What Makes This Bike Great? Ep5: Honda CBX1000

[@markoarkaina8656]

Its important to keep these bikes running for as long as possible, just to remind people there is life away from parallel twins.

[@MeYou-yz2yz]

Nowt wrong with parallel twins either. Just remind them there's life away from EVs.

[@caryknapton7233]

It's what I do day in day out exclusively on these machines. The Super Sport Shed

[@iansmith237]

I ride a triple

[@LloydG52]

Still one of the best engine soundtracks to this day!👌🏻

[@TheLondekZdroj]

The CBX 1000 was the reason I fell in love with motorcycles. It was the summer of 1986 in Poland, and I was just 6 years old. I was with my dad at a local petrol station when I heard an incredible noise-it was the CBX 1000. It looked like something from another world. In that moment, I felt something in my chest, a feeling that has stayed with me to this day-an itch that can only be scratched by owning a big-bore motorcycle.

[@paulhope3401]

Love it, one of the best sounding engines of all time... amazing machine.

[@7-v4z]

I remember seeing one outside the pub as a lad ,time stood still. CBX6

[@babyfknblu]

i think we're all here because we like to listen to passionate people talk about their interests, but it's definitely extra special when the passionate person happens to be irish. i could listen to this all day

[@neevesybikes]

Exactly. Shame I missed you in Sepang!

[@babyfknblu]

@@neevesybikes omg you saw my comment! it's all good, life will find a way. hope you enjoyed malaysia and our ARRC family clown show :)

[@jedgsxr7997]

What a great vid mate, epic bike! Easy, great guy to listen to aswell 👌👌

[@lynnkanable7023]

I like the engine sound with stock exhaust better because you can hear the beautiful engine sound instead of a loud exhaust note.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great engine note. 👍

[@glideman]

The Z1300 was a six cylinder bike but I think the bike that finished the CBX off was the Kawasaki GPZ1100, which was like a spaceship compared to what was available at the time

[@splodge57]

The Z1300 was too heavy. Honda brought out the CB900 and it received better reviews than the CBX. But the game changer was the watercooled, monoshock Kawasaki GPz 900R. Smoother, quieter, faster, lighter, better handing and braking.

[@philliplum3845]

A mate, who served in the Royal Navy, on the Ark Royal had one. God we was jealous.. 😊

[@gnmurray5955]

I'm so glad you finally rode this bike. I bought one when they were first released when I was working on Tasmania's West Coast. I rode it down to Hobart from Zeehan every week for a year and a half and never tired of the experience of riding it (Tassie's roads were even twistier then). The only two downsides of the bike was its fuel consumption, I had it down to 18 mpg one very windy day, and its tyre wear. Pirelli Phantoms lasted 3,000kms on the rear and 5,000 kms on the front which was a bit of a pain when you are riding approx. 1,000kms a week....(the first release of the Phantoms must have been softer as I only got 3,000kms on the front and 1,700kms on the rear). It handled well for its day, even on the West Coast's so often saturated roads (even to the point of looking after my girlfriend and I as we hit a patch of hotmix in a corner at 150kph and went full lock sideways, it kept us upright albeit travelling slightly slower afterwards....) I ride a R1250GS now but would add a CBX to the stable in a heartbeat if I had the spare cash.

[@gixerloon]

Love the CBX, I was working at a Honda main dealer when these came out and when the first one arrived we all just stood and stared at it.. in the early-mid 80's I was lucky enough to own a Silver 1981 model, which had been modified a little 6-2 Moto Martin (allegedly) pipes, man !!! that bike was LOUD... fork brace, I then fitted a JMC braced swing arm with Marzocchi shocks, wish I'd never sold that bike, YGK667W where are you now ??? checking out DVLA it's still on the road and now Red.

[@Oilyhands749]

You hit the jackpot here Bike and owner both bloody mint!!!! My first experience of that engine sound was at Donnington park 1984 . The campsite at night had a competition “note of the night” guess what won? Tube gold award 🥇 👌

[@aumkar2]

The greatest bike ever made. Great owner too! I have been on the hunt for a CBX here in India for years and also in touch with two of the owners who have a 79 Super-Sport. There are only 2 in the country that I know of. Unfortunately neither willing to sell regardless of the money offered. Hopefully one day my dream bike becomes a reality!

[@peterturnbull9133]

I had just bought my first bike in 79 (Superdream) and this came out (I seem to remember the much less beautiul CX500 was released at the same time appearing in MCN). The CBX was, and still is, a thing of beauty. It was unlike anything else at the time. When they come towards you on the road the engine dominates. It remains a special moment to see one on the road. Prefer the original to the later pro-link....and yes I would like one!

[@patrickmalone9380]

I brought my cb 400 n in 1881 and was avid reader us bike magazines so when did article on my bike then get to this gem when designed cbx 1000 they went recorded jet fighters .with cb they must recorded airport lawn mower 😅

[@morrisbagnall2690]

Bought my first bike in 1981 (CB100N) and they had the CBX in the showroom. Couldn't believe how wide it was. Beautiful!

[@patdwyer6274]

Bought my first in 1981 too. Mine was a CB250N Superdream. Happy memories. 🙂

[@leeoflincoln7062]

Brilliant video, which reflects my own view of this bike. Thank you for sharing

[@neevesybikes]

Pleasure 😊👍

[@RussRyan7713]

Wow that sounds like a racing car :) I would have one just for that soundtrack.

[@johnsteel4719]

I started riding bikes on a wee CB250N back in 1982 and still remember how fantastic it was to ride. It’s all about how a bike makes you feel rather than power and rider aids. The CBX sounds fantastic and I’d love to have a ride of one now that I’ve seen this video..

[@headrace4863]

…if you hear a cbx1000 sound coming from the bathroom, I’ll be back in 5 minutes looking a bit sweaty… jeez, that’s the sound of perfection.

[@Colin-ci5ll]

Considering the year of this bike i have always regarded this as the best bike Honda ever made.💢

[@paulbudford]

What a fantastic sound. 👍

[@Esepeaso]

Love these engineering feats which didn't give a toss about marketing niches. That sound 🔥. My dad once had a chance to ride a Benelli Sei, and always regretted not having gone for a spin on the thing. Keep 'em coming, Neevesy, big thanks

[@splodge57]

Good to see Brendan enjoys his bike so much. The sound of that six cylinder engine is special.

[@patrickmalone9380]

Am pretty sure greame crosby raced a cbx at tight oran park in the Australia 6 hour race he said was good .croz i love to own one .

[@catrionabyrne7337]

Great to see the passion that Brendan has for this bike and his knowledge is endless....great interview....well done 👍👍

[@xcelmaster4779]

Super interview. Amazing roar. Brendan is class.

[@paulpocock5888]

A colleague at work bought a red one when they first came out. Utterly awesome machine. Riding as a pillion was a real effort and hilarious! Either hanging on for grim death (accelerating) or sliding up his back (Under braking).

[@UrbanoModa]

Nice to see a classic bike on your stream, and the epic stories behind it. These were the Years right; where everything grew into what it is today, the spine and DNA of motorbikes. Thanks for sharing

[@somatyk]

Oh man that sound. I've never heard it properly before. It's glorious.

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! Still a beautiful bike today. Way up on cool factor. I had a poster of one above my desk. Really iconic bike. Great series. Best!

[@keithwaller4545]

Ace video. The other 6 cylinder was the kawaski z1300. 👍

[@robert-wr6md]

That was a treat.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Had one at 19 years old 39 years ago when you could buy one cheap as the GSXR 1100 Gpz 900 etc were out ,loved it 6-1pipe sounds amazing 🤩,, awesome stuff ☺️🙂🙂☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland

[@michaelhockin1984]

I bought a '79 CBX new in '80. Put a set of Yoshimura pipes on it as well as a set of factory clip ons and rear set controls. A set of aftermarketrear shocks. The sound was cool. the cafe style was cool too. It was solid and smooth, topped out in 5th gear. I never fell in love with the bike. It felt very top heavy and cumbersome in the twisties. The great thing about the bike, of course, was the impressive engineering of the engine. That was cool. Five years later i bought a Suzuki 1100 E. More torque and more nimble. Not as sophisticated as the CBX but more fun to ride in general.

[@deanmsimpson]

Wow That sound is addictive 😮

[@gregorymcnear6474]

Most beautiful bike ever manufactured

[@LiquidAudio]

Yeeeesssss! One of my all-time faves. I also started riding on a 50cc Motobecane moped, 1985 from memory!

[@wm2357]

Love your videos, wish you were here in the UK - my sony ps 8750 needs servicing 😂

[@LiquidAudio]

@@wm2357 Thank you and I'm so glad you enjoy my little channel! Lovely turntable the 8750.

[@garymorgan628]

Another great story told of an iconic bike, they seemed to be everywhere when I was a lad, unless we just looked out for them more 👌

[@Bajker4ever]

Fookin' brilliant bike, it's definitely one of my al time greats I'd like to own/ride, especially with 6in1 exhaust system, the sound is divine.

[@brianbrowne9456]

Well done young Neevsey, now your into my era mate, keep it going Legend 👍👍

[@aidancleary6557]

Beautiful bike, fantastic sound, and Brendan is one of the good guys 👍

[@michaelhart5886]

Love it. Ive restored a few 70s small capacity hondas and they're great things. The 1972 cb350 four i did was a raspy sounding thing. I still have a modified 2008 vfr800. Love em

[@vector409]

nice chap, nice bike, awesome sound

[@marius93]

What a bike that is. Absolutely love the sound of the inline six with 6-in-1 🤩

[@hatefeulblast]

Its a masterpiece. Pure old motorcycling. The 6 in one is a must on it. Acutaly there are not that bad in handeling. You should find and adjust your sitting poisition in each kind of turn. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidjloveland3673]

Great episode. It takes me back to when I owned a Yamaha 750 Seca. Acouple of my mates had 6's a CBX and a Z1300 Both massive machines wit skinny tyres. Fond memories of some great holidays are flooding back. Ps the Phillip Island Classic had a CBX1000 racing. Sounded awesome down the Gardner Straight.

[@ogofog9120]

I remember the ad for the 750 seca, what a bike

[@nicholasgage2095]

That was great thanks and it takes me back to the early 80’s when I owned one. That engine is awesome and it made you feel special.

[@darrenjohnson2872]

A grunty classic cheers

[@thetonetosser]

Always wondered about these. Now I know. Cheers Neevsey.

[@neilrichardson3986]

Gorgeous Bike in black🖤

[@ArranD1]

I dont think it gets much better than that, glorious

[@61greybeard]

I grew up loving bikes as a teenager got a Gilera 50 ( un restricted 😁) in 1977 used to loving looked at bikes like this Honda in Motorcycle News they where are still amazing machines happy days 😁👍

[@mloclam6917]

What a pleasure to watch

[@scottbailey5644]

Great video, very entertaining, thanks!

[@PaddyWack999]

It's on my must have list! That sound!!

[@goldfish8196]

Another awesome video MN. Thank you

[@markpearce5793]

Just the first few moments of that glorious sound gets a like from me 😂

[@whammerjammer1562]

I had an 81 (Pro-Link). All stock. Big and smooth. Not sporty at all. My 84 Interceptor 1000 still wets my whistle

[@phils2180]

I was in awe of the CBX back in the day, until, that is, I saw a Z1300. The big Z had a much better engine, more power, torque and smoother but the bike was much heavier of course. The CBX is all about the look with the engine on full show.👍 The Z13 was my first bike after passing my test on a 250 Trail Bike in 1982. You could do that back then when insurance never seemed to be an issue!😂 120bhp seems pretty lame now. The GPZ900R and Suzuki's GSXR's, with power and handling to match, moved things up a league in 1984 and consigned these six cylinder barges to history.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

When I was a kid, born '65 we were all aware of these exotic machines. Only one in the area though, it belonged to a young guy with a very good job .

[@AileenRoche]

Brendan...legend!! Great bike!!

[@MrJonnyp1]

You just can’t beat the sound of those sixxes love it

[@shadowred1980]

Great stuff. :)

[@Topendz]

I was a fan of the z1300 back in the day. That was a monster too

[@markpavletich747]

Mine has 1981 CB900F forks and brakes as well as CB1100R rear shocks and wheels. Huge improvement in chassis without moving away from OEM Honda parts so to the uneducated eye it looks like standard bike. The 1150 cc Wiseco more kit and big valve head some dispels that impression.

[@bobcarter5548]

I almost bought one back in the day and the big competitor was the Suzuki GS1000 and GS1000S. Finance costs were the Honda's issue. I bought the 1000S Suzuki for £1,850 and the Honda was £2,400. Sounds cheap now but when wages were £30 a week that is a lot. Loved the Honda 6 but followed one up the mountain to the Bol' Dor and it hinged in the middle and wallowed round corners like a boat so the Pro Link would be much better. Loved both the Suzuki and the Honda for the Engine but the Honda was thirsty. Always regret not buying one. The CBX is fantastic. Great nostalgic vid. Not sure about the race exhaust though. Honda was always the "rush with hush" bike. It should remain so IMHO.

[@christaylor491]

What a sound! Great vid again Neevesy 👍

[@davec3459]

lovely bike

[@blackline66]

Blooming Brilliant to see you giving it some "Beans" love it man. All the best from Switzerland

[@filofilo8127]

Owned the supersport cbx full fairing version in the 80's and a full fared Honda Boldor 900. Lived in the Northern Territory, Australia where there were no speed limits outside townships during that time. As neevsey says the engine is epic.

[@nickrider5220]

Bikes are an experience, this one makes beautiful music to go with that experience 😎

[@garyeverett8757]

Great video. What a lovely Honda CBX and such a brilliant sound.

[@andysandrex7244]

Great episode, keep them coming. Never owned one but experienced the pillion seat on a mates! Epic trip I still treasure today.

[@ogofog9120]

God I remember these, just amazing. Honda in their pomp. Most were in silver that I remember

[@brennykelly6633]

Class bike and video too, well done brendan 👏

[@PNH63]

The best sounding bike ever! There is nothing like it, sounds like an old F1 under acceleration.

[@glideman]

I remember going to ogle this bike in our local Honda dealers (Ken Martin) when I was a kid, I had a picture of it on my bedroom wall from superbike magazine! Honda have done some fantastic engineering and the CBX was the cherry on the cake 👍👌

[@folerx]

i have k5 1000. cbx1000 is my future bike for sure. no one will look new bike when this come at side.

[@geneharrogate6911]

Man, between the CBX, the Desmosedici RR and a TZ 750, its a tough call for the best note..

[@kingkire1556]

Do not play the drinking game to this....I repeat....Do NOT play the drinking game to this video! 😂😂😂😂

[@luddite6239]

I remember these were launched together with the CX500. I can't imagine two more different machines!

[@fred3527]

When I was 15 years old, my friend's father was the manager for the Honda bike race teams (track & dirt) in South Africa. In the Superbike series he fielded a single CBX1000, not to win, just for the sound. Fortunately the two 4 cyclinder Hondas dominated anyway.

[@distancejunkiemonkey4491]

my dad had one of those brand new for about six months, and I remember him coming home complaining every time he rode it about a wobble at high-speed in the turns. Traded it in on a GS 1100 never complained about the wobble or the handling againthat was coming from history of BSA and triumphs of the 70s, so I guess the CBX had a lot to live up to lol

[@stevethomas6479]

Great vlog lovely looking bike amazing sound Please carry on with this series any chance we could see a GT 750 kettle

[@andrewonmyway8184]

A Legend !

[@marksimpson5218]

In 79 I had a brand new X7 but I always wanted a Suzuki GS1000 which I never got.

[@Jaded-Wanderer]

Another great video.

[@cpuuk]

Icon for sure. I couldn't afford one, but I did have a lovely CB900FA instead.

[@peripheral1258]

Another good vid; Neevsey. Perhaps you could speak a bit on Air vs Water cooled bikes. I haven't heard much about this transition; perhaps because it is not really 'a thing' ??

[@craigg4246]

As someone who was very involved in motorcycle riding and roadracing in 1979 when this bike came out, I can tell you, it wasn’t the price that killed the sales of the CBX. It was the lack of performance. I got to ride them a few times, and got to roadrace against them too. Their handling and cornering capabilities were so bad, I had no problem beating them on a Suzuki GS750. And a GS1000 would just rapidly disappear from them on track or street. And this is when they were brand new. Within just a few thousand miles, the nylon swingarm bushings they had would be worn out, and even further degrade their already poor handling performance. Yes, they were as fast as the other liter bikes of the day, in a straight line, but not faster. And even though that glorious engine, with maybe the nicest sound ever made by a motorcycle, was fantastic to look at, it just could not compete with the class leader of the day. The Suzuki GS1000.

[@Biggus_Dickus_Incontinenta_Btx]

But how many people lust after a GS1000 over a CBX today and is reflected in the comments? The CBX is an icon, the GS1000 isn’t.

[@craigg4246]

@@Biggus_Dickus_Incontinenta_Btx yet it outsold the CBX like 20:1

[@Biggus_Dickus_Incontinenta_Btx]

@@craigg4246 so what? The GS probably outsold the Jota by over 1000:1. It’s not an icon. Your recollection of the bike is also different from that of Classic Bike magazines and others as well and Neevsey. A 6 cylinder bike with that weight would never handle like a GS, you’re missing the point entirely.

[@craigg4246]

@@Biggus_Dickus_Incontinenta_Btx I don’t think I am. Because, the bike was designed and marketed as a premier sport bike. It was the top of the line Honda sport bike. That is what forced it to compete with the other top tier sport bikes of the day. There was the KZ1000, the XS1100 and the GS1000. The Kawasaki had a great engine, but didn’t Handle. The Yamaha, also a good engine, was handicapped by it’s shaft drive and weight. But the Suzuki, also very fast in a straight line, was an order of magnitude ahead in the handling dept. To prove my point, even Honda knew the bike could not compete in the sport market, especially after Suzuki landed it’s death blow with the GS1100. Now the CBX was not even competitive in a straight line. So, they made it into a sport tourer with bags and fairing. And if you don’t think the GS1000 is an icon, just look up the values of a GS1000S Wes Cooley replica. Which even as a limited edition model, still outsold the CBX.

[@Biggus_Dickus_Incontinenta_Btx]

@@craigg4246 which part of a GS1000 is not an icon don’t you understand? The review isn’t about a GS1000, it is about an owner who loves his CBX and explaining his passion for it not a numpty going on about a different bike. It was before my time, but having read articles in classic bike mags you are missing the point and misrepresenting how the bike actually handled. I trust what Neevsey said about handling in this video having just ridden the CBX rather than a 40 year old memory of someone I don’t know and may have never actually ridden the bike for all I know. How can a 240kg plus bike compete with bikes like the GS1000? Given its weight and chassis/suspension at the time it did a relatively good job from everything I have read about the CBX. As I said twice before higher bike sales at the time are irrelevant today. I would have a CBX, Jota or RD350 LC from that time in my garage and am not remotely interested in a GS1000 which isn’t iconic like those three. Bye 👋

[@gogglehead7487]

Love it👍!

[@dannymacarthur13]

After listening to the beautiful sound of this engine, tell me how good EVs are the future of motorcycles?

[@markjordan4868]

Ahh those were the days, if only we could turn the clock back

[@Solar55]

Honda switched to the pro-link monoshock for the 1981 model year.

[@vector409]

WHAT A SOUND!!

[@fazerianducati]

The CBX what a thing!

[@babyfknblu]

holy smokes!! yes!!!

[@f3aok]

Love it especially in black. Sounds the dogs. Had one from new back in the 80s and toured Europe on it. Cost £2050 £700 below list from Motorcycle City. Anyone know who sells the CBX t shirt he's wearing?

[@Aviopic]

There was the Honda CBX but also the Kawasaki Z1300. Suzuki had one in development but that never came to production. The Japanese brands all looked at each other and if one came with a novelty the others followed suit or at least tried to.