petev
Reviewed: 05 February 2011
DN 01 First impressions after a 100 mile ride.
Lovely quality and attention to detail.
Unique styling.
Bullet proof motor.
Transmission must be one of the best 2 wheeled autos available.
Excellent handling for cruiser type chassis.
Superb braking system.
A little cramped for taller riders.
Instruments partially hidden from view by screen.
I am 6'3" and initially found the riding position a little cramped. I adjusted position and got used to it as the miles increased but in the long term I might get the seat adjusted slightly to give a little more leg room.
This bike has a reputation as a failure by Honda to some journalists, one of the reasons being that it doesn't fit properly in any of the accepted categories. What does it matter? you either like it or you don't. If you don't you'll discount it at the first hurdle to motorcycle ownership, no problem.
My ride was the first after picking the bike up from the dealer.
I set out on a cold and blustery day but well protected by my gear.
Running in meant keeping it below 5000 revs, which is no problem as 4500 = 75mph.
The transmission is a revelation, in drive mode there is seamless changing of gearing at about 3500 revs where the torque is for effortless acceleration.
In sport mode the engine revs are allowed to climb a further 500 revs for any given speed.
There is also a manual mode where you can use 6 virtual gears with a rocker switch on the left bar.
I stuck to Drive mode and was surprised how easy it was to keep up with traffic, it was all very relaxed.
Handling and braking are far better than you would reasonably expect from a cruiser type chassis.
I got back from my ride very relaxed, more than I have done on the same ride with geared bikes covering dual carriageway A and B class roads.
The quality of finish on the bike top notch.
