This one is definitely fun! The "Original GB" Honda GB250 Clubman is a stylish cafe racer that can really ride! [Shop Manager's Quick Classic Bike Review]

This is a project where the shop manager of the virtual moto shop "88 Cycles" on YouTube introduces bikes in a quick and easy way! This time, we are picking up the GB250 Clubman, famous as Honda's cafe racer. Known as the ancestor of the modern GB, we will explore the charm of this bike in a way that is easy for beginners to understand!

Honda's Authentic Cafe Racer

The first generation GB250 Clubman appeared in 1983. The fact that it has a flat handlebar instead of clip-ons is a super cool point!

Speaking of Honda's GB, the GB350 has recently become popular as a British-style traditional bike. The ancestor of this GB series is the GB250 Clubman, which debuted in 1983. This bike is sometimes categorized and called a "cafe racer."

This term refers to bikes with styling inspired by 60s British street racers. The name stuck because back then, people would gather at cafes to show off their bikes and then race each other from there. It's kind of cute, isn't it!

That said, the GB250 Clubman is not just a bike for style. Since it was originally based on the CBX250RS single-sport bike, the engine is equipped with an RFVC mechanism that arranges the valves radially to achieve a hemispherical combustion chamber for ideal combustion efficiency. Furthermore, the initial model featured twin carburetors for intake and a DOHC valve train driven by a semi-cam gear train, making it quite a high-tech machine!

The Long-Running Clubman

The 1987 model was changed to a lighter and simpler configuration. The condensed look around the handlebars is irresistible, isn't it!

The GB250 Clubman, being such a capable cafe racer, was accepted by a wide range of people from veterans to young riders due to its stylishness, the ease of handling of a lightweight 250cc single-cylinder machine, and its lively performance, becoming a long-running hit! This bike was the key player that established the single-cylinder sports bikes that appeared during this period.

In 1987, the direction was changed from a performance-oriented approach to a simpler one, featuring a large-diameter single carburetor and a single-exit muffler. The seat height was also lowered by 25mm from 780mm to 755mm, making it even friendlier.

From 1995, the tank became a bit rounder. It also gained an emblem, giving it an elegant style!

After this, it underwent model changes in 1989 and 1995, evolving into a more classical style with a sense of beauty in its curves. The styling from '95 onwards has a certain elegance to it, doesn't it?

By the way, this bike has always carried the name "Clubman." "Clubman" is one of the terms used in the UK to refer to amateur races in general. The GB250 Clubman is truly Honda's stylish "Sunday cafe racer"!

If you want to know more about single-cylinder sports bikes of the same generation, be sure to check out the video on the 88 Cycles main YouTube channel!

Honda GB250 Clubman Main Specifications (1983 Model)

• Length x Width x Height: 2015 x 640 x 1035mm
• Wheelbase: 1360mm
• Weight: 145kg (Dry weight: 130kg)
• Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder 249cm3
• Maximum Output: 30PS/9500rpm
• Maximum Torque: 2.4kg-m/8000rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 17L
• Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed return
• Brakes: F = Hydraulic disc, R = Mechanical leading-trailing
• Tires: F = 90/90-18 51S, R = 110/90-18 61S
• Price (at the time): 379,000 yen