In our collection at Bike Forge, is a very special 1979 Honda CBX 1000 cc six cylinder bike that belonged to Brett Clark from Fish Hoek. I met Brett in 1980 when we founded a bike club, the “ Bedouins” .The Clark family is legendary in the biking fraternity and own Clark’s Garage in Fish Hoek. Both brothers were national bike racers, with uncle Derick competing at the IOM TT at some stage. The second generation of racers were the SA Champion John Clark and his brother Robin Clark, and their cousin Brett Clark. Timothy Clark is the third generation racer, and has instructed at track days at Killarney. Brett was very passionate about the Honda CBX bikes, and acquired this “ A” model in 1980. Brett then modified the original “A” model by fitting a “Metchamec” swingarm , aftermarket shocks, VF 1000 front end with 16 inch front wheel, ventilated front discs with twin pot callipers, 180 back rim, and the very exotic 6 into 1 custom made exhaust. For the bodywork he fitted the “ B” model tank and tailpiece and the VF 1000 fairing. The handling of the beast was vastly improved, and the bike soon became legend over “ Ou Kaapseweg” Brett entered the CBX in a Breakfast Run Grand Prix in 1983 and won outright against far more race capable bikes.In mid 1985 Brett was involved in a motorcar accident and lost both his legs from the knee down. Through amazing determination and the support of family and friends he was on his prosthetic legs within a year. Shortly after, Brett could walk unaided, and I suggested it was time to get his arse back on a bike. We were doing 4 passes the next day, and I asked him to pillion on my Laverda . He immediately agreed on condition that we do the ride on his bike, this very legendary bike as it is here today. Brett eventually moved to Durban and disposed of his beloved CBX.
Tragedy struck again, and on the way home from the 2009 Buffalo Rally Brett came off his bike and lost his life. At his memorial I located the owner of this CBX, and was able to acquire the bike for my collection at Bike Forge.
This is no ordinary bike that was built and ridden by an extraordinary person. RIP my old friend I will keep her like you built her in your memory
HONDA CBX
