1986 Honda XBR500 from Australia

Summary:

Sweet ride to own

Faults:

I need help. The bike was tipped over by a dork who can't park and has since not started. The first time when I started, it started fine with the choke on, and once I put down the choke, it completely died. And haven't been able to restart it since. Any thoughts on fixing it would be much appreciated as I would like to keep the bike.

General Comments:

Other than the mishap with the dork who tipped it and have caused the bike not running, the 4 months I did ride it was great! Although it was an old bike, it would start every time without a problem, and it was great on the road with virtually no issues with fuel efficiency.

I was doing 300km (?) per tank on about AUD$10... Now that's value for money. The motorcycle is good all round, but not ideal for long rides.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2009

29th Aug 2016, 09:15

Maybe the tick over screw needs adjusting; the choke cable is a pain BTW. It is only just long enough and easy to pull out, causing all sorts of weird running problems. I am seriously thinking of getting a choke lever on the carb.

1985 Honda XBR500 from United Kingdom

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?

In reply to 23rd Dec 2009, 06:59

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 :-)

In reply to 4th Apr 2015, 21:53

22nd Jun 2015, 09:27

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

In reply to 23rd Dec 2009, 06:59

29th Aug 2016, 09:16

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

In reply to 22nd Jun 2015, 09:27

26th Jun 2021, 11:18

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

In reply to 26th Jun 2021, 11:18

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.

In reply to 4th Apr 2015, 21:53

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.

In reply to 23rd Dec 2009, 06:59

23rd May 2025, 11:49

The GB500 was never officially imported into the UK.

In reply to 23rd May 2025, 11:49

23rd Mar 2026, 16:47

The GB500 unquestionably is a better-looking bike (although essentially the same mechanically but 14% less power). However, currently it is three times the price (which is likely to increase), so not such good value from a riding point of view. Nevertheless, it has to be admitted, that the Comstar wheels definitely are an off-putting factor.