Photo: Andrés Teixidó · Public domain
Honda CBX1000
89/100 Overall
78 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CBX1000 vs Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III
Honda CBX1000 scores 89/100 overall against Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III on 79/100. On the road: 78–60. As classics: 100–98. Overall result: Honda CBX1000.
Photo: 1969_Kawasaki_500_H1_MachIII.jpg: Mike Schinkel derivative work: Ligabo (talk) · CC BY 2.0
Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III
79/100 Overall
60 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CBX | Kawasaki H1 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 10 | 9 | Honda CBX |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 5 | Honda CBX |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 8 | 5 | Honda CBX |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 6 | Honda CBX |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 8 | 5 | Honda CBX |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 9 | Honda CBX |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
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.
Choose the Kawasaki H1 if…
you want explosive two-stroke acceleration, outrageous period character and one of Kawasaki's most famous motorcycles.
Background
History
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.
Kawasaki H1
The Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III was produced from 1969–1976 and used a 498cc air-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, collector appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
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.
Kawasaki H1
- Its production span in this library runs from 1969 to 1976.
- The recorded engine description is: 498cc air-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, collector appeal, character.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
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.
Kawasaki H1
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III. Its library score for historic importance 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 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.
Kawasaki H1
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- 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 CBX
Rivals to the Kawasaki H1
Final result
The verdict
Honda CBX1000 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.