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Honda XBR500, Suzuki SG350 Goose, or Yamaha SRX600... all have their merits as smart bikes to run when times are hard. Yet there has to be some entertainment too
There’s a lot to be said for the single life. Uncomplicated, easier on the pocket, and fun, especially if you’re talking bikes. Big single-cylinder roadsters have never commanded a huge slice of the market, but over the years the class has given us certain models that have stood the test of time far better than many of their pure sports contemporaries.
And it’s easy to see why. Big singles just need to be simple and engaging. That’s pretty much it, and during the 1980s and ’90s several contenders emerged delivering all that was required – and more. Bikes like Honda’s XBR500/GB500TT, Yamaha’s SRX-6 and Suzuki’s SG350 Goose.
On today’s busy, camera-strewn roads big thumpers make more sense than ever, delivering tangible charm at real world speeds, while still being easy on the pocket in terms of both initial purchase and running costs. How could that not make sense when unleaded is still £1.80-plus a litre?
Not only that, all of these single-pot wonders are ripe for upgrades, both chassis and engines, with many existing production parts easily slotted into place; bigger-bore motors, higher spec suspension, sharper brakes, wider wheels with stickier rubber – big singles are a modifier’s dream, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
So, spice up your life by introducing a sporty single for weekend frolics. As a second bike these one-lungers make a lot of sense – particularly now. They’re currently cheap to buy, and values are gradually moving towards a higher position. Here’s how to make the most of single life.
HONDA XBR500
Honda’s single-pot CB250RS was a brilliant lightweight roadster, with just enough oomph to exploit its zesty handling. The XBR500 was effectively an RS on steroids, offering more of everything while retaining the charm and fun intrinsic to big thumpers.
As is the case with most single-cylinder roadsters, the XBR’s motor first found favour in the off-road arena, powering the firm’s mid-sized XR enduro models. The dry sump unit features Honda’s radial four-valve technology (RVFC), which allows the use of a hemispherical combustion chamber for improved burn with four valves for better mixture flow; the valves are operated via a sub-rocker arm due to the acutely angled arrangement. So, despite displacing more than 100cc less than Yamaha’s SRX-6 the XBR is in deficit by just one bhp.
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