Honda CBX1000 Streetfighter by Tony’s Toy

“The Vincent Black Shadow of 1979” — Cycle Guide

The Honda CBX (or CBX1000) had one of the most incredible engines ever produced, a 1047cc air-cooled inline six that offered 105 horsepower at 9000 rpm. Upon its introduction, Cycle Guide lauded the bike as “the Vincent Black Shadow of 1979,” while Cycle said:

“The objective — to build the fastest production motorcycle for sale anywhere in the world-has been met…The CBX engine is as responsive as a racer, the nicest cycle motor to ever reach the street.”

Testers were able to run the bike through the quarter mile in 11.36 seconds at 118 mph. However, the CBX was hampered by the suspension and brakes of the era — insufficient for the six cylinder slug of power.

Enter Tony Calasso of Milan’s Tony’s Toy Custom Motorcycles. Tony is an former professional racer and tester — a European World Cup 600ss champion, as well as a test rider for Motociclismo magazine and instructor for BMW Motorrad’s Italian riding academy. He wanted to preserve the charm of the six cylinder while updating the suspension and brakes.

Honda CBX Streetfighter:  Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

Tony’s Toy Custom Motorcycles Milano is a brand created by Tony Calasso, former national and international renowned rider, driven by the constant desire to surprise and passion for the motorcycle one day he decided to embark on the special/cafe racer.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

-Honda CBX 1000 Pro-Link 1982

• Why was this bike built?

-For a custom project, and for sale.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

-Honda Cbx 1000 has, perhaps, one of the most incredible engines ever produced for a motorcycle, but all the rest was deeply lacking. Our purpose was to create a vehicle that kept intact the charm of the Japanese six cylinder engine, but also to make it great even in driving sensations.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

Basically we decided to keep the original frame, engine and tank. All the rest, springs, swing arms, wheels and brakes, comes from bikes of recent years.

• How would you classify this bike?

-Streetfighter

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

What really make me proud of the project was to be able to put together the style of the eighties of the CBX with the performance of the recent parts.

Photography:  Andrea Padovani  (@andreapadovani1972)

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