Honda CB900C
Encyclopedia
The Honda CB900C is a "custom"-styled standard motorcycle
produced by Honda
from 1980 to 1982. The slightly modified and larger displacement CB1000C was produced in 1983 only. It is a derivative of the DOHC CB750K at the supposed requests of the American
consumer, according to Rider Magazine, March 1980. It is equipped with a handful of features that are unique for its time. These included air assisted suspension front and rear, shaft drive from the GL1100 Goldwing of the same time period, and most notably, a dual range sub-transmission that allows the operator to "split" any of the five gears in the main transmission for a total of ten driveline ratios. The CB900C is closely related to the Honda CB900F
and the 1983-only Honda CB1100F
(both derivatives of the CB750 line).
An air/oil cooled DOHC 902cc engine with 4 32 mm Keihin CV carburetor
s and electronic pointless ignition produces 84 BHP @ 8500 RPM. Front suspension relies on air pressure for preload while the rear relies more on air for the actual spring action. Three disk brakes arrest the momentum of the considerable curb weight
as listed in the Honda FSM (Factory Service Manual) as 611 pounds or 277 kg.
Both Rider and Cycle World
reviewed this motorcycle in 1980 with varying degrees of disregard and dissatisfaction. The top complaints were the lack of purity in the "custom" styling and its effect on function regarding sport or spirited riding. The soft suspension was recorded as a hindrance to cornering ability as was the highly reactive shaft-drive/sub-transmission combination and the huge mass of the machine in general. Comparisons were made to tractor trailers. The bike garnered some appreciation from Cycle World for its styling and tank design.
The genesis of the CB900C makes it a "parts bin" bike. Honda produced two shaft drive bikes previous to and concurrently with the CB900C. The GL and CX series of touring motorcycle
s of the time are the source of the final drive and rear suspension assemblies of the CB900C. The Europe
an model CB900F supplied the basic frame extended two inches for the sub-transmission, engine, and many other chassis
components. Full Hondaline touring equipment (Fairing
, Lower Leg Fairings, Saddlebags and Trunk were available from the Honda dealer to make the CB900C a complete Touring Bike.
The Sub-transmission is used as a "jack shaft". That is, in order for Honda to use the CB900F engine in conjunction with the GL swingarm and final shaft drive, power must be taken from the CB900F's left hand power take off and transferred to the GL's right hand side final drive shaft. The "Jack Shaft" was given 2 gear ranges ranges at relatively low cost. Most CB900C riders use the 2-Speed Transmission more like 6th gear overdrive. Leaving the bike in low range while shifting through the normal 5 gears, then shifting into high range once up to speed on highway, reducing engine rpm significantly at touring speeds.
Despite the lackluster treatment of the bike by the media some 27 years ago, the CB900 Custom has gained a small cult following. This phenomenon is not due to any one particular attribute of the cycle, but rather to a culmination of appreciation for its uniqueness (10 speeds), styling, comfort, reliability, and ample power output. "It looks like a bike should look," says a member of the "CB900C CB1000C Custom Club" on Yahoo!
groups (well over 2,000 members strong). The CB900C CB1000C Custom Club had been around in its current form since September 14, 2000 and existed on many other forums for several years before settling on the Yahoo! Groups forum
. One of main reasons for the clubs existence is to help owners get as many of these bikes as possible back on the road.
and included the TRAC anti-dive system also featured on the 1983 CB1100F.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
produced by Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
from 1980 to 1982. The slightly modified and larger displacement CB1000C was produced in 1983 only. It is a derivative of the DOHC CB750K at the supposed requests of the American
People of the United States
The people of the United States, also known as simply Americans or American people, are the inhabitants or citizens of the United States. The United States is a multi-ethnic nation, home to people of different ethnic and national backgrounds...
consumer, according to Rider Magazine, March 1980. It is equipped with a handful of features that are unique for its time. These included air assisted suspension front and rear, shaft drive from the GL1100 Goldwing of the same time period, and most notably, a dual range sub-transmission that allows the operator to "split" any of the five gears in the main transmission for a total of ten driveline ratios. The CB900C is closely related to the Honda CB900F
Honda CB900F
The CB900F is a Honda motorcycle. The first generation was produced from 1979 to 1983, and the second generation was produced from 2002 to 2007. The newer generation CB900F was called the Hornet 900 in Europe but went by 919 in North America, while the similar CB600F was the Hornet 600 in Europe...
and the 1983-only Honda CB1100F
Honda CB1100F
The CB1100F is a standard motorcycle that was made by Honda, based on their line of DOHC air-cooled inline four engines. It was only available in 1983...
(both derivatives of the CB750 line).
An air/oil cooled DOHC 902cc engine with 4 32 mm Keihin CV carburetor
Carburetor
A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
s and electronic pointless ignition produces 84 BHP @ 8500 RPM. Front suspension relies on air pressure for preload while the rear relies more on air for the actual spring action. Three disk brakes arrest the momentum of the considerable curb weight
Curb weight
Curb weight or kerb weight is the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, all necessary operating consumables , a full tank of fuel, while not loaded with either passengers or cargo.This definition may differ from definitions used by governmental regulatory agencies or other...
as listed in the Honda FSM (Factory Service Manual) as 611 pounds or 277 kg.
Both Rider and Cycle World
Cycle World
Cycle World is a motorcycling magazine in the United States. It was founded in 1962 by Joe Parkhurst, who was inducted to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame as "the person responsible for bringing a new era of objective journalism" to the U.S. and is now the largest motorcycling magazine in the world...
reviewed this motorcycle in 1980 with varying degrees of disregard and dissatisfaction. The top complaints were the lack of purity in the "custom" styling and its effect on function regarding sport or spirited riding. The soft suspension was recorded as a hindrance to cornering ability as was the highly reactive shaft-drive/sub-transmission combination and the huge mass of the machine in general. Comparisons were made to tractor trailers. The bike garnered some appreciation from Cycle World for its styling and tank design.
The genesis of the CB900C makes it a "parts bin" bike. Honda produced two shaft drive bikes previous to and concurrently with the CB900C. The GL and CX series of touring motorcycle
Touring motorcycle
A touring motorcycle is a type of motorcycle designed for touring. Although any motorcycle can be used to tour with, manufacturers have brought specific models designed to address the particular needs of these riders...
s of the time are the source of the final drive and rear suspension assemblies of the CB900C. The Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an model CB900F supplied the basic frame extended two inches for the sub-transmission, engine, and many other chassis
Chassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
components. Full Hondaline touring equipment (Fairing
Fairing
A fairing is a structure whose primary function is to produce a smooth outline and reduce drag.These structures are covers for gaps and spaces between parts of an aircraft to reduce form drag and interference drag, and to improve appearance.-Types:...
, Lower Leg Fairings, Saddlebags and Trunk were available from the Honda dealer to make the CB900C a complete Touring Bike.
The Sub-transmission is used as a "jack shaft". That is, in order for Honda to use the CB900F engine in conjunction with the GL swingarm and final shaft drive, power must be taken from the CB900F's left hand power take off and transferred to the GL's right hand side final drive shaft. The "Jack Shaft" was given 2 gear ranges ranges at relatively low cost. Most CB900C riders use the 2-Speed Transmission more like 6th gear overdrive. Leaving the bike in low range while shifting through the normal 5 gears, then shifting into high range once up to speed on highway, reducing engine rpm significantly at touring speeds.
Despite the lackluster treatment of the bike by the media some 27 years ago, the CB900 Custom has gained a small cult following. This phenomenon is not due to any one particular attribute of the cycle, but rather to a culmination of appreciation for its uniqueness (10 speeds), styling, comfort, reliability, and ample power output. "It looks like a bike should look," says a member of the "CB900C CB1000C Custom Club" on Yahoo!
Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is an American multinational internet corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, United States. The company is perhaps best known for its web portal, search engine , Yahoo! Directory, Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Groups, Yahoo! Answers, advertising, online mapping ,...
groups (well over 2,000 members strong). The CB900C CB1000C Custom Club had been around in its current form since September 14, 2000 and existed on many other forums for several years before settling on the Yahoo! Groups forum
Internet forum
An Internet forum, or message board, is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages. They differ from chat rooms in that messages are at least temporarily archived...
. One of main reasons for the clubs existence is to help owners get as many of these bikes as possible back on the road.
1983 CB1000C (Custom)
In 1983, Honda replaced the CB900C with the CB1000C. The CB1000C used the dual-range transmission previously available on the CB900C. The 978cc version had 89 horsepowerHorsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
and included the TRAC anti-dive system also featured on the 1983 CB1100F.