1988 Honda XBR500

Summary:

Brilliant!

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Like others, having reached my eighties, I found many bikes too large and heavy for me to push around without dropping something. I like only large capacity single-cylinder machines, so the available choice was not great. I was fortunate in acquiring the SJ model, last iteration of the XBR with wire wheels and, having got used to it after decades of the archetypal "Britbike", I have come to love it.

It is small, narrow, light and very responsive, both in handling and engine behaviour. Roadholding is excellent and entirely predictable. In short - it is just a great deal of fun. But it is a "sports" bike and I think would prove less than ideal on longer, touring journeys.

At the moment the XBR remains affordable but, together with the GB500, at last they are being recognised as something a bit special and prices are increasing accordingly. Be quick. I cannot think that anyone would regret owning one of these little crackers. Mine's a keeper.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2021

1987 Honda XBR500

Summary:

Fun, cheap, reliable and capable

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

This is my third one. I have been riding bikes for 40 years and I have just purchased another one. Always fun to ride, effortless roll on of power delivery, predictable handling, massive tank range; 200 miles easy.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th October, 2017

1986 Honda XBR500

Summary:

A cheap, fun, 80s classic that's rewarding to own and ride. Great little bike :-)

Faults:

Silencers were pretty shot when I bought the bike, so fitted a 2>1 Predator stainless system.

Side panels re-sprayed, otherwise a smart bike.

Recently failed it M.O.T. on the rear brake - wheel spun up on a lathe and lightly skimmed the hub braking surface, new shoes fitted, and passed its re-test.

General Comments:

A fairly simple 500 thumper that is great fun to ride on sunny Sunday mornings. Long journeys are probably not that comfortable, and with stock bars and mirrors, the rear view is hopeless.

The bike has much charm and character - I'll not be parting company with it in the foreseeable future...

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2015

1988 Honda XBR500

Summary:

Brilliant, reliable, excellent bike

Faults:

The only thing that has ever went wrong with this bike, is when I first bought it and had to have the rear brake drum re-lined.

General Comments:

This is the best bike I have ever had. Would not and will not part with it. She goes where you want her too, and does everything you ask.

I prefer this to my Triumph Trophy and my Honda VTR1000.

If you want reliability, fun and good handling, this is the bike. Just remember the brakes are not up to modern day standards... however the engine braking compensates for this.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2012

1985 Honda XBR500

Summary:

Buy one before the classic bike nuts discover just how good it is

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

After having to sell my Triumph Trident due to hip problems last year, I was looking for a fun light weight bike to use at weekends and trips to work.

I found this XBR in a small bike garage in Exmouth. I paid £650 for it with 12 month MOT. The bike was tidy but needed a good clean.

I can really recommend these bikes, as I don't think I've had so much fun on any bike I've ever owned, and I have had 15.

It can run rings around larger and newer bikes on A & B roads; just keep the revs up and your knee down.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th November, 2008

23rd Dec 2009, 06:59

XBR a classic? Surely not one of those huckery looking things with the comstar wheels and odd styling.

Why even bother when there are GB 500's out there?

4th Apr 2015, 21:53

Don't underestimate the XBR500 my friend; yes the GB500 will likely be more sought after, but that doesn't mean the XBR won't become a classic bike.

Look at any classic bike dealer and you'll see all manner of turnips rated as classic! The beauty is in the eye of the beholder; it may not be pretty to you, but I love the old thumper...

I agree with the original post, tuck one of these away now while they are cheap as chips :-)

22nd Jun 2015, 09:27

Not all had the lighter comstars. I'm lucky, I got both.

29th Aug 2016, 09:16

That's right, keep on talking, that way the prices will remain nice and affordable.

26th Jun 2021, 11:18

How many XBR's did they make with spoked wheels?

4th Oct 2021, 16:08

I don't know the total numbers manufactured with wire wheels, but about 180 were imported into the UK at the end of the XBR production run. These wheels remained in production with the GB500TT until 1990.

8th Jun 2022, 19:49

It has to be admitted that the XBR, particularly with the "designer" Comstar wheels, is less aesthetically pleasing than the later GB500, but it is an excellent model with superb handling and a degree of performance greater than the GB500 due to its additional four horsepower. I've owned many machines over 60 years, but none has provided more satisfying fun than my SJ variant of the XBR500. Good examples are still affordable - just.