Classic 1984 Honda XBR 500 Motorcycle with Original Fairings

~ Classic 1984 Honda XBR 500 Motorcycle with Original Fairings ~

This is a bit of an odd listing for us but it came as a job lot so here it is out for sale! We have a video available with the engine running if you are interested

The 1984 Honda XBR 500 is a classic, single-cylinder roadster motorcycle introduced by Honda in the mid-1980s. Known for its retro styling and simple, robust engineering, the XBR 500 was designed to cater to riders who appreciated the nostalgic charm and torque-rich performance of single-cylinder bikes, reminiscent of British “thumpers” from the 1950s and 60s.

Technical Specs:

Engine: 498cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke with RFVC technology
Power: ~44 horsepower
Top Speed: ~100 mph
Weight: 160 kg (353 lbs)
Brakes: Front disc, rear drum
Styling: Retro, British-inspired roadster with minimalist design

The bike comes with its original fairings and light (please check the pictures) but they are not installed on it as seen.

It is clear to me that the bike was owned by someone who was using it every day and loved it.

No MOT adivsories since 2017. On a closer inspection you can see that it was stored in a garage for less than a year, because the petrol in it was new. Last MOT expired in March 2024.

If you have time and want to recomission it is an easy job. If not probably around £300 will do it with a mechanic.

Technical condition:
1. Engine works with no issues.
2. The carburator needs do be adjusted a bit, but is in good working order.
3. Tires are new.
4. All the houses and fittings look new.
5. The exhaust is a modern replacement but it works just fine.
6. It needs a new battery.
7. Break contact for the hand break needs cleaning but the light works (the foot break lights up).
8. All the other electrics work fine.
9. Brakes are sticky so they will need a good clean.
10. Chain and sprocket need cleaning and lubricating.
11. The odometer used to indicate 40k miles in 2014 then the bike had no MOT until 2017 when the odometer shows 70k mikes. So i presume that it was recomissioned and the odometer was replaced, meaning that the real milage may be actually 30k lower.

Overall, this will be a workhorse beside being a clasic and will keep runing for a long time.

Design and Development of the Honda XBR 500:

1. Background and Purpose:
   • Honda launched the XBR 500 as part of an effort to capture the growing interest in classic-style motorcycles. This model offered modern reliability with a traditional, straightforward design.
   • It was aimed at riders who enjoyed lightweight bikes with ample torque and the simplicity of air-cooled, single-cylinder engines.
2. Engine and Performance:
   • The XBR 500 was powered by a 498cc, four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a four-valve head and twin-port exhaust.
   • It produced approximately 44 horsepower at 7,500 rpm, which, combined with the engine’s single-cylinder torque, provided a strong mid-range response ideal for spirited city and country riding.
   • A unique feature was the radial four-valve combustion chamber (RFVC) design, which helped optimize airflow and fuel efficiency.
   • The bike had a top speed of around 100 mph and could achieve impressive fuel economy, appealing to riders interested in a practical yet engaging ride.
3. Chassis and Frame:
   • Built on a lightweight, tubular steel frame, the XBR 500 was designed to offer good handling characteristics, making it suitable for both urban commuting and winding country roads.
   • Its overall weight was approximately 160 kg (about 353 lbs), which made it nimble and easy to handle.
4. Braking and Suspension:
   • The bike featured disc brakes in the front and a drum brake at the rear, a common setup at the time that provided adequate stopping power.
   • The suspension system included telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, which balanced comfort and handling.
5. Styling and Features:
   • The styling was classic and minimalist, with a round headlamp, flat seat, and exposed engine that gave it a retro aesthetic reminiscent of British motorcycles.
   • A notable feature was the twin exhaust ports on the single-cylinder engine, which allowed for a more balanced exhaust system and added a distinct visual appeal.
   • Some models were equipped with a small café racer-style flyscreen over the headlamp, enhancing the vintage look.
6. Legacy and Collectibility:
   • While not produced in massive quantities, the XBR 500 has developed a loyal following among fans of single-cylinder motorcycles and vintage Honda models.
   • Its reliable engineering and classic styling make it a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts, and its simple mechanical design appeals to those who enjoy working on their bikes.
7. End of Production and Successors:
   • The XBR 500 was only in production for a few years, ending in the late 1980s, as Honda shifted focus to models like the Honda GB500 TT, which retained similar aesthetics but with slight refinements aimed at the café racer market.
   • Despite its short production run, the XBR 500’s design influenced the continued appreciation for “retro” single-cylinder motorcycles, inspiring later models and custom builds.