The Honda CBX Inline-Six Superbike Purists Rank Above The Z1300

When Kawasaki launched the Z1300 for 1979, its 1,286cc liquid-cooled inline-six and 120 hp headline numbers made the comparison irresistible—especially against Honda’s then-current six-cylinder superbike. The Z1300 used three 32mm carburetors and a five-speed gearbox driving the rear wheel via shaft drive. But classic Japanese motorcycle enthusiasts, particularly in the US, often rank Honda’s CBX inline-six above Kawasaki’s brute-force approach. The article highlights a key differentiator: the Kawasaki’s heavier, grand-touring-leaning package, driven by its liquid-cooling hardware and shaft-drive mass, versus Honda’s air-cooled, chain-driven layout.