The International CBX Owners Association

Hi,
Just looking for input on which drive ratio you are using for the PL, 18 front, 42 teeth rear? Has anybody tried another combo?

Carl-Hugo

I am happy with the gearing on my '81. I don't search for sixth gear like i occasionally do when riding the '79.
If you are finding it too "revvy" maybe you could change the rear to a 40T.

You being in Germany and moving your CBX probably at higher average speeds than the rest of the world, I would go for a different combo. Honda did not officially offer different set-ups for the Prolink in Europe than 18/42. But there was a 41T rear sprocket for a General Export version of the 1980 CBX-A. It eludes me right now, what the front sprocket size was. But there is a myriad of different sprocket sizes available in Germany that go down as far as 35T in the rear.
I would consult with a German CBXer who is running a 530 chain.

Hi,
Failing to find an answer here in EU I turn again to the west, anybody tried any other combination for their PL?

I find it strange, that none of the "experts" in Germany will give you any advice, considering that hardly anybody there rides a stock CBX and they all want to go faster.
My 1983 CB1100R, which is a European model, has a 18/39 combo with a 530 chain. These parts would fit the CBX.

Hi, Carl-Hugo,

I'm using a 40T rear on my '82. (Stock engine.) I do notice the small loss of torque when starting from rest; especially, on any grade. However, a slight extra 'slipping' of the clutch and all is well. Otherwise, not particularly noticeable. Except, perhaps, when needing some extra 'push' when passing; or, when encountering a significant grade. This provides a 4+ % rev reduction. It is appreciable at highway speed. Ha not caused any observed change to fuel economy. If you ride 'mountainous' roads often, or with a passenger, I would recommend using the stock 42.

Hope this helps you.

There are a lot of 17/39 complete kits available on ebay Germany. (CB1100R Kettenkit) This gives you a slightly faster ratio than the 18/42. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Thanks all of you,

I'm looking to reduce the rpm slightly when cruising @ app 100-120 kmh, however, I ride in the Black Forest mountain roads which is very nice, but goes up and down continously. So, based on what I have learned here I will probably stay with the original 18/42.
I did finally get some reposne here iin DE as well and it seems like most people stay with the 18/42 here as well unless they have done some tuning and have a little bit more power.

Thank you all!