{"id":256221,"date":"2026-07-13T14:36:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T11:36:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1kitap1.com\/en\/classic-bike-uk-issue-558-july-2026-classic-bike-uk\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T14:36:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T11:36:12","slug":"classic-bike-uk-issue-558-july-2026-classic-bike-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1kitap1.com\/en\/classic-bike-uk-issue-558-july-2026-classic-bike-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Classic Bike UK – Issue 558 July 2026 – Classic Bike UK"},"content":{"rendered":"
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And not only in the UK. The classic bike boom was worldwide and Japanese enthusiasts were \u2013 and still are \u2013 keen buyers of British classics, with a passion for the history of racing and motorcycle culture. Clearly there was a market to tap into. There had already been an attempt of sorts to revive big singles but the SR500, Suzuki GN400 and Honda\u2019s own FT500 had never really caught on in the UK. Maybe it was because all of them were essentially enlargements of existing 250cc learner\/commuter models.<\/p>\n

Honda cleverly aimed at the era of leather jackets and coffee bars, purposely styling the XBR as a \u201960s big single caf\u00e9 racer \u2013 and that inevitably made the Goldie the obvious inspiration. But Honda were characteristically cautious. They had to make sure the XBR had the refinements of modern reliability, equipment and performance along with just enough 1980s styling to look like a statement, not an antique.<\/p>\n

Interestingly though, they let it all hang out for the home market. The GB500TT was an unashamedly British tribute, even down to the GB and TT letters. It was far more \u201960s looking, mainly due to those spoked wheels. Exported to the States, the GB500 was less of \u2018The XBR is much easier to start than a Yamaha XT\u2019 LEFT This bike\u2019s deep metallic burgundy gives a classy finish LEFT Nothing wrong with the brakes; Rick\u2019s less sure about the Comstars ENGINE\/TRANSMISSION Type Air-cooled ohc radial four-valve single Dimensions 91 x 74mm Capacity 498cc Power 44bhp at 7000rpm Compression ratio 8.9:1 Carburation Keihin 39mm CV-type Clutch Wet multiplate Gearbox Five speed CHASSIS Frame Steel tubular cradle Suspension Front: 35mm telescopic forks.<\/p>\n

Rear: Swingarm with twin adjustable shock absorbers Brakes Front: Single 235mm (9in) disc. Rear: 178mm (7in) drum Wheels Honda Comstar, riveted aluminium rim Tyres Front: 100\/90 x 18. Rear: 110\/90 x 18 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase 1400mm (55in) Weight 182kg (401 lb) Performance 110mph a hit, but some later bikes were shipped to Germany where they were much more popular.<\/p>\n

Once on European soil, British XBR owners saw the GB and it became \u2018a thing\u2019 to track down the parts to convert UK models. Spokes were finally fitted to the later silver-painted XBR500SJ, but the moment had passed \u2013 and the XBR was discontinued the following year. Should Honda have gone for the full GB500 spec sooner? Well, remember \u2013 this was long before the idea of making new \u2018retro\u2019 bikes had been conceived, and making a new bike that looked straight out of the past must have seemed like marketing madness at the time.<\/p>\n

The simple fact is that the XBR500 is nothing like a Gold Star \u2013 and to describe it as such is an insult to both parties.<\/p>\n

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Following our record-setting Spring Stafford Sale – \u00a34.2 million achieved with 98% sold – we are now inviting entries for our Autumn and Winter auctions. As the auction house of choice for important collectors\u2019 motorcycles and single-owner collections, Bonhams is renowned for delivering world-record prices and outstanding results. Our dedicated team of international specialists works tirelessly to help you achieve the very best price for your motorcycle, with sales that consistently deliver the highest sell-through rates in the industry. Contact us today for a complimentary auction valuation and guidance on achieving the best possible results.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re here to support you every step of the way. The Autumn Staff ord Sale The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show Sta\ufb00 ord I 10 – 11 October 2026 I Closing date for entries: Friday 4 September Lancs, Yorks, Cheshire, N. Counties & Scotland +44 (0) 7811 899 905 mark.garside@bonhams.com Midlands, Peak District & Wales +44 (0) 7710 615 868 phil.ingle@bonhams.com Lincs & East Anglia +44 (0) 1507 481 890 David Hawtin Bonhams Motorcycles Milton Keynes (Head O\ufb03 ce) +44 (0) 20 8963 2817 motorcycles@bonhams.com Head of Department (UK) +44 (0) 20 8963 2818 james.stensel@bonhams.com Senior Specialist +44 (0) 20 8963 2822 bill.to@bonhams.com Specialist +44 (0) 20 7468 8258 andrew.barrett@bonhams.com International Dept Director +44 (0) 20 8963 2819 ben.walker@bonhams.com Cambs, Lincs, Norfolk, Su\ufb00 olk & Essex +44 (0) 7508 481 724 james.robinson@bonhams.com Leics, Northants, Herts, Beds, Bucks & Oxon +44 (0) 7973 661 051 martin.heckscher@bonhams.com Hampshire & Dorset +44 (0) 1794 518 433 Mike Jackson Devon, Cornwall & The South West +44 (0) 1872 250 170 jonathan.vickers@bonhams.com ENTRIES INVITED | CONSIGN TODAY 3 Classic World 10 We Want It Take on a roaring Royal Enfield Fury?<\/p>\n

Sounds appealing 12 Temptation & Quick Guide Standout bikes for sale and BSA Gold Star overview 14 Winning Bids & Price Check Recent sales plus the bargain that is the Zephyr 550 17 News Kawasaki\u2019s first WSB-winning bike for sale 20 Out & About: Bike Shed Show Nosing around the selection of classics and specials 22 Rescued, Revived & Ridden Suzuki DR Big, reworked Triumph T100, Honda S90 Features & tests 28 Cover story: Laverda G\/S replica Beautifully executed passion project \u2013 built for riding 36 At Lunch With…<\/p>\n

Paul Denning Suzuki MotoGP race boss who started in his dad\u2019s shop 44 Rick Rides… Honda XBR500 Saddled by a \u2018new Gold Star\u2019 tag, how does it go now?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.<\/em><\/p>\n

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