sit on eBay for ever in Uk way overvalued here.

[@runesika]

Hi , Yes obviously they are all imported into the U.K. at one time or another as CBXs were only made in Japan or in Honda’s Ohio factory USA . I’m not saying one is better than the other (although the European spec one look nicer in my opinion than the US high bar models ) As I tried to explain in the video original UK bikes , ie imported to the U.K. when new are more sought-after than bike imported from other countries at a later date . People like the fact that their 350 LC or CBX was terrorising the local high street chip shops and pubs back in the day , it’s the price you have to pay for nostalgia . If you don’t "get it " think yourself lucky and buy a import for less money .

[@checker3694]

@@runesika I would rather my CBX to have cruised on a sunny dry tarmac on highway 1 in 70s southern California rather than terrorizing gloomy drab 70s wet damp and salted roads of poverty ridden parts of England in the 70s , I am sorry if you don't get that, none the less a good review,

[@runesika]

Checker. No worries , at the end of the day it’s "horses for courses " But Gloomy 70s ? What with all that glitter flake paint and sequin wearing glam rock stars ? With a CBX poster on my bedroom wall next to the beautiful Debbie Harry on my Blondie poster I was in a state of permanent excitement in the late 70s

[@kimmer6]

Checker...I used to ride in the CBX Club rallys in the 1990's in California. There is nothing like 30 CBX bikes going down the freeway sounding like being in a bomber squadron. We did Morro Bay, San Diego, Death Valley and a ton of other places like Carson City and Crater Lake. I still have 4 CBX bikes... they are 40+ years old now. Why compare to a modern bike?

[@user-lu7do5yp3d]

Do you know which vins were made in Ohio and which ones were made in Japan? I purchased a 4/78 build date this week. Vin is 18xx.

[@betherealdeal]

Dude Wake up

[@runesika]

On every street corner in the U.K. there is a drug called Horlicks , the night before I done a full mug and had not recovered when I made the video , I’ll get help .

[@betherealdeal]

😂 No don’t do that Drink coffee pal

[@bobbyrobob]

Bike is dirty

[@runesika]

It’s covered in GT85 (similar to WD40 ) to stop corrosion of the engine ,wheels and exhaust (wipe it off the exhaust before starting )

[@user-ig8ii7rh2u]

Πόσα € θέλεις να τό αγορασω?? Είσαι πολύ γέρος για τέτοια μοτοσυκλέτα. Δώσε τιμή και τα λέμε.. Λογική τιμή...