1979 Honda CBX running resto

[gospeed81]

Howdy!


Yes, I now have a few projects going on. Yesterday I made a very unfair trade with a fellow forum member who has a healthy addiction to the 6 cylinder legend. Let's just say my wife's least favorite project (CBR race bike that never got off the ground) is now gone, and been replaced with something that is still fast (used to be king), but will facilitate a more relaxed riding pace, and likely provide more enjoyment.

All I know is I'm looking forward to turning a wrench on this beauty.

Goal is to get it roadworthy, and gradually restore it cosmetically. Long term project, no hurry, and some possible performance upgrades down the road.

[RedPill]

Pretty . . .

[Chirpy]

I know it's early exposure to Honda SuperSports of the late 70's, but to me that's what a sportbike gas tank should look like.

The exploding glitter of its technical credentials lights up the sky (http://www.wheelsacademy.com/a1/hondacbx/Test/Cycle%20Magazine%201979%20Honda%20CBX%20Road%20Tes t.htm). To know the motorcycle is to know the only rules Honda follows are Honda's own.

That line out of Cycle magazine still haunts me to this day...sad that Honda seems to have lost this motospark lately.

Enjoy the CBX!

[Scorch]

Nice!

[Top Cat]

My favorite of all vintage bikes.

[RedPill]

I know it's early exposure to Honda SuperSports of the late 70's, but to me that's what a sportbike gas tank should look like.


I know the feeling. To me, that's just what a motorcycle should look like.

[pipnow58]

I love the sound of that in line 6!! Is that your garage? You have plenty of room for more toys now.

[gospeed81]

I love the sound of that in line 6!! Is that your garage? You have plenty of room for more toys now.

I wish...previous owner, a legend among CBX owners. Also got to see (AND HEAR!) the red #606 that held a land speed record at Bonneville for a few years.

I can't even step back far enough from the bike to fit it in the viewfinder in my garage.


And yes, this is what bikes should look like.

[gospeed81]

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd146/gospeed81/th_VID_20100926_161437-2.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd146/gospeed81/?action=view&current=VID_20100926_161437-2.mp4)

[TWTim]

Aural sex, that. What a sound! :hail:

[budzrex]

The only bike I really truely regret selling I had the same 79 CBX
at the time I dont think there was a better looking red paint job
by any factory out there. The bike was a pure joy to ride got
it from Lunsford Honda up on 45

[TomN]

Damon,

We need an update!!! I got off my tail and got my '80 running again, it's more fun than I remembered.

I am about to start a CBX Cafe build after I complete my CBX Engine Cutaway.

Cheers, Tom

[Buellboy]

Had Candy Glory Red 79 CBX frame #200 up until April 2006.
Won second at Harvest Classic with previous owner. Rode it
around Austin for two years from 12K to over 16K miles. Just
to much hassle to keep running. Coils are same as 60's model
350 twin and sit on top of air cooled six and bake. Carbs are
$800 to rebuild and almost impossible to keep in Sync. But
with a Kerker 6-1 wailing on a day w/all 6 cyl's firing it has a
sound like no other vehicle on earth. Just a amazing bike!!

[gospeed81]

Damon,

We need an update!!! I got off my tail and got my '80 running again, it's more fun than I remembered.

I am about to start a CBX Cafe build after I complete my CBX Engine Cutaway.

Cheers, Tom

I was just typing you up an email...and wanted to update the thread. Finals are finally over and have gotten back out in the garage.

Got the carbs cleaned and back together a few weekends back. Took it on the first real ride the day after Thanksgiving, about 40mi, out to brother and law's house. Left it there due to festivities, and picked it up on Sunday.

Ran great both ways...but LOUD. Need to see about putting some more baffles or packing into that D&G pipe.

It got a new battery, a thorough chain clean, and an oil change. Few nagging issues, like a catchy shift lever, and the choke doesn't come all the way out...meaning I did something wrong putting carbs back in, and still need to rebuild the rear caliper.

Other than that a pretty solid bike, and certainly a unique ride. Need to tune it a little before really romping on it, but suffice to say on-ramps are fun. Haven't had it out enough to catch compliments/opinions...but will see. Really comfy and I feel like a champ on it. Turns surprisingly well although I've yet to really push the old rubber.


Really glad to hear you got your bike roadworthy again. That one is my current goal, stiffer forks and bigger headlight, and trying to find ways to trim weight. A cafe CBX sounds like it could be a lot of fun...

Thanks and take care!

Merry Christmas to all.

[TomN]

Damon,

I do not remember if it had a stock airbox or individual air filters. If it has a stock airbox, it will not run right unless the top is on the airbox.

I consider you pretty brave to go 40 miles on first "real" test ride. Seems to be going well for you, I'm glad.

I hope we can get the CBXs together some time in the future and you can see and feel the differences in our bikes.

Cheers, Tom

[gospeed81]

I caught up with Tom via email, but for other subscribers this bike has the K&N filter kit and stage 3? jets. Still needs some tuning, but will probably always hesitate a little in the lower range, and continue to scream up top.

I took the muffler apart and found ZERO packing, so off to my local bike shop this morning to quieten things down.

[gospeed81]

I repacked the muffler and it's only slightly loud now. Still sounds great. I've been riding it when I can, but not too many occasions since I usually take daughter to preschool when I get out in the morning, and the cold weather otherwise.

Here are some pics from when I was cleaning it up and rebuilding the carbs.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd146/gospeed81/IMG_20101018_080604.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd146/gospeed81/IMG_20101018_080639.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd146/gospeed81/IMG_20101018_080625.jpg

[bmcdonau]

I've never seen a Honda that came with CV carbs run smoothly from 0-redline with pods. The CVs need restriction from the airbox to lift the slides. The best thing to do is tune it so the stumble is at the least intrusive rpm. Have you checked on the CBX forum to see if there is a silver bullet for the CBX?

[budzrex]

You may want to shoot Pete an email, he has had his CBX for years and has some good tuning info, also a wealth of info his website is geared to his ZRX line of parts but he has extensive CBX knowledge as well

http://kwickstand.net/Hyper-Formance.com/Welcome.html

[COMBO]

Looks like a clean one!:clap:

I had a black one. The sound always reminded me of a 240Z.

[gospeed81]

Looks like a clean one!:clap:

I had a black one. The sound always reminded me of a 240Z.

I think that's why I love this...I miss my 260 so...


I've got the expertise of TomN...one of the most knowledgeable out there...just haven't really had the time to dial them in.

Bike still makes me giggle.

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

I just picked up a 79 CBX also, posted some pics in this same forum! If you don't mind, I may be contacting you and asking a few questions. Did you do the carb rebuild yourself? Interested in doing another? :mrgreen:

[gospeed81]

I just picked up a 79 CBX also, posted some pics in this same forum! If you don't mind, I may be contacting you and asking a few questions. Did you do the carb rebuild yourself? Interested in doing another? :mrgreen:


AWESOME!

Good to see another one getting back on the road.

I'd be more than happy to help in the little free time I get. Shootin' ya a PM.


I still need to take mine out for a photo shoot, and that may happen easier (and be more fun) if there's two of us.

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

Hey Damon, tried to send you a PM but your mailbox is full !!!!!

[gospeed81]

Well, a few steps closer to being on the road daily.

I got her insured last week, and as soon as I have an hour or two of free time during the day will find a place to get the inspection done and be on my way.

Took another few shakedown rides. The re-packed muffler certainly makes it a lot more bearable, but I know it's still a "three blocks away" kinda bike. She likes the new oil I finally changed...but still doesn't like to idle the first ten minutes. Hopefully I can catch up with TomN sometime soon and learn from his tuning expertise.

Now that I've had her out in the sun a few times I'm motivated to start on the few cosmetic issues. I know this bike will draw some attention, so it might as well stand up to scrutiny.



I've let go of all my other bikes: traded my SV650 for a CRX to daily as I needed a more economical car, and finally got the Nighthawk project for my mom out of the garage.

Anyhow, the CBX is King of the Garage right now...and man do I love finding excuses to walk out there for a quick drool session.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_p9gPi6Qceak/TWT9nEeue-I/AAAAAAAAAN4/-NAaslRBQjs/s640/IMG_20110223_062831.jpg

[The Bruce]

This thread needs some audio :trust:

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

Looks sweet, my carbs are out for rebuild, and I've found a guy to do the paint on it. Should have the carbs back by early April if all goes well, as soon as I get that sucker on the road and running well, we'll have to get together for a road trip! I will definitely post some videos of it running here!!!