In 1989, the Honda PC800 Pacific Coast touring motorcycle was introduced to the world motorcycle community, the mass production of which lasted until 1998. The model was originally oriented to the North American market, but subsequently began to be offered to motorists from Japan and Europe. Over the entire period of serial production of the motorcycle, more than 14 thousand copies were produced.
The PC800 Pacific combines the features of two different bike models - the Honda ST1100 Pan European and the Honda Deauville 650.
Features and review of the Honda PC800
The initial concept of the motorcycle is quite interesting and consisted in creating a practical bike designed for novice drivers with unpretentiousness in maintenance. The engineers of the Japanese company Honda managed to complete the task by creating the Honda PC 800 Pacific - a reliable, practical and easy-to-use model with the following features:
- Good wind protection allows you to move at high speed in any weather and protects the driver from oncoming air flow.
- Multifunctional dashboard made in the classic car style. The display shows information about the status of the motorcycle.
- Roomy luggage compartment, occupying the entire rear of the motorcycle;
- Models released between 1989 and 1990 were equipped with an audio system with support for AM / FM radio.
- The unpretentious cardan drive in service.
- The connection diagram for the Honda PC800 turn signals, installed on the model until 1997, implied an auto power off function.
- Hydraulic clutch is more convenient and lighter than a cable and practically does not require any maintenance.
- There is no need to periodically adjust the valves thanks to the installed hydraulic compensators for valve clearances.
Among other features of the Honda PC800 can be noted the presence of a full plastic body kit, characteristic of scooters, a rear drum-type brake mechanism. Touring versions are equipped with a combined brake system and plastic protection from rain and dirt, which allows you to overcome off-road.
Engine and specifications
Honda PC800 received a V-shaped two-cylinder power unit from another model - Africa Twin 750. Changing the piston stroke of the motor allowed to increase its working volume to 800 cubic centimeters. At low revs, the engine maintains smooth traction, providing 66 Nm of torque and 57 horsepower. A liquid-type cooling system, three valves are installed on each cylinder, which is typical for all Honda power units with a V-shaped two-cylinder design.
Owners of the Honda PC800 in the reviews note the discrepancy between the fuel consumption indicated in the manuals and the real one: for every 100 kilometers the motorcycle consumes 5-6 liters, depending on the driving style, workload and technical condition of the motorcycle.
Model history
The first Honda PC800 motorcycles were released in 1989. The previously proposed optional AM / FM radio installation was canceled in 1994, and three years later, in 1997, the automatic turn-off function of the turn signals was removed, the front wing was combined with a fairing. In 1998, the motorcycle model was officially discontinued.
The bike can still be purchased in good technical condition and without mileage in the Russian Federation for 180-200 thousand rubles. The minimum cost of models with mileage in Russia is 140 thousand rubles.
Legendary PC800 Motorcycle
Over the years of mass production, the Honda PC800 Touring Motorcycle has become a legend, gaining a large number of fans around the world. The closest relative of the model, on the basis of which it was created, was the no less legendary Honda Africa Twin. It was from this motorcycle that the Honda PC800 inherited the engine and transmission, but in a slightly modified form: the working volume of the engine was increased by 50 cubic centimeters, the piston stroke increased, which was beneficial. The Pacific Coast has excellent traction at minimum rotational speeds, which is not inferior to choppers identical to the cubic capacity of the power unit and remains after gaining high speed. Over the entire speed range, the engine retains power and traction without the dips or pickups that many motorcycles of the same class sin.
Transmission and fuel consumption
As a legacy from Africa Twin, the Honda PC800 also received a five-speed gearbox, which underwent certain changes. All gears, with the exception of the very first one, are elastic and quite long, which saves the driver from their constant shifting when driving in the city. On the track, the dynamics of acceleration of the motorcycle is identical in any gear.
With such characteristics, the Honda PC800 consumes 5-6 liters of fuel when driving at a speed of 110-120 km / h. The power reserve is limited to a 16-liter fuel tank, which is rather strange for a tourist model of a motorcycle. The gas tank is located under the seat, which shifts the center of gravity and facilitates control. Despite the considerable weight, the Honda PC800 is perfectly controlled and perfectly obeys the driver, which was achieved thanks to the competent layout and low center of gravity and which makes it easy to maneuver in a dense city stream at any speed.
Brake system
Unfortunately, the motorcycle braking system does not cause such enthusiasm: a double disk mechanism is installed in front, but a drum mechanism in the back. This design caused a lot of questions among motorists and led to the fact that the PC800 perfectly brakes the front wheel and very mediocre - the rear. There would be no complaints about the brake system if the rear brake was of a disc type.
Luggage compartment
The roomy luggage compartment strikes at the first inspection of the motorcycle and explains why the Honda PC800 did not receive a larger fuel tank. Two full helmets and other little things necessary for a long journey are placed in the trunk. The design of the motorcycle allows you to install a central wardrobe trunk that will increase the usable volume and will serve as an excellent backrest for the passenger.
Motorcycle protection
Motorcycles Honda is equipped with excellent protection against water, wind and dirt. The windshield protects the motorcycle from the oncoming air stream, and the front fairing - the driver and passenger from dirt and water.
Focusing on long, long trips does not interfere with the operation of the Honda PC800 every day. Economical fuel consumption, affordable consumables, excellent handling and excellent maneuverability make the Pacific Coast a versatile motorcycle.
Advantages of the model
- Excellent wind protection.
- Spacious, waterproof and comfortable luggage compartment located under the seat.
- Saving traction over the entire rev range.
disadvantages
- Primitive for a tourist motorcycle suspension design.
- Low fuel tank
- Inadequate brake system.
- Too much weight.
Owner reviews
Many motorists purchase the Pacific Coast as an alternative to expensive motorcycle models. In the reviews, the following advantages of the bike are noted:
- High excellent wind protection for a comfortable ride.
- The built-in luggage compartment of a large volume, allowing you to carry various loads and two helmets.
- The engine is not picky about gasoline due to the compression ratio of 9.0 and can even work on 80 grade fuel.
- Affordable value at a high level of quality.
However, some motorists still refuse to buy a Honda PC800, as some of its disadvantages outweigh the advantages:
- For the dynamic movement of curb weight of 260 kilograms and an engine with 57 horsepower, there is clearly not enough - many PC800 classmates have more power.
- The total fuel tank capacity is 16 liters. Given the fuel consumption of 5-7 liters, the range of the motorcycle is 250 kilometers. Of course, some autonomy is still present, however, during long trips, you will still have to refuel regularly.
- A large number of plastic in the finish. Motorcycles offered on the secondary market are of a very respectable age, which leads to a loss of elasticity of plastic parts and an increase in their fragility. In the absence of proper care, the body kit rattles and vibrates during movement, leaving not the most pleasant impression of the trip.
- Lack of opportunities for tuning. The only thing that is available for the Honda Pacific Coast is the platform for the rear and central trunk, front wing extensions and high windshields.
Despite the fact that the touring motorcycle is equipped with a large number of plastic parts, the safety level of the driver and passenger is quite high. In the event of a fall or collision, the legs are protected by special arcs located at a low height under the plastic.
Touring motorcycle Honda PC800 - the best option for long trips and maneuvering in a dense city stream. The model is unpretentious in maintenance, has unrivaled reliability and high build quality. Plastic body kits are easily repaired if necessary. Spare parts are inexpensive and easily accessible, they can be purchased in specialized stores. The main advantage of a tourist bike is, of course, a roomy luggage compartment, causing a direct puppy delight for many motorists who first encounter a Honda PC800. The motorcycle is definitely worth it to buy: an affordable price, excellent technical specifications, dynamism and cross-country ability make it the best in its class.