Description
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: PC161000037. The seller purchased the bike from “Japan Commercial Auction” approximately three months ago.
The odometer shows 13,536 KM which is 8,411 miles. The seller has covered approximately 5 miles during ownership.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller states they performed a “carb clean and check,” and had us perform a safety inspection, our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: FAIL
2T Oil Level: NA
Coolant Level: NA
Coolant Quality: NA
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: NOT CHECKED
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: UNK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: NA,
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NA
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: NA
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NA
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: NA
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: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Ok, Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 21/21
Tire Date Code Rear: 40/20
Tire % Remaining Front: 95%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 28 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 28PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.5V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.26
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: NA
Notes:
-Bad Battery
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-ENGINE OIL+FILTER
-HYDRO 1
-BATTERY
-RF TURN SIGNAL LENS
Modifications:
The seller states “the bike is stock.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Grand High Speed GS19 tires with date codes of 4020 and 2121.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale with import paperwork. Iconic can help the high bidder with obtaining a Washington state title for approximately $550. Have any GB500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
