1984 HONDA CBX750 CUSTOM BY X-AXIS

This Honda CBX750 by X-Axis is a remarkable one-off custom build, and the result of the vision of former British MXGP champion, Billy MacKenzie. It is powered by a fully rebuilt and upgraded 747cc inline-four, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 943 miles, which is the distance covered since the completion of the project.

Understood to have been first registered overseas, it is recorded as being imported and re-registered in the UK in April 1996. In 2018, this bike was still an original CBX750, understood to have around 29,000 km on the frame, and was then subject to the total ‘cafe racer’ makeover as seen today. With the vendor now changing the focus of his larger motorcycle collection, this bike is now offered for sale to another enthusiast.

The founder and designer at the X-Axis workshop is former British MXGP champion, Billy MacKenzie. Speaking about the build in his own words two years ago on the ‘Return of the Cafe Racers’ website, he said: “Our main objective was to take an older model bike and make it perform better than a modern-day bike. We also set out to keep the original classic ‘80s look, a style that is currently trending within the custom build scene.”

For the front end of this custom build, a 2014 model Honda CBR600RR was selected, mated to the original CBX750 frame with a machined tube stem. However, MacKenzie wanted to retain the latter’s 16-inch wheel at the front, so this was customised to fit the larger discs and callipers from the RR. The standard specification fuel cell now sits within a bespoke tank section and sleeker tail on top of a new subframe, and a YSS shock absorber was fitted at the rear.

The original CBX750 engine was completely disassembled, then blueprinted and rebuilt by Guy Amor - a TT motorcycle mechanic and brother of former road racer, Keith Amor. The engine was put back together with a lightened and balanced bottom end, with all new bearings, shells, pistons and piston rings, and a new clutch. The carburettors were also fully rebuilt, and fitted with custom air filters on the intake. Custom 2-into-1 exhausts by DEP Pipes were commissioned, finished with a pair of carbon-fibre silencers.

At the front, the original CBX750 square headlights were retained, while a custom ‘fin’ tail light was fabricated for the rear. There are Daytona instrument gauges, and the bespoke saddle is upholstered in synthetic suede. The bike was equipped with a Motogadget M-Unit control box, along with a complete rewiring of the electrics and fitment of a TT-style race loom.

Today, the exterior presents in good order, having been fully repainted as part of the custom build, and with the vendor noting that there are some rubbing marks to the front fairings, and also to the fairing below the seat. The seat is slightly discoloured, but has no rips or holes in the suede covering, while the other pieces of trim all present well. There are no known faults, nor any warning lights present.

The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in October 2020 at the Motorcycle Restoration Company in Saffron Walden. This comprised an engine oil service, with fresh spark plugs, new brake discs, new gaskets and seals, and draining any old fuel from the tank.

The last MOT test was on 10 August 2018 immediately following the build at an indicated 0 miles, when the bike passed with no advisories or defects. Both wheels are fitted with Metzeler Lazertec tyres, which are reported to be in excellent condition.

This Honda CBX750 Custom by X-Axis is a striking one-of-a-kind ‘cafe racer’, which boasts a compelling specification along with some fantastic bespoke touches. Still fresh from a total engine rebuild, this is a custom motorcycle that turns heads wherever it goes, and would make both a superb show bike as well as an exciting road machine.

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