Tomorrow sees the start of the Isle of Man TT2009. When casting around for a motorcycle to connect with this legendary event, we decided to avoid the glamour machines—such as the NCR Hailwood TT—and pick instead the obscure Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy. Its engine was a sleeved-down variant of the XL600 dirt bike motor: like many TT-winning racebikes, it was a 500cc big single. A tube frame, wire wheels and retro-styled gas tank completed the vintage ‘clubman’ look. The GB500 lasted just two years, disappearing from US showrooms in 1990, but today, good condition examples often fetch more than the original sticker price. Even better news for owners is the availability of a White Brothers 600 big bore kit … [Image via German site GB500.]
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