Why no repo 500/550 tank made

[Davelu88]

As the title says why has no one reproduced the 500/550 KO /1/2 tanks as they have with the 400 & 750s as there seems alot of 500/550 about.

[cb550ninja]

Here here - I would think lots of demand if the price was similar to CB400 & 750.

[MCTID]

I find it quite astonishing how Honda (and other Japanese manufacturers) haven't twigged that restoring/ keeping their old bikes on the road is a potentially lucrative business.
They primarily exist to make products and profits - and secondly, to provide local employment and improve their Country's balance of payments, so any alternative avenues where these aims can be met must be worth serious consideration.

Whilst the development of new and improved designs and production methods will always be paramount to any manufacturer in a competitive market, surely the availability of vital components for older machines offers the potential to make lucrative profits which their latest offerings simply cannot match - because of the competitive nature of their markets.

Even if Honda (and other manufacturers) don't want to set up their own production/ supply lines, I bet there are many smaller companies who would be only too willing to obtain Licenses from Honda to invest in the tooling and production facilities to produce items which they could make healthy profits on......not just this year, but next year, and the next year etc etc.

Maybe Honda and the others thought that old bikes would eventually just be scrapped when spares ran out, but the large number of 50 year old Hondas still in use, and the lucrative business of keeping them on the road, suggests otherwise......at least it does to me......and my background was in Manufacturing Industry......so I understand what is involved and what it costs to produce parts in a production environment.

So come on Mr Honda....over to you......a nice juicy project for one of your brighter Project Managers to get his/ her teeth into - there are plenty of Clubs and Owners to tell you what's needed !

[taysidedragon]

Suzuki do it. 😮

[hairygit]

Most of the parts that they list are actually bits still in production for modern production machines, and seem to mainly be engine/suspension parts, exhausts and tanks don't seem to be on their lists!

Suzuki do it.

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[Moorey]

I has nothing to do with providing a service its all down to the bean counters and generally these days if something doesn't pay for itself and produce a worthwhile profit within 2 years then it doesn't get invested in. It has to be cost effective and the numbers wanted are too small. That's why you cant get a repo 750f exhaust.

[Menno]

Exactly, I think even Yamiya is unconfortable to have a big stock.
Todays favourite oldtimer might be out by tomorrow.

Next big hype might be 80's superbikes.
And it always happens so fast you cannot blink twice.

[matthewmosse]

I think for the numbers that would sell and the logistics of storing then shipping it's taking a fair chunk of the profits, I was looking at tanks for my BMW which I want to do up and sell and reproduction ones from India are about the price of a paint job for a pinstriped and two tone painted tank. Not bought to see what it looks like in the flesh but might be worth looking into this route as theres many with traditional metalworking skills over there. It's might  be a case of taking a sample tank over and making enquiries. 

[Colonial-Clive (yindi)]

Then there’s these guys.

http://www.holtworks.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d45.html

[K2-K6]

Looks like from their info they are looking for commitment from 10 units to manufacture tanks.

Worth the question if they'd produce an alloy replica of the 500 tank. 

Possible interest on here to get over the threshold?  unit cost maybe above range though.

[Rob62]

They need to get a move on if they’re going to produce some..... The way things are looking it could be difficult to find petrol to put in them in ten year’s time.... if the greenies get their way 

[Moorey]

It doesn't need greenies to get their way that's how it's going with elec vehicles anyway .With more and more elec vehicles there will only be a reduction in petrol stations. Enjoy it whilst you can.

[matthewmosse]

The BMW tanks from India cost half that, shipped, that said theres a lot to be said for buying UK made.

[taysidedragon]

How about tabclassics.com in Wales. They already make alloy racing tanks for Hondas and other manufacturers. Expensive but beautifully made.

[AshimotoK0]

I did read once on their Facebook pages somewhere  that Yamiya were contemplating stocking CB500/550 stuff but as yet nothing has transpired.
You could try one of the guys in Vietnam who make repro mudguards.