MR CBX
If you own a Honda CBX, then chance's are you've heard the name MR CBX. Lucky for us, the man himself, "MR CBX" lives just 30mins from our headquarters. We took a trip out to his shop to learn more about the business and checkout their incredible collection of motorcycles. Needless to say we spent a couple hours talking shop and sharing stories of all things vintage. Expect to see many more features coming from this shop, he has quite the collection of rare bikes that will have you all drooling!
Let’s start with the basics, what’s your name and where do you reside?
Jan Ringnalda and Robby Ringnalda and we are out in the country here in Johnstown, Ohio.
Take us back to the beginning, where did your love for motorcycles start?
My love for motorcycles started when my parents said I couldn’t have one. Found an old Zundapp in a yard and got it going with a friend of mine, promptly got picked up by the Police and brought home. That was lovely as an 11 year old.
With that being said, your love for motorcycles has lead you into a rather interesting lane, could you tell us where the interest for the CBX first started?
At the age of 16 I was looking in the motorcycle shop window of Fraussen motors in Belgium when a silver CBX was wheeled into the window. You could say it was love at first sight.
When did you purchase your first CBX?
I purchased my first CBX in 1990 which was a special that I built with a good friend in the UK. I still have it.
Was this your first ground up CBX restoration?
The first ground-up restoration I did together with Geoff Smale in the UK. We built about 15 CBX’s before I accepted my position in the USA.
With a name like MR. CBX we have to assume the years of experience has lead you to being the go to guy for information regarding the CBX, would you agree with that?
Well I bought a CBX before I bought a car in the US; I have been actively involved with the ICOA, the International CBX Owners Association for over 30 years, and the club motto is “Dedicated To The Preservation of the Honda CBX Motorcycle”. Which we really try to live up to.
If you had to pick a favorite CBX in your personal collection, which would it be? That is almost an impossible choice. I guess it would be the one I am getting to ride. Have been riding the most recent special build the most these last few weeks.
Shifting things towards the shop, I understand you and your son have started a shop together restoring vintage motorcycles. What lead you guys into opening up a shop?
The Corona Pandemic stopped me from flying for work; normally over 100,000 miles per year. No flying meant a lot more time at home to finish projects. That was when the plan was realized to try this for a living.
Could you tell us a little more about the business, Is there a specific type of service you specialize in?
Well with a CBX, a main job is carburetor, so that has lead to a particular focus on carbs, but electrical troubleshooting is also a speciality which is usually fun since motorcycles do not obey Ohm’s law!
I found out about you guys through a local vintage motorcycle facebook group (CAVMG), you had opened up your shop to the local community to come check it out with the added perk of viewing your museum quality collection. The sense of community is easily one of the best things about being into motorcycles, what drives you to continue building that sense of community and spreading the knowledge and experiences within?
This is one of the key benefits, the family feel with a common cause. Friends everywhere is a goal!
Lastly, let the people know where they can find you (social media, website, etc.). Well my Son Robby is the internet junkie but we have our website, http://www.mrcbx.com as our main presence. We are also on Instagram and of course we can be reached by email at mrcbxstaff@gmail.com
We appreciate you opening up your shop to us and taking the time to fill us in on what you do and sharing your incredible collection with us, there will be plenty of upcoming features on bikes in your collection.
You’re more than welcome. As the business grows we want to remain easily accessible and ready to talk bike with any enthusiast that comes in.
Story + Photos By Zane Cook