Honda GB500 tt

[SpankMe]

I am looking for a Honda GB500 tt in excellent condition. I owned one many years ago and I would like to own one again as a second bike.



<a href="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=132944#post132944">update: I got one.</a>

<a href="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=315278#post315278">Engine rebuild & 600cc upgrade cost</a>

<a href="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=682590#post682590">Frame repainted</a>

Example pictures of a GB500

[Two Smoker]

I am looking for a Honda GB500tt in excellent condition. I owned one many years ago and I would like to own one again as a second bike.
I saw one (quite a while ago) at Cyclespot.... Silver one, can't remember much about it....

[Motu]

Luverly things - be in now,they have been cult for awhile and the chances of getting a mint one cheap are declining.

[SpankMe]

Bugger, just missed out on a mint one (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-16633048.htm) on Trademe. :crazy: Only 22,000K's for only $3,300.

[Motu]

That was a steal alright - was it withdrawn? it didn't go to reserve.

[SpankMe]

I emailed her and it was sold. :(

There's an 88 model (http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=18864223) with 41,000 K's going for $4000, but it's in Palmerston North. A bit far to go just for a look.

When I get one I will look at getting the 600cc bore kit (http://www.thumperstuff.com/GB500.html). :niceone:

[boris]

i was speaking to a bloke with a gb600 with a flatslde carb and he says it will do 180kph now.I have just pulled my Gb500 to bits.I am going to rebuild it,I mite buy a Gb400 to get some parts i need, swap the bits over and resell it.there are two 400 on trade me.

[digsaw]

try OLD EDGE he got one for sale,a real minter(1950 350 Matchless,1970 BSA Lightning,1971 BSA Lightning 1988 Honda GB 500 TT) in THAMES

[Kwaka-Kid]

bit late as it wasnt too long ago my mums hubbie sold his - was identical to the one u posted pics of cept it was the blue colour, mint as apart from 90,000km on original piston/rings (we beleived) so she was starting to smoke quite a bit, pitty as it would have been perfect to do a rebuild of, and just to rub it in he sold it for $1200.

[SpankMe]

Big thanks to XJ/FROSTY for checking out a bike in Wellington for me. Pity about the dent in the tank. You might have to explain some of the other stuff you said. I'm not very mechanically minded.

Also found this one (http://classiccarfair.com/1987hondagb500.htm) in Christchurch. I've emailed the guy to send some high res images for me to look at. Getting it to Auckland will be a mission. Does anyone know of a reliable bike shop in Christchurch that could check the bike and give me a report?

I still gotta check out the one for sale by Old Edge in Thames. I was actually in Kopu today, but I didn't expect to get out that far when I went for the ride so I didn't have the contact details with me.

Emailed the guys at Thumper Stuff (http://www.thumperstuff.com/) about the 600cc bore kit a few days ago, but have not heard back.

[FROSTY]

Spank-re the bike--ok basicly its bloody MINT.
The chrome work was all perfect -No rust Including the header pipes -still nice and clean chrome. The alloy bits all gleamed and the paintwork was perfect. Tyres were good quality and about half worn. Chain,sprockets looked to be in good nick. -Overall it looked to be a genuine one owner bike.
Faulting it as I could see/ hear.
1) the tip (last 1cm) of the left footpeg was broken off.
2 ) there was a shallow (5mm deep) dent 150mm back from the front of the tank just on the line of the tank Its the size of 2 50c pieces side by side-The paint wasn't damaged so its possible it might be pushed out
3) the muffler was starting to rust in a 10c piece sized patch at the bottom of the muffler. That definitely in keeping with the age and milage of the bike.
My overall impression was of a bike usually garaged and well loved the tyre wear and hero knob still on the undamaged footpeg indicated an older owner.
I would ask if the rego is on hold because therego sticker was a 2003 sticker.

[Kwaka-Kid]

spankme, FYI: http://www.thumperpage.com/articles/GBprep.html
check that out mate, the lot of it, its the best guide to doin up a GB500 ive seen

Anyways if you did get into really doing it up some come around sometime and chat to my old man about them, i was sifting thru carbs for my XR500 and finally found the 40mm flatslide pumper that he had on his race bike, so now its on the XR500 and man the extra grunt is awesome!

they converted a stock XR500 motor that redlines around 5,500rpm (approx 33-36hp? and bare in mind the GB500 is a detuned XR500 motor as its got the heavy flywheel and timing is so far out) to a 68-69hp 13,000 rpm race bike at that stage in F3 running on methanol, but even on petrol i imagine it would not be unsatisfactory.

[SpankMe]

Can anyone in Christchurch take a look at a GB500 for me? It’s at Street And Sport Motorcycles, 63 Manchester St. I've talked to the orignal owner (http://classiccarfair.com/1987hondagb500.htm) and it sounds absolutely mint. Just need to know if there is ANY rust, dents, scratches or holes in the upholstery. Also if it starts ok.

[onearmedbandit]

I could pop past there tomorrow for you if you still need someone. Also I can take some pics of any damage/wear/etc if necessary. Let me know.

[SpankMe]

That would be just brill mate. :niceone: The shop owner said he was goner send me some pics, but more is always better.

[onearmedbandit]

No prob, I'll shoot away from work in the morning, get back and update you then. If there's any pics I think you need to see, I'll post them/email to you when I get home. (About 6pm)

[カワサキキド]

I could pop past there tomorrow for you if you still need someone. Also I can take some pics of any damage/wear/etc if necessary. Let me know.

I'm going to be parked outside there tmrw, while I go to pick up my new boots, I'll pop in and check it out too.

I was in there on Friday but I didn't notice it..I don't really look at bikes that start with the letter H

[dangerous]

Can anyone in Christchurch take a look at a GB500 for me? It’s at Street And Sport Motorcycles
Sounds like its all under control.... was in there on sat actually, checking out a Rocket3, was a bit disapointed really the engine looked worse/older than a 1970's Triumph car block, it was black.... but just down the rd ther was a red one out side the HD shop.... looked a bit better, had open pipes, that made a big differance.

[SpankMe]

Does anyone know of a local firm called Dynotech? They're supposed to have 600cc kits for the GB.

[Kwaka-Kid]

never heard of them myself, but im sure Wiseco will still do them, and/or HRC

how far are you going to go spankme? coz while your in there it could be worth doing more mods, conrod, cams, skim head, port inlet, make narrower the return oil gallery to carry more oil in head/better for wheelies (which is what the single is made for yeah?) needle roller bearings for cams, 6 speed CBX250RS gearbox almost sldies straight in without a problem,

[onearmedbandit]

Right, this would have been posted about 2 hrs ago, but I sold a car and during which someone closed down the web-page. I tell ya, it sucks being the only one out of 25 employees who knows what they're doing on a computer. Anyway, I went down there this morning and checked it over for you.

For a 1987 bike it is in reasonably quite good condition. Minor scarring on the fork legs, bit of road-gunk has marked the underneath of the s/s muffler, rear tyre is squarer than a 80's volvo wagon, but otherwise it appears fine. Paint is in good cond, as ius the seat etc. It shows no signs of being dropped, no scuffs on levers, footpegs, etc, and no major marks around the steering stops. I got Chris to start her up, and this is where my only concern lies. While it started and idled fine (after about 4-5 prods on the starter button) with a little choke, and blew no excessive or blue smoke, the starting process was a little dubious. There is a heavy metal-on-metal clang/knock coming from the starter motor area. It is loud enough that it caused some concern to me, and it appeared as though the starter gear wasn't engaging properly. Chris said this is due to it being a single, and that its only intended for you to 'prod' the starter, rather than hold it down. This doesn't really wash with me, as no vehicle should be capable of making that sort of noise as a 'standard' feature.

So generally, a good looking, tight sounding bike. Once you've got past everyone within earshot listening to the racket coming from it as you start it. The problem, in my opinion, shouldn't be to hard to resolve, as it runs very well once going, and it just sounds as though the engagement process is to blame.

If there is anything else I can do, let me know. Tomorrow (wed) is my day off, so I can go past again if necessary.

[SpankMe]

Thanks onearmedbandit, thats great.

This is from the GB500 FAQ (http://www.thumperpage.com/articles/gb-500faq.html).


6) What are the common problems/weaknesses with the GB?

Steve Wells:
Common problems with GB's:
1.) They _eat_ Camchains. I go through one about every 15,000 Km. The standard cam-chain tensioner is not very efficient and tends to wear out causing it to eat cam-chains even quicker.


2.) Starter Moters. The electronic starter motor also tends to die fairly commonly on GB's. Either the solenoid will pack up, the clutch will or it will just wear out. GB's with working starter motors are not all that common.


3.) Handlebar placement. If you drop the bike, you can be almost certain that the handlebar on the side you drop it on will be pushed back into the petrol tank and leave a fairly large dent. GB's without these dents aren't too common. Only thing to be done about it is lock the handles as far forward as possible and hope.


4.) Swingarm pivots. The sleeves used for these pivots are made of nylon, and wear out fairly quickly causing lots of rear-end movement. I've had mine replaced with metal rollers. If these pivots wear out and start chewing onto the swingarm axle, then it starts getting expensive.

So the starter motor is a common problem and there is always the kick start. The only thing that concerns me about it is the $4250 price tag. Do you think he can be talked down a few hundred? All the other GB's with similar K's I've seen are around $3,500.

[SpankMe]

how far are you going to go spankme?

I'm getting the Weisco parts costed at the mo and I've found a local distributor for Koni rear suspension.

I don't wont to do anything to the motor that will make it less reliable, require more maintenance or make it wear faster. But I will look into other stuff later. It's a question of cost at the mo.



6 speed CBX250RS gearbox almost slides straight in without a problem,

Almost? What needs to be done to make it fit and who has done it before. Would need to know that it not only works, but works well.

[Motu]

Starters on singles sound real bad - my XT starter sounds on it's last legs and when the motor stops there is a nasty clunk...all normal,but it doesn't sound nice.

[onearmedbandit]

Would he take a few hundred less? My guess is yeah, maybe. Its not in the front part of their shop, more out the back. I'm sure they'd be happy to clear up a bit of room. I'm a car dealer, and while we hate discounting, and always aim for 'window', you'd be stupid to let a done deal walk out of the showroom for the sake of a few hundred dollars off asking. However, he was keen to emphasise how rare the 500's are compared to the 400's. He'll probably use that to support his case for maintaining the asking. Maybe use the starter noise (once comfirmed by them) as some leverage.

[SpankMe]

However, he was keen to emphasise how rare the 500's are compared to the 400's. He'll probably use that to support his case for maintaining the asking.

I've only been looking for a couple of weeks, but since then I have found 6 for sale. Another one I am looking at is this one (http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=18864223) in Palmerston North. I've tried to contact the guy through the that page but have had no reply.

[dangerous]

Do you think he can be talked down a few hundred? All the other GB's with similar K's I've seen are around $3,500.
well ya would think so aye..... and from what I've noticed with this shop they price there bikes way over the top, eg: 86 VFR750 that they had for a while had a $5k tag on it, it was covered in oily finger prints and had a muffler missing......... were I brought one for $2k in mint cond but with a few more km's on it.
But thats just IMHO.... and I no narda bout the GB's

[SpankMe]

Anyone wonna give me $8,395US for this brand new 1990 GB500 (http://www.baxtercycle.com/feature.html) with only 1/2 mile on the speedo. :shit:

[dangerous]

Anyone wonna give me $8,395US for this
bloody hell..... for real? Hey is that some kind a external oil pump or something hanging off the left side of the barrel? maybe emitions? cos I cant see it on your bike in the 1st post.

[SpankMe]

It's the UK/US version which is a bit different from the one we have. Our version was made for the Japan market but didn't sell well so was dumped on us. That photo is a US bike and they do have emission controls.

[F5 Dave]

There was a outfit in wgtn called Dynotech (run by a friend) but that has demised many moons ago.

Another friend (well I consider anyone who still answers the phone when my number comes up on caller display as a friend) has a 600 kit in the box unused for a GB. Piston, rings, head gasket, sleeve, Says he will part with it for ½ of whatever retail is currently. Presumably the same kit for an XR500 I guess.

He also has a GB (with Konis) which he wants to sell but he wants to get that going as he got run off the track on a funday & broke the headlight etc.

-About 6 years ago & he is hopeless at getting around to anything (R1 still goes) so I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

[inlinefour]

I am looking for a Honda GB500 tt in excellent condition. I owned one many years ago and I would like to own one again as a second bike.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-18864223.htm

[SpankMe]

Another friend has a 600 kit in the box unused for a GB. Piston, rings, head gasket, sleeve, Says he will part with it for ½ of whatever retail is currently.

Do you know who the kit manufacturer is? I currently pricing the Wiesco parts. Also what cc is the kit. Wiesco have three sizes (589, 601 & 618), but only the 589 can be done with just a sleeve change.

[SpankMe]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-18864223.htm

Seen that one and submitted a question to the seller but no reply yet.

[Racey Rider]

There's suppost to be a mint GB500 coming into Energy Honda (New Plymouth) next week.
No details yet, but if your in no hurry I will check it out and get pic's for you.
Racey.

[SpankMe]

Yes please :D I'm more than willing to wait for one that looks like it just rolled off the factory floor.

[inlinefour]

Seen that one and submitted a question to the seller but no reply yet.

If your ready for a fewer HP :crybaby:

[F5 Dave]

Do you know who the kit manufacturer is? I currently pricing the Wiesco parts. Also what cc is the kit. Wiesco have three sizes (589, 601 & 618), but only the 589 can be done with just a sleeve change.


Well I've emailed him but no reply so far. This is normal behaviour for him so par for the course, he'll remember later or might go riding with him sunday anyway.

[SpankMe]

Got the cost of the Wiseco parts.

Piston, Sleeve and gasket: $500

and Ikon rear suspension, $695 and fork springs, $159.


All I need now is a bike. <_< Still haven’t been sent images from Street And Sport Motorcycles in Christchurch of their GB500.

[SpankMe]

Just like my SV site (http://www.sv-portal.com), I have now created a Gb site (http://www.gb.zyns.com/) before I even got one. :wacko:

[digsaw]

:Oi: Have yar checked the one in Thames yet :angry:

[SpankMe]

Went out on Sunday to take a look. Bike in very good condition but not very keen on the full custom fairing that has been put on it.

[Silage]

Hey Spank
Just a comment. I have been running a GB400 since '88 and at 81,000km is still going fine. Still on original gear except header pipes replaced under warantee and burned out a valve at 50,000. It is probably getting a bit tired but starts easy, burns no oil but backfires like closeup in Iraq if throttle right off into a corner. They can do it if cared for. Early on most miles were on longer runs. Now mostly commuting. The suspicion of it geting osteoporosis has meant that I have just moved up to a GS1200. Prob keep the GB for running around town. Saw a ratty-but-running GB500 at Ruapuna last Saturday. Hope you find one.

[avgas]

i was fortunate enough to have a 400, and a guy in japan had worked the motor before it made it here. With mild cam and 450kit. I did all the suspension (better adjustable springs in the forks and konis on the back), went like a cut cat. Me and the misses used to sit on 150 on the motorway cos that was as fast as she went. Got it to 160 on my own though. (Can you up gear them to do 180?) Long story short, after completeling my cafe' racer project, some twit in a cage smacked me and the bike up. The bike lost titanium and i gained it

[SpankMe]

TradeMe.co.nz is starting to piss me off. :angry2: I want to look more at this bike (http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail_expired.asp?id=18864223) and I posted a question to the seller while it was in auction. I didn’t get a reply, don’t know why. maybe the seller didn’t see it.

Now the auction has closed and the seller has offered the bike on a fixed price, but trade me give me no option to contact the seller so I can go and take a closer look. The option to post more questions is gone and I only get the option to accept or reject the fixed price and I’m not accepting to buy a bike when all I have seen is a couple of low res images.

Not only does their search suck, but they give no way of allowing sellers and buyers to send messages to each other. :angry:

[vifferman]

The option to post more questions is gone and I only get the option to accept or reject the fixed price and I’m not accepting to buy a bike when all I have seen is a couple of low res images.Motor vehicle sales on TradeMe are (by law) conditional on you seeing, inspecting and accepting the vehicle, unless you state otherwise. If you accept the offered price, you are still not bound by it.

[spudchucka]

If you can get an address for the bike in Palmy I'm close enough to go and take some high res photos for you. I only have dial up so I won't post them on the site but I'd be happy to burn them to a CD and courier them to you.

[Ash Wells]

Nelson Motorcycle Centre (03 5483786) have currently got 2 mint GB400s in there: Both just on 30000k.
1 Has a full fairing been fitted (looks like RZ Yamaha copy),the other has the original tt cockpit fairing. Both bikes are in beautiful condition and virtually unmarked - original exhausts etc. only negative they both have only the dual seat/footpeg set up,I prefer the solo seat.They are asking $4000 for the original tt type and $3500 for the full fairing one.

[Bazza]

Gidday Ash, ex Ixion member here, you still doing Trials at all?

[SpankMe]

Not interested in the 400. Really want to get hold of a 500 and re-sleeve it to a 600cc.

[What?]

A few years back one of the Welly area shops hung a 620 GB together. They started with a 400, rather than a 500, as the 600 or 650 (memory getting hazy) top end bolts straight on, whereas it won't on the 500.

This bike featured in Kiwi Rider, so they may be able to tell you what issue, or even supply a copy of the story. If you get the issue date, I can probably photocopy the article for you.

[boris]

it is the xl600 barrel bolts on to the 500.but you can wedge a honda xr/nx 650 into the frame of the gb.

[SpankMe]

Check out what these guys have done (http://lovik.tripod.com/Clubman6-schottmeier.html) to their GB500's. They have replaced the engine with a NX 650 Dominator engine. I especially like the bullet fairing.


<img src="/images/gb650_egu_fairings.jpg">

[vifferman]

Check out what these guys have done (http://lovik.tripod.com/Clubman6-schottmeier.html) to their GB500's. They have replaced the engine with a NX 650 Dominator engine. I especially like the bullet fairing.Very nice, Spank. :niceone:

[F5 Dave]

Finally spoke to Si & he says it is a 601 kit. They did the same to his mates one & it was just into the barrel with the new sleeve, went well so he bought one. He’s going to dig it all out & see if he hasn’t lost anything.

[SpankMe]

A 601 piston! That’s excellent if it's just a re-sleeve. The Wiseco catalog lists the 601 and an over bore but I guess your kit comes with a thinner sleeve to fit the 601.

<center><img src="/images/wiseco_xl600.jpg"></center>

Was a bit concerned about over boring after reading this in the GB500 FAQ (http://www.thumperpage.com/articles/gb-500faq.html).


You should be careful if you overbore to 101mm (mine is 102.4mm) using a Wiseco piston. I have destroyed two cylinder barrels by overboring to 101mm. The problem is that the thinner liner weakens the overall integrity of the barrel and a crack develops at the front of the cam chain tunnel.
But then he does race his GB500.

[Kwaka-Kid]

spank, have you checked out/considerd a TKJR piston? or a ProX piston?

either way dude if you flick us an email theres a slight chance i can help you out.

[Ash Wells]

A few years back one of the Welly area shops hung a 620 GB together. They started with a 400, rather than a 500, as the 600 or 650 (memory getting hazy) top end bolts straight on, whereas it won't on the 500.

This bike featured in Kiwi Rider, so they may be able to tell you what issue, or even supply a copy of the story. If you get the issue date, I can probably photocopy the article for you.
This was Sawyers,I reall it was red and very nicely done - Brendon from Sawyers may remember the details

[SpankMe]

Finally got pictures from Street and Sport Motorcycles in Christchurch of the GB500 they got. Pity they are way too small to see any detail. I replied to them saying I need at least 1600x1200 resolution images to make a decision with.

[カワサキキド]

Finally got pictures from Street and Sport Motorcycles in Christchurch of the GB500 they got. Pity they are way too small to see any detail. I replied to them saying I need at least 1600x1200 resolution images to make a decision with.
If you want I can go take some high res photos of it tomorrow.
When I was getting my WoF there on Monday, I noticed the sidewalls are a bit perished and some lite surface rust on the shiny bits but I didn't pay much attention to it as I thought you were no longer interested in it.

[SpankMe]

That would be great. Another member has offered to do the same, but the more opinions I can get, the better I will be able to make a decision on it. Don’t like the idea of buying a bike I have never seen nor ridden, but this is the next best thing.

[SpankMe]

Another review (http://www.gb.zyns.com/forums/showthread.php?p=41#post41) of the GB500 in Christchurch. Seems to confirm the problem with the starter motor.

Also found this beautiful GB500 (http://www.mobile.de/SIDzJEgVCk6Ri37tZApaCoIUQ-t-vaN%E3DexlCsAsCsK%F3P%F3R~BmSB11JparkingBay%81z-t-vCaCiCoMkMoPESeTUZiaAaDkWkmrD~BCDA1B17HNienburgADE 11000NGB%FF%A0500%FF%A0ClubmanD3950IMotorbikeG2006-09E31582A1A1B20D9237G1992-09J1102591032A2LsearchPublicD1300IMotorbikeW-t-vctpLtt~BmPA1A1B20A7%81H-t-vCaMkMoSmVb_X_Y_x_ysO~BSRA6D1300E11000Egb500EGB500 HinPublicA2A0A0A0A0/cgi-bin/da.pl?sprache=2&bereich=all&id=11111111144045251&) in germany. :love:


http://bilder.mobile.de/images/autos/302789/11111111144045251-1071-1095073927.bild &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;http://bilder.mobile.de/images/autos/302789/11111111144045251-1071-1095073927_4.bild

Almost tempted.

[カワサキキド]

Okay Mr Me, I have 33.7MB of photos for you, do you want me to email them to you as they are or can you recomend some compression software, else I can burn them to CD and courier it up. I have adsl so uploading files is not a problem.

[SpankMe]

Cheers dude. email them to kiwi.biker@gmail.com

[SpankMe]

Big thanks to カワサキキド for taking the high res close-ups of the bike for me. :niceone:

Nothing like 2832x2128 pictures to help me see all the ugly details. Although some of this bike looks good, other parts are either rusting or dented. With this and the starter motor question mark, I'm gonna give this bike a pass. Thanks to everyone who helped check it out for me.


The more I search the net for info on this bike, the more I want a US model. They just look nicer than the Jap/NZ model and there are many available with low K's in mint condition.

......................... slight pause while I watch the LYNX 24/7 commercial :bleh:


Anyway, I'm eyeing this one (http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/4/0/66835140.htm) at the mo. Time to start checking out the cost and procedures of importing.

[boris]

there is one for sale at Filco co nz nelson.listed under a cb500 on bikepoint ,looks nice in the pic.

[wari]

TRy here mate ... (http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/4/5/77092245.htm) ... :yeah:

[SpankMe]

there is one for sale at Filco co nz nelson.listed under a cb500 on bikepoint ,looks nice in the pic.
Ta, have emailed them for more details.


TRy here mate ... ...
Yep, saw that one when I was looking at this one (http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/4/0/66835140.htm) in the US. Not sure about the red color.


Just received these images of this one (http://mobile.de/cgi-bin/da.pl?id=11111111148434398&sprache=2) in Germany. Has 2000 less miles on the clock than the US one I mentioned above, is $800NZ cheaper and looks newer. The US one is also missing a bar end.

Thou the German one has a round orange brake light. I guess this will need to be changed for WOF.

[wari]

THats tidy eh ... :yeah:

BUtt thisis the one I meant to post ... gott mixed uppe ... (http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/4/5/77092245.htm)

[Racey Rider]

Hey Spank.
Have followed up on that Gb500 the Honda shop told me about. They sent me to the private seller.
It may not be the one your after, as it's not as "mint" as I was told. (is't it always the way).
It's an 87 GB500, 45000 odd km, new cam chain, new exhast, new chain.
Starter motor has problem, front disk needs shaving or replacing, Some chips and light scratches over paintwork.
Reg to 20/3/05, WoF to 4/05
The Guys asking $3000. I'ld only offer him $2000.
I have 13 pic of the bike,
Racey

[SpankMe]

Another interesting one (http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=19901028) on TradeMe. Lots of custom work been done on the bike. Don't like the look of the exhaust, but the guy has all the original parts. Must give him a call tomorrow so me can go around for a nosey.

[SpankMe]

Had a net friend in Germany check out <a href="showthread.php?p=129955#post129955">the GB500</a> I was looking at there only to be told it has been sold. :crybaby:

Oh well, it was gonna cost me another $2,500 to get it here and on the road. But I do like the US/EURO model much better than the local one.

[vifferman]

It may not be the one your after, as it's not as "mint" as I was told. (is't it always the way). Yes.
I think there are too many retards out there who don't know what "mint" means. 'Mint' means "in perfect condition, as in a coin that has been newly minted".

A horribly overused word, like "awesome". So much so that it's become almost meaningless....

Kinda like the guy we bought a Peugeot 205GTi from, "in concourse condition". Yeah, rrrriiiight!
With rust spots? I don't think so.:crazy:
Luckily it was worth more than he was asking, whether 'concourse' or not.

[SpankMe]

Well I’ve agreed to buy one I looked at today. It’s not mint but it’s in very good condition. I don’t know how long it would take to find one that is mint, if ever. I kept finding mint GB500’s overseas, so I guess we ride our bikes more and not keep them garaged when the weathers not perfect.

I saw this one on TradeMe before, but it didn’t have a single seat and had this stumpy little black exhaust so I didn’t give it a second look. He recently posted it again (http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=19901028), but this time he stated that he had all the original parts so I had to take a look. It’s done 50,000 K’s, but the GB500 engine is bullet proof and can do twice that and still be going strong.

I offered $3,500 for it which is high for one that has done this many kilometers, but with the extra work he has done on it, it was worth it. The wheels have been completely re-wired with stronger gauge steel. The handle bars are aftermarket and completely adjustable which will allow me to lower them easily. Aftermarket shocks have been installed and the headlight has been replaced with a new one which is slightly smaller to fit with the Givi screen.

Now I need to pick it up. Can I get a lift from a member on the back of their bike after I have done the deal so I can ride it home? The ride I need will be from Colemans Suzuki to the end of the north-western.

[Kwaka-Kid]

easy mate! im sure there will be dozens volunteering but my offers here, day and time that suits you dude, if i cant work with it the next poster undoubtedly can!

[Yamahamaman]

The ride I need will be from Colemans Suzuki to the end of the north-western.
Can do if it doesn't fit with KK.

[inlinefour]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-19901028.htm

Hope it helps :niceone:

[Motu]

Don't worry about the mileage,means feck all really,so long as the bike is in good nick and shows signs of being well maintained.One of the guys looking at my XLV750 said he was a bike mechanic (of course,how many times have I heard that) and was concerned about the high kms - what would you rather have,a bike with low kms that had never been looked after,did short runs and hardly any oil changes,or a high km bike that had had extreme maintenence,3000km oil and filter changes using only synth oil.High Kms is no issue,general condition is all that matters.

[aff-man]

CONGRATS :headbang: :headbang: . Hope you have fun on your new wheels

[jrandom]

If you need a lift during the week, Spank, I'm just around the corner from Holeshot and don't mind violating a licence condition or two to take you on the Mighty Zeal. Let me know if my services are required...

[SpankMe]

OK, the bike is ready to pick up so is one of you guys keen to give me a lift from my place near One Tree Hill around midday tomorrow to the end of the North Western motorway?

027 4315817 :mobile:

[Yamahamaman]

OK, the bike is ready to pick up so is one of you guys keen to give me a lift from my place near One Tree Hill around midday tomorrow to the end of the North Western motorway?

027 4315817 :mobile:
Would be happy to, but I would not be able to get the time off work. Saturday 08:00 be any good for you?

[Kwaka-Kid]

my bad! i work 7am-5pm tomorrow sorry mate :( not after work no?... anyways someone is bound to stand up and do their duty.

[SpankMe]

Just got a call from jrandom who has offered to take me to pick up my bike tomorrow. :)

[jrandom]

Just got a call from jrandom who has offered to take me to pick up my bike tomorrow. :)

And you get the honour of being the Zeal's first pillion (in the two weeks or so since I bought it, anyway).

May Bob have mercy on your soul... ;)

[jrandom]

SpankMe delivered in one piece to one very shiny looking GB, manages to ride it to end of road without falling off. I didn't follow him any further than that, so presumably a report about its general goodness will be forthcoming later today when he finishes initiating it.

Also confirmed beyond a shadow of doubt that my Zeal needs new rear shocks.

[SpankMe]

Thanks for the ride, jrandom. :niceone: Slightly sore bum at the end of it. :msn-wink:

Bloody happy with the new bike. Goes well and looks nice.

Anyone need a Givi Roadstar screen? Not sure what to do with the exhaust thou. The custom one on the bike performs bloody well, but doesn't look that great. I also have the stock header pipes with collector box and a stainless steel custom exhaust which I could put on or get a chromed shroud made for the one already on the bike.

[jrandom]

Anyone need a Givi Roadstar screen?

Looked like it might fit on my FZX. You reckon? I could be tempted.

[Motoracer]

Very nice. It will look much better, if you go for the chrome exhaust and loose the screen like you said. :niceone:

[Two Smoker]

Mint condition there Spank :niceone: also paint the front mudgaurd as well.... I think a stainless would be the goer....

[Motu]

It looked very nice sparkling in the rain today Spank - did you find a suitable mirror?

[SpankMe]

The wreckers next to Holeshot had some new chromed bar end ones but were $112 for the pair. :shit: I'm sure I can find ones that aren’t so expensive. Or the same for cheaper if only I could remember the brand name. :unsure:

[wari]

I COuld make some furr ya outa k-neaditt and chrome inna can ... :spudwave:

[SpankMe]

This looks good. From the cycleworks (http://www.cycleworks.co.nz/) catalog. Has anyone delt with them before?

Honda
Complete Exhaust Systems (Road Bikes)

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 513.75pt; mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt" cellPadding=0 width=685 border=0><TBODY><TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes"><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; WIDTH: 129.65pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" width=173>
MODEL

</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; WIDTH: 98.8pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" width=132>
DESCRIPTION
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" colSpan=2>
BLACK PAINTED
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; WIDTH: 66.4pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" width=89>
CHROME
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; WIDTH: 87.2pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" width=116>
STAINLESS
</TD></TR><TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 1"><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt">

</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt">

</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; WIDTH: 61pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" width=81>
BasicMuffler
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; WIDTH: 60.2pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" width=80>
CanisterMuffler
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt">

</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; WIDTH: 87.2pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" width=116>

</TD></TR><TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt">GB400/500

</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt">
2 into 1

</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt">
$450
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt">
-
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt">
$600
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt">
-

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SpankMe]

Can anyone read Japanese (http://www.the-theme.com/gb500-2.html)? Want to know if the 601cc requires boring or is just a re-sleeve. The google translator doesn't really make it clear enough.

[Motu]

Dunno,but it looks like you'll end up with an 11.2:1 compression ratio,you may need to buy a drum of Helecopter fuel to run it.
I've got a similar problem with my XT400 to XT600 conversion - it's got a big bore Wiseco piston,busted.The next size up is 10.5:1,so I'm just going to stay with the 621cc 97mm piston which is standard compression.101mm needs a resleeve for the Yamaha.

[カワサキキド]

Can anyone read Japanese (http://www.the-theme.com/gb500-2.html)? Want to know if the 601cc requires boring or is just a re-sleeve. The google translator doesn't really make it clear enough.
I can't understand it completly, but it doesn't give any details about reboring or resleving.

[SpankMe]

Can anyone here help answer this (http://www.gb.zyns.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20).

[Kwaka-Kid]

Dude does it not get confusing?!?! This frustrates me too, as far as i understood the GB was like hte XL/XR600's except that it is far detuned with a massive flywheel and a few random things like that, timing was further out, gearbox was different. but that was it.


and the 88-onwards model XL/R600 i would imagine would be different to the GB500. I have manuals for those things all over the place here somewhere?! hell i have one of those XR600 engines with the wiseco piston kit all brand new waiting to go in, has been for the last ten years... hopefully to be put in a homemade machine in january :)

[FROSTY]

Spank I think for a job like youre talking about you need to hand the motor over to an expert. I would strongly suggest giving Alex Gee a ring -Hes a bit of an (old) Vtwin and single engine nut.
Sometimes ya gotta use the trial and error method --and squish a lot of blue tac before ya get it perfect. (the blue tac is to test valve to piston crown clearances

[FROSTY]

as far as i understood the GB was like hte XL/XR600's except that it is far detuned with a massive flywheel and a few random things like that, timing was further out, gearbox was different. but that was it.:)
That was something I was thinking would be good to deal to
Lighten the flywheel -instantly raise its ability to rev.
ya gotta love singles-- only 1 of everything to work on

[gav]

What you should look for is a S/H Honda Dominator motor, electric start 650cc, keep your GB engine as a spare.

[SpankMe]

I think for a job like youre talking about you need to hand the motor over to an expert.So ya think Colemans mechanics are not up to it then?



What you should look for is a S/H Honda Dominator motor.Where would I get one?

[gav]

Out of a Honda NX650?
sorry, couldnt resist! Maybe some of the N/I wreckers may have one? Peter Glidden Farm & Trail perhaps, possibly out of Oz? Not sure what it would cost maybe $1000 tops? Or alternatively a late model XR600/650 or XL600/650? How much you want to spend? Could buy complete bike then flog off what you dont want after?

[Bonez]

If ya want a chrome muffler for it, WFO make some good ones. At a cost of around $120 each. Reverse cones (unsure of p/n), straight throughs(unsre p/n) or Dunstall replicas(p/n 448-0011)-have one of these fitted to the 550/4 and it seems to be lasting ok.

[Kwaka-Kid]

Spankme mate! Stuff lightening the flywheel i have about 5x XR/L500 flywheels here on stock, your better off bolting on one of them dude.

As for Alex Gee? hahahaha, yeah ummm, go with colemans! -do you know him personally Frosty?

Better yet ill find out for you today spankme from only the best in the trade.

[gav]

SpankMe, this could be useful for you?
XR600 barrell & piston (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbike-Parts/Engine-drive-train/auction-20446648.htm)
Of course you could end up with something like this :headbang:

http://www.moonpie.co.uk/ikuzaw_1.htm

[gav]

Some more useful sites, but I guess you may have already found them?
GB400TT Tune improvements (http://www.amy.hi-ho.ne.jp/tachi/english/gb400/tune_eng.html)
its been translated from Japanese so a little hard to follow!
Shame Honda never released this!
http://sickestbikes.dyndns.org/photos/1429.jpg
http://sickestbikes.dyndns.org/photos/4245.jpg

[Kwaka-Kid]

Spankme: The GB500 is alike the XR600 and odd bits and pieces will swap but pistons etc do differ somewhat. thats what i was told today man and it sounds like you just have to go off what people tell you from experience. Things like XR600 cranks etc can go in with some filing of engine casings etc and other bits and pieces.

[SpankMe]

I'm getting a big bore kit made for the GB500 by White Brothers so should be no problem there. Wasn't looking at doing the crank shaft, but will replace the cam shaft with the one used by Cycle World (http://www.champsclock.com/gb500hu.htm). As for the carb, I will get the Mikuni one as the carb kit is probably setup for dirt bike engine, not road bike.

I would also prefer replacing old parts with new ones than replace the engine with a second hand one.

Will have to look further into this flywheel thing. :confused:

[Bonez]

Some more useful sites, but I guess you may have already found them?
GB400TT Tune improvements (http://www.amy.hi-ho.ne.jp/tachi/english/gb400/tune_eng.html)
its been translated from Japanese so a little hard to follow!
Shame Honda never released this!
http://sickestbikes.dyndns.org/photos/1429.jpg
http://sickestbikes.dyndns.org/photos/4245.jpg
I'm not a "race bike" fan but I certainly do like the look ofthat.Can't wait for the mid-life crises to kick in ;)

[SpankMe]

Has anyone had their engine ported and polished (http://www.xrsonly.com/html/porting_and_polishing.html)? Thinking about having this done as part of the engine rebuild.

Any idea of cost and level of technical skill required to do it. And is there any shop in Auckland that can dot it?

I want to get the engine in as good a condition as I can after the rebuild. This bike is gonna get a lot of use.

[Blakamin]

Porting isn't a bad idea.... but there's a few different views on polishing.... sometimes a polished head will not create any turbulence, therefore, not having an efficient burn pattern....
some say it doesn't matter....
just a few debates that have gone back and forth in the drag-racing world for the last 15 years (that I was into it)

:spudwhat:
as your link says, porting is just cleaning the castings and trying to "straighten" the mixture run to the chamber.... not hard with a dremel if you have no water jackets to grind thru too... at least you dont have 8 cylinders!!! thats where the pros are handy coz they'll gas-flow the head to get them equal
polishing is a pretty DIY type job too..

[edit] port matching is a piece of piss too... just put a bit of bearing grease around your intake and sit in in position.... take off and look at the head.... scribe inside grease and dremel away....

[Kwaka-Kid]

If you thinks its beyond you Spankme i can recommend HPE Engineering down in the south island, not from personal experience unfortunatly but they have been recommended (Actually for Sleeving etc but im sure they will port/polish for you) And Blakamins onto it, if you ask my old man if you should port/polish he will say hell yes and rave on about it, go ask the next old guy beside him and hed say dont bother with the polish, who knows, im sure there have been studies that support both ideas :S... BTW Spankme does that beast have a single carb yeah? if so have you slapped at LEAST a 40mm on there yet? Im using a 40mm with a 147 main jet atm on XR500 will get its first proper run with sealed exhaust next weekend... will let you know how she runs, then i might even move up to the 41mm carb - but hell it was a massive effort hammering the 40mm into the std XR500 rubber designed to take a 36.

[SpankMe]

These guys (http://gbprod/forums/showthread.php?p=75#post75) used a 41mm Mikuni carb, so I will do the same. Well the Colemans mechanics will be doing the same.

Will have to contact HPE Engineering to see what they charge for a port and polish.

[Kwaka-Kid]

Yeah spank. and yep on the 41mm carb i have a Mikuni Pro series flat slide mechanical carb, and my 40mm is the same only its a pumper carb aswell (Though im missing hte pumper rod so not acting as pumer atm)

Please do let us know what size main jet colemans end up with in your bike. Also you do realise once you go to the massive 41mm carb you completely loose the airbox and go to Sportspro or the likes and buya Uniflow big air filter just to bolt straight on the back of the carb... otherwise the airbox and std filter even with replacement twin air filiment is not enough. Also those big mikuni pro series carbs are shorter then std and it wont reach the rubber that comes from airbox-to-back of carb... there is a 1mm gap so no overlap, i have had to duct tape mine to seal just untill i get around to going to sportspro.

[What?]

Don't polish the inlet port - the fuel mix is likely to condense on the smooth wall, thence it won't burn properly.

If you want to hot-rod the engine, I strongly suggest you talk to Rex Danby in Thames. The man knows his stuff.

Danby Machine & Development Ltd

Cochrane St Thames
0-7-868 8284

[SpankMe]

I was at Cyclespot Honda today asking about recommendations for a shop to do the engine work and the guys in the parts department suggested a guy at performance engineering across the road. He said the guy has a lot of experience with XR engines which is just what I need from a mechanic if he’s going to work on a GB500 engine.

[F5 Dave]

For a few hours reading (entertaining)

http://mototuneusa.com/

You have to subscribe, but haven’t had any drama from them. Basically there are several articles on porting which rubbish the bigger is better philosophy many adhere to (skip through to the porting articles).

If you go for max flow you will get an engine that is a bit unpleasant in the lower rev range. The problem with looking at a port esp with a flow bench is that you assume the valve is always open & the flow is one direction. This is an assumption & not a very good one.

PS did you ever get hold of Si or did he jerk around?

[Sensei]

Hey SpankMe Freind down here just put a XR650 into his GB500 frame with a heavy Fly wheel on it . This bike was seriously quick . Another guy I know race's a GB500 only has carb & pipe he has made himself , as he make's them for a living . If you need to talk to him can give you his number .
SENSEI

[SpankMe]

The bike has been sitting for a week waiting for the engine rebuild and when I tried to start it, it won’t. :(

The guy I brought it from did warn me it might be a problem if it's not run for a few days. :o

Any ideas on how to get it started again?

[Motu]

Drain the fuel from the carbs,turn the taps on again and let some flow through,then shut the drain.Give it some ether for a hurry up,the fuel in the carb bowls goes off if left for a few days.

[boris]

use the kickstart,all i do is put it on its fullstand.turn the petrol on.full choke turn the engine over untill you just take over the compression, then give a good kick.do this three -four time. normaly works on my gb and that sats for months at a time and has no batt.It is now in bits waiting.

[Kwaka-Kid]

yeah dude.

Kickstart the beast... remember halfway down till you hear the click of the decom lever then let it up and bang it down a good one, if youve flooded her or something then just keep clicking down to decom several times (slow half kicks) to cycle her then give it a big one at the end... if all else fails PUSHSTART! works everytime if your on a hill hey. for some reason? gets motor turning over fast i guess and no battery waste trying to push a starter motor over.

[SpankMe]

Thanks dudes. After much jumping up and down on the kick start :sweatdrop she finally started. Fuck having to do that every morning. :eek5: I'll now remember to kick her into life every couple of days. Or should I say thumb her into life?

[FROSTY]

spank--with the sound of your motor I think maybee ya got a couple of tight valves to match the loose ones.

[avgas]

Also change the plug to an iridium job, after you have done that it should fire 1st kick every time. Also the earth lead on them seems to get attacked and the neutral selector slightly fouled up - fix these and you electric start might return (for a while i just made a false neutral - a wire i tapped on the frame for neutral).
Also while on the prowl on trade me i noticed this:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports-tourer/auction-21668194.htm
looks quite nice - and still got another 30,000k's in her before you need to do anything with the motor (at which point a 450 kit and a hot cam is reccommended). I wish i could buy it.
Really damn cheap. Rockers for life
Stew

[Paul in NZ]

Thanks dudes. After much jumping up and down on the kick start :sweatdrop she finally started. Fuck having to do that every morning. :eek5: I'll now remember to kick her into life every couple of days. Or should I say thumb her into life?

Probably check your battery and connections to the starter motor. If you are leaving it any length of time put a battery tender on it. Sounds like it does not have the energy to run the ignition and the starter all at once (singles take a lot of energy to turn over - but you know that now)

Be careful about just starting it up every now and then. Water is a by product of combustion and just firing up a bike for a few minutes in the shed is a good way to rot the muffler and the unless you get it up to operating temperature you won't clear the moisture that gathers there and inside the cases.

You need to get it on the road and take it for 10 to 20km to fully warm up.

The yanks in the northern states have plenty of experience in laying up bike but usually it includes a fuel stabiliser, get the tyres off the ground, fresh oil and filters, spray with silicone (or something) and hook up a battery tender.

Cheers

Paul N

With a single you might want to leave it at TDC with the weight off the valves?

[SpankMe]

Gonna get my GB600 back from the engine reconditioners this week or early next. :banana: Yep, you read correctly, 600cc :devil2: Wasn't expecting it until Sept, but I popped in to just say hello today and they were in the middle of putting the engine back together as they found a crank shaft in the US.

Can't wait to see how much more grunt it has. Even before I took it in it was down on power from what a stock GB500 should be due to previous owners bad maintenance.

[geoffm]

When you have it together and run in, drop me a line and we will, spank it, on the dyno if you want. Be interesting to see what it can do.
Once I am back in the Smoke, and have a chance to fix a gremlins on the dyno computer, i will ahve to organise a dyno day and BBQ
Geoff

[Kwaka-Kid]

wicked spank! so who has done all the engine work and what gear have you put in her? :D

[nudemetalz]

How do GB 400’s rate reliability wise?
I reckon the TT2’s look great with the half fairing and single seat.

[Bonez]

How do GB 400’s rate reliability wise?
I reckon the TT2’s look great with the half fairing and single seat.From the research I've done they are better than the 500. Seen a few on Trademe with 70-90,000ks up with no engine work. My GB400s' done 55,00kms has had the head off by a previous owner. The original auto cam chain tensioner wasn't the best design. What little power they have is right where you need it. Kids, grandmas, dogs and chiks turn to gander at you as you twadle past (oh and blokes stare in awe at it's stunning good looks).

Here's a usefullink - http://www.thumperpage.com/articles/gb-500faq.html Like mine so much am looking around for a complete parts bike-no hurry though. They handle very well for a 15 yo design, are cheap as chips to run and maintain, and economical with around 320kms on the 14ltr main.

[nudemetalz]

Thanks for the heads-up, Bonez.
My wife keeps hassling me for the NZ so looking at buying another single for myself now.
The NZ goes well but you have to rev it to make it perform, so figured a lazy single might be the way to go (and they do look good !!).

Figured that the 400 would be running 500 gear so would be a lot less stressed accordingly.

Cheers
CC

[Bonez]

Thanks for the heads-up, Bonez.
My wife keeps hassling me for the NZ so looking at buying another single for myself now.
The NZ goes well but you have to rev it to make it perform, so figured a lazy single might be the way to go (and they do look good !!).

Figured that the 400 would be running 500 gear so would be a lot less stressed accordingly.

Cheers
CCYou're welcome. A known mod for the 500s is sticking a modified XR600 head on them, due to spark plug to valve seat cracking. Be interesting to hear more on Spankies project. The 400s are smoother than the 500 by all acounts as well. Oh and tend to ride the GB like a 4 cylinder bike and it loves it, being an over square bore and all. :devil2:

[SpankMe]

I picked up the bike yesterday and was presented with the final bill. It was a bit of a shock as it was twice what I was expecting at the start of the project. But I guess you never know how much it gonna cost until you open it up and find what needs to be done.

It had to go back to the shop again today, because as I was sitting at the lights I detected the smell of burning oil and I looked down to see oil pissing out of the engine. I drove it around the corner to Colemans and rang Precision and they came and picked it up. He was very apologetic and a bit embarrassed about this happening the day after I picked it up. So he gave me a lift home and I took the SV to Puke. When I went around to the shop in the afternoon they said it had blown an O-ring which they had now replaced. I took it out for a test ride and now everything is sweet.

I am still running it in so haven’t had the chance to see just how well it runs. But keeping it below 5000rpms and it runs very well. Once while going over 5000rpm while accelerating hard going up through the gears it did splutter a bit. But once at top gear it seemed ok. Will have to wait until the first oil change after 500kms before really opening it up.

<table border="0" id="table1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="80%" align="center"><tr><td colspan="2">Remove engine from bike&nbsp; 2.5 Hrs</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">150.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Sleeve</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">243.20</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Piston</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">256.84</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Resleeve</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">220.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Rockers in</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">76.40</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Cam buildup &amp; performance grind</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">297.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Top Gasket set</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">186.90</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">O rings</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">26.80</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Rockers ex</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">89.80</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Crank</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">1,180.70</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Assorted seals</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">68.65</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Main brg</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">54.15</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Case gaskets</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">113.50</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Strip &amp; clean engine, assess</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">180.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Bead blast head, cut valves &amp; seats, surface, clean &amp; assemble</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">195.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Final clean &amp; assemble engine, fit to bike, fit polished rear sets as requested, road test&nbsp; 27.5hrs</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">1,650.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Oil</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">35.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Filter</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">12.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Brg</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">31.40</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Brg</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">21.50</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Cam chain</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">98.75</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Seal</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">3.90</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Main jet</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">12.75</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Pilot jet</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">15.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Decom seal</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">4.15</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td width="50%">&nbsp;</td><td width="50%">Freight</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">12.00</font></td></tr><tr><td width="50%">&nbsp;</td><td width="50%">Sales Tax</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">654.43</font></td></tr><tr><td width="50%">&nbsp;</td><td width="50%">Total Amount</td><td align="right" style="border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">$5.889.82</font></td></tr></table>

[SpankMe]

I rode through Coatesville – Riverhead earlier to scrub the new tires on the GB. I’ve forgotten how dark it can get when you ride through an unlit country road at night using a dark tinted visor that keeps misting up. I was happy to get to the other end and a lighted highway.

Anyway, when I started the bike to go, the exhaust started expelling lots of smoke. It stopped after a short while, but I’d like to know what is causing it. I just had the oil and filter changed today, but it did the same thing this morning before I took it to the shop.

[Racey Rider]

... road test&nbsp; 27.5hrs

What! 27.5hr of road testing? :mad:

Remove engine from bike 2.5 Hrs 150.00 2.5 hours to remove a GB motor??
Sleeve 243.20
Piston 256.84
Resleeve 220.00

Whats the differance between a Sleeve and a Resleeve?
Are they saying they stuffed the first one up and had to get another one? :sherlock:

[What?]

[Sleeve 243.20
Piston 256.84
Resleeve 220.00

Whats the differance between a Sleeve and a Resleeve?
Are they saying they stuffed the first one up and had to get another one? :sherlock:
More like $243 for the part and $220 for an engineering shop to remove the old sleeve and fit the new one.

The smoke (hopefully) is just from the rings not being bedded in yet. You haven't got synthetic oil in it have you? That is guaranteed to get past new rings.

[FROSTY]

Spank--this time of year any bike is gonna throw out a plume of smoke for a little while after strtup--its condensation inside your exhaust system.

[Kwaka-Kid]

nice to hear you have her back at least spank but that bill you can keep :P sheesh! but all looks okay. Hopefully its just white condensation, if it is actual blue smoke then exactly as what? said, its just the rings needing to bed properly and they will in time, and it stops as it heats up some because of the expansion and better sealing.

prices on parts look pretty sharp though dude good deal.

[SpankMe]

It ain't condensation. It smells of burning oil. It didn't do it this morning, so I will see how it goes.

[FROSTY]

Keep in mind your problems with the bike ladt? week As well as the rings bedding in there are probably traces of oil and stuff all around your motor and possibly even inside the exhaust.
I remember when I was rebuilding singles I was paranoiid about starting them up with dry bearings in the head (a bad thing) so i used to almost fill the head with oil. A bit of that oil went down the zorsts for sure

[GB500nz]

Expect problems with the leccy starter, as the engine was originally detuned (including low compression) in order to accommodate it. The battery has to be excellent. I replaced my old one with a Taiwanese cheapie and it never satisfied. Yuasa is the only one to have. Brisco's Marine have a solar battery maintainer for motorbikes, $39.95. Get one unless you're going to ride the GB every day. Add a water-absorbing conditioner like Fuel Set (any chandlery) to the tank, as the cap leaks rainwater.
Terry

[SpankMe]

The frame has now been painted by Reflections and they did a bloody good job. Now I'm just waiting for Spectrum to attach all the bike bits.

[Kwaka-Kid]

awesome ash! that rocks.

[SpankMe]

Need to expand a hole in a fitment bracket for my new horn (http://www.nippynormans.com/prodinfo.asp?number=STB-MAG-CHROME&variation=&aitem=2&mitem=5). Anyone in Auckland can do this for me after work?

[aff-man]

Would have been cheaper to buy this puppy and fix her up http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-67122846.htm
or this one in green http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-66897432.htm
Unfortunatly it's about a year to late.

An interesting question how much did spectrum charge for the frame spray if ya don't mind me asking.

[aff-man]

Reflections painted the frame, spectrum put it back together. Have your brain cells leeched into that hair of yours?

the question you should be asking is if i had any brain in the first place. And I meant reflections

[SpankMe]

An interesting question how much did spectrum charge for the frame spray if ya don't mind me asking.


$540 for the frame painting

$600 labour for dismantling and reassembling the bike.

[mneale]

HI, MY NAME IS MIKE AND IM NEW TO KIWIBIKER. CAME ACROSS THIS OLD NOTE FROM YOURSELF AND WONDERING IF YOU WOULDNT MIND HELPING ME OUT BY ANSWERING A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. I HAVE A GB500 AND HAVE JUST SOLD MY OTHER NOT LONG AGO. THE ONE I STILL HAVE IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION BUT IM WANTING TO DO SOME WORK ON IT TO MAKE IT MINT.
DO YOU STILL HAVE THIS ONE YOU REFER TO?
IF AT ALL POS I WOULD LIKE TO MEET WITH YOU SO I CAN ASK FOR YOUR ADVICE ON HOW I SHOULD DO UP MY BIKE .
I AM NEW TO KIWIBIKER AND NOT SURE HOW TO USE THE SITE PROPERLY SO ILL GIVE YOU MY DETAILS AND I WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED IF YOU WOULD GIVE ME THE TIME OF DAY.
MIKE NEALE MASSEY AUCKLAND. 098325758
EMAIL: MNEALE@WATCHDOG.NET.NZ
THANKS SO MUCH


I picked up the bike yesterday and was presented with the final bill. It was a bit of a shock as it was twice what I was expecting at the start of the project. But I guess you never know how much it gonna cost until you open it up and find what needs to be done.

It had to go back to the shop again today, because as I was sitting at the lights I detected the smell of burning oil and I looked down to see oil pissing out of the engine. I drove it around the corner to Colemans and rang Precision and they came and picked it up. He was very apologetic and a bit embarrassed about this happening the day after I picked it up. So he gave me a lift home and I took the SV to Puke. When I went around to the shop in the afternoon they said it had blown an O-ring which they had now replaced. I took it out for a test ride and now everything is sweet.

I am still running it in so haven’t had the chance to see just how well it runs. But keeping it below 5000rpms and it runs very well. Once while going over 5000rpm while accelerating hard going up through the gears it did splutter a bit. But once at top gear it seemed ok. Will have to wait until the first oil change after 500kms before really opening it up.

<table border="0" id="table1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="80%" align="center"><tr><td colspan="2">Remove engine from bike&nbsp; 2.5 Hrs</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">150.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Sleeve</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">243.20</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Piston</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">256.84</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Resleeve</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">220.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Rockers in</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">76.40</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Cam buildup &amp; performance grind</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">297.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Top Gasket set</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">186.90</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">O rings</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">26.80</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Rockers ex</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">89.80</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Crank</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">1,180.70</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Assorted seals</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">68.65</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Main brg</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">54.15</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Case gaskets</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">113.50</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Strip &amp; clean engine, assess</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">180.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Bead blast head, cut valves &amp; seats, surface, clean &amp; assemble</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">195.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Final clean &amp; assemble engine, fit to bike, fit polished rear sets as requested, road test&nbsp; 27.5hrs</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">1,650.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Oil</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">35.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Filter</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">12.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Brg</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">31.40</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Brg</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">21.50</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Cam chain</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">98.75</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Seal</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">3.90</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Main jet</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">12.75</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Pilot jet</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">15.00</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Decom seal</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">4.15</font></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td width="50%">&nbsp;</td><td width="50%">Freight</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">12.00</font></td></tr><tr><td width="50%">&nbsp;</td><td width="50%">Sales Tax</td><td align="right" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">654.43</font></td></tr><tr><td width="50%">&nbsp;</td><td width="50%">Total Amount</td><td align="right" style="border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px" valign="top"><font face="Courier New">$5.889.82</font></td></tr></table>

[mneale]

HI, MY NAME IS MIKE AND IM NEW TO KIWIBIKER. CAME ACROSS THIS OLD NOTE FROM YOURSELF AND WONDERING IF YOU WOULDNT MIND HELPING ME OUT BY ANSWERING A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. I HAVE A GB500 AND HAVE JUST SOLD MY OTHER NOT LONG AGO. THE ONE I STILL HAVE IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION BUT IM WANTING TO DO SOME WORK ON IT TO MAKE IT MINT.
DO YOU STILL HAVE THIS ONE YOU REFER TO?
IF AT ALL POS I WOULD LIKE TO MEET WITH YOU SO I CAN ASK FOR YOUR ADVICE ON HOW I SHOULD DO UP MY BIKE .
I AM NEW TO KIWIBIKER AND NOT SURE HOW TO USE THE SITE PROPERLY SO ILL GIVE YOU MY DETAILS AND I WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED IF YOU WOULD GIVE ME THE TIME OF DAY.
MIKE NEALE MASSEY AUCKLAND. 098325758
EMAIL: MNEALE@WATCHDOG.NET.NZ
THANKS SO MUCH
.................................................. ................
[QUOTE=SpankMe;315278]I picked up the bike yesterday and was presented with the final bill. It was a bit of a shock as it was twice what I was expecting at the start of the project. But I guess you never know how much it gonna cost until you open it up and find what needs to be done.

[beyond]

Mike,

Paul here mate.

Give Spankme a PM.

Just log into Kiwibiker normally, click on Spankme's name to open his profile and there will be an option to send him a private message which he will get (Known as a PM)

Also remember the Coro ride 20th April 2008, 9.00am at the Papakura Autobahn on the Southern Motorway left just after Papakura turnoff.

Link here:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=1598&day=2008-4-20

Cheers

paul

[Padmei]

Mike - stop shouting.

[Padmei]

What has happened to the GB600 Spanky? Is it still around & is there a final photo?

If one was to let the tyre pressures drop to say 11psi on the front & 20psi on the rear on a gb400 what would the rider expect to feel when riding at the lower pressure vs the correct pressures & what would the correct pressures be exactly?

[JonnyFiveAlive]

As a GB500 owner myself I'd like to see an update to this thread... hows bout it? A captivating read without an ending!

* edit - yikes just realized how old this thread is

[SpankMe]

I haven't done anything else to the bike. The engine has done 20,000kms and hasn't missed a beat. The starter motor packed in awhile ago, but it kick starts no problem. It's still a joy to ride, but it's looking a little worse for wear. The tank has a big dent after a small off on gravel, and it's a constant battle with rust :( Also the seat has started to rip and needs recovering. I would like to do more with it, but have other things that need my financial attention.

[cooper]

Hi, I've just registered on this site as I'm working on a restoration of a Honda GB500. It used to belong to a poster on these boards Boris. I'm Boris's brother Tim. Boris (Robin to his family) passed away 2 years ago but before he did I purchased the bike from him with the promise to restore it. He'd owned the bike from new and it was his pride and joy. Im not a rider myself, as such, I last rode bikes as a teen back in the early 80's. Im a 'tin top' and you can pretty much guess from my sign in name that I'm a Mini guy...real ones!

Anyway, Ill be popping in and out from time to time to get advise/help as I rebuild this modern classic as a tribute to Boris.