GB500... should I?

[masterofpuppets]

Hello people,
well today i came across a rusty old honda GB500 that a guy wants to sell. The truth is i have a bit of a soft spot for these bikes, and ive always wanted one. I am also on the lookout for a new project and this might be perfect.
So do you people reckon that a thousand bucks is an ok price to pay for one that does run, with 45000 clicks on it. the chrome and paint is pretty rough but hey it is a project. and no wof or reg but it is on hold. it seems that these bikes have been getting dearer and dearer lately.
i'm contemplating whether or not to buy it, so do you think that is a fairish price for something that will need some work?

[FilthyLuka]

DO IT! then put in some XR500 high lift cams :)

[98tls]

NO......if it was spelt CB500FOUR then i would say yes.

[masterofpuppets]

thats not CB, but GB...

[Bonez]

If you can pick it up cheap go for it.

I've got a GB400 I'm having a ball on. It's stock with 71,000kms up. The Ashurst lads are quite familiar with Gerble ;). Simpler than 500/550 fours to work on ( I have a 550F which has a way better gearbox setup than the 500/4s, owned a 500/4 as well) The GB500s had head issues which can be cured by grafting XR600 heads on.

Spankme has done heaps with his GB500.

[paturoa]

Do it and make a rat

[SpankMe]

Do it. The GB500 is the most fun bike I've ever ridden. Love mine (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=6807) to bits.

[xwhatsit]

No, horrible bikes. In fact, you can tell the guy he'll never be able to sell it for any price -- tell him to give me a call and I'll do him a favour by taking it off his hands for free.

[jonbuoy]

Love those GB500's. If the chrome is rooted it won't be cheap to get re-plated - I was quoted over $400 for a front fender alone, you could get the chrome stripped and have it all aluminum ceramic coated by HPC coatings. I've had this done on a few things and it looks great and a fraction of the cost.

[SpankMe]

Had my springs done by HPC using their HiPerCoat (http://www.hpcoatings.co.nz/exhaust.htm). Chrome kept rusting, but the HiPerCoat has stayed looking good even thou the bike is parked outside when at work.

[SVboy]

Go for it-I have always had a soft spot for these bikes too!

[deanohit]

Hell yea! Sounds perfect for a project that isn't going to take years to complete.

And a NX650 motor slots in reasonably easy apparently.

[Robbo]

Yep, go for it. The GB500 is now a very collectable bike and in top condition can fetch around $3-4 k. A grand is an ok price to pay if you intend to restore it.

[Paulo]

Yep I've I'm onto my second , (sold the first and regetted it right away) They run well and are really fun on the twisties (and even at legal speeds) I put some tommaselli clipons on (adjustable and lower) and am planning to do a lot more.... Oh i ride it everyday and my car just sits in the driveway not getting much love.

[gijoe1313]

Do it! I always wanted one of these bikes for myself and if you can score one for a 1000 squiddies and do a little restoration on it? Bonus!