Spoilt for choice
05/06/2022
As we all know, we are primarily an automotive platform, but from time to time, a motorcycle can also be used to explain the context. Today it's that time again and the topic is actually neutral in terms of vehicle type, although the lower the price of a vehicle, the more controversial the topic becomes.
But let's start from the beginning: The Honda XBR 500S was presented in the 1980s as a nostalgic motorcycle and was aimed at the Yamaha SR 500, which had generated surprising sales figures with a similar concept. The Honda came with the British single-cylinder look of the sixties, but had modern technology on board. Four valves helped with the combustion work, the brakes were disc brakes (front) and an electric starter assisted with starting, although a kick starter had not been dispensed with! The Honda XBR 500 S also sold well initially, although it did not quite fit in with the performance society of the 1980s. Today, it is even more nostalgic than back then and has of course long been a classic car. You can cruise along on it wonderfully, and thanks to its low unladen weight, it rides almost like a moped.
As the owner of such an aging Honda XBR, which still rides well but can no longer win any concours in terms of looks, sooner or later the question arises as to whether you should invest money and sweat in the bike to make it prettier and as good as new. If you're not a talented DIY enthusiast, you'll soon be investing large sums of money. But there is a third option. You could also buy a similar bike with fewer kilometers and in perfect condition. Here too, of course, you can quickly spend a few thousand, but you will quickly reach your goal and can see the result before you buy. Whether the collector's price will pay off in the medium term is unclear. However, it is probably just as unclear how much the partial restoration of the existing machine will cost. And finally, you could also opt for the zero option and simply continue to ride the existing two-wheeler "as is", as it has ridden flawlessly so far thanks to proven Honda technology and reliability as well as conscientious maintenance.
Which option should it be?
Many an owner of a Triumph TR sports car or a Pagoda will no doubt be asking themselves similar questions. Whether you then decide in favor of one or the other could also be down to sentimental aspects. Perhaps you got married in the car in question, took a nice trip or inherited the car? The situation is likely to be different every time, but the three basic options - continue driving as before, partial/complete restoration, exchange for a better vehicle - are largely universal.
P.S. If you have had your own experiences, please don't hesitate to comment on this article!
