12-13 Update: Someone on r/motorcycles noticed that this bike is back up for sale. Find it here on Craigslist, though the price has gone up to $6,000.
Based on reader feedback, we’re starting a new series today – Featured First. The motorcycling industry thrives on innovation, and we’re going to show you some of the notable ‘firsts’ that manufacturers have rolled out. We’ll pick a bike that brought a new feature to market, and then, of course, show you where to find an excellent example for sale. Today, we feature the first six-cylinder production motorcycle to wear the Honda badge.
Honda wasn’t actually the first to put a 6-cylinder powerplant in a production motorcycle – Benelli earned that honor with the 750 Sei (but we’ll feature one of those soon, when we can find a nice one for sale). Thanks to the modern day Goldwing, the idea of a 6-cylinder Honda isn’t a foreign concept, but it all started with the CBX. Built in response to a horsepower war started by Kawasaki, the CBX packed all kinds of technology and created the fastest bike of the day – complete with a quarter-mile trap speed of 117.95 @ 11.36 seconds. 
The Honda CBX1000 only lasted five years, but it led to a new wave of sports-oriented motorcycles, and eventually to the Honda ST series. A 6.1 gallon tank was necessary as the 6 individual carbs and monster power led to just low 20’s miles per gallon. Want to learn more? Check out Motorcycle Classic’s writeup of this legendary bike here.
“The CBX is a mountain road flyer beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.” Cycle Magazine, February 1978
For the last two years of the production run, Honda made the CBX a sport-touring superbike instead of a naked bike, throwing on a fairing and luggage. To help slow down the 6 cylinders and 600 pounds, Honda also added dual ventilated front rotors – another first in the motorcycle industry. That’s the model you’ll see here today. 
This specific Honda CBX 1000 is being offered by the 3rd owner. The 2nd owner held onto this bike for 16 years, and during this time he rebuilt the carbs, and took care of regular maintenance. With the except of a horn that’s not working, everything on this bike seems to look good and run well. This CBX has less than 16,000 miles, and comes with a few choice extras, such as the user manual, repair manual, and a nifty matching helmet. 
Find this Honda CBX here on Craigslist for $5500 in Carrolton, Georgia. This bike-uriousity brought to you by Steve B!