In 1984, Honda was king of the hill in the bike market, boasting an extensive model range with all manner of bikes, engine configurations and sizes. It also had two 750cc sportbikes on the books: the excellent, but flawed, VF750F V4 and the air-cooled CBX750. Although the technology crown went to the VF with its box-section frame and complex motor, the CBX wasn't that far behind with anti-dive forks, a 16-inch front wheel, twin headlights and self-adjusting hydraulic valves. In sheer performance terms, it was often tested to be faster than the VF, though it ultimately failed to capture the buying public's imagination - it was just too damned "nice" and received criticism for its lack of excitement.
Despite being cheaper than the VF, people chose the V4. We think Honda's idea of an affordable everyday sportbike is to be applauded though and would love to see it return, albeit with a bigger pair of balls and a snarl under its breath. We reckon our 2010 CBX will eat FZ1s for breakfast on mountain roads and devour GSX-Rs on tighter tracks.
The year was 1984. The Macintosh...
The year was 1984. The Macintosh computer and the CBX750 were introduced; one changed the world, the other-not so much.
While the original bike made a peaky 84 HP at the rear wheel (from a claimed 92 HP at the crank), we'd expect nothing less than a usable 120 HP from our oversized and massaged CBR600 motor. We'd lose the plethora of chains in the motor and go with gear-driven everything to minimize maintenance and boost reliability. With 21st century water-cooling our target figure should be easily achievable. Forget the 130 mph top end of the old bike, we're looking at 160 mph-plus and 60 lb-ft of torque to out pull GSX-R750s.
Chassis
No spindly black tubular cradle here; our CBX uses a heavily modified CBR1000RR alloy-beam frame and radial brakes, VFR1200 wheels, CBR600RR forks and swingarm that wouldn't look out of place on a race bike.
Handling was always the CBX's ace-in-the-hole, and we're confident the tradition will continue with ours. Being more of a practical sportbike means a few creature comforts in the form of adjustable handlebars and a plush seat. We've even included a decent passenger perch and grabrails so significant others can enjoy the fun too.
Bodywork
The 1984 CBX boasted a half fairing that was more show than go, which added to the sensation that the bike was heavy, tall, and skinny (which it was). We've designed ours to be compact and lightweight, but still offer some weather protection. The front cowl was inspired by a KTM SM-T and houses the ram-air, while the front indicators are neatly faired into the side pods. The aerodynamic front mudguard is from a VFR1200 while the rear hugger once lived on an Aprilia RSV4. Minimalistic and simple-just like an everyday sportbike should be.