Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: iansoady on October 20, 2022, 09:03:54 AM
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As I've mentioned I've been looking at CB400SSs but the only current one available has fallen silent. It was suggested that I try an XBR500 but I was rude about the aesthetics. However, it shouldn't be beyond my capabilities to swap the ugly bits - tank and seat - for something more to my taste. There's quite a well priced one in Dundee (why all in Scotland I do not know): https://www.ecossemotorcycles.co.uk/used_singlebike.php?Location=Dundee&Make=HONDA&Model=XBR500F&StockNo=53373&Id=53373 It was originally priced at £2495 in August but clearly no-one's interested.
Does a tank / seat swap sound like a possible course of action for a winter project? I'm not sure what alternatives might fit - maybe even from a CB250RSA!!!!!!
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Aye Ian,
Now, by chance Kat and I went across to Dundee to view said XBR and other items in stock! :)
Aye, it looks nice and shiny in the images and it is clean. BUT! When I saw that the foot peg on the centre stand had rusted through and snapped off, I was circumspect! I realise that a centrestand may not be a deal breaker, but what other internal corrosion is present?
Kat sat on the beastie and after the Bros, she was comfortable with the height, weight, seating - handlebar relationship etc, so that side of things was positive.
Personally, I would want another £500 off the price and a good one hours test on some of the roads around Dundee to find out what the brakes (warped disc or oval rear hub), running parts, etc. condition is.
I think that you would find a better condition "Dromedary", with lower miles and less salt exposure in your own neck of the woods, for maybe £500 more than this one.
If you still wish to persue, I could go and have a good poke about, but would be nervous about "spending your dosh!". ;)
Good health, Bill
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Many thanks Bill. I take your points. However, the Dundee bike does seem well priced and will have a full MoT when sold. I spoke to the salesman (Rory) who seemed like a reasonable chap but don't they all? He said the fork seals needed replacing which they would do. I think I'd probably get another MoT on delivery or at least give it a very thorough checkover. It does have a 3 month warranty but TBH that's not really worth that much to me when they're 400 miles away. You're probably right I could find a better one but I'm looking at a small pool. I know only too well that as soon as I've handed over the cash a great bike will appear just down the road for peanuts.
He also said they were selling it on behalf of a customer who'd bought an Interceptor. Using the wayback machine I see it was originally listed in August at $2495 so has dropped £500. Looking at sold ones on ebay, mid-£2000s seem to be the going rate.
My trouble is I'm too impulsive - sometimes serves me well, in the case of my Norton which had been very well looked after but was scruffy, sometimes less so as with my somewhat unfortunate foray into the world of maxi-scoots (and the preceding Francis Barnett on which I should have known better!).
I'm very tempted to just go for it although I know I may well regret it. At least other people can learn from my mistakes. But thanks again for your very well received thoughts.
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Does a tank / seat swap sound like a possible course of action for a winter project? I'm not sure what alternatives might fit - maybe even from a CB250RSA!!!!!!
Here's what the best tank looks like - sweet! In the text, the builder appears to suggest it's an easy fit and perhaps the side panel mount is in exactly the same position as the xbr, but I didn't get to find out, as I went with a CB200 tank.
https://www.bikebound.com/2018/08/07/honda-xbr500-cafe-racer/
More to your tastes; GN250 tank;
http://rhcc.pl/ajs-trial-replica/
More info here;
http://www.thumperclub.com/index.php?topic=9560.0
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Heve you seen the red xbr with fairing on carandclassic ? £1750
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GBR400 on fb marketplace in Grantham, proper wheels on it..
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Heve you seen the red xbr with fairing on carandclassic ? £1750
Great spot, good price and sqeaky clean.
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1492281
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Told you I'd rush in - decided on the Dundee bike and put a deposit! Never mind I'm sure it'll be fine.
I usually check car&classic but didn't this time. Act in haste repent at leisure.
Many thanks for those Matt, food for thought. I can't see the pics from the thread - any chance of reposting them?
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Jolly good, i know a really good courier if you need one, very reliable...
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I've arranged it through Shiply for £136 which seems reasonable. Rushing again.....
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That sounds like a good price...
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Many thanks for those Matt, food for thought. I can't see the pics from the thread - any chance of reposting them?
PM sent
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I've arranged it through Shiply for £136 which seems reasonable. Rushing again.....
That’s a good price Ian.
Stick up some pics please when you get your hands on the new bike. Always nice to see someone’s new pride and joy.
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This is the one - photos from the dealer (they've taken the ad down as I've given them a deposit):
(http://www.iansoady.org.uk/XBR500/images/ecosse_1.jpg)
(http://www.iansoady.org.uk/XBR500/images/ecosse_2.jpg)
And what I'm aiming at is something like:
(http://www.iansoady.org.uk/XBR500/images/possible_1.jpg)
Or this:
(http://www.iansoady.org.uk/XBR500/images/possible_2.jpg)
What can possibly go wrong? I intend to make the change without modifying the basic structure so I can always revert to original. Sorry the photos are a bit big - can't quite see how to get them smaller.
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I like that, and agree with your intentions.
Hope it’s a good machine for you.
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I intend to make the change without modifying the basic structure so I can always revert to original.
Now that is some task you've set yourself and I've not seen it done, but perhaps nobody ever had this design brief to follow.
Any chance of taking us along by starting a thread in the projects section? Let the headscratching begin!
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Health to enjoy. Would the seat unit from the GB400/500 fit without any modification, Depending if you liked the style. Tony Ross has a XBR and a GB500, so hopefully he'll be along to add his tuppence worth.
Ron.
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I intend to make the change without modifying the basic structure so I can always revert to original.
Now that is some task you've set yourself and I've not seen it done, but perhaps nobody ever had this design brief to follow.
Any chance of taking us along by starting a thread in the projects section? Let the headscratching begin!
I like a challenge - and at the end of the day if I fail at least I've tried. I'll have to wait till I get the bike till I start measuring up etc but there are probably only a few critical areas to consider. Yes, will keep you all informed (and no doubt plenty of questions!)
Ron - I'll keep a look out for those parts but I expect are pretty rare. I like it more than the standard XBR but the tank is still a bit on the porky side for my liking.
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Congratulations on your new purchase Ian - looks like a good one. I spotted this conversion from Germany (I think) a while back on the Honda GB500 Facebook group and it's one of the best ones I've seen (to me anyway). As far as I can establish most of the components come from an early 70s Honda cb450 although I'm not sure how much modification was required - who knows, maybe the owner dips into this forum. One modification I would recommend is the higher bars and end weights from a Honda CBX550 - this conversion allows you to use all the existing cables and wiring although the routing might need a bit of tweaking.
Good luck with the bike
Tony
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thats a nice xbr ian best of luck with it i like the fairing on it tommy
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that german xbr tony put up is a fantastic build tommy
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I absolutely love what you are planning to do, it will make a fabulous bike.
Now I wonder if I could fit an XBR500 to my GN250 tank?
Ian
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Those 3 images that you have posted Tony, are an improvment to the old 'Dromedary'. I look forward to reading Ian's spannering and mods in the 'Project' threads.
I hope that you are better, or mending well Tony?
Good health, Bill
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Nice job on the German bike, but I can't get past those side panels with the now redundant cut outs for the twin carbs.
I do have that CB350 tank with already bashed-to-fit tunnel hanging up in my garage...
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Matt - I may be interested in the tank - how bashed is it and how much?
Tommy - I'll be keeping things like tank and seat to replace if it all goes horribly wrong but probably not the fairing if you're interested?
That German one looks very nice and well executed. Just shows what can be done although I'm not aiming that high.
I've found a Dutch XBR facebook site with some useful stuff - mostly as you'd espect from the Dutch in English. If anyone knows of other appropriate forums please let me know. I'll start looking for the higher bars - I know there's a proper conversion to the top yoke but very pricy.
Can't wait to get started!
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Personally I really like the Honda cb200 tank that Matt has grafted onto his XBR. Somehow just seems to suit the size and dimensions of the bike better than a few other conversions I’ve seen. You could always deseam and alter the shape of the original tank like I have with my tracker project..... then again that was a LOT of work involved to do it, hours on the tig welder. Whichever route you take I wish you the best of luck with it Ian. Oh and please keep us posted on any developments 👍
Cheers, Michael
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Re handlebars - are these what I want? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312812655662 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/333370305155
Have I seen a photo of Matt's bike? Forgive me if it's here somewhere but I'm getting a bit dizzy......
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Hi Ian, not to sure if the 750 bars are compatible, I do know that the cbx 550 Honda bars are a straight bolt on and give you a couple of inches rise. Hopefully someone on here will know wether the 750 bars are a fit. Sorry I can’t be of more help. I’m fairly sure there are some pics in the “project “ section of Matt’s cb200 tank conversion.
Cheers, Michael
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Tank is shaped to fit and sits as shown. Probably needs sealing and definitely a cap, plus holes filled where balance pipes have been removed (these foul xbr frame IIRC)
How does £30 plus postage sound?
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Profile shot.
Oh yes, needs chrome trim and paint.
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I can't quite work out which tank I'm looking at Matt. I must have a look in the projects section as Michael says. £30 sounds reasonable although maybe more work that I want, and will need to wait till I get the XBR anyway.
There are a lot of tanks in bare metal for £50 or so on ebay but again I need the dimensions. Also lots of cheap seats.
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Didn't somebody used to do XBR specific handlebar risers, or am I dreaming that? At any event, a friend in the KNMCC had an XBR, and one of the more talented metal bashers in the club made him some risers out of billet aluminium. I can't remember the details unfortunately, but could probably find out if it's any help?
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Yes, there's a replacement top yoke available from Germany but eye-watering prices. The trouble is the XBR's top yoke is reduced section in the middle otherwise I could just drill some holes and put ordinary bar clamps on.
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My XBR came to me with drilled yoke and bar risers. I can report no cracks in my 6 years of ownership, despite steep, local downhill sweepers and a pukka hairpin.
Having just offered up the cb tank, the xbr mounting stalks would require shortening to clear the new tunnel. Also, new mounting points slightly more forward and up . Balance pipe elbows needed turning inwards to clear frame.
CX tank anyone?
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These are the bars you need. Straight out at 90 degrees, they're about 2 inches higher and nearly the same again closer to the rider. I think bars from the VF400F might also fit but not certain.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234326845690?hash=item368ef7e8fa:g:nF0AAOSwOo9hsgGQ&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsL4mWpq3DM3hZnafUZcPL1ljYSitHZBhUcMgMOYtPYoJFUmie%2BBmtCwU8K8DBXRqGMRpUipJiY6656twh4CCnBzSTjyqypbB6FJHr4YwTdJSC73F52KktN1rrNZg%2BqMgsBDLXCpd%2Bj5HKpFnkCKMq%2BSzUCREwYW4S5gip88YSsQP0tPlqLNZAJ4ddfhVmo6%2FzAoST7cTlZHV9D%2FTo1JJdyIzNuH7ih8grxZ5%2Fp3%2By8Wt%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_6Anvv_YA
Ron.
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Honda VF400F bars.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111984507261?hash=item1a12cbf97d:g:3d8AAOSwZAtXJiw-&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsBw8nvahBl11CHrdZP9wErhrY1e%2FIC8D70PBO04MRjT8dFep1EUl7bO%2BMJOjHFtWBgI3C3NQHhi1bPNi7YMON73absfJppmRC%2Fr%2Fi3PtqA%2FD9K0syy2cdCHJ35fMio4A20BSd%2Fc4pMZMWoFk3Ifw4BnAIhD7VD6Mf2wmTSa0xNhRS0DWvOTBlYifj8vYpf0Kvgit2rQEZNA97q5%2BkoguVWcAdFjwFJxwqq4gP%2FFkj7Va%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4a7yfv_YA
Ron.
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Thanks Ron. I think I need to calm down & look at what I've got when it arrives as I'm not even sure what the standard layout looks like, so don't know what I should be thinking of doing with the bars.
Matt - I'm still a little confused. Will the tank you're offering go more or less straight on or does it need more "adjustment"? I guess all these tanks are shorter than the original so will need brackets making up which I'm very happy with but my metal bashing skills are a bit on the crude side, and as for my welding it's now non-existent.
Those tanks on ebay look nice but are all much too narrow given the dimensions you kindly provided in your project thread.
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The CB tank's mounting cups foul on the XBR mounting stalks, as the XBR tank has a wider tunnel. Shortening these stalks is the only way to get the CB tank to even sit down roughly in place. However, from there, it would be either a case of relocating the existing CB mounting cups or relocating the XBR stalks.
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Ah, wasn't sure what you meant by stalks - these are the things holding the 2 rubber bobbins?
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That's them. Funny how people have different terminology. Stalks holding the rubber mushrooms, is how I refer to them, but no idea why...
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Hi Ian, yes there’s a pic of Matt’s bike with the cb200 tank fitted and painted white in the project section under “replacement XBR tank” it’s on page 6 of that thread 👍
Cheers, Michael
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Thanks Michael, have just worked my way through it. Makes me feel a bit daunted......
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Changing the tank certainly had a knock-on affect on my xbr and lots got changed. It eventually ended up costing me a w650 as a 2nd bike to get some riding done - talk about win-win! Your mileage/missus might vary...
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I'm going to treat mine like a rolling restoration - the objective this year being to get the tank and seat done and as much of the rest as I fancy, then carrying on as and when. But who knows....
Of course I have the Norton so will not be bikeless at any time.
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Tommy - I'll be keeping things like tank and seat to replace if it all goes horribly wrong but probably not the fairing if you're interested? Yes i would be ian i have a good idea for it ,but im sure the post to ireland would be mad , tommy
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Didn't somebody used to do XBR specific handlebar risers, or am I dreaming that? At any event, a friend in the KNMCC had an XBR, and one of the more talented metal bashers in the club made him some risers out of billet aluminium. I can't remember the details unfortunately, but could probably find out if it's any help?
Hi Pete, if you could find out details that would probably help although still waiting for the bike to fill the empty space now the little Honda has gone......
(http://www.iansoady.org.uk/images/empty%20space.jpg)
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Afternoon Ian. LSL do two types of handlebar converstion. They do a full new top yoke with bar mounts or they do two separate clamps which have the bar mounts machined into them that bolt to the top of the forks. Sorry I’m not techno savvy enough to post any links up. I could defo make a tank fit the XBR but techno is defo NOT on my radar 🤦???
Cheers, Michael
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Aye Ian,
Have a wee looksee through this companies website: Moto-CNC.com_streetfighter-bar-conversions (https://moto-cnc.com/streetfighter-bar-conversions)
I purchased a pair of universal aluminium alloy handlebar risers for the BROS, 41mm OD stanchions. Despatch was quick and the risers were very well finished/packed and I fitted them in 10 minutes. Raising the bars by 20mm doesn't semm much, but it made the motorcycle much more comfortable to ride.
Hope this helps and that you get to see the beastie soon.
Good health, Bill
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Thanks both. Trawling ebay came up with these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351109003241 and https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311002137329
Checking specs, the VF400 has a 35mm fork stanchion the same as the XBR. What does the team think?
Just rang Ecosse Motorcycles who're waiting on fork seals but tell me the bike should be ready this week. TBH rather they did seals MoT etc then I can hit the ground (running or not - if the Truss reference is allowed!)
I've been mulling over tank options which seem to me the main problem with my project. I have had a thought - I don't want to make irreversible changes to the frame. However, one of the problems will be the location of the bobbins on the sides. If I can find a tank which is close, I could perhaps make new eccentric bobbins to mate up with the cups and secure them with another screw into a tapped hole. But I need to see what's what first.
As far as the seat is concerned what I may do is get another XBR seat and rebuild the base with a forward extension to meet what will be a shorter tank, and maybe chop off a bit at the back. Then possibly give it to Leightons to make foam and cover - or do it myself.
For both these I need to bear in mind Sherlock Holmes' maxim - it is a capital error to theorise in advance of the facts.
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Could have gone to WeMoto! In stock and £16-40 for the pair. ;)
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Yes, but they are a Honda main dealer......
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Didn't somebody used to do XBR specific handlebar risers, or am I dreaming that? At any event, a friend in the KNMCC had an XBR, and one of the more talented metal bashers in the club made him some risers out of billet aluminium. I can't remember the details unfortunately, but could probably find out if it's any help?
Hi Pete, if you could find out details that would probably help although still waiting for the bike to fill the empty space now the little Honda has gone......
(http://www.iansoady.org.uk/images/empty%20space.jpg)
Hi Ian,
I'll see what I can find out at club night on Thursday, though the owner of the bike is sadly in hospital at the moment, the guy who made them may be there.
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That's a shame to hear Pete, hope he recovers soon. If you happen across the maker I'd be interested although the VF400 bars are loooking good. I could probably make something myself but handlebars are a critical item!
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Aye Ian,
Yes, but they are a Honda main dealer......
I understand that Ian, I also know people who have not received "Honda main dealer" or "Royal Enfield main dealer" service from the Dundee branch and have had to have their machines taken to the Aberdeen branch, before problems have been rectified! ::) I just hope that they are not swinging the lead.
Good health, Bill
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Yes, it does seem a bit weird that the fork seals are hard to get especially as the salesman did mention them when I first enquired about the bike last week. I do hope I have a better experience than your friends as it's a long way to take it back.
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Hello Ian, Managed to track down an image of the VF400F bars on the bike. Will give you an idea of how they will look fitted.
Ron.
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I'll see what I can find out Ian. Richard who posts on here, also has normal bars on his high mileage (90,000 miles plus IIRC) daily rider XBR. I think he achieved this by somehow fitting two top yokes, but I'm sure hell be able to give you the full SP when he reads this.
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Thanks both. I'm waiting till I have the bike before making any (more) impulsive purchases.
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Well, had a somewhat unsettling conversation yesterday with the MD of Ecosse who said they'd had the bike for some time and that "if the service turned up any major faults he'd let me know" (approximate words). So after mulling it over rang them this morning and cancelled the deal which I think is safest.
However, I've been having a look on facebook market place (which I usually avoid although that's how I sold the Honda) and found a couple of excellent candidates - one in Ashbourne which is close enough to go and have a look. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1210641619506848 Seems very tidy and £400 cheaper....
Also a bit of a rat even cheaper: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/803216704210206 which may be a better basis for my plan.
Although having looked at XBRs till I'm dizzy their strange looks are starting to grow on me. A bit like my old Triumph Tiger 955i which had a certain odd charm:
(http://www.iansoady.org.uk/Tiger/images/DSCF2852.jpg)
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Ashbourne all the way! Appears well cared for. Pleased to hear the looks are growing on you. Despite changing mine, I really like them in standard trim with the seat cowl.
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Yes I'm inclining that way myself - plus it's much closer to go & have a look at it. Southend is a bit of a trek. My wife says buy them both!
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According to the MoT history it's only done 2,000 miles since 2006! MoT'd every year however. I've noticed a lot of these bikes seem to have a similar history.
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My wife says buy them both!
She is wise beyond measure and I shall be seeking her counsel when I next come to make a purchase ;D
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Yes that's what she tells me.
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I always considered my wife very intelligent, but then I thought, hold on, she married me!
Ron.
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When my wife says buy them both she's usually talking about something for her!
Ian
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When my wife buys something for herself, she says that ultimately, they're for me because I once said, "I'm only happy if you're happy, my love."
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I was going to see that black one in Ashbourne but just got a message to say no longer available. This time I wasn't impulsive enough.
There's a lovely looking red one in North Wales - new tyres & battery make it worth the extra I think. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/890379519014780
I've also been mulling over tank / seat options and the CX500 looks quite nice and is said to be an easy fit without dents or frame mods: (http://www.iansoady.org.uk/XBR500/images/cx%20tank.jpg)
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JOOLZ is your man for this. He has a CX tank on his supercharged XBR.
http://www.thumperclub.com/index.php?topic=7327.msg48947#msg48947
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I got the handlebar details at club on Thursday. I was broadly correct, but wrong in the details. My friend knows somebody who owns a CNC company, and he made the risers, which it is thought clamp onto the stanchions. The good news is that my friend never fitted the risers for some reason so he's probably still got them. Also he lives in Redditch. The bad news is that though he is out of hospital, he has been very ill with the C-DIFF bug and is still recovering, so I wouldn't want to bother him at the moment. If you haven't found another solution beforehand, I'll put you in touch with him when he's recovered.
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Thanks Matt, the photos have disappeared so will contact Joolsz and see if I can get hold of them
And thanks to Pete as well - sorry to hear about your friend and I hope he recovers well - C-dif can be awful. I think I may well go with the VF400 bars at least as an interim solution but am in no rush and certainly wouldn't want to cause your friend any further distress. Off to see the bike in North Wales tomorrow.
(http://www.iansoady.org.uk/XBR500/images/St%20asaph%2002.jpg)
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This one is sporting a resprayed side panel with aftermarket decal. £££'s off ;)
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I have the impression the whole bike's been resprayed - not necessarily a problem if it's been done well - as the MoT history shows it as black. Which I'd actually have preferred for my proposed project.Otherwise it does look very clean from the photos but will not get too excited.
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but will not get too excited.
Come on, Ian, who are you trying to kid, this is us lot you're talking to! ;D
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Went to see it yesterday and shook hands - it's one of the few times that a bike has lived up to its pictures. It is a bit rattly at the top end which I've convinced myself is just tappets not the dreaded camshaft / head wear. In fact when I bought the CB250 it sounded very similar and for the same reason. Anyway when it arrives I'll pull the top off and investigate fully. It does need a thorough service having hardly moved for years.
Everyting else is fine although that "silencer" is far too noisy - it looks like a Norton peashooter but I suspect has no innards. The chap selling it had a gorgeous Commando Fastback which looked better than new and lives in his hallway. His wife won't let him ride it in case it gets dirty.....
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Good to hear you've got sorted with what looks to be a nice bike. Hopefully all will be fine engine wise. Looking forward to the transformation you have planned.
Ron.
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Great news, Ian! Always reassuring to find a seller with another bike in good fettle, especially a shared marque. Let's hope he finds a way to get out on his showbike now.
I hope the peashooter gets a baffle, as I like it for looks.
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Aye Ian,
Hope the new acquisition proves to be a good buy.
As for The chap selling it had a gorgeous Commando Fastback which looked better than new and lives in his hallway. His wife won't let him ride it in case it gets dirty.....
::) ::) ::) ::)
Looked better than new, but perishing and rusting from the inside out. I just don't understand the ornamentation/investment psychosis. ???
More miles on the 450 this weekend and now with over 85,000 miles on the engine, the gearbox selector forks might be starting to show signs of wear, by not selecting 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th shifts every time. Not a constant problem, but intermittent and a bit of a pitter as the engine part of the unit is now nicely bedded in after 7,500 miles. Nobody, so far, can provide wear limits for the selector forks, but another owner has started to note a similar problem after over 50,000 miles and he has never opened the engine up since purchasing it new in 1974.
Next oil change maybe the time for a disemboweling!
Good health, Bill
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The Commando had actually been very nicely done but it was a shame not to use it. He also had a very original sprung hub 1950s Speed Twin as well as a unit Triumph Trophy that had been restored by the same person who'd had the XBR and was pristine. Apparently an old friend of his had been ill for some time and recently died although he and my seller had lost touch. The widow contacted him and asked him to buy the bikes - he didn't actually want the Honda but took it to sell on (to me as it turned out). All could have been a bit dodgy and sounds a bit like a sophisticated scam* but I believe him.
It's being picked up on Wednesday to be delivered to me on Thursday. Can't wait. I think I'll look for either a real peashooter or maybe a Goldie silencer. Wonder if it would twitter.....
*More so when my bank transfer didn't go through. Has he done a runner with my £2,000? No, my bank decided it was a dodgy transation but couldn't be bothered to tell me till this morning after I got very embarrassed. All gone through now, V5 transferred and bike insured in my name. I just hope I'm not back here in a few days with a tale of woe.
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Great news Ian. Hopefully all goes as planned for the drop off and look forward to many photos of the bike before, during and after your transformation 🤞👍
Cheers, Michael
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Good luck with it Ian, looks like a nice bike!
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I think I'll look for either a real peashooter or maybe a Goldie silencer. Wonder if it would twitter.
If you fancy a Motad, I've got one in the garage.
Here's a pic and video link for sound;
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Hi Ian
I think this is a great thread as it has stimulated such a lot of interest. I had an XBR500 and do regret selling it although at the time it was probably the right thing to do. It was a shame they didn't catch on when they were available new, but at the time most people seemed to be fascinated by four cylinder engines and sophistication.
In a way Royal Enfield have championed the humble thumper until it is now back in the mainstream of bike buying, maybe a re-make of a simple single would succeed for Honda now?
Anyway keep up the good work and I look forward to the results.
Other Ian
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Ian,
I enjoyed that video. Bike sounds lovely and I think the colour is ace. I hope it’s a good trusty steed for you.
What is the knee bend to the pegs like? Is it much “looser” than the cb250rs?
Kev
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Bike delivered safely this morning. Oh no - a problem. One of the side panel fixings is broken. I'll have to send it back.
Seriously though still looking great. Cost £116 to be brought from North Wales which I think is a decent price.
Matt - I may be interested - do you have the whole system (I don't think the silencer would fit my pipes) and how much? Although I'm in no rush. The Motad does sound nice - I had one on the CB250RS. I still thing a Goldie one would be nice & they're available locally for £65 or so (as are peashooters).
Kev - to be honest I haven't even sat on it but the footrest / seat positioning looks similar to the CB250. I do have some thoughts on perhaps lowering the footrests however - and may even consider building a crossover system to put the brake & gear levers on the right sides. It depends on many things including my skill level and how much room there is to spare.
Ian - yes I'm surprised and pleased by the conversations so far. This is a great forum with a small but perfectly formed membership, and a wealth of knowledge.
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The bike I had with rs250 motor had cross over gears...
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Sorry, Ian, silencer only. It's heavy, but sounds great. Any measurements and/or pics you need to decide about fitment, please let me know when the time comes. Small ding where you can't see it and no rust.
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Food for thought. As with everything else I don't want to make irreversible changes.
I've started to go over it and have been very pleasantly surprised so far. It's obviously been totally restored but virtually unused since. Powder coated frame and the main paintwork is immaculate with only a couple of tiny marks. I started to do the tappets but discovered I don't have a plug spanner that goes down the hole - I must have had one at some stage when I had my Dominator - so off to toolstation tomorrow to get a set of box spanners. The air filter looks brand new and the oil is very clean but will do a full service anyway for peace of mind.
Thanks Matt, what bore is the inlet?
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35mm, but on closer inspection, pretty scratched up, 2 more dings and totally unsuitable for what sounds like a bike in good nick. I should've had a better look before posting. Doh!
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Hi
I have a set of those metal shims that come with universal silencers to allow diameters to be altered kicking around if they're any use to you Ian. They aren't a great solution to matching a smaller pipe to a larger bore silencer but they can work given some sealant around them. Let me know if you need them.
Just thinking about the unused and immaculate bike thing, it's a strange phenomenon to me. A motorbike has one function surely and that is to act as transport. If people don't wear them out no-one will make new bits for those of us wanting to run old thumpers. From that point of view I see it as my duty to put as many miles on my GN250 as possible so that the rest of you can have parts for them should you need them. You're welcome.
Actually yesterday was funny. I have borrowed my friend Jill's Lexmoto 125 for a while after the exhaust fell off the Mighty Midget and think it is a fab little toy. Jill mentioned it needed an annual service so I volunteered to take it back to the dealer she bought it from so she could keep her service book stamped. I did have a laugh though when the dealer commented that she had the first service done last year at 207 miles and this annual service was being done at 523 miles. I've done 150 or so of those miles in the last month in between using the Mighty Midget! It isn't just classics that suffer from lack of use.
Keep it going Ian and look forward to the next steps.
Other Ian
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Thanks for looking Matt, my thoughts are towards the Goldie version. My local parts place (Classic Bike Shop in Redditch) do them and also stiock a mute that fits in the end. But I'm nowhere near that stage yet.
Ian- yes I agree and TBH this is the best coindition bike I've ever had since my 1 year old Triumph Tiger back in 2005. I'll be scared to ride it in case I get it dirty! I have to admit that I'm also a low mileage rider these days so I hope you'll still speak to me.........
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Morning Ian,
.... my thoughts are towards the Goldie version. My local parts place (Classic Bike Shop in Redditch) do them and also stiock a mute that fits in the end. But I'm nowhere near that stage yet.
I realise you aren't there, yet, but you may find that the baffling inside strangles the engine! :( Have a good look inside. An Armours pattern Goldie exhaust that I purchased is so restrictive that the Ducati 450 wouldn't rev above 5,000rpm and the body of the exhaust blued in the area before the baffle! :( It now resides on a shelf in the workshop and has been used as a nesting box by a blue tit family. ;D
I have dimensional sketches of the internals of a Dunstall and a Motad design "silencer" for single cylinder engines, if you fancy constructing your own. ;)
Good health, Bill
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I'll have a look at the silencer but from the description is essentially a straight through design with an "Internally perforated off-set core as to the original spefication" according to the website.......
The Norton peashooter says "Internally it has a tubular serrated type straight through noise absorbent baffle to give a real nice quality note."
They're only down the road from me so I can look at what they've got.
Making one is I'm afraid beyond me.
I've just checked the tappet clearances which look fine. It did sound a bit tappety but maybe that will go away when it's warm?
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Thanks for I'll be scared to ride it in case I get it dirty!
Careful, Ian, it seems your thinking may have been contaminated by the seller and his hallway display only Trumpet! ;D
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<heavy sarcasm mode>You've got me sussed... Why ride 'em when you can polish 'em?</heavy sarcasm mode>
Don't worry by the time I've finished it'll be as scruffy as my bikes always are. VF400 bars arrived today and look as if they'll fit OK but expect I'll have to make a new choke cable at least.
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Scruffy? I was born scruffy and my bikes end up an extension of me, so...
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I've decided to start a new thread in the Projects section......
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My wife and I first met when I was working on a local city farm and she came from a college to teach some of our volunteers. She said it was the string holding up my trousers and my generally unkempt appearance that attracted her to me. Pretty much how I choose my bikes!
No worries Ian I'll talk to anyone, especially if they have an XBR500 or other thumper.
Ian