'89 GB500 TT - Factory Cafe Racer - Rare 2 Year Only - Cherished Since New

1989 Honda GB500 TT Rare. Cult Classic Impeccably Maintained and Preserved Model History –I’ve been a fan of this bike for a long time. Given it’s cult following. I’m sure many of you know much more than I. What a bike! Unique. uncompromising design statements like this don’t come around often. It must have been a thrill to work on the design and engineering team of this project. Draw inspiration from legends like the Norton Manx. BSA Gold Star and AJS 7R. make it right. dial in the fit and finish to Honda standards. All right. let’s go. Click for a slideshow of all pics -- http://s1382. photobucket. com/user/rootedowne/slideshow/1989%20Honda%20GB500%20TTImagine the impact Honda had on the world of motorcycling in the 60’s and 70’s. Paying tribute to an era from which they drew a great deal of inspiration was a class play. These were no ordinary bikes. They were expensive when new and meant for a unique type of enthusiast. This was a project born of respect for the heritage of a sport and lifestyle that helped the company thrive – no corners cut. no excuses. Paint. Striping and Logos – This bike was offered in what Honda called “Black Green”. It is a kind of black that keeps you engaged and wondering. From some angles. you get a bit of blue reflection from the metallic mix. others reveal a bit of green. Like the rest of the bike. it was a decided on with the clear intention of being a timeless classic. The paint on this bike still has a very deep gloss finish. Take it to any show or event with pride. The striping also draws inspiration from classic 50’s and 60’s bikes. I think the AJS 7R double line stripes that accentuate the shape of the tank must have tumbled around in a few heads late at night. The Tourist Trophy. Honda logos and striping on the seat cowl are all in excellent shape. Honda managed to pay earnest respect. while at the same time making a bike clearly all their own. Engine – This is another interesting aspect of this unique development project. Many of the bikes for which this is a tribute were single cylinder thumpers. They sound fantastic and Honda had to fight and claw for quite some time to catch them on circuits like the Isle of Man TT itself. So. a thumper it should be. They already had a 600 single in their stable with the reputation of being almost indestructible – the venerable XL600. Sleeve it down to a 500cc displacement and there you go. It’s a dry sump. air-cooled engine driving a five-speed transmission via primary gears and a wet clutch. It’s cradled in a single down tube dual-cradle steel frame. Some have referred to this bike as having all the wonderful design cues of vintage bikes without the vintage grief. Well said. Details – Quality build and materials abound on this bike. No wonder it cost more than a Harley Sportser when new. The side covers are steel and the right side has a sleeve for docs. The foot peg brackets. clip-on bars. seat cover and cowl are all expertly designed and built. Chrome bezels for gauges period correct. indicators and gauges. up to date and very functional. It really is a unique blend of uncompromising form and function.