#BOLT40 – HONDA CBX 1000

Let’s start from the beginning — because a Honda CBX 1000 is not just any motorcycle. Honda shocked the world by bringing a six-cylinder 4-stroke to the track. The bike was designed by Soichiro Irimajiri, the engineer behind the championship-winning motorcycles of Taveri and Hailwood in 1966 and 1967, respectively.

Eventually, Honda stepped away from Grand Prix racing and Soichiro Irimajiri became Managing Director of Honda Motor Co., leading the CBX project. The result was a bold and massive engine, suspended from a steel frame.

This architecture makes the six-cylinder powerplant difficult to access. Tuning the carbs or fitting the vacuum gauges becomes a real challenge due to the tight space. Just ask our mechanics.

The Keihin carburetors, arranged in two sets of three, are slightly angled inward. Irimajiri was obsessed with keeping the bike as narrow as possible. In fact, the CBX’s engine is only five centimeters wider than the four-cylinder CB750.

To achieve this, he designed an auxiliary shaft system above the gearbox — chain-driven, powering both the alternator and the ignition. While that setup seems standard today, back then — when alternators were typically mounted on the crankshaft’s end — it was nothing short of revolutionary.

THE HONDA CBX 1000 BY BOLT MOTOR COMPANY

Let’s talk about the front end. This bike carries something truly unique — because not every motorcycle gets the parts and components used in MotoGP. But that’s what happens when you’re building a machine for a four-time world champion like Jorge Martínez “Aspar.”

Front setup: The Ohlins inverted forks and magnesium front wheel come from a MotoGP Aprilia. The Brembo front calipers were donated from a MotoGP Yamaha. Goodridge braided lines complete the braking system. Everything has been machined, fitted, balanced and tested by the Bolt Motor Co. team.

Aspar wanted a head-turning motorcycle, but also one that was comfortable to ride — so we went with a straight handlebar for added comfort and practicality. On the electronics side, we once again chose the best: Motogadget Pro switches, grips and speedometer.

In the middle of the bike, we preserved the original Honda CBX 1000 tank — giving center stage to the legendary six-cylinder engine. Countless hours went into getting this powerplant to look and run like it does: polished, precisely tuned, and reworked down to the last detail.

The entire electrical system is brand new. Our mechanics revised, adjusted and tested every centimeter of the wiring, using the highest-quality materials available alongside all-new digital components.

FOCUSING ON THE REAR OF THIS CBX

We saved the best for last. The rear end of this CBX is a feast for lovers of bold design. We engineered an ultra-narrow custom subframe with a finish that borders on insanity. The tail section was fully designed and 3D-printed in-house, then reinforced to fit with absolute precision.

This tail isn’t just unique in form — it’s also functional. It’s removable, converting the bike into a two-seater when needed. That’s why you’ll notice the rear foot pegs — a small detail that speaks volumes.

Another standout: the swingarm. Fitting a MotoGP Aprilia swingarm onto a Honda CBX 1000 wasn’t exactly simple — but the end result is absolutely spectacular.

At first glance, the exhaust system steals the show. These handcrafted pipes may look artisanal, but their performance and sound are extraordinary. From the start, Aspar told us he’d trust us with the design and finishes — but the sound and riding feel were non-negotiable. The look on his face the first time he heard the bike? Priceless.

The paintwork was the finishing touch on a project we poured our hearts into. Aspar wanted a tank inspired by the livery Red Bull uses on its F1 cars, along with a checkered flag motif — a tribute to the racing spirit that runs through his veins, and now, through this machine.

We always say our builds are one-of-a-kind — but this time, we went even further. Working with the Aspar Team and having access to top-level racing materials was a true luxury. It’s been an honor to work hand-in-hand with Jorge Martínez “Aspar” and his crew.

We hope you enjoy this build as much as we did.