Bit of an XBR surprise on fleabay

[mthee]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-XBR500-engine-complete-carb-starter-etc-/284556237325?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[xbally]

Hmmmmmm. One bid on and reserve not met at £600. Could be bargain at the right price or an absolute liability / money pit. Don't think I would be prepared to take a gamble on this.

[Moto63]

No me either at that kind of money. 🤔🤷

[hyperbimduke]

Based on the cost of used parts might be a bargain, depending on reserve. What prepping would be required, partial strip for inspection, full strip seal replacement, or add oil, oill down plug hole & turn her over? What do you reckon?

[tommy]

its got the wrong bolts on the cases and that breather on top of the rocker cover looks manky looks like a motor cieaned up .tommy

[Moto63]

Yes, I’m with tommy on this one. The more I look at it close up, the more details I spot that appear incorrect. 🤔

[hyperbimduke]

He says bought as new... can't see any of the 184 posative feedback...

[Moto63]

The guy in question may have possibly bought it as new, who knows🤷. Doesn’t necessarily mean it was Chris. There’s definitely quite a few little detail things on it that certainly don’t appear to be correct. Especially for an engine supposedly still in it’s crate. As I said before, I’m going with Tommy on this one. I don’t think it’s all it’s cracked up to be. 🤔🤔
Cheers, Michael

[hyperbimduke]

I'm not tempted just curious as I have bought new piston, corod bearings an gaskets to rebuild mine.

[themoudie]

I have asked the seller the question "Is it an unused factory engine or a rebuilt engine that he bought "as new", the shipping crate being possibly a non-factory item?"

I await his response and see if he publishes it, along with the lot details on eBay.

Now, will it fit in the BROS400 (NS250) alloy beam frame? 

Good health, Bill

[Moto63]

Ooo.... now that sounds like “proper” project Bill. Gooo on, you can always MAKE it fit 😉👍

[mthee]

Now, will it fit in the BROS400 (NS250) alloy beam frame? 

Slurp, drool...🤞👍

[themoudie]

Gentlemen,

Below is my correspondence with Mel, the engine seller.

Morning Melv,

Your description for this lot says "Bought as a new engine and never run, in shipping crate" and implies that this engine is as new from the factory, when the cap screws securing the outer case to the crankcase appear to be aftermarket ones. Could you please confirm whether this is an engine new from the factory, or a reconditioned engine that when you purchased it was "as new"?

Thank you for your time.

Yours sincerely Bill Rayner

The reply in full from the seller of the XBR engine on eBay.

Greetings Bill,
Yes as I mentioned this is a bit of a mystery. I bought the engine along with a Velocette and some parts from a chap in Coventry. He was a senior engineer with Jaguar and had secured a senior position with a new engine plant in China. His house was to be let and he was selling many things.

I was told the engine is new. However the packing case is well made and plywood and not of Honda manufacture. All I have dome is to lift the rocker box to demonstrate the remarkable radial valve design. On close inspection I noticed a small amount of black carbon in one exhaust port so the engine has been started possible on a test bed, maybe at the Jaguar facilities.

Cases do not appear to have been blasted or ultrasonically cleaned. I had not noticed the engine screws, he mystery deepens.

You are most welcome to have a look and I live close to Cambridge.

Mel

I do not think Mel is trying a "fast one" and he has also kindly given me his phone number, if I should choose to view the engine. Below is my reply to his offer to view the engine.

Dear Mel,

Thank you for your comprehensive reply on your known history of the engine.

Whilst I do not have an XBR I know others that do and might be interested in the engine and wanted to clarify whether it was "factory new" or "as new".

For my sins I run Yamaha SRX 600' and Ducati singles and have more than enough to keep me occupied! ;¬)

Good health, Bill

So, with an SRX, Duke singles and Morini the Minx requiring cash and time, I don't think that the BROS will join the list at present! But .......!

Good health, Bill

[Moto63]

🤔🤔🤷... still not convinced personally. I will defo be staying clear. Thanks for taking the time to correspond with the selle Bill. Interesting stuff indeedy 🤔🤔
Cheers, Michael

[Rossco500]

Looks like this one may have failed to reach the reserve and hasn't sold. I'm pretty sure it was for sale in the last issue of the VJMC magazine for offers around £750 and I must admit I was briefly tempted although delivery to NI would add to the cost significantly. However after seeing the photos I would agree with the others that suggest that it may not be new - there's a few pointers although in fairness to the seller he's honest in saying that he can't be sure. It could have been removed from a low mileage crashed bike and tidied up or it could be an engine refurbished by Honda - given what some individual parts are fetching (plenty no longer available) it could be worth a punt but I think most folk would like to hear it running before parting with the cash.....

Regards

Tony