Find or Sell Motorcycles & Scooters in USA

1990 Honda Gb500 Tourist Trophy; 1-owner, 5k Miles, Jack Batson Exhaust on 2040-motos

US $7,900.00
YearYear:1990 MileageMileage:4966 ColorColor: Black Green Metallic
Location:

Seattle, Washington, US

Seattle, Washington, US
QR code
1990 HONDA GB500 Tourist Trophy; 1-Owner, 5K Miles, Jack Batson Exhaust, US $7,900.00, image 1

Honda Other photos

1990 HONDA GB500 Tourist Trophy; 1-Owner, 5K Miles, Jack Batson Exhaust, US $7,900.00, image 2 1990 HONDA GB500 Tourist Trophy; 1-Owner, 5K Miles, Jack Batson Exhaust, US $7,900.00, image 3 1990 HONDA GB500 Tourist Trophy; 1-Owner, 5K Miles, Jack Batson Exhaust, US $7,900.00, image 4 1990 HONDA GB500 Tourist Trophy; 1-Owner, 5K Miles, Jack Batson Exhaust, US $7,900.00, image 5 1990 HONDA GB500 Tourist Trophy; 1-Owner, 5K Miles, Jack Batson Exhaust, US $7,900.00, image 6 1990 HONDA GB500 Tourist Trophy; 1-Owner, 5K Miles, Jack Batson Exhaust, US $7,900.00, image 7

Honda Other tech info

TypeType:Tourist Trophy Engine Size (cc)Engine Size (cc):499 WarrantyWarranty:Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty For Sale ByFor Sale By:Private Seller VINVIN:JH2PC1601LK101194

Honda Other description

1990 Honda GB500L Tourist Trophy, single-cylinder, 500cc motorcycle.  Purchased as a "new, non-current model" on August 11, 1992 from Gresham's Mt. Hood Honda in Gresham, OR.  This bike, (like many of it's brethren) languished on the sales floor; a victim of it's perceived high sales price and anemic performance compared to the 600cc sport bikes of the day.  However, by the mid-90's the bike was quickly achieving cult-status among serious enthusiasts for it's accurate recreation of the Cafe' Racers popular in Post-War Britain, (minus of course the reliability issues commonly associated with those machines.)


The bike is powered by Honda's venerable 499cc, Dry-Sump, RFVC, (Radial Four Valve Combustion Chamber) Engine which is started by the kick starter or the "electric leg" button on the right handlebar.  Telescopic, female-slider front forks and dual, exposed-spring rear shocks handle road irregularities.  A dual piston caliper grips the single front brake rotor with a drum brake out back.  The bike carries typical modern electrics and instrumentation as well as indicators for tail lamp failure and side stand in the down position.

It is a single-seater with factory clip-ons and a unit-colored cowl over it's butt-stop upholstered seat.  The riding position is a bit aggressive, emphasizing road-feel over cruising comfort but is not severe.  Shouldered alloy rims with large diameter chrome spokes complete the look of Honda's homage to a bygone era.

This particular bike has been in the loving care of it's original owner for over 20 years prior to my purchasing it two weeks ago.  It has travelled just shy of 5000 miles and been garage kept it's entire service life.  The bike does show some slight conditional issues based on it's having grown up in the high relative humidity of the Pacific Northwest.  These are most evident in some corrosion showing in the corners of the hex-head fork caps and steering stem nut/washer.  There is minimal failure of the clearcoat on the front fork lowers, (most noticeable on the left leg) and some small stains on the alloy rims.  I mention these as they were the flaws that would not respond to gentle detailing, (I will not resort to corrosive chemicals or harsh abrasives when detailing my bikes.)  The fork caps and steering stem nut/washer are still available from Honda should this be of concern.

The paint is glossy and shows no nicks or scratches.  The tank is clean and rust free inside and shows no dents or dings.  The sidecovers are beautiful with no damage to structure or finish.  The upholstery on the seat is beautiful, soft and supple.  There is no cracking of the seat cowl around the mounting screws common on these bikes.  All graphics are present and perfect.  The bike retains it's original hand grips, control levers, foot peg rubbers, fork gaiters, OEM mirrors and Bridgestone Mag Mopus tires, (which should be replaced before any spirited riding is attempted unless the bike is destined for museum or display.)

The bike sports a unique Jack Batson full stainless steel exhaust system, installed per the recommendations of the manufacturer with a Factory Pro jet kit, adjustable carburetor needle jet and NGK iridium sparkplug.  It is currently jetted for approximately 800 ft. elevation. These modifications have been in place for only the last approximately 500 miles per the previous owner.  I have owned and ridden several GB's in the past, some stock, some with aftermarket modifications such as Supertrapp exhausts. This bike, by virtue of the performance enhancements brought by the carburetor and exhaust modifications along with the weight savings these parts and it's Shorai Lithium Battery afford make it the strongest running GB I've had the pleasure of riding. 

I know that many enthusiasts of these bikes want them bone-stock or "As Soichiro Intended" and I understand this philosophy as I share it regarding my own collection of vintage Honda motorcycles.  This bike will ship with all it's stock components, (exhaust header, muffler and associated hardware; air pump and associated plumbing; front side markers) carefully packaged to retain their pristine condition or, should the purchaser desire, I can refit them.  The cost for taking the bike back to stock will be my retention of the aftermarket exhaust and carburetor parts, (the lithium battery goes with the bike either way.)  Should the purchaser desire this retrofit, I would strongly suggest that they not ride the bike in it's current state as they will be greatly disappointed with it's performance in stock trim.

The bike will ship with it's clean/clear Oregon Title, two OEM keys, full documentation from day of purchase, original OEM Owner's Manual & Owner's Identification Card, complete OEM toolkit, Factory Honda Repair Manual and original installation and tuning instructions for the Batson pipe.  This auction presents a unique opportunity to own a highly sought after and collectible motorcycle with a complete history of prior ownership.  The bike has been ridden enough to assure that it has not suffered from the degradation associated with extended periods of non-use, yet it's mileage is by no means excessive given the time it has been "on the road".  It shows the pride of ownership and degree of care lavished upon it by it's former, (essentially only) owner and whether ridden or displayed will be an asset, (most likely an appreciating one) to any motorcycle enthusiast's life.

The buyer will be responsible for any and all costs related to transport but I will assist in any way I can including but not limited to recommending licensed and bonded shippers with whom I have past relationships or delivering the bike myself.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions pertaining to vehicle condition, purchase or transport on (206) 935-9183, (no texts, please.) Thanks for looking/bidding!

Moto blog

Stoner explains the tank slapper

Mon, 03 Oct 2011

Casey Stoner looked all set to win at Motegi, after translating his pole position into an early race-lead. But coming over the crest on the back straight his bike momentarily lost control in a tank slapper. Regaining composure the championship leader was forced to pump his brakes to get the pads back in place, with the rear-wheel bouncing in the air he ran out of time and space to make the 90 degree right hander and was forced to run into the gravel.

Isle of Man TT 2013: Lightweight TT Race Results

Fri, 07 Jun 2013

James Hillier set new lap time and race time records in a dominating victory in the Lightweight TT race for the 2013 Isle of Man TT. All three of the Kawasaki rider’s lap times were faster than the previous lap record for the Lightweight TT class, for a record overall time of 57:42.245 and average speed of 117.694 mph. The race started with another Kawasaki rider (the class is dominated with Kawasaki Ninja 650s with a few Suzuki SV650s) Dean Harrison taking the early lead through the Glen Helen viewpoint but Hillier was right on his tail about half a second behind.

Casey Stoner To Be Named MotoGP Legend

Fri, 11 Oct 2013

There’s no question Casey Stoner was (and still is) one of the best riders ever to throw a leg over a motorcycle. His accomplishments on two wheels, especially his championships on both Ducati and Honda machinery, are proof. Next week at the MotoGP round at Phillip Island in Australia, Stoner will join a distinct group of riders as he will be officially inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame.