Post Sale Update: After 4 bids on eBay, this Honda GB500 sold for $5,100.
In the late 80s, Honda took a risk and gave the world a beautiful motorcycle inspired by 60s thumper racers of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race – bikes like the Manx Norton and AJS 7R. Originally created as a 400cc bike in Japan, the bike got a bump in displacement to 500 cubic centimeters, and was then exported as the Honda GB500 across the world. The United States only got this beauty for 2 years, as sales were poor. Now, it’s a modern classic.
Why were sales poor? First of all, Honda was a decade ahead of the times when it came to the release of factory cafe racers. American consumers weren’t ready for it, especially for a bike that looked British coming from the land of the rising sun. Secondly, US buyers were more interested in high horsepower sports bikes, and a relatively expensive standard that couldn’t keep up in the straightaways wasn’t going to be able to keep up in sales figures, either. The engine was a sleeved-down unit from the XL600 dual-sport, while the aesthetics were focused around clip-on handlebars, a solo seat with a seat hump, and the lovely pin-stripes.
This specific Honda GB500 has been recently restored cosmetically, with a repaint in the original black/green metallic and NOS decals applied. Unfortunately, it’s missing the tail pinstripe decals. The engine has a bit of pitting, but otherwise this bike looks good. From the listing: “The current owner has owned it for 7 years and it looks to be in good shape. Only modifications are the bar end mirrors and Supertrapp exhaust, which remedies the common complaint that the OEM exhaust tone did not match up with the looks of the GB500.” Just source the tail pinstripes and you’ll be all set!
These bikes are truly collectible, and appreciation for them is only rising. But beware! If you’re taller than 6′, you may have trouble with this one. Find this Honda GB500 here on eBay with an opening bid of $4,590 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
