Honda CB900 Custom Review - Best Japanese cruiser of the early-eighties?

In this ride review video I am looking at Honda's CB900 Custom. The CB900C is a popular classic motorcycle. It is well known for it's 10-speed transmission and is often modified into a Cafe Racer or Bobber style custom. The CB900 Custom was designed for the American market because Americans are "cruiser crazy". To keep costs down, many of the CB900C's parts were shared with other models - the engine is from the CB900F Super Sport, the shaft drive is from the Goldwing as are wheels and brakes. But how does this parts-bin cruiser ride and drive? Come ride along and let's find out together!

[@curtaltschul1152]

I owned an '82 and drove it about 8000 miles per year. A fresh set of plugs and an oil change was about all it ever needed. An occasional valve adjustment was a good thing, too. I LOVED driving it. A great amount of power (82 HP) and 48 mpg. I bought it in 1998 and sold it in 2006 with 72K on the engine. The bike was, of course, smooth and it sat low so it was fantastic on the road. I regularly put SeaFoam solvent in the gas and I NEVER needed to clean the carbs. I lament selling that bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice Curt! You highlighted several great points. Bikes don't usually die from use. They die from lack of use and abuse. And if you run your bike regularly, you don't need to keep cleaning the carbs.

[@ScoutSarge]

I recently go one of these that is running great and it's my commuter. I absolutely love this bike! Classic lines, rock-solid reliability, and so comfortable to ride. I came over from a V-Twin Yamaha and I was generally worried about how high it revved (4500 RPM at 60mph) when I was riding it. Seeing that yours is about the same makes me feel so much better and even happier with my find! So glad to see someone else enjoying theirs.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice, the CB900Cs have been good bikes for me.

[@flexjay87]

The whole " Jackshaft" system on this bike took a lot of criticism, understandably, but they built it so well, that you rarely hear any problems with it. It added extra weight, and with the shaft drive, stole even more power. So, they should have increased the horsepower/ torque, and taller gearing, but, thats water under the bridge :)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's hard for performance junkies (like me) not to want more power and performance on anything we drive. However, cruiser buyers don't care as much about speed, handling, brakes, etc. For them it's all about the relaxing ride, comfort and looking good - and on these criteria the CB900C delivers. 🙂

[@Xcellcress]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I also own a Honda VTX 1800F...my CB900 Custom has more top end.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Xcellcress I've owned the VTX1800 - fun bike with good low-end power!

[@flexjay87]

@@outdoorfun8780 , 95 HP @ around 9,500 rpm, which is an RPM that is too much and wears an engine out much faster. These 900 cc bikes are the slowest of the era, because of excess weight, compared to other Jap bikes. Besides, its not about too much power, its to each his own. Carroll Shelby said " No such thing as too much horsepower, just too little traction " So, you do you, i'll do me.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Well we’re painting this weekend and that’s it pretty much the Honda turned out Great ! Everything has been gone through so smooth unbelievable. The biggest improvement was the four into two exhaust and the carbs , he rejected them and put them in sync drilled them out , and wow it comes on now instantly now. The throttle response is unbelievable now ! Great cruiser, like you I wish it had more leg room at 6’ tall. It does have foot rest on the crash bar to stretch out with. Very happy with the way it came out.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They really need rejected from the factory - they can be surgy and lean-running otherwise.

[@Xcellcress]

Thanks for the great review on this bike. I've owned mine for over 20 years and I absolutely love it! One thing I found out about these bikes is that if you put on a set of Avon Cobra tires the handling improves drastically. It's like a completely different bike. I think you, like I, have changed the handlebars to something a little lower and wider...that helps the handling as well.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Eric! Great suggestion about the Avon Cobras.

[@UnReelStudios]

Excellent review! Closest thing to an actual test drive...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!

[@richardcasey7521]

I own a very low mileage 1982 CB900F and it’s one if the nicest bikes I’ve ever owned in 50 years. The Custom shares many parts with the 900F.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Richard, it sounds like you've got a good one there! I would love to do a review on a nice CB900F if I get the chance.

[@tompatrick7727]

I had 0ne of these and went all over east coast and loved it ,no issues ever

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The CB900C seems to have a great reputation for reliability.

[@jaws013]

Just bought one today. She's a resto project for the off season. Super excited about it. It's also my first bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! I have a playlist on the CB900C that may be helpful while working on yours. Good luck with it and feel free to post a question if you get stuck.

[@westcoast3595]

Always wanted to build a chopper out of one of these

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@westcoast3595 Right on! They seem to be popular with custom bike builders. Cheers!

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Just bought one. Been in body shop for over 30 years sitting. We put a gas line to it with a plastic jug and jump it and it started ! With only 20,000 miles. We are going to build it this winter. We intend to paint, exhaust ect . Everything! The new tires were put on in 1986 and have never been ridden on ! My Son grew up and is excellent mechanic. I’m a Blessed father ! I’ll be ridding it come next spring . I remember riding them when they were new. Smooth and dependable !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice Fabian! Enjoy the project and time with your son.🙂

[@fabieneldridge3414]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I am truly Blessed with all these idiot children today. He is a fine young man. He just got elected as a Commissioner ! I couldn’t be Prouder . All of my children turned out to Wonderful young Adults ! He just is a Great mechanic too !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@fabieneldridge3414 That is a FAR better blessing than any motorcycle!

[@tonyveth2346]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 ❤

[@BadAssGermanGaming]

Nice video. I just got one of these last year as my first motorcycle, I've always liked the early to mid 1980's style Honda motorcycles. The first time I saw this bike I knew I had to have it, thankfully I got it from someone who just got done getting it roadworthy and haven't had to do much except for recently the stator went out on it. My favorite part of the bike is the uniqueness, any time someone asks what I ride I tell them the CB900c (few people have known what it is) and after showing them a picture of the two shifters they always seem to think its a slow 1980s cruiser. Until I play a video of it running and they find out its actually an inline 4 and can keep up with the new bikes. Only thing I dislike is the cornering because a few times my footpegs and bottom of my foot have caught the ground while cornering. Otherwise a great bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Ben. I totally agree - the uniqueness of the vintage bikes is a big part of the appeal.

[@wolfendenracing2826]

Beautiful and unique bikes. I plan to pick one up at the end of the week too. Very excited, only $800 too.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice!

[@ronniehughes9660]

Nice. Great bike. Be careful as it is heavy lol. Keep the air pressure at least 45psi in rear shocks or it handles horrible. If having a rider I keep it at 56psi. Front shocks I run 14. Use a bike pump not an air compressor or you will blow the seals.

[@ronniehughes9660]

And clean the forks EVERY ride.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ronniehughes9660 That's a good idea.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ronniehughes9660 Right on!

[@ScottDLR]

Thx so much for the vid. Bought one of these new back in the day. I've owned faster bikes but no other bike that I'd rather have back. Just a wonderful ride. Don't let that one go!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi Scott, I sold this 1980 CB900C last week! But no worries, I still have two more in the garage and might look at another one tomorrow. 🙂

[@itsahellofaname]

Watching your cruise, I knew that had to be Pennsylvania...it looks like rides I've taken a million times around central PA.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep. PA is a great place to ride. Cheers!

[@inazuma-750-w]

What a great part of the world John,nice roads,pot hole free,weather looks great,spring at last, nice vidios bud keep on,would love to see an example of how to use that high low box!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Chris. Good idea about filming how to use the hi-low range. I'll think about how to make a video of it.

[@TheMarcball]

Yes, been curious about the shifting since reading about it in a French magazine back in 1980, I was 10 then... Thanks for the inspiration and keep on trucking!

[@inazuma-750-w]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Had to just add a last note, you mentioned your just preserving them for the next generation ,I had exactly the same feeling the other day because here in the UK you don't see youngsters buying and getting into bikes,I just thought who will appreciate them, I also chime with your bike type preferences, I have a Honda 954 and Suzuki TL1000sv ,I spent far to long on them hooning around at ballistic speeds on the type of roads your riding, bought a Suzuki 750 inazuma and a Honda CB1100 RS and now enjoy the type of 70s 80s era stuff your fixing up , like your approach to builds, would say your a fellow engineer at a guess! Well done keep them coming.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@inazuma-750-w Great guess Chris! Former mechanical engineer and motorcycle dealer and a major bike enthusiast since my first ride on a 1976 CB360T when I was seventeen. Wow, there's a lot of overlap in bikes we've owned as well. I've owned the TL1000 (S & R versions). They were beastly bikes that took me an hour to acclimate to every time I rode them. I ran my S without the steering damper for quicker steering. The big CBRs are fantastic (the easiest of the liter bikes to ride fast) and I've always liked the look of the 954. The 750 inazuma is nice looking (had to Google it) but never made it to this side of the pond. It is very similar to the Bandit line that we got here. I'm sure it shares a lot of Katana 750 parts. Surprisingly, we only got a 600 and 1200 Bandit but not a 750. I've also had two of the beautiful CB1100s (5-speed and 6-speed versions). What's your favorite bike in the garage currently?

[@inazuma-750-w]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 well it's my Suzuki 750 Zuma, it's like a bandit shares loads of parts but has a completely different frame, tank,clocks and it handles has more in common with your GS 750.Its wired but to quote a famous comedian and petrol head,"some times you just want to go for a ride" jay Leno's so right , my mates just don't get it, it's the feeling you get from that z1000csr,I can't tell you why it's the one I take every time I go down the shop or a quick blast.

[@Voyagerss77]

That bike is absolutly beautiful with the 4 original exusts not with that 4 to 1 bro, I would use that pipe for another bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I had a perfect CB900C with the 4-into-4 original exhaust as well - there are several videos of that bike on this channel.

[@marvtarzan]

Got one of the first one's in 1980, same color. Put 10,000 miles on it in the first 3 months, when the national speed limit was 55mph. Taking turns at intersections, I would occasionally bounce the crash bars off the pavement, because I could. On the interstate, it would get 60 mpg, consistently. At the speed limit. Which I couldn't quite do all the time... 8^P

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! They still ride and drive very nicely by today's standards.

[@ronniehughes9660]

I have an 81 cb900c. Purrs like a kitten. Its original except for a sissy bar backrest and a motogadget headlight. They ran too lean from factory so i rejetted and tuned the carbs and did a vacumm sync on them. Prolly need to do a valve lash on it soon. The tranny is a little clunky sounding when shifting. Rides great when moving but is a pig at rest. Its a BIG, HEAVY bike. Eat your wheaties before riding it lol. I layed mine over putting it on the center stand and it took ALOT of effort to do the handle bar lift lol.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Ronnie! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the CB900C!

[@nb7466]

Mine had 56000 Miles and still running. Just needs fluids changed. Also get a mechanics manual for it. I have one from Honda in a black binder. You can take this bike apart and put it back in your garage.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@fastmart]

Just bought a 17” wheel from a Goldwing to replace the 16”. Not yet fitted but from other images i have seen of the larger wheel and front forks lowered the looks are so much better and a higher cruising speed. The mudguards are going to be shortened and painted and indicators replaced with bullet types

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It will be interesting to see how it impacts handling and gearing!

[@hasanraza4650]

R U insane? Poor handling is a must

[@johnadriance7344]

Just picked up one think I got a good deal just trying to trace an issue with one directional that stops flashing when you apply the brake.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, John!

[@arlenejnelson]

Thanks for your CB900c videos. I recently bought a 1981 CB900 custom bike in the UK (PA import in good condition with 14km) and am fixing it up. I'm looking for a rebuilt kit for the automatic fuel valve. Looks like it's not available. What substitute/ alternative did you use for this?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I didn't replace the one on this bike. However, I have used K&L products. I'm not sure if they're available in the UK. Good luck with it! Cheers.

[@chriscoventry4091]

How do you get it to run so well? Mine won't rev beyond 5500 rpm🙁

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm sorry to hear that Chris! If everything is set up properly, the CB900Cs run well. Without seeing your bike, it is impossible for me to diagnose but any competent motorcycle shop should be able to help.

[@ScottDLR]

My guess is the carbs are out of sync. I would adjust the valves (PIA!), adj the cam chain (easy) and sync the carbs (carbs have to be clean)

[@lukehallman5894]

I just picked up a 1983 cb1000c in Australia. Is there much difference between the 1000c and the 900c apart from the obvious? Cheers.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice Luke! I don't know what all the differences would be. My 1982 CB900C is significantly different than my 1980 CB900C so I would assume there are some.

[@cfaubs7516]

I found this bike to be very nice but my final decision on a cruiser in 1983 was the Suzuki GS1100L. It fit me more comfortably, had better performance and just overall looked cooler. I guess to each their own. Great review though!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

No worries, I have a 1983 GS1100L in the garage as well. 🙂 I've done a comparison between the two on the channel. Both bikes are good in different areas.

[@cfaubs7516]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538come to think of it, I believe I saw that video. If I remember, the GSL had a four into one instead of the stock four into two. That was a great vid too!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@cfaubs7516 That sounds like the one.

[@simpinainteasy680]

A very nice review. How are they for higher mileage ?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I've seen CB900Cs with higher mileage and still running strong. However, the older a bike is and the higher the mileage, the more critical it is that they have been well maintained.

[@brettabraham4949]

I have the same bike. I bought it as a project about a year ago. It runs but has 0 compression in one of the cylinders. So it doesn’t run smoothly or idle correctly. What’s the estimated MPG on this bike if you ride it conservatively? Thanks.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Probably around 35-40 mpg.

[@brettabraham4949]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Ohhh, that’s cool. I actually have a 80 and 81. I was gonna swap motors cause the bike with the good full compression is disassembled and all screwed up (not my doing) and put that in the drivable bike. Do you work on bikes? I don’t really have the time and it’s not my specialty.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@brettabraham4949 I'm not a licensed mechanic and my garage is currently stuffed full of bikes making it hard to work on the ones I have. I just posted this CB900C for sale locally. If you're interested, you can email me at: [e-mail]

[@ScottDLR]

I got 50 MPG on the freeway but as low as 17 MPG when the carbs were badly out of sync.

[@brettabraham4949]

@@ScottDLR ok. Sounds good

[@romiedecosta7513]

I am considering buying this. How much mileage does it give?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

If it's set up right, it should get around 40 mpg.

[@terrybeechener5992]

US spec only?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I think so...