1997 Honda reviews

I purchased my first street bike in May of 1997, a brand new black/yellow VLX Deluxe. I had been infatuated with the VLX's stylishly symetrical lines for many years, and after passing up the sweet purple/white ones in 1995, I couldn't pass this one by... If someone was shopping for a first bike, they can't go wrong with a VLX. Why purchase a 125 or 250 for a first bike and find out after three payments that you've already "outgrown" it? At least on the 600 you can enjoy it for a few years, and if you decide later in life that you want a touring machine or "big bike", at least you got your money's worth. The bike has a nice usable powerband. It handles and brakes well, in fact I enjoy "blasting" through the back road twisties on it, it's a real crispy handler that's fun to flick around through the curves. The four speed tranny has nice tall gearing, top gear roll-ons at 45mph are responsive and puttering down residential streets at 25mph in said top gear doesn't produce the lagging you would find in 5 or 6 speed trannies. As for city commuting, I get 60-62 MPG regularly, tapping the reserve switch between 125-130 miles(leaving another 0.9 gallons of go-go juice left to get home and find a gas station the next day). I have also taken the bike out of state on quite a few occasions, it handles the freeways well enough at 65-70mph. Now this is the issue where most VLX owners start to complain: The bike does feel a bit "buzzy" at 75+mph on the long haul. Two-up riding on an uphill grade is another downfall. Some will even say that they wish for a fifth gear. Okay, so here's where a larger displacement motor has the advantage. Let's face the facts here, folks:the VT-600 was never intended as a touring machine, it's a boulevard cruiser. And a fifth gear wouldn't solve anything, it would only require more shifting. 600cc sport bikes have 6 speed trannies on them and their owners gripe about the same "buzzy" thing on the long haul. My initial complaint on the bike was a lacking aftermarket support. It seemed the dealership's catalogs carried very little in terms of accessories. But a year later, as I started researching via magazines and the wonderful worldwide web, many doors were opened. It turns out that the VLX is MEGA-popular over in Europe, as the high gas prices ($4-$5/gallon) and insurance based upon engine size. There are many European companies offering great products, and the American suppliers are beginning to throw their hats in the ring as well. I liked the bike so much, I ended up buying TWO MORE! The custom world left me with too many choices and too many directions to take, I couldn't possibly make all the mods I wanted to on one bike. I took a used 95 VLX deluxe and made a full one off custom chopper, 8" over tubes/50 degree rake and 10" ape hanger handlebars. Then I grabbed a used 92 VLX and made it into a hardtail featuring 25pounds of weight reduction (if only the rider could lose the weight so easily...), a Hypercharger and performance jet kit/exhaust system, and a drag bar. And of course I accessorized the original stocker, chrome plating as much of the stock OEM aluminum as possible, adding a Hondaline backrest and a set of saddlebags. I like riding the customs, they're definitely head turners. But for everyday commuting, I stick to my first love, the 97 stock VLX. it's still the most comfortable. It's endured the test of time, 21,000 miles with nothing replaced except for the consumable items(fuel, oil, filters, plugs, brake pads, etc...). Even the battery and tires (with at least another 8000 miles of life left) are still original, the bike has been well cared for and has certainly returned the favor one hundred fold. So needless to say, I give the VLX a 5 star rating based on what Honda's engineers designed it for:good looks, charm, and grace for an everyday transportation motorcycle. Show less

This thing was made for sport touring, not especially for cutting through tight canyons. If you want to cut through canyons, get a 600. But in reality, this bike would leave anything behind. I've gone up to GSXs, Ninja's and just plain toyed with them until I hit the throttle and left them to get their heads together. The looks complement the power you get out of this bike. And what can I say about the color, black is the best. Show less

The 94'thru 97' VFR750 is; in my opinion, very exotic for a Japanese bike. Very smooth, stable, and full of character. It's a quick bike,though not super fast, with a nice linear powerband starting around 4000rpm. It does'nt make big torque numbers,but pulls nicely. On a twisty road the VFR inspires confidence and is easy to ride at a brisk pace. Handling is very neutral depending on tire selection. The OEM tires were very neutral. With the addition of good soft luggage, the VFR makes a very good one-up sport tourer. And the sound of that V-four is beautiful! I love my VFR! Show less

This was my first real bike. I think it's great. Handling is good and predictable, it's very reliable and there are tons of aftermarket parts for it. HOWEVER, I've had mine less than a year and I'm already really bored with it. It's down on power compared to all the newer 600's... which makes it loose it's thrill pretty fast if you ask me. And it's not worth the money to get it all hopped up. Might as well go for an older 900 or 750 or something. But at the same time though, maybe it's just that it's so good that you dont' realize how fast you are going? I'd recommend it to anybody, but just say that if you want something you won't outgrow for a long time, spend a little extra and get something faster! Show less

I just purchased the bike in November and it is simply amazing. The ergos are more street ready than any other bike that I tested. The bike is also amazingly fast, in fact it is as fast as any bike that I considered including a ZX6R and GSXR so believe me when I say that top speed isn't an issue but the Kawi is probably a little faster red light to red light. In short the bike rocks in the twisties, and it looks great when putting around town. If you're considering a 600 sportbike the 98 CBR F-3 is an awesome machine. Show less

Purchased a leftover 97 ACE in 98 after away from bikes for several years. A lot of bike for the money. The ACE has exceptional looks. The 2 tone paint is flawless and the fat white sidewall tires and big headlight are cool. Aftermarket pipes are a necessity as is a new seat. Great for easy around town cruising...works too hard on the open highway to keep up...a bit light for long hauls Show less

The Honda PC-800 isn't for everybody. If you are looking at something to impress your friends or neighbors this is not the bike to get. However, if you want a bike that will get you to and from work, is easy to maintain, inexpensive and works as a weekday commuter and weekend touring bike 2up, the Pacific Coast may be worth looking at. Although portly at 630+ lbs., the PC-800 behaves like a much lighter bike and with it's low center of gravity surprises everyone that rides it with it's low speed maneuverability. On the highway it performs adequately and provides fairly good protection from the elements. Mileage runs around 45-50 mpg. It is built like it's automotive cousins, very practical and reliable and as a reviewer commented, "Born to be Mild" Up side, low maintenance, reliability and it's trunk! Down side, a bit boring to ride, poor stock windscreen and a small fuel tank (4.2 gallons) with no reserve system. Show less

After owning many bikes I have been riding for 20 years, this is the best. It is a good looker and great performer. I have no want for any other and have tried them all. I have 10k on it and not one problem. The only thing I would like to add would be a small backrest for my wife. Show less

My name is Damon and my 900rr is faster than the 1300 Hyabusa only in my dreams. But my 900rr is excellent on the road and its handling is impeccable this bike is a rider's dream come true then I moved up to the Hell Raiser Hyabusa Show less

I've been riding around on my F3 for about 8 months now, and it is seriously an awesome bike. It's my first bike so of course I'm going to praise it, but I don't have any problems what so ever with it. It's great for puttin around town and great when you want to hit the twisties. Sure, people nag on it because it's a Honda and it's not fast enough and on and on and on. But, really if you want something at a reasonable price that's reliable and gets up and goes. Get one! Let Ride! Show less