Honda CBX1000
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Honda's mighty CBX was introduced in 1978 with a lot of technical fanfare. It was not the first motorcycle to be powered by a six-cylinder engine, but it was the latest and the most advanced entry into the hotly contested superbike battle being fought by the Japanese manufacturers.
Despite its impressive brawn and intimidating six-pipe exhaust system, the CBX never really caught on with the street-racing crowd. Some competitors were cheaper, lighter, and (more importantly) quicker. So the big Honda was often dismissed as being more show than go.
Failing to capture its intended audience, Honda switched gears and headed the CBX into the sport-touring category. Adding a sleek fairing and custom-fitted saddlebags transformed the six-cylinder machine into an impressive road bike, its smooth engine produced effortless cruising at better than 160 km/h (100 mph).
Comfort also came from its air-adjustable shocks and forks which could be tuned to the demands of the rider. Honda decided that dual stainless-alloy ventilated front rotors (a first for the motorcycle industry) were needed to stop its 309 kg (680 pound) weight.
Although it lasted only five years, its style did give birth both to Honda's sport bikes and to its Honda ST series (viz. ST1100, ST1300 Pan European).
