Thumper Club Forum
Technical => Project Progress => Topic started by: guest833 on August 18, 2010, 04:26:39 PM
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This project was a bit of an accident really. I have been into XBR's for a couple of years and have done a few up. I don't confess to be a mechanic- just like to do what i can and leave others to do inside the engine!
I bought this one about a year ago and didn't realise it was a press fleet bike- a bike used in magazines/ promotion when a new model was due out.
I queried the Rhine Blue Metallic colour in the forum and Rhinoman picked up on how early it was. Apparantly there was 49 bikes imported to do the job. When i went back into the garage- there it was written on the reg plate- "Honda UK Press Fleet"
I did have some pics when i first bought it but they got lost with computer problems. It was a particularly rough pale blue metallic example with an mot. I did try to sell it but no-one bought it- so i suppose i'll have to do it up!
Anyone knowing any more info about these 49 bikes i would appreciate it.
My project speed depends on a lot of factors (other stuff/ is it cold out?/ can i be @rsed? etc etc) Maybe a year?
The aim is to do it up as near as poss to factory without getting too obsessed
Here it is at present- (http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt292/JohnSimpson/Blue%20XBR%20B%20reg/bluexbr001.jpg)
More pics- http://s621.photobucket.com/albums/tt292/JohnSimpson/Blue%20XBR%20B%20reg/
Cheers for now- John
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I rode one at my local ( at the time ) Honda dealer Bowens Of Carmarthen..South West Wales.
In was 1985 & it was a Light blue metallic..
After 6 x CB250 RS's , a BRAND NEW FT500 in 1983 & a few XT500's , I really fancied one.
But never did....
Fast forward 25 years & i have JUST got my 1st XBR..
Pictures to follow.
Sorry I didnt phone you Simmo, been really busy every night.
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This ones a light blue- but know doubt a lot were.
No probs re call- the parts are just in the garage
Cheers- John
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If it's a B reg it's a very early one. According to the info I have they started April 85 with engine no PC15-5000027 (SF).
( not sure if this includes the press fleet)
Some, but not all the press fleet were Rhine blue. Rumour was that some of the press fleet were ' breathed on' for the benefit of the journo's - reports of how well they wheelied in the first 3 gears! ...
Basically the same as the later models - later ones had slightly different starter motor gear cover and exhausts but nothing drastic.
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Aye- this one was registered May 1985- the engine number is in the late 100's with a flat starter cover- I have not paid dvla yet to see if this is the original engine (though it does match the V5)
Anymore info or references to magazines appreciated
Cheers- john
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Hi there, remind me what the Reg number was and I will trawl my collection of XBR road tests (I have over 20) to see if it turns up.
GC
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Have you counted the number of teeth on the front sprocket ???
Bet its a 13t !!!!
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Fuzz,
I had a look tonight and it does look like the original item- it's got 15 teeth-does that give faster acceleration?
Cheers
John
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15T will give you easier cruising... less T on the front or more on the back (1 less on the front is very roughly equal to 3 more on the back) will give you better acceleration and a more resposive ride to the detriment of high-speed cruising.
Easy on the M-way or fun in the twisties? I know what my choice would be ;D
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What's the standard on the front?
Cheers
John
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STD front is a 15 Tooth....
Fitting a 13T will give you Faster acceleration,,,,,
Fitting 16 or 17 t will stretch the gears even more , but better top end with lower revs ....EVENTUALLY....
I CAN get Chain & sprocket sets..
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STD front is a 15 Tooth....
Fitting a 13T will give you Faster acceleration,,,,,
Fitting 16 or 17 t will stretch the gears even more , but better top end with lower revs ....EVENTUALLY....
I CAN get Chain & sprocket sets..
13T is too small really to get sufficient clearance on the swinging arm. The engine doesn't have the power to pull a 16 or 17T.