Photo: Jon1234567 · Public domain
Honda CB900F
81/100 Overall
83 On the road78 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB900F vs Honda CBX1000
Honda CB900F scores 81/100 overall against Honda CBX1000 on 89/100. On the road: 83–78. As classics: 78–100. Overall result: Honda CBX1000.
Photo: Andrés Teixidó · Public domain
Honda CBX1000
89/100 Overall
78 On the road100 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB900F | Honda CBX | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 10 | Honda CBX |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB900F |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 8 | Honda CB900F |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 6 | Honda CB900F |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 10 | Honda CBX |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 10 | Honda CBX |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 10 | Honda CBX |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 7 | 10 | Honda CBX |
Choose the Honda CB900F if…
you want a fast, practical Honda superbike with endurance-racing style and straightforward classic ownership.
Choose the Honda CBX if…
you want engineering spectacle, turbine-smooth performance and one of the most memorable engines ever fitted to a production motorcycle.
Background
History
Honda CB900F
The Honda CB900F was produced from 1979–1983 and used a 901cc air-cooled DOHC inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, performance, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Honda CBX
The Honda CBX1000 was produced from 1978–1982 and used a 1047cc air-cooled DOHC inline six. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, performance, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB900F
- Its production span in this library runs from 1979 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 901cc air-cooled DOHC inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, performance, styling.
Honda CBX
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 1047cc air-cooled DOHC inline six.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, performance, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB900F
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB900F. Its library score for reliability is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Honda CBX
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CBX1000. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB900F
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Honda CBX
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB900F
Rivals to the Honda CBX
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB900F wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Honda CBX1000 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda CBX1000 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.