“Smooth and very torquey. Riding is no effort. Quick enough on the twisty bits, but it shows its bulk when really pushed on the corners, but fair enough it's not a full sports bike.”
“A great bike that is easy and fun to ride both quick and slow. Its wheelbase makes it a relaxed tourer but it is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre at slow speed despite its size and weight. Pushing it around is a bit of a strain. It is comfortable and good for a longer trek as well as a blast to the shops. Comfortable both in butt and back although the butt does get a bit numb after a while. The bars are slightly adjustable in reach. I find the slightly forward lean very good both in city riding and on the open road. No aching back or painful hands and wrists associated with more sports orientated machines.
The engine is a bucket of torque that could push an elephant up a tree but lacks the power you would associate with a machine based on a fireblade. So, while elephants and trees are no problem acceleration and speed could be better. Great for two up going up hills but not a drag racer on a track. On our roads it is quite adequate unless you want to play roulette with your licence or your life.
It is based on a retro idea in its looks up to a point. The important thing is that the technology is modern and reliable. The engine does not have a retro look at all as there is not a cooling fin to be seen but then the massive radiator hanging out the front is not exactly part of a retro air-cooled lump either. Retro but not too retro.
It is quite economical when ridden in a relaxed style. The moment you start winding it up the 48mpg can easily drop to 32mpg or perhaps even lower depending on your enthusiasm. It is quite easy to get 200 miles out of a tank. Its not really a racer nor is it slow but it is relaxed, fun and easy to ride. The Honda reliability and build quality come as standard. These were built in Japan.
Would I get another one? No, one is enough and I am not planning on selling it. The guy who sold it to me regrets selling it. I think I would regret selling it too.”
