Description
1989 Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy
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. Grabbing an opportunity to maximize the return on the development dollar (or yen), road-going derivatives were developed. The most interesting came from Honda, with their retro GB500 Tourist Trophy of 1986. 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. The dry-sumped, radial four-valve motor featured electric starting and delivered a very spritely 33bhp via a five-speed gearbox, while the entire ensemble weighed in at a little under 359lbs. “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 bike offered
The 1989 Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy on offer here, hails from a Southwestern enthusiast. Showing an original 4,984 miles from new, this meticulously cared for and serviced bike is offered in truly excellent, unmolested and original condition.
Freshly serviced, the bike is ready for any chase through the canyons or to the next café on London’s North Circular.
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