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Honda GB 500TT Clubman Tourist Trophy

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Make Model

Honda GB 500TT Clubman Tourist Trophy

Year

1989 - 91

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve

Capacity

498 cc / 30.3 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 92 x 75mm
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression Ratio 8.9:1

Induction

Keihin PH 69

Ignition 

CDI 
 Starting Electric
Max Power 38 hp / 27.7 kW @ 7000  rpm

Max Power  Rear Wheel

33.3 hp / 24.8 KW @ 7000  rpm

Max Torque

35.6 Nm / 26.3 ft-lb  @ 6000
Clutch Wet multi-plate coil spring

Transmission 

5 Speed 
Final Drive Chain
Gear Ratio 1st  2.384 (31/13)  /  2nd  1.555 (28/18)  /  3rd 1.200 (24/20)  /  4th 1.000 (23/23)  /  5th 875 (21/24)

Front Suspension

 35 mm telescopic forks

Rear Suspension

Dual shocks with adjustable pre-load

Front Brakes

Single 256mm disc

Rear Brakes

138mm Drum

Front Tyre

90/90 -18

Rear Tyre

2.50 -18
Rake 64°
Trail 105 mm / 4.1 in
Seat Height 880 mm / 34.6 in

Dry Weight

157 kg / 346 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
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By 1989 the British twin cylinder motorcycles were replaced by British triples and primarily by the Japanese bikes. Each year the Tourist Trophy race was held on the Isle of Man and Honda was determined to bring back the flavor of those British twins with a bike that had look of the Norton and Triumph racing bikes. Honda responded by launching its GB500 (commonly known as the tourist trophy) as a retro-bike with styling and components that recalled fond memories for many motorcyclists of the classic British cycles. The GB500 was a clever package, designed to appeal to a new market that no current motorcycle maker had tapped: the classic, collectible cycles and the older enthusiast.

The GB is a sleeved down XL600 engine displacing 498cc.. This means that it has the same stroke as the XL600 i.e 75mm. Its also running 8.9:1 compression so kickstarts are easy. The engine has a gear driven balance shaft that is positioned at the front of the engine. This certainly helps keep it tame all the way to its 7800 red line. The single overhead cam is driven by chain that is on the right hand side of the engine. The Honda RFVC (Radial Four Valve Cam?) valve gear is accessed through the four separate covers.