The One: “Boa” Honda CBX1000 Restomod

Coming to The One Moto Show: Dennis Nhan’s CBX…

In 1969, the Honda CB750 ascended to superbike supremacy, but the motorcycling world was in a state of rapid evolution. Less than a decade later, Honda had fallen behind their liter-bike rivals. Big-bore fours like the Kawasaki Zed, Suzuki GS1000, and Yamaha XS1100 were leaving Honda in the dust. They needed a newer, faster flagship machine — something that would reassert their technical dominance. In late 1977, the answer arrived in the form of the CBX1000.

The 24-valve DOHC 1047cc six-cylinder engine boasted 105 horsepower, propelling the machine through the quarter-mile in 11.36 seconds at 118 mph.

“It was the fastest, quickest, flashiest, most head-turning two-wheeled street vehicle ever seen. Just sitting on it sent a chill up a rider’s spine, and the exhaust note prompted experienced pilots to secretly doubt that they’d ever be able to fully master the immense, overwhelming machine.” –Cycle World, 1979

Ever seen a flying CBX? Kel Wearne of Two Wheels jumping his CBX test mule!

With a 9000 rpm redline and aggressive cams, the bike wailed like a F1 car at full song — anyone who’s heard the sound won’t soon forget it.

Enter our new friend Dennis Nhan, a full-time crane operator who builds bikes under the moniker Sooo Wet Customs. Dennis turned to vintage bikes from race replicas, hoping to slow himself down, but this freshly completed CBX — which will be featured this weekend at the One Moto Show — proves vintage doesn’t mean slow.

The donor — a ’79 twin-shock model — was about as trashed as you can get, left outside in the brutal Canadian winter since 1984! A total rebuild was in order. Dennis took inspiration from builders like Purpose Built Moto and JDMAX Motors, as well as one of his favorite manga characters — Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress and Warlord of the Sea from One Piece, one of the best and most popular series of all time.

“The vibe was inspired by Boa Hancock from One Piece — I wanted the bike to be curvy, smooth, and just straight-up eye-catching. Something that flows, feels fast standing still, and turns heads without even trying.”

To that end, this CBX Six is now wearing the front and rear ends from a 2005 Aprilia RSV1000R Factory, which boasted Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and lightweight aluminum wheels — trick! Dennis’s buddy Ben (@bigbendesigns) came through with the custom machine work required to retro-fit the modern suspension.

Meanwhile, another buddy, Carlo (@sircarloq) polished the swingarm — it pays to have talented friends!

The engine was seized and required a full rebuild, so Dennis turned to Tim’s International Motorcycle Supply (TIMS) — a global headquarters for CBX enthusiasts. The engine was rebuilt with an 1147cc Wiseco big bore kit, Dynatek coils and ignition, and “lots of internal goodies.”

The six-cylinder fire-breather was matched with Keihin FCR carbs, an oil cooler, and a point of pride for Dennis, the exhaust.

“I picked up a TIG welder just to learn for this project — and the whole exhaust was my training ground. It’s far from perfect, but it tells a story. You can actually see my welding improve as you move from the headers back. It’s like a timeline of learning in metal.”

Above the undertail vintage Hindle silencers is a carbon fiber seat pan shaped by Kris Crawford (@furthernorthfab) and an alcantara-upholstered seat from Blue Collar Textiles.

Dennis created the front fender and license plate support from Purpose Built Moto DIY kits, while Sane Motion Moto provided many of the lighting and electrical parts from Motogadget, Kellermann, and Messner, along with a hydraulic clutch conversion.

Dennis just finished the build hasn’t had it on his buddy Matt’s dyno yet, but the old butt dyno is well pleased so far.

“I’ve only had it out once so far — but wow, it screams CBX. Loud, peppy, and straight-up wild. I’m just hoping I don’t blast past a cop… and if I do, fingers crossed they’re into bikes.”

If you’re in Portland this weekend, “Boa” will be at the 2025 One Moto Show at the Zidell Yards. It will surely be a standout of the show, and that’s saying something among the 300+ custom, rare, and interesting bikes on display. Our man Moh (@astronaut_bear) will be on the ground shooting as many of the machines as possible, so stay tuned for more from the 16th edition of the show!

Below you’ll find our full in-depth interview with Dennis about the build, along with a build sheet and more outdoor shots from Jeff Khounthavong (@jefferyjefff) and indoor shots from Broden (@heavycamera). Dennis is sure to thank everyone involved, especially his wife, Mary (@mare.paw), and good buddy John Phong (@caferacerdaddy).

CBX1000 Custom: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history withmotorcycles, and your workshop.

Hey, I’m Dennis Nhan. I work full-time in construction as a crane operator and wrench on bikes for fun — just a garage guy who likes to tinker. I’ve been riding since 2010. Started out on crotch rockets, but eventually decided I wanted to live a little longer, so I switched it up. Thought older bikes would slow me down…they didn’t. But hey, at least I look cooler now.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

The frame (well, half of it) and engine are from a 1979 Honda CBX. The front and rear ends are off a 2005 Aprilia RSV1000R Factory. A bit of old school meets new-ish school.

• Why was this bike built?

Honestly? Just wanted to challenge myself. Push the limits a bit and see what I was capable of. Learning is always the goal.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

The vibe was inspired by Boa Hancock from One Piece — I wanted the bike to be curvy, smooth, and just straight-up eye-catching. Something that flows, feels fast standing still, and turns heads without even trying. The guys at JD Max were a big influence too. I never got to actually chat with them, but I studied a ton of their builds and thought, “Alright, let’s see if I can pull something off like that.” Purpose Built Moto was another huge inspiration — their CBX was the first custom one I ever saw, and I instantly fell in love. That build definitely lit the spark.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

Oh man, where do I start? The bike was completely trashed when I got it — seized engine, rusted to hell, and left outside since 1984 in brutal Canadian weather. It needed everything. So yeah, basically every inch has been touched or rebuilt. There are goodies all over this thing.

• Does the bike have a nickname?

Yup — “Boa.”

• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?

Not yet! I just wrapped up the build and plan to take it over to my buddy Matt Lee to get it on the dyno. Stay tuned.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?

I’ve only had it out once so far — but wow, it screams CBX. Loud, peppy, and straight-up wild. I’m just hoping I don’t blast past a cop… and if I do, fingers crossed they’re into bikes.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

Honestly, the exhaust. I picked up a TIG welder just to learn for this project — and the whole exhaust was my training ground. It’s far from perfect, but it tells a story. You can actually see my welding improve as you move from the headers back. It’s like a timeline of learning in metal.

• Anyone you’d like to thank?

Oh boy, the list is endless! I’ve been lucky to have an amazing crew of friends and family supporting me through this. I seriously couldn’t have done it without them. But the real MVP? My wife, Mary. She’s been insanely patient and supportive — holding everything down while I disappear into the garage for hours. Mary, I love you — you’re the best.

Build Sheet: 1979 Honda CBX

2005 Aprilia RSV1000RR Factory complete front and rear suspension

Headlight: J.W. Speaker adaptive headlight

https://purposebuiltmoto.com
Insta: @purpose_built_moto
Front fender DIY kit
License plate DIY kit

http://sanemotionmoto.com
Insta: @sanemotionmoto
Messner moto bar end mirrors
Kellermann bar end signals
Kellermann blaze sequential signal/brake
Hydraulic clutch conversion
M unit blue
M pressure
M lock
Lots more…

https://japan.webike.net
Engine sliders (over racing)
Engine mounts and hardware