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.
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.
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.”
This example is VIN: JH2PC1616KK000210. The seller acquired it in 2023 from a private party in Pasadena, California.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 200 miles. The odometer shows 2,947 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller notes a service in 2024 at 2,863 miles:
-Tires and tubes replaced (the seller states that one of the tires he was sent was from 2011)
-OE brake and clutch levers replaced
-Air filter replaced
-Front brake master cylinder and caliper rebuilt
-OE front brake pads replaced
-Iridium spark plugs installed
-OE fuel petcock installed
-Fuel lines replaced
-New battery installed
He also notes a service in 2025 at 2,900 miles:
-Engine oil, filter and spring replaced
[HONDA GN4 10W40]
The original gas tank rusted out so the seller replaced it with a used OEM unit.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, flush the hydraulic fluids, top off the engine oil, and reinstall the cotter pin at the right rear brake stay. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Good
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 95%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 95% Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 03/24
Tire Date Code Rear: 16/11
Tire % Remaining Front: 95%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 29 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 33 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.7 V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.5V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 4.9 Miles, unit operates as designed
Tires Installed:
Front: 90/90-18 Bridgestone BT46F
Rear: 120/90-18 Bridgestone BT45R
Notes:
-Drive chain is good, but it's a little loose
-Few cosmetic imperfections
-Dent on RH of fuel tank
-Chrome bubbling on gauge covers
-Engine oil has about 42 miles from last service
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Chain service
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT45/BT46 tires tires with date codes of 1611 and 0324.
The sale includes five keys, the owner’s manual, and several spare parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration current believed to be on Planned Non-Operation, and estimated fee’s to bring the CA registration current through April 2027 of $157.
Have any GB500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
