BIKE OF THE MONTH


February 2012 Bike of the Month
Bike of the Month Phil Tabor with his 1980 Moto Martin CBX

Make: Moto Martin
Model: CBX
Year: 1980
Country of Origin: France/Japan
Engine: 1047cc DOHC Inline 6
Transmission: 5 speed
Owner: Phil Tabor
City: Marina Del Rey


1980 Moto Martin CBX

Congratulations to Phil Tabor of Marina Del Rey for winning Bike of the Month with his 1980 Moto Martin CBX.

When Phil rode in just before two, I suggested that he had a Bike of the Month winner. Now I'm not psychic, I just know this group, and I knew his bike was unique. This was Phil's first time to our meet.

Road Racing Origins
The Moto Martin CBX is an exotic hand made chrome moly frame built by Georges Martin in France for Road Racing. Custom cast Martin wheels, hand laid fiberglass bodywork and Brembo brakes are just the beginning of the features on this bike. The bike weighs 488 pounds, 115 pounds lighter than the stock CBX.

With all the chrome and machined parts, I was surprized to find that the engine is basically stock 1980 Honda CBX 1047cc Inline 6. (Although with all those cylinders, who needs to do anything?)

The unique paintjob on the bike is over 20 years old. Phil has owned the Moto Martin for two years and prior to that it was idle for 15.

This bike is so unique, Phil believes that it is the only Moto Martin CBX in the USA. It has drawn the attention of one late night talk show host who would like to add it to his stable. Along with Jay Leno, Phil has also communicated with Georges Martin himself, who is once again building custom frames in France.

The Moto Martin is not the only CBX in Phil's collection. He has promised to come back with another bike and maybe some of his Marina Del Rey friends. Thank you Phil for bringing it to our meet. View all the photos in our February Gallery.

The Bike of the Month contest is held monthly at the Vintage Bike OC meet. Qualifying motorcycles must be 30 years old or older. Former Bike of the Month winning bikes are not eligible to win again. Anyone attending the meet is eligible to enter a qualifying bike in the contest and vote for their favorite bike. The winning bike is chosen by a popular vote and is featured on the Home page for one month and in this feature article. The Bike of the Month articles are permanent content on the site.

Bike of the Month Gallery
Photo gallery of all the Bike of the Month winners.
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February 2012
1980 Moto Martin CBX
January 2012
1953 Nimbus
December 2011
1950/52 Norvin
November 2011
1969 BSA Rocket 3
October 2011
1954 Royal Enfield Ensign
September 2011
1967 BSA Spitfire
August 2011
1954 BSA A7-500
July 2011
1975 Honda Trail 70
June 2011
1969 Honda Mini Trail
May 2011
1955 Velocette MSS
April 2011
1970 Parilla
March 2011
1968 BSA Firebird
February 2011
1952 Triumph 6T
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