Market Position:
Flagship sport touring motorcycle of its era, known for its powerful inline-six engine and sophisticated design.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other large-displacement, multi-cylinder motorcycles from manufacturers like Kawasaki (KZ1300), Yamaha (XS1100), and Suzuki (GS1000). Differentiated by its unique six-cylinder configuration and advanced Pro-Link rear suspension.
Key Features:
998cc DOHC inline-six engine, dual overhead camshafts, 24 valves, Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension, shaft drive, advanced ergonomics for touring.
Braking System:
Dual front hydraulic disc brakes, single rear hydraulic disc brake. Early SC03 may have had twin discs front and rear, or a disc front and drum rear on some export models, confirm with manual's scope.
Coverage Areas:
Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Specifications
Diagnostic Charts:
Includes troubleshooting flowcharts for common problems.
Page Count:
Estimated 300+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine (disassembly, assembly, tuning), Carburetion, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain, Transmission, Clutch, Suspension (front & rear, including Pro-Link), Brakes (front & rear, hydraulic), Electrical System (wiring diagrams, components), Frame, Wheels, Tires, Bodywork, Controls, Specifications
Electrical System Detail:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults (lighting, ignition, starter, charging system).
Fuel System Detail:
Detailed explanation of the six CV carburetors, including jetting specifications, float adjustment, and synchronisation procedures.
Procedures Included:
Complete engine rebuild, carburetor synchronization and tuning, valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing, clutch inspection and adjustment, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement and adjustment, brake system servicing, wheel bearing replacement, electrical troubleshooting, wiring harness inspection, frame inspection, torque specifications for all fasteners, diagnostic procedures
Carburetor Cleaning:
Detailed instructions for disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the bank of six carburetors.
Pro Link Suspension Adjustment:
Specific guidance on adjusting the rear shock absorber preload and damping, if applicable to the specific SC06 variant covered by the manual.
Engine Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for rebuilding the inline-six engine, including torque values and critical clearances.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic flowcharts and exploded views.
Diagnostic Tools:
Recommended tools and techniques for diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues, including basic electrical testers and specialized engine tools.
Performance Tuning:
Provides baseline specifications for engine tuning, carburetor adjustments, and ignition timing to achieve optimal performance.
Engine Type:
4-stroke, inline-six, DOHC, 24 valves
Displacement:
998 cc (60.9 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
64.5 mm x 75.0 mm (2.54 in x 2.95 in)
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower Rating:
105 hp @ 8,000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Rating:
81 Nm (59.7 lb-ft) @ 7,000 rpm (approx.)
Valve Actuation:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Spark Plugs:
NGK DPR8EA-9 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specifications)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7 L (3.9 US qt) with filter change
Fuel System:
6 x Keihin CV carburetors, 30 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity:
22 L (5.8 US gal)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition (CDI)
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios (1st: 2.750, 2nd: 1.944, 3rd: 1.500, 4th: 1.227, 5th: 1.000 - approximate for early models, check manual)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Transmission Fluid Spec:
SAE 20W-40 API SE (check manual for exact Honda specification)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed differently than automobiles)
Active Features:
Powerful dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake, Pro-Link suspension for improved stability and handling, effective lighting system.
Passive Features:
Robust frame construction, integrated rider ergonomics.
Infotainment Features:
N/A (This is a 1979/1980 motorcycle; infotainment systems were not applicable)
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (Motorcycle-specific safety aids were nascent or non-existent)
Engine Management Features:
Electronic ignition (CDI) with advanced timing curves for the era, mechanical spark advance mechanism.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,000 km (2,500 miles) or 6 months
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Carburetor Sync Interval:
Every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or as needed
Fork Oil Change:
Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles)
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 20W-40 API SE (Honda recommends their own HP4M or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Fork Oil Spec:
Honda SS-7 (or SAE 10W equivalent), 357 ml per fork leg
Final Drive Oil Spec:
SAE 80 API GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil
Cooling System Type:
Air-cooled (no coolant)
Known Issues:
Carburetor synchronization drift, CDI unit failures, wear on shaft drive components, potential for cam chain wear, electrical connector corrosion, aging rubber components (hoses, seals).
Common Repairs:
Carburetor overhaul and tuning, replacement of aging electrical components, cam chain tensioner adjustment or replacement, brake caliper seal replacement, fork seal replacement.
Vibration Dampening:
Some early models could exhibit vibrations at higher RPMs, addressed by later revisions and proper tuning.
Camchain Tensioner:
The automatic camchain tensioner can wear or fail, leading to noise and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Cooling System Efficiency:
While air-cooled, effective airflow is critical. Ensure cooling fins are clean and unobstructed.
Brand Heritage:
Honda has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, reliability, and innovation in motorcycles, dating back to the post-WWII era.
Model Evolution:
The CBX was introduced in 1978 as a halo bike. Early models (1978-1979) featured twin rear shocks. The 1980 model year saw the significant introduction of the Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension, improving handling and ride quality, which is the focus of this manual. Later models (SC06) continued with Pro-Link and saw minor updates. This manual specifically covers the SC03 (early twin-shock) and the introduction of the SC06 (Pro-Link) variants for 1979-1980.
Engine Variants:
While the engine displacement remained largely consistent, tuning and component variations existed between early twin-shock (SC03) and later Pro-Link (SC06) models. This manual is crucial for understanding these distinctions.
Production Years:
1978-1982
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Recognitions:
The Honda CBX1000 was widely acclaimed by the motorcycle press upon its release as a technological marvel and the pinnacle of Japanese motorcycle engineering for its time. It was often lauded for its smooth power delivery and unique sound.
Performance Ratings:
Often cited as one of the fastest production motorcycles of its era. Praised for its high-speed stability and touring capability.
Certifications:
N/A (Industry certifications for motorcycles were structured differently at the time).