HONDA CB250RS, EXCEL 500, FT500 HYBRID. CAFE RACER? HILL CLIMBER?

I have always fancied one of these specials.   The RS 250 is featherlight and fast enough for fun in the lanes.   With the 500 engine. it should make a quick special. agile and pencil thin. the ideal basis for a cafe racer or even a real racer.   I think the bike would work really well for Tarmac hill climbs and twisty sprints.  

This bike has obviously been restored. not too long ago I think.   It looks really good.   It has Dunlop K82's that have done very few miles.   The stanchions look as if they were new. not the rusty pitted horrors you usually find on old Hondas.   Someone has made a really nice job of the exhausts.   The bike has the 500 clocks. giving the right range on the rev counter.   The bike looks to have been resprayed. nice job.   Not perfect if you look really close. but good enough unless you want to show it.   The only thing I would do to improve the appearance is to fit stainless spokes and touch up the black paint on the engine cases.

When we went to buy the bike. the owner started the Honda which ran fine.   We stopped the engine to negotiate and then went to start the engine again.   The engine turned over once. there was a clunk and the starter motor sat there humming to itself and getting hot.   Obviously out of action.   There is a kick start but the decompressor has been removed. you dont need a decompressor with the electric start.   You can turn the engine over with the kick start. but I reckon you would break it before you could start the engine without the decompressor.   It is a 500 single with relatively high compression after all.  

We bought it anyway.   I thought I would fix it myself.   Should not take much to get it running. no guarantees of course.   Starter motor bits are a bit thin on the ground in the UK. should be available from the States though. so my plan was to remove the starter motor. fit a decompressor and use the kick start.   The 250 uses the same decompressor I believe and so should not be difficult to find.   That was a year ago.   Truth is I have too much to do. too many bikes to fix.   It could be years before it gets to the top of the pile.   Should make a cracking special for somebody though.  

Obviously the bike is sold for spares or repairs.   We are not desparate for the money and so will not entertain silly offers.   May be willing to do a deal for an Enfield. AMC lightweight any condition or similar or spares.

Tel 01538 754115

TOLLGATE CLASSICS specialise in Royal Enfield Bullets and offer an engine rebuilding service. big bore conversions. gas flowing and Enfield wheel building also stock a selection of Bullets for sale. We are Wassell dealers so can also supply spares for a large range of British motorcycles.

Please phone 01538 754115.

We deal mainly by mail order and will see customers strictly by appointment only.

The address below is given for legal reasons. it is my accountants and they will NOT be able to help you with your motorcycle so DO NOT drop in to see them on the off chance.

Also published at eBay.com