Motorcycle Ownership Thread Approved.

Err.. isn't that a bit too late in the day? Anyways the CBZ will always occupy a special place in the hearts of bikers even when various newer and sleeker models try to come and compete in the market segment that was launched by this classic bike many years ago. Seeing one redlining gives me goosebumps even today!

It was like a voluptuous lady Mast in her ride with those big fat tyres.

The rear rim was/is the heaviest till today in under 200 cc class category.

The crankshaft has enough stoutness which would last many years and then even retire some of its owners. It can also handle upto 27 PS of power thrashing upon it to run, and run for ever.

'A Boss' of bygone era had once described her as 'Orgasimc' during their first date.

The Engine was also described as 'Indestructible', which was rightly said as it was being pumped at only 8.5 compression.

It came with a PD22 carb, the best for power in the business for thumpers of this size till today (albeit with a small venturi).

It has also the only ultra short-stroke engine from Honda in India.

It was not a killing machine but was a machine which allowed people to taste the fruits of modern biking.

It is still a great bike if kept properly with some tweaks here and there and has the capability to smoke many other bigger bikes.

Cheerio, The First Modern Legend of Indian Biking.

Thanks Aryan

He he he.. I wasnt sleepy & was going through Praveen's log of his great Journey round the India

8yrs done with this bike & I neva regret the decision ( as if I had many choices when I bought it )

I almost end up buying Suzuki Fiero but dropped it due to charming looks of CBZ which attracted me & then after sometime when I test rode fiero I though I m missing a gem & bought Fiero in 2002 which is also still running & now with my Uncle..

Proud to have owned 2 classics

is thier no one in XBHP owning this bike apart from me

Dear Abhi,

CBZ was the one that started this 150cc segment which is till today highly popular among all breed of bikers ranging from high-schools to retirees.

I still remember that ad of CBZ of Dino & his brother, it was a perfect ad to showcase how this bike is in terms of everything.

Today, U see how the market is flooded with 150cc category, one manufacturer is having 2 models in same range... Buyers are getting so much choices that they are planning for something & ending up riding something.

I just love the CBZ classic..!

It is my 2nd fav bike after the ZiMA..hope to read some good experiences of yours..

CBZ- Classic is one of the finest bike on Indian roads !! People still write and talk about tis beauty !!

PS: HH has started putting those Dunlop tyres (should be Geo-Cruiser) on new CBZ-Xtreme !!

Everybody knows good things about this bike, here I will try to list out some negatives of the bike.

1. Most Unrefined engine ever made by Honda in India.

2. Bad Mileage - Although most of the owners like me dont complain about it but still it never gives more than 40kmpl however U drive it..

3. Kicker slipping - I dont know if any other has faced this problem but I am facing it the kicker slips very badly which is due to Kicker spring which I tried to change twice but did not help me.

Kicker spring costs only 13bucks but to change it we needed to open the whole engine which costed a bomb 2500 INR.

4. according to me Top End is not satisfactory..

5. too much of Vibes post 50kmph

6. Engine heating Issues.. ( Every mech I consulted told that it is common in CBZ Classic)

All said & done but I still love my babe

The engine was unrefined yeah, but it was the only short stroke engine made by HH in India. This engine was somewhat similar to the Apache engine

The CBZ was my first bike in 1999, and as a previous owner I do agree with a few of your points.


1. Most Unrefined engine ever made by Honda in India.

True, at speeds above 80 kmph the engine used to get very harsh and unrefined.


2. Bad Mileage - Although most of the owners like me dont complain about it but still it never gives more than 40kmpl however U drive it..

I never managed to get above 35 kmpl


3. Kicker slipping - I dont know if any other has faced this problem but I am facing it the kicker slips very badly which is due to Kicker spring which I tried to change twice but did not help me.

Didn't have that problem.


4. according to me Top End is not satisfactory..

I saw a max of Speedo indicated 105-106 kmph... and the bike used to shake nerverously at that kind of speeds.


5. too much of Vibes post 50kmph

Actually at 5500 rpm there used to be a characteristic vibration that used to creep in.. and the speed at that rpm was around 60 kmph (and that is supposed to be cruising speed) in top gear.


6. Engine heating Issues.. ( Every mech I consulted told that it is common in CBZ Classic)

Didn't have too much problem with that either.



Apart from that, the my CBZ suffered from understeering issues which never got solved.. the quality of the switch gear was also bad.. the hi-low beam switch used to fall off.. the tank extensions (the plastic covers with 'TPFC' written on it) were flimsy and often used to break at the slightest nudge

I was once overtaken / beaten / out accelerated / out maneuvered by my friend on his Hero Honda Street.. and that was the last straw.. I sold of my 2 year old CBZ at 50% of the price (apparantly the CBZ did not have a very good resale value) at which I had bought it.



All said & done but I still love my babe


I liked the comfy seat (more comfortable than the ZMA) and the Styling of the bike.. (still consider way better than the current Xtreme treatment to the old brand).

And I still do admire the clean stylng lines on that bike.

Spot on with all the observations. Having said that, the CBZ will always occupy the spot in my mind as the first "buyable: dream machine.

I was studying when this machine was launched and I just wanted to buy it for two reasons 1. Power 2. That Honda name...I was and still am a Honda fan.

On the other hand the not so good experience with my CBZ left a bitter taste in my mouth and a small hole in my dad's bank balance back then.


Nevertheless I still fondly remember the time I fell in love with its styling

THE MOST EXCITING & My personal fav Indian bike ever...
Even though I own a ZMA R.
Nothing excites me more than a classic CBZ. If HH ever start shelling out the same model again, I'll surely get one for myself, MY TEENAGE DREAM...