Modern Rarities - page 6

Another watchpoint is the carbon brushes inside the generator. "You have to remember to keep a check on their wear because if they go when you're out on the road, the only way home is on a trailer. I know - I've done it," said Graham who was also horrified that the cost of replacement brushes was £13 for the pair. Graham reckons that prices are a bit high, but no more so than for any other Japanese bike.

Graham also said that on his model the middle two spark plugs are inaccessible and you have to tilt the engine forward to get vertically down on them, however, on contacting a dealer, they said that you just have to remove two top engine plates to gain access. Either way, this seems excessive just to reach a humble spark plug.

But apart from these points, Graham’s CBX has been very reliable. It covers about 10,000 miles a year, is used extensively in the summer and semi laid-up in the winter, which is when any servicing is done. "I don't tend to keep to any strict service schedule, except with regular 3000 mile oil changes. I work on the principle that if it's working leave it alone."

And it’s a philosophy that must work. The bike is still running on all the original engine internals but Graham has promised his CBX a complete overhaul at 50,000 miles.

Graham Spiller's model ‘B’ CBX. No concours winner that's for sure but it's left alone unless it breaks and is kept in the open. Reliability has been first class.
The point at which the exhaust system rusts through. These are the pipes Graham had fitted at a cost of £300. Silver paint is covering for the weld.		Mileage at 48,817 and the CBX has not far to go for its promised first engine overhaul at 50,000.

"It's not a particularly difficult engine to work on, no more so than a four, so long as you take your time. I confess I've never tried balancing the six carburettors; but then again they’ve never shown any sign of needing any attention."

Questioned about the 24 valves, Graham replied that the bike was dealer serviced soon after it was bought and 14 of the 24 needed reshimming. "Since then they've not rattled so haven't been touched". However, he says he has access to a shimming kit should they need doing. 'Again, it'll just be a matter of taking my time, it's not a particularly difficult job in itself."

A heavy duty scaled 'O' ring chain will last between 16,000 and 20,000 miles. Rear tyres (Avon Super Venom) last between 8000 or 9000 miles, the front having been on so long Graham can’t remember the mileage. He hopes to change it soon once Avon stock up on CBX sizes this winter. Brake pads have been in so long he can only assume they (Ferodo) last well. And fuel consumption averages around 40mpg.

Spares are still readily available although most parts have to be ordered - only taking two or three days to arrive.

Long, reliable life is attributable (in Graham's opinion) to a reasonably gentle life. "I certainly haven’t taken it anywhere near the red line since I've owned it," he said. For touring it'll cruise effortlessly between 70mph and l00mph - between 5500and 7500rpm with 2000rpm remaining before the red line.

Smoothness is the CBX's watchword, making it a perfectly comfortable long distance bike. The weight can be a disadvantage when heaving it onto the centre stand, but Graham reckons it is a positive advantage when riding in gusty conditions because "It'll stick to the road like the proverbial to a blanket!"

Considering the bike lives permanently outside, Graham is happy with the way the finish has lasted. Although the alloy has corroded (as it would on any bike) the paintwork is still intact.

He would not change the CBX. "It's a great bike, smooth, effortless and it handles well. It may not be as fast as the original but you needed a fork brace and to change the swinging arm to make that handle."

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