1989 Honda Other

Description

1989 Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy
VIN:  JH2PC1615KK000098
Honda’s café racer GB can trace its roots back a few years.With the increasing importance of the North American off-road market – where the single-cylinder engine reigned supreme – Honda and its Japanese rivals began to manufacture single-cylinder models in capacities of 500cc and upwards, a state of affairs that led to the development of a succession of purely road-going derivatives. One of the most interesting of these was the XBR500 of 1985, the styling of which was unashamedly ‘retro’, and Honda took this concept a stage further almost immediately, launching the GB500 Tourist Trophy the following year. A
factory
‘café racer’, the GB500 looked very British, boasting coachlined paintwork, clip-on handlebars, rearset footrests, chromed headlamp shell, matching speedometer and rev counter, and alloy-rimmed, wire-spoked wheels instead of the XBR’s Comstars. The dry-sumped, radial four-valve motor featured electric starting and delivered its 42bhp via a six-speed gearbox, while the entire ensemble weighed in at a little under 340lbs. “It blends a touch of the past with the best of today’s technology,” declared Honda of a model that struck a chord with mature riders who hankered after the past but disliked the associated oil leaks, dodgy electrics, and general unreliability.
The GB500 on offer here, hails from a Southern California enthusiast. Showing an original 22,000 miles from new, this meticulously cared for and serviced bike has a couple of tasteful upgrades, highlighted by the sporty exhaust with a raspy note (see video).
Freshly serviced by Glory Motorworks, the bike is ready for any chase through the canyons or to the next café on London’s North Circular.
Additional information and photos at
ClassicAvenue.com