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Author Topic: hello from a new member :-)  (Read 2150 times)

victorludorum

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hello from a new member :-)
« on: February 16, 2012, 05:12:24 PM »
Hello all,

I'm in the process of selling my beloved ZRX1200 (long story), and rather than stop riding completely, I'm thinking about getting something smaller and more basic. I always liked the XBR500 when I was younger, and I'm now really tempted to get one. I try and do as much work as I can on the vehicles I've got/had, and this seems like a bike that'll be nice and easy to work on and maybe restore if necesary. I've been on ebay, but unsurprisingly there don't seem to be many on there. Is there a better source for these old Hondas, or is it just a simple fact that there aren't many around nowadays? Are there any classic problems with this model that i should be aware of?

Thanks in  ;-)
Gary.
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SteveC#222

  • Posts: 1900
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2012, 06:17:08 PM »
Hi there, welcome to the madhouse!

The XBR is a good choice, there are still quite a few around, they are easy to work on and spares are for the most part easy to get and reletively cheap ( for 'Classic' bikes).  They come up on here from time to time but your best bet is probably Ebay where they often pop up. You can probably get a rideable restoration job for around £6-800, a tidy one around £800-£1000 and a really nice one for £1000 + . If you are not sure ask here as there are plenty who can give you advice. I'm sure some of the other inmates..members will be along soon.   :)
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pete

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Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2012, 06:32:17 PM »
Welcome to the singles club.
                                                  Good choice is all i can say,in 30 years of riding the XBR500 has given me more smiles per mile than any bike i have ever owned. Go for it if you can find a reasonably priced one.   8)
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                    Pete.
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SRXweb

  • Posts: 406
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2012, 07:47:02 PM »
Welcome to the Thumper family !

I've never ridden a XBR (is it a correct sentence ?) but I can witness that equiped with two megaphones mufflers, it sounds great  :D :D
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victorludorum

  • Guest
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2012, 08:25:56 PM »
Cheers for all the positive messages. It looks like a definite winner to me, but it's a case of finding one. I actually live in France, and the XBR was never sold here, so I'll have to keep a look out on ebay etc for a decent one that's not too far away from my UK base (i.e. Mum's house in Essex!). I'm really looking forward to getting a slower bike that will give me a better excuse to just plod around like I used to do on my old VX800. If it goes wrong and needs repairing, then I'll be quiet happy to have a tinker without having to worry about needing it every day :-)
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SteveC#222

  • Posts: 1900
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2012, 08:52:22 PM »
If you can pick one up from the UK then you shouldn't have too much of a problem getting hold of one. They were very popular in Germany but that probably doesn't help you much.

There are 3 things you really need to look out for buying secondhand ( apart from the usual stuff).

1) Rattling top ends - they can wear if they don't get regular oil changes.

2) A exhaust in decent condition - either a good aftermarket - Micron, predetor etc or, if it has the original system make sure the downpipes are OK - you can't buy original pipes anymore and while you can cut off rusty silencers and replace them with something else - Peashooter, Dunstall etc - the down pipes are very hard and expensive to replace ( they are double skinned).

3) Make sure the back brake doesn't 'pulse' when applied.  Don't let the seller tell you it's just the drum that needs skimming - you can't skim an XBR drum as it's pressed into the alloy hub and the pulsing is caused by corrosion between the hub and drum - Good XBR back wheels are hard to find.

Also check it has had regular oil changes 1000-1500 miles max.

Other than that they are tough bikes and can easily do 100,000 on an engine.
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Ian

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  • Posts: 2009
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2012, 09:13:56 PM »
Hello Gary and welcome to the Thumper emporium for mad hatter bikers. Im not into these Hondas but I can appreciate how people feel about them (Im into the Yamaha equivalent) I hope you find one in good enough nick. In the meantime have a look at the following:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-xbr-500-/130647032035?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item1e6b2b80e3

Welcome again

Ian :)
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victorludorum

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Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2012, 08:52:29 AM »
Thanks again for all the info, it's much appreciated :-)

Is it possible to buy a complete aftermarket exhaust, or is it only the silencers that are available? I presume those original downpipes are just made of a standard steel then?

I see that there is one on Gumtree from a guy in NI. £850, no MOT or tax, 27,000 miles. Once I've shifted the Kawasaki, I'll start ringing around I think. I'll be quite happy to make a long journey out of it as long as I'm confident that the seller is being honest and genuine...
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Mark

  • Posts: 1634
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2012, 05:35:32 PM »
Quote from: victorludorum on February 17, 2012, 08:52:29 AM

I see that there is one on Gumtree from a guy in NI. £850, no MOT or tax, 27,000 miles. Once I've shifted the Kawasaki, I'll start ringing around I think. I'll be quite happy to make a long journey out of it as long as I'm confident that the seller is being honest and genuine...

Just make sure the seller isn't RonXBR and you'll be in with a chance. ;)

Mark
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SteveC#222

  • Posts: 1900
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2012, 05:59:16 PM »
The only aftermarket system currently available is the Predetor at £3-400 - though it is all stainless steel. You can sometimes find a Micron system on Ebay but most are used and you don't know if they have any terminal rust. If the standard down pipes are ok then there are a range of silencers in different styles and volumes that can be persuaded to fit.
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JOOLZ

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  • Posts: 937
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #10 on: February 17, 2012, 08:26:32 PM »
Hi welcome to the thumper club. I also own an XBR500. Its possible to get downpipes made if you are really stuck, there are quite a few companys that will bend pipes
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RonXBR

  • Posts: 272
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #11 on: February 19, 2012, 09:34:13 PM »
Hello Gary,

I have been to view that XBR in N.I. a few months ago and was not impressed.  Started ok but very curly round the edges and needs a bit of work to tidy up. The photograph makes it look better than what it is. (Bit like Mark really). Anyway, best of luck with your search.

Ron.
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guest40

  • Guest
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #12 on: February 20, 2012, 11:01:03 AM »
Pssstt, Pssst, hey Gary, listen quietly mate .its not too late If you persist with this mob you will be drawn in never to see the twins again... take care. You have been warned. 8) 8) 8)
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Andy M

  • Posts: 1709
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #13 on: February 20, 2012, 12:29:00 PM »
Quote from: Kurt Perth WA on February 20, 2012, 11:01:03 AM
Pssstt, Pssst, hey Gary, listen quietly mate .its not too late If you persist with this mob you will be drawn in never to see the twins again... take care. You have been warned. 8) 8) 8)

Do you mind? Half of us ride 2-strokes, twins and fours and havn't touched an actual thumper for years  :-[

Now landrovers and Petrol stoves....... :o

I had a stainless system made for the Brick by a company that bends and welds stainless. £3-400 should get you anything you liked on an single. The decision to me would be down to if you were happy leaving the bike with them end ending up with something unique except for the silencer or if you can pick up spares from an established production run if you needed them later. To be honest I'd think there was nothing in it here and I'd be thinking about how I wanted it to look, access to the rear wheel etc.

And Welcome to the nut house!

Andy
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Mark

  • Posts: 1634
Re: hello from a new member :-)
« Reply #14 on: February 21, 2012, 07:16:54 AM »
Quote from: Andy M on February 20, 2012, 12:29:00 PM
Quote from: Kurt Perth WA on February 20, 2012, 11:01:03 AM
Pssstt, Pssst, hey Gary, listen quietly mate .its not too late If you persist with this mob you will be drawn in never to see the twins again... take care. You have been warned. 8) 8) 8)

Do you mind? Half of us ride 2-strokes, twins and fours and havn't touched an actual thumper for years  :-[

Now landrovers and Petrol stoves....... :o

Andy

Weather girls! weather girls! don't forget about the weather girls!
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