XBR Honda UK press fleet bike restoration

[guest833]

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-

More pics- http://s621.photobucket.com/albums/tt292/JohnSimpson/Blue%20XBR%20B%20reg/

Cheers for now- John
      

[Fuzz]

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.

[guest833]

This ones a light blue- but know doubt a lot were.

No probs re call- the parts are just in the garage

Cheers- John

[SteveC#222]

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.

[guest833]

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

[guest7]

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

[Fuzz]

Have you counted the number of teeth on the front sprocket
Bet its a 13t !!!!

[guest833]

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

[el vencejo]

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

[guest833]

What's the standard on the front?

Cheers

John

[Fuzz]

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..

[guest564]

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.