Honda's big-six tourer is a compelling ride.
For the time, it was an extraordinary piece of machinery, though by no means the first inline-six production bike. That honour went to Benelli for its 750 and 900Sei series of 1972-78. Somewhat ironically, the Benelli engine owed a lot to Honda’s inline fours of the period.
Getting back to Honda, the CBX 1000 powerplant was producing a relatively lazy 105 horses, still a very solid number for the time, and was capable of around 220km/h.
However, the issue when it came to sales was twofold: Motorcyclists were wary of the mechanical complexity, while its rivals were producing some very good one-litre-class competitors. Top of the list was Suzuki with its very capable GS1000S and then the brutally quick GSX1100.
The company decided to reinvent the CBX1000 from a naked bike in to a sports tourer with fairing and saddlebags. Along the way, the spindly front suspension was beefed up, while the rear was switched from twin shocks to a Prolink monoshock. Handling was significantly improved.
They still struggled to sell the things. So much so that Honda USA (the prime market at the time) famously ran out the last of the stock at giveaway prices.
The most famous beneficiary of this was collector and comedian Jay Leno, who still has the one he bought new back in 1981. Search online for ‘Jay Leno Honda CBX1000’ to see the YouTube video.
We own the example you see here, which was bought at auction and then recommissioned – not a task for the faint-hearted!
However, it was worth the effort. The snarl of the inline six is unique and definitely gets your attention. Performance is very lively, while handling and braking are okay for an early 1980s machine. However, it’s a big lump and needs to be treated with a measure of respect.
These days a good naked version sells for around $30,000, while the sports tourers go for around $20,000.
WHAT’S HOT ON THE AUCTION FRONT
2005 MV AGUSTA F4 1000 AGO
Mv Agusta’s F4 series was a crucial revival for the brand, launched with the 750 inline four back in 1999.
At that time, the first offering was the Serie Oro (Gold Series), a limited run of 300 machines offered at what was then a staggering $60,000. The company soon offered a Strada version for more like $25,000.
The designer behind these beauties was none other than Massimo Tamburini, the master who penned Ducati’s iconic 916 series.
By 2004, MV Agusta bumped the radial valve powerplant up to a full litre and these bikes were sold for around $32,900.
A number of special editions were produced over time, with perhaps the iconic being the Ago, named after the company’s most famous GP racer, Giacomo Agostini.
Producing around 166hp, the Ago received numerous upgrades and was retailed for $52,000 plus on-road costs. It proved to be a hit with the cogniscenti.
This example is number 15 of 300 made.
Donington – Collector Motorcycle Auction
Date: May 20 – June 2, 2024
Guiding Range: $50,000-70,000
Visit: doningtonauctions.com.au
1975 NORTON COMMANDO 850 MKIII
this was Norton’s last hurrah for the famous Commando brand and was arguably best-developed of the bunch.
Much had been done to improve the reliability, while the isolastic engine-mount system had been upgraded, the gearshift moved to the left and an electric starter added.
Although arguably obsolete, the Commando still possessed endearing qualities. These included a torquey twin-cylinder engine, moderate weight, excellent handling, and above all, timeless looks. Though not particularly rare or exotic, the Norton Commando exemplified the archetypal British motorcycle, and the Mark III was the pinnacle. It really was everything Norton claimed it to be.
This 1975 Norton 850 Mark III Roadster was found by motorcycle author Ian Falloon in 2012 in a basement in Woodland Park, Colorado USA. It was in original condition, in the rare and desirable John Player colour scheme and with only 4820 miles on the odometer. It was presented in the same original condition.
Donington – Collector Motorcycle Auction
Date: April 14, 2024
Sale price: $31,000
Visit: doningtonauctions.com.au
Photography: Guy Allen/Unique Cars Files