1989 Honda GB500

JH2PC1619KK000220

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We are listing this motorcycle for the final time. The reserve has been dropped dramatically. We need to sell this beauty as the owner can no longer enjoy it. Please bid only if you are serious about buying the motorcycle. If you have a feedback rating of 5 or less please contact me before bidding. For your consideration is a 1989 Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy with only 5,200 original miles! #220 off the production line. This motorcycle is owned by 2017 Trailblazers Hall of Fame inductee Tony Murphy. Before we talk about the GB, I want to talk about Tony for a minute. In 1955 Tony worked summers at BSA Inc. in Nutley, New Jersey where he met some of his racing heroes like Dick Mann, and Albert Gunter. He moved to California in 1957 where he got involved in AFM road racing. He started out on a Ducati 175 at Willow Springs and quickly moved up to 500cc class where he won a string of victories on his 500cc Manx Norton. Tony went to work in the Honda Service Department for manager Don Evans in 1960...the very early days of Honda in America. Together, Tony and Don built a 250cc superhawk with a Forgedtrue 350cc piston kit, and a Harmon and Collins cam....it was unbeatable! At the first US Grand Prix in Daytona, (1964) Tony became the very first US rider to win a true Grand Prix on that bike! Aboard the Superhawk and other Hondas, Tony had a winning streak of AFM titles that would last for years. He moved from Honda to Yamaha in 1964 where he test drove the new RD prototype machines. Tony won so many races at Willow Springs, he was dubbed "the King of Willow." In 1968 Yamaha made Tony the race manager and he hired Phil Read to ride the new Yamaha 350cc at Daytona. He would eventually leave Yamaha to work for Petersen Publishing where his skills were put to use test riding factory street and race bikes. In 1972 Tony test rode the very first alloy XR750 prototype from Harley Davidson for Motorcycle Magazine. Harley even had Harley race legend, Cal Rayborn available to Tony that day. After leaving the publishing world, he was hired as a consultant and magazine test bike supplier for Can-Am's Bombardier. That morphed into a relationship with Rotax in Austria. He became the exclusive importer of Rotax motors...39 years ago and still going today! Tony raced with and against legendary racers like Dick Mann, Gary Nixon, Don Vesco, Buddy Elmore, Bob Winters, etc, etc! Now, onto the GB. This beautiful 1989 GB500 is Tony's personal ride. Being partial to 500 singles, Tony had to have the unique Honda GB500. This classic Honda factory cafe racer has only 5200 original miles. Engine number PC1E-2001443. Kick and electric start. Equipped with an overhead cam 500cc motor, 4-valve cylinder head with 2 exhaust ports, and a 5 speed gearbox. This model also came with 18" alloy rims front and rear. It has a stainless steel Supertrap exhaust modification as well as a TM38 flat slide Mukuni carb upgrade, custom rear shocks, and new modern Metzler 18" tires. This beauty has a new battery is rust free, dent free, and is currently registered through March of 2019. She starts right up and idles perfectly. Shifts flawlessly through all 5 gears. The front fender had a small crack that was repaired and the fender was repainted. The rear seat cowl and kickstart lever were not on the bike when Tony purchased it, so they are not included in the sale. Original tool kit is included in the sale as well as the original mirrors (not pictured) There are scuffs and scratches here and there, typical of a 30 year old motorcycle. Please check out all pictures closely and ASK QUESTIONS! I am selling this for Tony and the bike is in my possession in Fullerton California 92835. The bike can be viewed and inspected by appointment. Here's an opportunity to own a very sought after piece of Honda Motorcycle history...with a great back story! A $500 deposit is required at auctions end. Please feel free to contact me at the number listed below. I can assist with enclosed Domestic and International shipping but please remember, SHIPPING IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER. Once the bike is paid for, I can hold it for a period of time in order to arrange shipping of buyers choice. The motorcycle is offered in "as is" condition, no warranty expressed or implied. Check out all pictures closely. ZOOM IN AND ASK ANY QUESTION YOU HAVE. Thanks for reading and good luckShannon SweeneySS CLASSICS MOTORCYCLES310-606-0434