The 1978 Honda CBX from Japan was powered by a 1047cc DOHC inline-6 producing 105hp at 9000rpm. Weighing 247.0kg (545 lbs) and with a seat height of 810mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1993 Ducati 888, hailing from Italy, by contrast offered 888cc of DOHC L-twin Desmo power, delivering 109hp at 9500rpm. Tipping the scales at 185.0kg (408 lbs) with a top speed of 255km/h (158 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1970s bikes from the Japanese superbike revolution are increasingly sought after. Clean, original examples have seen significant value appreciation.
Specifications Comparison
| 1978 Honda CBX | 1993 Ducati 888 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1047 cc | 888 cc |
| Power | 105 hp | 109 hp |
| Torque | 85.0 Nm | 86.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 6 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | 255 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 247.0 kg | 185.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 272.0 kg | 200.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 22.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 6 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1978 Honda CBX is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1993 Ducati 888 targets aggressive cornering and track-day performance. On paper, the 1993 Ducati 888's 109hp trumps the 1978 Honda CBX's 105hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1978 Honda CBX if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1993 Ducati 888 for aggressive cornering and track-day performance. Parts availability is good for the 1978 Honda CBX and moderate for the 1993 Ducati 888 — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1978 Honda CBX
The 1978 1978 Honda CBX packs a 1047cc DOHC inline-6 engine with 105hp into a standard motorcycle package from Honda.
Full 1978 Honda CBX Profile →About the 1993 Ducati 888
The 1993 1993 Ducati 888 packs a 888cc DOHC L-twin Desmo engine with 109hp into a sport bike package from Ducati.
Full 1993 Ducati 888 Profile →