It
first arrived in the US around 1989. Not massively popular
when introduced, probably something to do with the fact that
it cost as much as a CBR600. It lasted only another model
year, till 1990. Minor differences separated them, a centre
stand here, a badge colour there. They both came in blue and
made around 45'ish horsepower. Not really what the US market
wanted, unfortunately.
The Japanese market
CB-1 on the other hand lasted a lot longer. It too arrived
in 1989 but lasted through until around 1993 when it was replaced
by the CB400SF (a bike similar in looks to the CB1000 "Big
One"). These CB-1's came in a multitude of colours including
black, navy blue, green, grey, red, yellow and so on. They
too only made around mid 40s power but due to Japans strict
licensing laws they sold a lot better. Similar to the US market
bikes but with subtle differences here and there. A stainless
steel exhaust as standard (the mild steel one on the US bike
being a source of many rust coloured problems to its owners),
alloy rear peg hangers and a KM speedo being just a few.
After
a few years a number of these CB-1s made their way to the
UK where they soon found favour with commuters, couriers and
those short of leg. The -1 was recognized, by the discerning,
as a bike whose performance belied its looks. Who cared if
it couldn't do 150mph, it handled well, was exceptionally
reliable, cheap and had an engine to die for. The gear driven
cams, when spun up and revved hard, make an unforgettable
noise (lets not forget the engine was derived from the original
CBR400) and progress can be rapid if not stellar. All in all
a bike for forgetting about ego and "My one's bigger/better/faster
than yours" and riding just for the sake of it.
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