A Great Frame for a Great Motor
By the 1980s, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers had left the competition in the dust when it came to engines. Their screaming, lightweight, all-aluminum inline fours made everything else look like relics from a bygone era.
The outstanding balance of an inline-six engine was bound to be exploited eventually. Honda debuted the 1,047-cc, 24-valve, six-cylinder CBX1000 in 1978. In stock trim, the CBX is far from unwieldy, but it doesn’t excel at the aggressive cornering that its glorious engine demands.
Much like the Rickman Brothers in the UK, Frenchman Georges Martin was as unimpressed with the CBX’s conservative looks and average knee-down capabilities as he was bowled over by its magnificent, howling new engine. Like the Rickmans (and Bimota in Italy), Martin designed his own frame, wheels, and bodywork to produce a lighter, more handsome motorcycle with an appetite for cornering.
Modern Upgrades, Race-Grade Components
MotoMartin CBXs come with a stronger front fork setup and a far lighter swingarm and monoshock setup at the rear. These improvements, along with a lighter and stiffer main frame than the original Honda item, sharpened the CBX’s manners.
The MotoMartin that sold on eBay takes Martin’s original concept to the next level. Modern Suzuki GSX-R forks and alloy swingarm replace Martin’s front and rear suspension systems. The upgrade allows for wider modern tires and superior braking components.
The wide, six-cylinder CBX engine with six exhausts sweeping beneath was also tastefully enhanced. Modifications include:
- Upgraded cams
- Heavy-duty valve springs
- Forged steel JE pistons
- Falicon crank
- Carillo connecting rods
The potential of this build becomes clear when you consider Carillo’s peerless reputation for strong connecting rods—and the fact that Falicon Racing cranks won just about every NHRA Pro-Stock race in recent memory. We believe the seller’s assertion that this bike could not be built for the asking price.
Complete Restoration, Rare Opportunity
The MotoMartin underwent a full restoration far beyond the fresh engine and suspension upgrades. Since then, it has reportedly not been ridden much. The bike comes with these new components:
- Bearings
- Fresh wiring
- Powder-coated frame
- Upgraded alternator
- Valve guides
- Valve springs
Custom-framed specials from Rickman and MotoMartin sell quickly, given the demand for these reimagined classics. With the extensive, high-quality work on this MotoMartin CBX, it may be years before we see another like it.
