Additional photos of this Honda GB500 are available here for your perusal.
Honda’s GB500 was an homage to classic British singles but there was a twist – it was reliable! The average American rider shopping for a Japanese bike at the time was more interested in the bigger supersport replicas, but the Tourist Trophy has become a cult classic.
For more on what it’s like to ride the GB500, check out this fantastic 1989 Cycle World review from Peter Egan. He concludes it by saying “Simplicity and grace are never out of style, and the GB is a simple, handsome bike. It’s not a Velocette Venom Clubman, but I don’t care. We already have Venom Clubmen if we want them. This is a new motorcycle that looks good and is fun to ride, and there are never enough of those.”
The GB (Great British) was offered with a 400cc engine in Japan and a 500cc motor in the US. The 498cc air-cooled single produced 33 horsepower at the rear wheel through a five-speed transmission and a wet clutch. A stellar example of “more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow”, the GB was easy to ride and one of the most stylish machines that Honda has ever built.
This GB (VIN: JH2PC1602LK101169) has covered just 3,272 miles. It’s offered by Ray Blank, the former Senior Vice President of the Motorcycle Division at American Honda (retired), and as such it was maintained by American Honda’s shop and lovingly appreciated.
Ray is the original owner, and he is offering it with a bill of sale. As it was originally a 49-state bike, you will not be able to title this bike in California until it has covered over 7,500 miles.
We note some scratches on the left side of the tank:
As well as some pitting on the forks, but overall this GB presents quite well.
This beautiful GB combines Honda reliability with classic British looks – now it’s time for a new owner to care for it.
