1982 Honda CX500 Turbo
Registration no. WLB 498X
Frame no. NPC03-2001078
Engine no. PC03E-2001128
Of all the models in Honda's 1980s range, the CX500 v-twin must have seemed one of the least likely candidates for a performance-boosting turbocharger, and the fact that Honda went ahead with the project had - some argued - more to do with demonstrating its R&D department's technical prowess than anything else. More than anything, it was a corporate statement, and one that addressed a multiplicity of other motorcycle engineering concerns, not merely those associated with forced induction. Thus the CX500 Turbo came with digital electronic fuel injection and ignition; tangentially spoked Comstar wheels; anti-dive front forks; Pro-Link rear suspension; twin-pot brake callipers; an integrated tank and fairing; and a comprehensively equipped cockpit dashboard. Of course, once Honda had bolted a turbocharger to one of its motorcycles, the rest of the Japanese 'Big Four' had no option but to join it on the 'Turbo' bandwagon.

Currently displaying a total of 39,541 miles on the odometer, this highly original example comes with a file of service/maintenance invoices - including the original order from HGB Honda in Ruislip - many of which were issued while the machine belonged to its original owner. Additional documentation consists of the current V5C document and a quantity of MoT certificates dating back to the 1980s. Keys present.
Footnotes:
All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.