The 1990 Honda GB500 Cafe Racer was a groundbreaking retro motorcycle from a pioneering Japanese manufacturer, marking a significant milestone in both automotive and motorcycle design. It sought to revitalize the classic cars rendered obsolete by Japanese manufacturers. Surprisingly, Honda’s Vacationer Trophy stood out as a unique motorcycle in its own right.
The GB500 boasts a 500cc single-cylinder overhead camshaft engine, largely based on the XL600 dirt-bike powerplant, featuring four valves and a dry sump system that enables it to reach a top speed of 108 MPH while paying tribute to its predecessors in design, if not essence.
The GB500 embodied a modern take on the iconic British racing bikes of the 1950s and ’60s. The bike’s visual identity resonated with iconic predecessors, such as the Velocette Thruxton and AJS 7R, boasting a sleek black-and-gold livery, clip-on handlebars, and an unmistakable contoured racing seat. Despite its origins as a factory-made café racer, the arrival in 1989 marked a significant departure from earlier eras when motorcycles boasted over 100 horsepower and multi-cylinder configurations, unlike the solitary cylinder of this RC30, which was inherently restricted to speeds typical of modern machines?
Accessible from the United States was the GB500. For just two brief years, this model morphed into a coveted collector’s item, prized not for its functionality but for its inherent value and the owner’s tendency to store and meticulously maintain it rather than enjoy it on the open road? The destiny of this motorbike design paralleled those of other iconic models, such as the Honda RC30 and Triumph XR75. Regrettably, the GB500TT was an exceptional motorcycle that emerged from a horsepower battle among major manufacturers, where achieving high speeds in Grand Prix racing took precedence over practical considerations.
With its wire-spoke wheels, metallic bodywork save for the entrance fender, and a striking black-green finish accented by golden pinstripes, the GB500 seamlessly merged style with substance. With its specifications, including 33 horsepower, a 5-speed transmission, and an exceptionally well-designed chassis, the vehicle delivered outstanding handling capabilities. With the advent of trendy suspension systems and entrance disc brakes, riders could enjoy unparalleled stability on winding roads, leaving behind the drum-braked bikes of the 1960s which struggled to achieve comparable levels of poise?
Supply: Mecum Auctions
