Unused, zero miles
c.1990 Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy
Frame no. JH2PC1609LK100066
Engine no. PC16E-2100065

In its formative years as a motorcycle manufacturer Honda had always preferred twin-cylinder (and later multi-cylinder) engines for capacities above 250cc, single-cylinder engines being the norm for road models with a capacity of 125cc or less. 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 singles in capacities of 500cc and upwards, a state of affairs that led to the development of a succession of purely road-going derivatives. One of the most interesting of these was the XBR500 of 1985, the styling of which was unashamedly 'retro', and Honda took this concept a stage further almost immediately, launching the GB500 TT the following year. A factory 'café racer', the GB500 looked very British, boasting coachlined paintwork, clip-on handlebars, rear-set footrests, chromed headlamp shell, matching speedometer and rev counter, and alloy-rimmed, wire-spoked wheels instead of the XBR's Comstars. The dry-sumped, radial four-valve motor featured electric starting and delivered its 42bhp via a six-speed gearbox, while the entire ensemble weighed in at a little under 340lbs. '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. Representing a rare opportunity to acquire one of these collectible 'cult' models, the unused example offered here is in running condition and comes with German Fahrzeugbrief. This vehicle, having completed less than 6,000kms, may be deemed to fall in the NMT category under NOVA if the vehicle is registered in the UK. Please visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/nova/ for further information.