XBR

[Terry James]

How viable is the XBR500 as everyday transport? I have been offered a 20,000 mile XBR which appears to have been well looked after, but I only have room for one bike. I am currently without a bike and can't make up my mind what to get. Also, will the XBR run on unleaded fuel?

[Moto63]

Afternoon Terry, it's a relative thing I think, all depends on what you as an individual expect from a "daily rider" performance clearly isn't up to modern standard, Brakes etc. I personally would say yes but being a self employed plumber I don't ride a bike to work every day 😁. There's a couple o guys on here, Martin (xbally) who rides his to work on, I think a daily basis so maybe it's better getting someone like him to give you a better idea of wether it's do'able. Yes the XBR can/will run fine on unleaded fuel... cheers, Michael

[Terry James]

I'm not a speed demon and as I'm recently retired, I want something manageable and not too heavy. By 'daily rider' I mean reliable rather than sporty. I have had many British bikes in the past and always ride within the capability of the components, i.e. brakes etc. Would spares be an issue with a Honda that is over 30 years old?

[SteveC#222]

Hi terry,

It depends on your daily drive, the XBR probably isn't first choice if you are doing a lot of long motorway type trips but A & B roads plus duel carriageways it would be fine. 20K is nothing, these motors easily run to 50-60 k with few problems and much higher mileages are common. Cruising at 60-70mph is a doddle and will give you around 50mpg it will plod along at 4000revs but wind it up to 6500 and it's suprising quick. Reliability is first class and most spares are available from David Silver or Wemoto. Few problems, front caliper can stick (easy fix) rear brake drum can go oval (not so easy fix) - avoid rattly top ends. Main thing is regular 1000-1500 mile oil changes with a new filter every other change. Not everyone gets on with the clip-ons though they aren't that low, but there is an easy conversion to a higher bar if it's a problem. It will run fine on unleaded.

It is one of those odd bikes that is much more than the sum of it's parts, on paper it's nothing special but I guarantee it will put the biggest smile on your face!

Lots of experience and advice here of course.

[xbally]

Yes i use mine regularly to go to work and leisure rides and it's fine. I've had at least 5 XBR's and as soon as i sell one i miss it and have to get another!Most of mine have had around 50K on the clock by the time i've got them and as others have said provided the oil and filter are changed regularly that's pretty much all the engine needs.Never had any real problems with spares but i do have a bit of a stockpile now!Consumables are easy enough to get hold of but things like petrol taps ,centre stands and petrol tanks can take a while to locate.Ebay Germany used to be good for these spares although i'm not sure what's available on there right now. You can get pattern exhausts though.I've had all sorts of bikes in the past but never tire of an XRB-good luck..............

[Moto63]

Yes I'd defo agree with Steve on the smiles per miles

[Andy M]

I think its going to vary with what previous owners have done. The basic design will be fine, but these are now 20+ years old. Have a really good look and chat with the seller.

 My solution has been new-old designs. The UCE Bullet could certainly be used every day and I think a MASH etc. could do the same.

Andy

[timbo]

For what you want it for Terry, I reckon an XBR would be ideal. Being a single, they are cheap and easy to run. 20k miles is nothing, on these great engines.

[SteveC#222]

Just one proviso to my previous post - if you are planning to carry a pillion very often the XBR may not be the best choice. It's fine for the occasional day out or maybe odd weekend, but a long trip or regular 2 up journeys would be a pain, it's really a one man machine. Otherwise go for it, you'll love it!

[Moto63]

Yes I'm defo with Tim and Steve on this one, 👍👍

[tommy]

hi terry ,back in the 90,s i used a couple of xbr,s for despatch work one had over 100,000 miles on it , there a great bike well able for day to day work  as the lads have said regular oil and filter changes are a must and checking the oil properly is most important on these bikes ,use a top quality chain and sprocket kit when your changing them and have a spare set of swing arm bushes handy (david  silver has them )they can go there to cramped for a pillion passenger ,the standard shocks are worn  well worn out by now and new fork oil is not a bad idea either ,the xbr comes with either spoked or a comstar wheels i think the spokes look nicer but for day to day use the comstar wheel is more practical as you can use tubeless tyres on these rims  i used higher bars from a vf 400 or 500 more comfy  they  happily cruise about 60 -70 they dont like  motorways to much great bikes and i have two of them still ,  that xbr i said that had over a 100,000 miles on it was a fantastic bike it had koni shocks ,fork gaiters bar muffs a small fly screen higher bars and a back box that bike could be used every day all day no bother tommy

[BrendanO]

Hi Terry

All my current bikes are 80s Hondas, except '93 NTV 650.

In summer, I happily commute on my XBR, it's a nice way to get to work, skinny, not tiring, and cheapish to run. However, it has 22k miles and good history, and is not concourse. I would worry about winter salt.

I have done 350mile Mway days, more confy for me than the ntv. My wife is a bit bigger than me (I am built like a drink of water) so it's 2-up for short trips but not touring.

Usual 80s Honda reliable, bar what others have said - main factor is previous owner and mileage. Still seem to be a few about, and I suspect most UK ones are connected to this site. Look after oil level and freshness as always.

Exhausts are another hens teeth part...£3-500 for new system, and sometimes doesn't fit centre stand.

I run higher bars (CBX 550 I think, fit straight on, can get away with original cables and brake lines if you raise headlight). Only problem I have had was wheel corrosion internally, caused by leaving Ultraseal in long-term I believe. Now have tube in rear tyre.

No depreciation. Enjoy it!