Honda Pacific Coast 800

This is the second PC800 I have owned the first one was a 1998 model which toured europe with ease but I sold it due to lack of funds ( bad move !!), so I have bought another , I have had many bikes in the passed but no are as easy to live with as the PC800 , easy to ride, easy to work on (panels not a problem once you know how to remove them , just service ride and enjoy , the only problem I have had is exhausts , they are very quick to rot , I have had my collector re-skinned and it is great now it was just as expensive to do as a replacement but should last much longer, Also I use the dunlop tyres as the metzler version is less stable more so in the wet.

my advise is buy a good one now as they are getting harder to find.

I have owned a 1990 model for a year. I had to strip it and put it all back together as the previous owner had not used it for years. I found it simple to work in ( once you learned the panel removal order) but spares expensive, especially exhaust parts. The exhaust is made of the thinnest mild steel and rots as you watch it !!!! The collector amd mufffler is around £400 when you include gaskets and sheilds. Not up to the usual Honda Standard quality> All other parts are excellent, and easy to fit. Oil, Cooolant and diff oil changes are a breeze and can be done by anyone in about an hour, tops!

I am very hapy with the riding position and general comfort too, with the purchase of a tall screen to be made asap, as the standard causes loud buffeting on my helmet at all speeds above 40mph ( I'm 6'2") . It handles remarkably well for a machine of this style, although not quite up to 'Pan European' standards. The hydralic clutch ccauses slight slippage on quick gearchanges, but other than that it can nip along quite progressively when out in a group of several bike types.

It is a talking point due to its rarity here in Scotland at most stops, and a few laughs due to its car like equipment, ie the trunk, the dashboard, self cancelling indicators aznd its all encompassing body. I ride it quickly and this usuallly changes a few minds of those who mock its ability. Its nearly 21 yrers old and looks good, if for a few scratches. It has stood up very well to the weather and I use it all the time.

What would I change ?? - I would like to improve the suspension and definately have a tall screeen and S/Steel exhaust sytem. But thats me.

Great bike, great fun , and a lot of bike for the money. Honda, please consider making a modern 2010 bike, with perhaps a smoother engine, and I will definately be head of the queue !

This is my second Pacific Coast (96/98). I have been through many bikes in the past 10 years(cruisers,sport tourers,nakeds, adventure touring...etc). I have found myself using a motorcycle as primary transportation now that I am not building anything. I have a beautiful Dual Sport (DRZ400) that works famously however when I do have a small project that requires tools, well lets face it,the PC800 TRUNK stands alone. Also the efficiency and low maintance again can not be challenged by any other motorcycle. The PC also works perfectly as a long distance tourer even though you'll be bored to death with no engine noise or vibration (good thing). This a great ride that gets the job done and the only motorcycle I think my wife doesn't have a problem with. A well taken care of PC800 is worth it's weight in gold.

Honda Pacific Coast 800 -Tremendous reliability, all the capacity of a 'Wing, but at 2/3 the weight. Comfortable for the long haul or the short trip. Enthusiastic and friendly support group (IPCRC). Looks like nothing else out there, but most PC'ers don't care what anybody else thinks, anyway.

From the perspective of a long-time owner:

http://race-the-sunset.blogspot.com/2006/11/honda-pacific-coast.html

I have 120000 miles on my Honda Pacific Coast 800 bike now and have had to do nothing except tyres, brakes and oil changes .I highley recomend it for a great commuter bike. Great bike. Only bad point is wish I could find another one for $ 1400.00

This is the best commuter motorcycle ever. It's low center of gravity, outstanding storage space, good fuel economy, and ease of maintenance make it as useful as a Goldwing (almost), but much easier to ride. The only part of your body exposed in cold weather is your feet, and I've ridden my PC at temperatures below 40 and been reasonably comfortable.

There are some super-scooters (Burgman, Majesty) that approach this level of utility and comfort, but the PC800 provides a superior riding experience.

The bike was first produced by Honda in 1989. I have the first model produced and it is still going strong. The boot is amazing and you wonder why Honda have not reproduced this on other tourers. the overall handling is superb with clean line and balance.

I'm the owner of a lovely 1989 in Pearl white with wood veneer dash and many extras. The sheer comfort and quality of build with more than adequate performance when needed. I don't enjoy having to remove body panels when jobs need to be done which I must say is extreemly rare as this bike goes on and on with no complaining.

I have owned my Honda Pacific Coast since 1991, would not be without it, have toured the whole of Europe, completed 600+ miles in a day.

No problem! If you are not in a rush, 55 ish will return 78mpg.

On european roads?

This I belive is the most underated motorcycle Honda have made.

Overall I rate this motorcycle very highly indeed. It will perform if asked to and keeps the rider isolated from rutted road surfaces. It handles far better with Metzler Marathon tyres as against the old Dunlops that came with it and gives good fuel economy if you don't thrash it. I agree about the hassle of removing the plastic bodywork, however, once done it gives you confidence to explore. I think this bike is an engineering marvel and look forward to many a happy years riding it.