1989 Honda GB500 'Tourist Trophy'
Iconic Factory-Built Café Racer Special
Rare, Beautiful and Extremely FUN
Sold new in Richmond, VA - where it remains
- in 1991, two years after it was built by Honda Japan.
In better condition than my 1,100 mile classic
Honda - ridden by its eccentric original owner on many cross-country rides
and apparently wiped down top to bottom after every single one - paint and
chrome are completely original and near-mint. A few flaws are noted - very
slight chips touched up and the chromed plastic front fork cover has cracked
very slightly.
Not only has this very special machine received
new Avon Road Rider tires, a new battery and a complete professional service
by 'CycleDoc' Eppa Wimbish since lately being brought out of a short period
of storage, I've put almost 100 miles on the bike to run fresh high-octane
fuel through it as the Sta-Bil-ized fuel was causing a slight rough running
condition. It is now completely ready to ride home - anywhere.
While it appears too small for a taller (or
fatter) rider, I confess to being both of these and cannot describe the
jubilation I felt on finding how much fun this bike is to ride. I intended
to give it a quick run around the block, but two hours later I returned
home from showing it off to friends and enjoying a few brisk laps of Richmond's
Riverside Drive.
The big thumper single is anything but a detractor,
for unlike most Hondas it provides unbelievable low end torque and yet revs
high. This is a high-tech 4-stroke dirt bike engine, worlds away from most
singles even 20 years on.
Note the condition of the downpipes, not a spot
of blue.
As stated before, the original deep green metallic
finish and pinstriping is near indiscernable from new. The colour reminds
me of my late friend Bob Sinclair's '74 Norton Commando, no doubt what Honda
was going for when they created this tribute to the famed Isle of Man competition
bikes.
The new Avon Road Rider in the rear complements
this bike to a T.
It does seem to sit low on its side stand, you
may want to carry a block of wood with you if you can for a rocky parking
lot.
A beautiful machine with classic lines and 'the
best looking fuel tank of any motorcycle anywhere' - I remember that quote
from over 20 years ago...
Under the seat is as spotless as the topside.
Put your wood block next to this tool roll for
parking.
They didn't plate these tools very well, I doubt
they've ever been used.
Under the right side cover.
The right side cover with owners manual pouch...
...and a spare key, shhhh, don't tell anyone....
The original owner's card (please don't pester
him)
A few more miles since this time but look at
the absolute absence of wear to the switchgear, key scratches on the cover,
et.c.
Running on choke.
Please note also that all the air pump nonsense
is gone. This and the Napoleon Bar-End Mirrors are the only deviations from
stock on this entire machine.
Not much to see here under the left side cover
apart from the absolute cleanliness of everything on this machine.
The best shot I could give you of the VIN sticker
And on the opposite rail, the VIN stamp.
Finally, a closeup of the beautiful rim and
front tire as well as the brake disc and fork.
a little about me and this bike, too
I'm Chip Lamb,
collector automobile analyst and inspector for various
publications and appraisal outfits.
From time to time, I buy unique vehicles for resale or am contacted by a
friend or colleague to help thin out one of their collections (usually so
they can just turn around and buy more). This situation is one of the latter.
This bike is currently owned by our local revered motorcycle guru, Eppa
Wimbish, who most recently serviced three of my father's unique preservation
pieces prior to resale - two of which, if you follow my ads, have been featured
in this high-detail format on eBay in recent months. It was due to these
being so honestly and forthrightly sold to good people that he asked me
to handle the sale of this incredible piece.
Now, I'm sure many of you are torn between the
odometer reading and the condition of this bike. I guarantee - as does Eppa
- the validity of the mileage and of the bike's original condition. I have
mentioned a few very slight cosmetic flaws above. The bike has no other
problems from rust, exposure or lack of maintenance in any regard - anywhere.
While the warranty long ago expired, it would be extremely hard for you
to find a bike with one-tenth the mileage of this one that you should feel
better about purchasing. I myself felt the need to verify the bike's condition
and I did so, pushing the machine to its limit on a few occasions and found
that it had no flaws in any respect that I can determine.
payment and shipping information
Payment is required in cash or certified funds
within seven (7) days of auction close unless
agreed to by both of us prior to your placing a successful bid - period.
Pickup or shipping is required within fourteen
(14) days of auction close, again, unless
agreed to by both of us prior to your placing a successful bid - period.
If you have negative feedback or are new to
eBay with fewer than 10 feedbacks, please contact me directly prior to placing
a bid - I've had lots of great experiences with new eBay members but I like
to be sure.
Fraudulent bidders will be prosecuted to the
fullest extent of the law. I am a busy man and am very impatient with dishonest
people. Bid to win and try to play a game on me, we'll have a very large
problem that will very shortly fall completely on you. I needn't elaborate
further since I'm sure all fraudulent bidders have read this far and now
gone on to easier marks.
Test rides are welcome, bring a tag, a helmet
and your valid motorcycle license. You will also need to sign a legal document
that stipulates that if you break it, you buy it at the Buy-It-Now price
on the spot where you and it fall. I've been red-faced before but never
on anyone else's machine, and I would hope that if you did even the slightest
damage to this while giving it a check-ride that you would be a big boy
or girl and own up to it.
GOT QUESTIONS?
COMMENTS? CONCERNS?
E-MAIL ME OR CALL 804-357-4926