1983 Honda CX650 Turbo
Registration no. JBW 823Y
Frame no. RC16-2000218
Engine no. RC16E-2001138
• Imported from Italy
• Amazing 'time-warp' condition
• Only 6,177 kilometres recorded
• New Bosch fuel pump

'...the CX500T has all the good points of the 500T: the fairing and comfort, shaft drive and mega pose value for those who think biggest and flashiest is best. And whereas the 500 fell flat on its face when it came to performance, the 650 has little turbo lag, the ability to cruise all day at well over the ton, and most of all this amazing zappo when you hit the throttle hard.' – Bike magazine.

Once Honda had bolted a turbocharger to one of the most unlikely models in its range - the CX500 v-twin - the rest of the Japanese 'Big Four' followed suit, their larger, four-cylinder offerings leaving the CX500 trailing far behind in the performance stakes. Honda's riposte was the 673cc CX650 Turbo, which arrived in 1983. Bike magazine found that, compared to the CX500, turbo lag had been almost eliminated, and clearly appreciated the bigger CX's ability to sustain an indicated 135mph while the rider sat in perfect ease behind the effective fairing. Fuel consumption varied from 25mpg (speed testing) to an impressive 45mpg if less use was made of the 18psi maximum boost available.

One of the nicest example we have ever seen, this rare Honda CX650 Turbo was purchased in 2021 from The Bike Specialists, Sheffield for a considerable sum (the CX650 Turbo was the vendor's 'pin-up bike' when he was young). The Honda had been imported from Italy by the previous owner in 2017 (see documents on file relating to its purchase from Italy and the registration process together with a photocopied Italian title). Additional documentation includes a current V5C, DVLA MoT history, HPI check and (copy) previous V5C. The machine also comes with with two keys, tool kit, owner's manual and photocopied set-up instructions.

Dissatisfied with how the machine ran, the vendor had the fuel pump replaced twice before settling on a new Bosch unit, which was fitted by Colwins Motorcycles of Sittingbourne. They employed a mechanic, trained in the 1980s on Hondas, who correctly installed the fuel pump at the same time as the current MoT certificate was issued in 2023 (receipts lost unfortunately). Recommissioned by the current owner, the Honda has seen little use since purchase; it starts and idles smoothly but may require further light recommissioning following a period of inactivity. The odometer reading of 6,177 kilometres is not warranted but appears to be genuine. Viewing of this incredible 'time-warp' CX650 Turbo is highly recommended.
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.