Post-Sale Update: This GB500 sold for $6,600 after 36 bids on eBay.
In the late 80s, Honda took a risk and gave the world a beautiful motorcycle inspired by 60s thumper racers of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race – bikes like the Manx Norton and AJS 7R. Originally created as a 400cc bike in Japan, the bike got a bump in displacement to 500 cubic centimeters, and was then exported as the Honda GB500 across the world. The United States only got this beauty for 2 years, as sales were poor. Now, it’s a modern classic, and a personal favorite of mine.
Why were sales poor? First of all, Honda was a decade ahead of the times when it came to the release of factory cafe racers. American consumers weren’t ready for it, especially for a bike that looked British coming from the land of the rising sun. Secondly, US buyers were more interested in high horsepower sports bikes, and a relatively expensive standard that couldn’t keep up in the straightaways wasn’t going to be able to keep up in sales figures, either. The engine was a sleeved-down unit from the XL600 dual-sport, while the aesthetics were focused around clip-on handlebars, a solo seat with a seat hump, and the lovely pin-stripes.
This specific Honda GB500 (VIN: JH2PC1619KK000122) is in ‘like new’ condition with just 4,627 miles. It was bought in 2010 and has been put on display since. The seller claims that it runs great and everything works, so I guess he/she took it out and verified that right before listing it for sale?
Find this Honda GB500 for sale in Linden, Michigan with bidding up to $4,950 and the reserve not yet met