Honda PC 800: technical specifications, declared power, maximum speed, operating features and owner reviews

In 1989, the Honda PC800 Pacific Coast touring motorcycle was introduced to the global motorcycle community, mass production of which continued until 1998. The model was initially aimed at the North American market, but later began to be offered to motorcycle enthusiasts 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 Honda PC800

The original concept of the motorcycle was quite interesting and was to create a practical bike designed for novice drivers with low 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 travel at high speed in any weather and protects the driver from oncoming air flow.
• Multifunctional dashboard, made in classic automotive style. The display shows information about the condition of the motorcycle.
• Spacious luggage compartment that occupies the entire rear of the motorcycle;
• Models produced between 1989 and 1990 were equipped with an audio system with AM/FM radio support.
• Low-maintenance cardan drive.
• The connection diagram for Honda PC800 turn signals, installed on models before 1997, included an auto-off function.
• A hydraulic clutch is more convenient and lighter than a cable clutch and requires virtually no maintenance.
• There is no need for periodic valve adjustments thanks to the installed hydraulic valve clearance compensators.

Among other features of the Honda PC800, one can note the presence of a full plastic body kit, typical for scooters, and a drum-type rear brake mechanism. Touring versions are equipped with a combined braking system and plastic protection against rain and dirt, which allows you to overcome off-road conditions.

Dimensions and weight

The length of this bike reaches 2290 mm, its width is 820 mm, and its height is 1420 mm. The seat height is 765 mm and the wheelbase is 1555 mm. The curb weight of the PC 800 is 283 kg. The volume of the motorcycle's gas tank is 16 liters, and the consumption per hundred here is around 5 liters.

Engine and technical specifications

Honda PC800 received a V-shaped two-cylinder power unit from another model - Africa Twin 750. Changing the piston stroke of the engine made it possible to increase its displacement to 800 cubic centimeters. At low speeds, the engine maintains smooth thrust, delivering 66 Nm of torque and 57 horsepower. The cooling system is liquid type, 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 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, load and technical condition of the motorcycle.

Model history

The first Honda PC800 motorcycles were released in 1989. The previously offered optional AM/FM radio was canceled in 1994, and three years later, in 1997, the automatic turn signal switch-off feature was removed and the front fender was combined with the fairing. In 1998, the motorcycle model was officially discontinued.

Even today a bike can 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.

Chassis and brakes

The bike has a steel duplex frame. This body looks elegant, even slightly sporty. The handlebars and alloy wheels are fairly typical for these bikes. The exterior looks stylish and bright, emphasizing the power and exclusivity of the motorcycle.

At the rear, a pendulum version with two shock absorbers is used as a suspension, and at the front, a 41 mm telescopic fork is used. The PC 800 brakes with a rear drum and a pair of 290 mm front discs along with two-piston calipers. The result of this engineering solution: excellent, sharp braking in front and soft, but quite confident - in the rear. In combination, these brakes provide a smooth, well-controlled reduction in speed.

The legendary PC800 motorcycle

Over the years of mass production, the Honda PC800 touring motorcycle has become a legend, acquiring 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 engine displacement was increased by 50 cubic centimeters, the piston stroke increased, which was beneficial. Pacific Coast at minimum torque has excellent traction, which is not inferior to choppers of identical power unit capacity and is maintained after reaching high speed. Throughout the entire rev range, the engine maintains power and traction without the dips or stalls that plague units of many motorcycles in the same class.

For whom

Here are the main features of this model:

• bright design, matching even a sports bike;
• engine and gearbox from “Africa” itself, slightly modified;
• excellent wind protection;
• huge trunk.

The bike is well suited not only for travelers, but also for people who need to get to work, covering tens of kilometers every day. This motorcycle will be a very convenient vehicle for those who simply prefer large bikes, but ride them close.

Transmission and fuel consumption

Inherited from the Africa Twin, the Honda PC800 motorcycle also received a five-speed gearbox, which has undergone certain changes. All gears, with the exception of the very first, are elastic and quite long, which saves the driver from constantly switching them when driving in the city. On the track, the acceleration dynamics of the motorcycle are identical in any gear.

With similar 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 quite strange for a touring model of a motorcycle. The gas tank is located under the seat, which shifts the center of gravity and makes it easier to control. Despite its considerable weight, the Honda PC800 handles well and listens perfectly to the driver, which was achieved thanks to a competent layout and low center of gravity, which makes it easy to maneuver in dense city traffic at any speed.

Luggage compartment

The ample luggage space is impressive when first checking out the bike and explains why the Honda PC800 didn't get a larger fuel tank. The trunk fits two full-size helmets and other small items necessary for a long trip. The design of the motorcycle allows you to install a central trunk, which will increase the usable volume and serve as an excellent backrest for the passenger.

Owner reviews

Many motorcycle enthusiasts purchase Pacific Coast as an alternative to expensive motorcycle models. The reviews note the following advantages of the bike:

• High, excellent wind protection for a comfortable ride.
• Built-in luggage compartment of large volume, allowing you to carry various loads and two helmets.
• The engine is not picky about gasoline thanks to the compression ratio of 9.0 and can even run on grade 80 fuel.
• Affordable price with a high level of quality.

However, some motorcyclists still refuse to purchase a Honda PC800, since some of its disadvantages outweigh its advantages:

• For dynamic movement, a curb weight of 260 kilograms and an engine with a power of 57 horsepower are frankly not enough - many of the PC800’s classmates have more power.
• The total volume of the fuel tank is 16 liters. Considering the fuel consumption of 5-7 liters, the motorcycle's power reserve is 250 kilometers. Of course, a certain autonomy is still present, but during long trips you will still have to refuel regularly.
• A large amount of plastic in the decoration. Motorcycles offered on the secondary market are very old, 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 while driving, leaving a not-so-pleasant impression of the trip.
• Lack of tuning options. The only available features for the Honda Pacific Coast are rear and center pannier storage, front fender extensions and tall windshields.

Despite the fact that a touring motorcycle is equipped with a large number of plastic parts, the level of safety for the driver and passenger is quite high. In the event of a fall or collision, the legs are protected by special arches located at a low height under the plastic.

The Honda PC800 touring motorcycle is the best option for long trips and maneuvering in dense city traffic. The model is unpretentious in maintenance, has unsurpassed 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 touring motorcycle is, of course, the spacious luggage compartment, which causes pure puppy-like delight among many motorcyclists who encounter the Honda PC800 for the first time. The motorcycle is definitely worth buying: its affordable price, excellent technical characteristics, dynamism and cross-country ability make it the best in its class.

Production data[edit]

The table below shows production figures, factory paint colors and manufacturing notes.

The table uses serial numbers as a basis for production estimates: official US-built motorcycles are serial numbered in the RC340 range, California models are numbered RC341, Japanese models are numbered RC341(J), and Canadian and European models are serial numbered RC342.