HONDA’S CAFÉ CAPER

1987 HONDA GB500 TT

When the Honda GB500TT came into existence in 1985, there was not a road test or review that did not compare it to the exalted and extinct great British singles, especially the BSA Gold Star, Velocette Venom Clubman and Thruxton, Norton Featherbed International and so on. Certainly, the overall specification was of the same ilk; a sporty single cylinder four stroke with minimal weight, basic instrumentation, few concessions to comfort, and impeccable handling. But beyond the initial glance the Honda had a lot more going for it, notably its engine. But more of that later.

The Japanese factories have made some curious marketing decisions over the years, but probably none more curious than for the GB500TT. One may have logically expected that its primary market would have been Britain – home to the legendary marques, home to the Ace Café and where the café racer culture had its roots, home to generations of enthusiasts who would annually flock to the Isle of Man to savour the sights and sounds of Manx Nortons, AJS 7Rs and Matchless G50s – the big overhead camshaft singles that were still winning races long after they should have stopped. But no, Honda chose not to release the GB500TT in Britain (nor in Australia for that matter, another nation with an established taste for sporting singles, although the GB was sold in New Zealand), for reasons known only to itself – the only plausible explanation may