New '81 CBX owner in Northeast Ohio

[OldCarGuy]

Hi Guys,

I saw a CBX at the Detroit Autorama years ago and have been looking for a reasonably-priced one ever since. I fell into this one last month while doing my nightly browse of Craigslist. That night, I just happened to click the "check surrounding areas" box and the seller in Detroit had just listed it four hours earlier. Once I had convinced him that I wasn't your typical Craigslist scam, he was good enough to hold it for me until I could get up there to look at it.

The bike has 22K miles on it and he had owned it since '93. His family was forcing him to get out of riding since he had an accident on another bike and ended up in the hospital. Bad for him and good for me.

IMG_0472.jpg

Obviously, the bike isn't original. That overstuffed ottoman of a seat has got to go and I have no idea who made the exhaust system. The serial number of the engine isn't even close to the bike and you can see the new gasket sticking out between the cylinders and case. So much for a numbers-matching original. Still, I love it. So far, I've managed to hunt down the short in the blinker wiring and the next step it to tackle the squeaking front brakes.

Other bikes in the garage are a '98 Valkyrie (I love my Honda sixes)

2020-05-19.jpg

...and my Yamaha FZ-07 daily driver

2020-06-11.jpg

'Nice to meet you guys,

Gary

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

Welcome to the site, Gary.
Excellent intro.
The exhaust is an OMT. Ontario Moto Tech probably out of business since the '80s. I like the look and sound.
The engine and frame numbers never did match on these bikes. Site member EMS is collecting vin and might be able to give you a little bit more info on your bike.
Love the FZ.

[daves79x]

Welcome Gary! I'm just over the line a bit in PA. Some '81 and '82 models have engine and frame numbers way off from what you would expect. Yours is quite probably original. Our resident serial number keeper lives quite near to you. Lot of little service things probably needed on your bike. Brake service, fork service, rear shock linkage service. Do you have any service records of valve adjustment, tune-up stuff? If you find that you really like the bike as it is, consider at some point upgrading the rear shock. Best $$$ you'll spend on the bike. I see you have the turn signals (not original) relocated to the fender. Did you get the bags?

Dave

[Jeff Bennetts]

Welcome, I'm about 45 mins south of you!

Jeff

[CBX-tras]

Was probably one of my CBX's that you saw at Autorama. I've been showing different ones over the last 10 years or so.

The one you bought was from a friend of mine (Ken). I've worked on the bike in the past so if you need info, feel free to get in touch.

Have fun with it.

[OldCarGuy]

Steve,

Thanks for the info on the OMT exhaust. I’ll file that away for future reference. You’re right; I like the sound as well.
I’ll be sure to reach out to EMS with my serial numbers so he can update his list.

Thanks for the compliment on the FZ. That bike is such a joy to ride at just 400 pounds and 75hp.

Dave,

The only service records I have on that bike are a list of every oil change from 1993 to present. The plugs and wires are newer and the bike is generally in nice shape. One of the reasons I joined ICOA is so I can research the bike and do preventative maintenance. I’ll be sure to check on the rear shock upgrade as well.

The owner gave me an assortment of parts for the bags: a right off of an ’82, the left off of an ’81, and assorted mounting brackets. To be honest, I’m not a fan of how they look and will probably leave them off since they need paint and bodywork anyhow.

Jeff,

Apparently, this area is a hot spot for CBXs.

CBX-tras,

‘Small world. Yes, I bought from Ken.

I have to admit that a CBX six on an engine stand is quite an attention getter at Autorama. Even my brother was impressed and he’s not a “bike guy”.

I’d appreciate any information that you could provide on past work so I know what to expect and what kind of health care plan to put her on

Thanks guys!

[EMS]

Hi Gary! Welcome here. I am in North Royalton and one of my CBXes is a 1981 also. Mine is a relatively low 81 serial number and VIN and engine are 50 numbers apart. A typical difference is around 100, but as higher you get the larger the difference and it can be as much as 200 or more. If that puts your mind at ease.
The seat doesn't look that bad, btw. I sort of like it.