1980 Honda CBX

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The Honda CBX made its debut as the inline 6-cylinder superbike of superbikes in 1979. This all-original example embodies the pure sport spirit of the most powerful motorcycle in its time. Honda created the superbike class with the 1969 CB750, but the king of the road fought for its crown as the ‘70s unfolded and Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha unleashed increasingly powerful and sophisticated challengers. Honda would not abdicate the throne, however, and began the development of its new king of kings in 1976. Shoichiro Irimajiri led up the clandestine effort and infused the CBX prototype with Honda racing heritage. Irimajiri was the mastermind behind the 1966 RC166 Grand Prix racer that Mike Hailwood rode to multiple championship wins. With six cylinders, four camshafts and 24 valves, the 250cc engine created 65 HP at an astonishing 20,000 RPM. The production CBX landed in America in 1979 and regained its rightful superbike title as the quickest, fastest and most powerful production motorcycle in the world. On proud display as a stressed member in the steel tube frame, the air-cooled inline 6-cylinder engine produced over 100 HP at 9,500 RPM with dual overhead camshafts, 24 valves and 6-into-2 exhaust. Twin-rotor front and single-rotor rear disc brakes brought the superbike back down from 140 MPH top speed. “Cycle” magazine backed up the factory numbers with a series of 11-second quarter-mile tests and described the unmatched power and sound of the inherently balanced inline 6-cylinder as magical. With its naked sport bike styling, Black paint and Comstar wheels, this 1980 CBX carries the original Super Sport soul. Evolutionary suspension and brake improvements coincided with a transition from a superbike to sports tourer with available full fairing and hard bags, and 1982 marked the end of the line of the 6-cylinder CBX.