Until 1978, Benelli could rightfully claim to have the only series motorcycle with a six-cylinder engine in its programme. But Honda would not be Honda if it surrendered its position as technical pioneer quite so easily. Instead it set about turning a good idea into a great one. Project manager Shoichiro Irimajiri, who had already developed several successful racing motorbikes for Honda, joined with a team of eight to engineer an air-cooled, four-valve DOHC engine with six cylinders, boasting 1,047 ccm and 105 hp power. The machine was launched on the market in 1978 and immediately polarised motorbike enthusiasts. Criticism centred on weaknesses in the body and tyres. The power was excellent (0-100 km/h in approximately 4 seconds). The CBX was the most powerful series motorbike when placed on the market. Introduction of the CBX and an even more powerful Kawasaki Z1300 led to the voluntary decision by the motorcycle industry to limit the power of machines sold in Germany to 100 hp.

A young German from the Stuttgart region succumbed to the attractions of the 6-cylinder, treating himself to this metallic green machine at the tender age of 22. The fact that the three subsequent owners were all born in 1959 plainly demonstrates that this was the most coveted motorcycle on its introduction at the end of the 1970s, as they would all have just recently passed their driving test around then. The consignor is likely to belong to this age group as well, although we did not ask explicitly. He brought the CBX to Austria from Germany a few years ago, adding it as a contrast to his collection of large-volume V2 motorcycles. Its seductive power has not faded, but fresh interests on the part of the owner informed his decision to sell. Brilliant Japanese engineering from the golden age of the quest for power in the booming motorcycle market of the 70s and 80s – la voilà.

VIN: CB12020196 Milage: 25,133 km (read) Displacement: 1,031 ccm/R6 Power: 105 hp Gearbox: 5-speed Papers: German title