Honda Motorcycle Reviews


Read Honda motorbike reviews. These have been written by owners of Honda bikes for the benefit of fellow bikers. Read other Honda owners' personal opinions of Honda motorcycle ownership. You can also submit your own Honda review.

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Honda VFR 800cc Apr '07 (07)
Overall Rating:
Review
What to say about the VFR? Well I've had sports bikes most of my time but decided to go for something that might be comfortable and less back breaking and wrist snapping than I was used to. Looked round for candidates and a friend let me have a go on his VFR and was hooked from the start, now don't get me wrong this bike isn't all sweetness and smiles. So I decided to go down my local honda dealer and see what they had in to offer in the way of quality used goods. After some haggling about price and what freebies they might throw in, to try and influence a deal, then after signing on the dotted line and the sad farewell to my 05 plate ninja, it was done and I was commited and not to the local nut house either. I picked up the bike on a nice sunny friday afternoon and decided to go and see what it was capable of doing. Round town wasn't pleasureable. It wasn't happy in traffic and even though was a cool day, the temp was starting to go skyward quickly till it got to 106 and the fans kicked in. The engine isn't smooth round town and is lumpy in traffic and almost made me feel sea sick with the too and throwing. The throttle seems to come on sudden and jerks the front end into life. Once I got out of town onto some familiar country roads then the bike seemed to find its niche. The bike handled well enough and seemed to pull nicely and the judder effect of a v engine disappeared once it got upto 5 grand. So a bit further on and we'd started to get acquainted and I opened the throttle and once the vtech kicked in a horrible sound of what sounded like some mechanic had left a few of his spanners in the engine for a joke came into life. After I got to my local cafe I went to put the bike on its centre stand and almost got an hernia in the process. I know it might seem as though I wasn't happy with the bike but the truth is this bike has grown on me and is comfy on long hauls and is so at home clocking up mileage and after a 250 mile round journey I got off it and didn't walk as though I had some kind of disability. The truth is it doesn't do anything brilliantly but on the other hand it doesn't do anything totally bad either. THis bike has surprised me and I like it, but one mans dream is another mans knightmare. ps almost forgot but winter riding isn't too clever with the linked brakes on icy or greasy roads
Submitted by
Reb in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire on 16/11/2008
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Honda ST Pan European 1300cc Apr '03 (03)
Overall Rating:
Review
I see that Panamaniac1 is now doing his own servicing. Excellent decision! I think the full service on mine cost me between £50 and £60 for materials. Every 4K that's not so bad. Plus you know it's been done right, not bodged by some bored underpaid mechanic at a main dealer. Simple fact is, if I had to pay for someone else to service my bikes, I couldn't afford to run them.
Submitted by
Black Dog in Haverfordwest, Sir Benfro on 15/11/2008
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Honda CBR 125cc Sept '07 (57)
Overall Rating:
Review
The CBR 125 is the option to go for if you're looking for a quick off the line introductory sports bike. It's a lot nippier than the other 125's out there and accelerates extremely well up to around 50mph. The acceleration after this is not great-it takes a fairly long while to get up to 60, and you feel as though it takes forever getting up to the top speed of around 70-80mph, this isn't particularly great when traffic around you is accelerating up to these speeds much faster than you and it can seem daunting, however it is only a 125, so I would expect this. The handling on this bike is brilliant its very easy to ride and takes corners like a dream. However if you really want to go for some heavy duty leaning on this bike I would recommend buying some thicker tyres as the standard ones are ridiculously skinny and any over lean will result in you coming off. The MPG for this bike is brilliant you can't fault it. A full tank will cost you £7-8, and this will last around 100-150 miles. Spare parts are readily available and fairly cheap as well. The overall looks of the bike are fantastic, it looks like a slimmed down version of its bigger brothers, and it works because its different to the other 125's most of which are naked bikes. The CBR's stand in their own league design wise. When you see one pass you can't help but admire it's beauty.
Overall the CBR is a smashing bike and you can't fault it for being a 125 that's what it was designed to be. It's a corker and you'd be wrong to opt against it for a learner bike.
Submitted by
Emmer in Portsmouth, Hampshire on 11/11/2008
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Honda ST Pan European 1300cc Apr '03 (03)
Overall Rating:
Review
An update to the earlier review by Black Dog. I have commuted the bike for a week or two and done a full service since the last review. Commuting - not the ideal tool for this, as the bike is just so heavy (both at home and at the work end there are slippery and uneven surfaces, and I'm a bit nervous of doing something stupid) and I have an XT trailbike that is ideal for the job anyway. But all comments about the ride and handling still apply - very good in both cases. Someone else commented that the bike felt 'safe' and I would agree. Servicing was surprisingly easy. The service history for the last 10k miles was verbal not written (if you see what I mean), so I decided to do a full back-to-zero service for peace of mind. I didn't do the valve clearances as I ran out of time, and it all sounded good in any case. I will do that before any big trip, but I think it can stay as it is for the moment. Otherwise, very straightforward. The only issue was getting the body plastics back on. The plod mechanics who serviced it before used any fastener that came to hand, I think, so matching up all the fairing clips and screws at the end was pretty much trial and error, but I got there in the end. I fitted a new electric screen mechanism, as the previous one was jammed (hence the affordable price!). £200, but well worth it. Being able to adjust the screen height on the move is a hell of a luxury. One thing for Pan newbies - make sure you get the proper plug spanner! Nothing in my toolbox came close, and I ended up buying the proper tool, which is about 5 miles long as the plugs are recessed far down in the heads. Still delighted with the bike, and looking forward to the chance of putting a few big miles on her.
Submitted by
Black Dog in Haverfordwest, Sir Benfro on 11/11/2008
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Honda Transalp 650cc Sept '06 (56)
Overall Rating:
Review
Formerly the owner of a 600cc Transalp, I bought the 650 hoping for improved power, suspension and handling and got them. The 650 is also more economical, giving me between 55 and 62mpg depending on riding style. Power may not be startling, but it is linear and delivered from as low as 2000rpm in the higher gears. The bike will pull top gear from 40mph and fourth from 30mph, helping to achieve good fuel consumption. Tank range easily exceeds 200 miles once you gain trust in the consistent but not very reassuring fuel gauge.
Tyres, a major running cost of any motorcycle, are inexpensive tubed cross-ply.
Top speed is claimed to be around 110mph; the 650 will easily cruise at 80mph with good acceleration available. On twisty or bumpy roads good ground clearance, firm long-travel suspension, predictable steering and excellent balance make the bike easy to ride quickly. The brakes are satisfactory given a hard squeeze and well-suited to 'all-roads' use. Reliability was faultless on my example which ran perfectly even after 10 hours' riding in hard rain. The main drawback with any Transalp is ease of maintenance; removing the fairing or fuel tank is time-consuming and getting to the tappets is easier if the coolant is drained and the carburettors removed.
The lockable seat covers a large storage compartment big enough to take inner tubes and tyre levers. The plastic belly pan is surprisingly tough and well able to withstand impact from small rocks. Off-road handling is superior to the 600 and off-road ability mainly limited by tyre choice, suspension travel and ground clearance.
The riding position is very comfortable and arguably better than the BMW R1100RT I owned previously, but pillion accommodation is not as generous. The fairing and handguards do a good job of deflecting rain and the fairing vents keep the knees warm in cold weather. The standard screen, however, is low and much improved with the addition of a spoiler or high screen.
Submitted by
richard.hallett on 05/11/2008
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Honda VFR 800cc Sept '03 (53)
Overall Rating:
Review
Well what can i say..... You will love this bike or hate it!
I am a great lover of the fine motorcycle!!!! Its just so rewarding and lush to ride. Great looks as well. I always turn heads when i am on it. I recommend one to any bike rider!
Submitted by
Stan6818 on 01/11/2008
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Honda X4 1300cc 97/98 (R)
Overall Rating:
Review
What a looker,Very easy to ride & extremlly comfy.
Had my X4 now for 2 months & my VTR1000 is now feeling rejected. Great solid bike on the open road, but dont buy this bike for touring as it only has a 15litre tank & is very thirsty. Absolutely awesome for round town & open road trips where there is plenty of gas stations.
Gets lots of attention where ever I park it as it is one of only a few imported into New Zealand.
Submitted by
Blur on 31/10/2008
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Honda X4 1300cc 97/98 (R)
Overall Rating:
Review
What a looker,Very easy to ride & extremlly comfy.
Had my X4 now for 2 months & my VTR1000 is now feeling rejected. Great solid bike on the open road, but dont buy this bike for touring as it only has a 15litre tank & is very thirsty. Absolutely awesome for round town & open road trips where there is plenty of gas stations.
Gets lots of attention where ever I park it.
Submitted by
Blur on 31/10/2008
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Honda CB 450cc 90/91 (H)
Overall Rating:
Review
The HONDA CB 450 DX,

Last of the Long Running “Super Dreams 250 &400 ” saw the Birth of the up rated 450 twin in of all places “Brazil”, a New Honda Factory was Built in the Jungle for this New (Old) bike in the late 80s. And it was available in Britain from 89 to 93 as the DX with the Odd American Imported Rebel & 450C appearing from time to time ( a Nice looking Custom).

Never Really Bought By the Speed Merchants , or Cruisers and too Big for the 125 market
This Bike pops up regularly in an around the sub £500 Bracket
or £600 with T & T to you mate ;) .
(I have seen the Odd one Derestricted for the New 2 year BHP Limit , easily done they say.)

Well What Can Be Said About a Very Average Motorcycle?
Perhaps the Best thing is That it is Average,
It’s a HONDA after all.
it do’s every thing it says on the Box !,It go’s it Stops & Starts with little Fuss or Problem.

It is Still Lighter enough to be Manhandled if Need be ,But Feels Heavier enough to be Firm.
The Frame was Made for the 400 , It was I believe the 250 Dreams that Suffered by having to logg around its mass by sharing the same frame ( Giving them a Bad Rep’ in there Day).
So the 450 has little Trouble & Pulls a “Bit” Quicker. Its aprox 48 bhp & a Oil Cooled Twin.

But its Not a Sports Bike,
Though its Small Cow Horn Bars and a Long Petrol Tank (On the DX) Put you in a Forward Sports Slouch.
It can Keep up easy enough with General Traffic & Can Out power the Average Car,
Delivery is Smooth and Feels faster than it is,
My example on what is Now a 18 year old Bike feels Very much Like the Universal Jap 4 Cylinder (Thanks to Mr Hondas Balance Shafts) very Smooth & Quite..

Zoom through the 6 Speed Box and you Can ,Keep up with Most Bikes not trying to lose you in Normal use, Probably Slows some what Before 80mph & has Seen the Ton (100) Once .
But in 6th Gear (Probably an Overdrive) it would easily Cruise at Any Speed up to the Legal Limit.

OK You Could Hammer it, Blast off, and Keep up & Beat on a Good Day a Sports Bike, With a Bit of Luck & a Timed Rider.. But (A) It would Not Last Long & (B) Not on mine you Dont !.

Right It’s a Twin ,That Feels More like a Four (To Me) Makes a Good Short Range Commuter with the ability for a Genital Week end Blast , For Me the Riding Position would Stop me from Touring to Far. But an Ex Sports Rider would find the Bars higher than the Norm.
While it is a Old Design, Any Faults have long since been Ironed Out.
And with the “Super Dream” Heritage they Should be Loads of Rusting Spares & add on’s out there in the second Hand & Junk Market .
New Bits are still available l inc cheap service bits Via the Web & old Honda Dealers.

Up to Now Mine has been Reliable , Seat Comfy , Tank Huge 17 ltr, Lights and indicators good. In fact all Equipment good it’s a Honda.
Bad Points, No Soul, No Posseabilty…its Just a Use full Bike at the Right Price..

Why they are a Few Cheap Ones Around is that the Born again Bikers Want the Sports Bike or Harley of there Choice and have the Money,
While the Poor Still favour the Mz, or Rat Chopper. Or any Scrapped Sports Bike… Which Leaves a Few Good & Cheap Very useful Bikes out there in the Old Middle Ground.

So there you Are, Would I swop mine Yes !, Would I Keep it Definitely its Useful & Cheap.
So: 45 MPG min…100 mph top.. 60/70 Cruise..48 Bhp..& Plenty of Parts Still….”Honda”
Submitted by
Ago in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire on 24/10/2008
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Honda ST Pan European 1300cc Sept '06 (56)
Overall Rating:
Review
I got this bike as a direct replacement for a Triumph Trophy 1200 that I'd had for 3 years, Mechanically I find the Honda better than the older Triumph; Electrically it's a bit of a disaster the battery has gone flat on me 5 times in 16 months despite it being plugged into an optimate! The handling is good, it has a far more 'planted' feel about it, it's a bit snatchy -due to the Fuel injection- in 1st gear, but this discretion is more than made up for by the smoothness of the power delivery once you get moving (and it sounds great when you really open the throttle!)
The major issues I have with the Honda (and these are relative to the Triumph) are the paint on the bike is very soft and scratches/rubs off easily, The weather protection is nowhere near as good as the Triumph was and servicing, at every 4k, is very expensive! but I think this is down to which dealer you use, shopping around is vital here, my dealer charged £250 for a simple 4k service that was supposed to be a levels check only! (I had the same service done at the Honda dealer in Morecambe for £90?!
I now (the warrantee is finished) do my own services.

However for the comfort, pleasure and a rather strange feeling of 'safeness' when being out on the bike I'm more than happy with the Pan!
Submitted by
Panamaniac1 in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire on 24/10/2008
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