New track

[iansoady]

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!!!!!!

[themoudie]

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

[iansoady]

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.

[mthee]

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

[spooky]

Heve you seen the red xbr with fairing on carandclassic ?  £1750

[spooky]

GBR400 on fb marketplace in Grantham, proper wheels on it..

[mthee]

Heve you seen the red xbr with fairing on carandclassic ?  £1750

Great spot, good price and sqeaky clean.

https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1492281

[iansoady]

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?

[spooky]

Jolly good, i know a really good courier if you need one, very reliable...

[iansoady]

I've arranged it through Shiply for £136 which seems reasonable. Rushing again.....

[spooky]

That sounds like a good price...

[mthee]

Many thanks for those Matt, food for thought. I can't see the pics from the thread - any chance of reposting them?

PM sent

[kevberlin]

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.

[iansoady]

This is the one - photos from the dealer (they've taken the ad down as I've given them a deposit):





And what I'm aiming at is something like:



Or this:




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.

[kevberlin]

I like that, and agree with your intentions.
Hope it’s a good machine for you.