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Difference between revisions of "Honda GB500"
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By 1989 the British twin cylinder motorcycles were replaced by British triples and primarily by the Japanese bikes. Each year the Tourist Trophy race was held on the [[Isle of Man]] and Honda was determined to bring back the flavor of those British twins with a bike that had look of the Norton and Triumph racing bikes. | By 1989 the British twin cylinder motorcycles were replaced by British triples and primarily by the Japanese bikes. Each year the Tourist Trophy race was held on the [[Isle of Man]] and Honda was determined to bring back the flavor of those British twins with a bike that had look of the Norton and Triumph racing bikes. [[Honda]] responded by launching its GB500 as a retro-bike with styling and components that recalled fond memories for many motorcyclists of the classic British cycles. The GB500 was a clever package, designed to appeal to a new market that no current motorcycle maker had tapped: the classic, collectible cycles and the older enthusiast. And while numerous British-cycle riders may have never given a second look at a Honda, the GB500 won many a heart. | ||
==GB for Great Britain== | |||
The GB500's nomenclature spelled out exactly what the cycle was designed to be: the GB stood for Great Britain, belying the bike's styling heritage; the 500 denoted the 500cc displacement, in itself a telltale, classic engine size. To top it of!', the black and gold paint scheme of the GB500's gas tank, side panels and rear seat cover immediately called to mind the [[Velocette]] and [[Vincent|HRD-Vincent]] colors. | |||
==Revival of the "Thumper"== | |||
The most important aspect of a motorcycle is of course the engine, and Honda got that right as well. The GB500 was powered by a simple engine with a single, near-vertical cylinder, which reminded riders of many a classic British "thumper," from [[Norton]] to [[BSA]], [[AJS]] to [[Matchless]]. And even with current noise and exhaust emissions regulations, the GB500's engine emitted a deep-throated howl that echoed back to the past. | |||
The GB500 had no [[fairing]] or 16-inch wheels seen on Japanese sportbikes. Instead the wheels were wire-spoked. The forks had gaiters. The handlebars were clip-ons. The fuel tank was blocky. A tail [[fairing]] was placed behind the one person saddle. The engine was a 500 cc vertical single with a two-into-one header. However the single front disc brake belied the retro look. | The GB500 had no [[fairing]] or 16-inch wheels seen on Japanese sportbikes. Instead the wheels were wire-spoked. The forks had gaiters. The handlebars were clip-ons. The fuel tank was blocky. A tail [[fairing]] was placed behind the one person saddle. The engine was a 500 cc vertical single with a two-into-one header. However the single front disc brake belied the retro look. | ||
The GB500 was too early for the retro | The GB500 was likely too early for the retro craze of the 21st century. | ||
==1989== | ==1989== | ||