Honda Steed 400 is a cruiser that is still in fashion. Technical characteristics and advantages of the motorcycle

At the initial stage of the evolution and development of two-wheeled vehicles, motorcycle manufacturers preferred to make exclusively sports bikes. There were reasons for this, of course, because to popularize motorcycle culture, motorsports was actively developing, which required the presence of high-speed models. But a little later, companies such as Harley Davidson, Honda and others realized that people needed some kind of quiet bike, for small summer trips and banal “rides”. This is how a class of motorcycles called a cruiser was born, which is translated from English as “travel”, “flight”. Today we would like to introduce you to one of the representatives of this class, namely the Honda Steed 400 (Honda Steed 400).

The beginning of the development of the Honda Steed 400

It is worth saying that this model was not the first cruiser class motorcycle from the Japanese company Honda. Its predecessor is considered to be the Honda Shadow, which at one time was released in several versions. The fate of the Steed was the same; the motorcycle was presented in three versions at once, which differed only in engine power. And if 400 cc and 600 cc (Honda Steed 600) bikes took root quite well, the Honda Steed 750 sold much worse. In this regard, it was decided to discontinue the latter from production.

By the way, the start of production is considered to be 1988, that is, 7 years after the Honda Shadow. At first glance, it was difficult to understand how these two bikes differ, because the appearance has not undergone major changes. The main updates affected the technical part of the Honda Steed motorcycle. The engine has been improved, which has a noticeable effect on dynamics and top speed, but we will return to this later.

Classic in the Honda Steed 600

The younger generation of motorcyclists is not always able to appreciate such rare specimens as the Honda Steed 600. However, experienced bikers value the Honda Steed 600 precisely for its classic appearance and reliability.

Operating experience

The Honda Steed 600 is a pure classic, where performance plays less of a role than a comfortable driving position and an engine that produces killer torque from two cylinders. The design follows from assumptions made by designers such as "Project Phoenix". According to them, the motorcycle has an impressive wheelbase and a fairly low saddle. The fuel tank of the Honda Steed motorcycle is drop-shaped, and the proportions are chosen in such a way as to maximize the exposure of the engine to the silhouette of the motorcycle. This is all accompanied by a perfect finish, high-quality lacquer and chrome.

The motorcycle is undeniably attractive, and it also feels great on city streets. Of course, the maximum speed is only 150 km/h. Yes, they are not easy for him, but they usually don’t race choppers, but ride them with importance. But with a measured ride, the motorcycle needs 4-5 liters of gasoline per 100 km.

History of the Honda Steed 600 VLX (Japan)

Honda Steed is one of the touring motorcycles. It was created for the needs of the American market, with which this model is still associated. Long-term cooperation with Japan has created demand for Honda motorcycles. In the USA, by the way, the Steed was successfully sold under the name Honda VLX 600 Shadow.

• 1988 - start of production and sales of Honda Steed 600.
• 1990 — a passenger backrest comes as standard on the motorcycle.
• 1991 — Honda Steed is not produced.
• 1993 — The gas tank capacity has increased to 11 liters.
• 1995 - Honda Steed motorcycles produced in the last year are decorated with a three-dimensional image on the gas tank - Steed.

Despite its age, the '88 bike shifts gears surprisingly smoothly and accelerates confidently. In traffic jams, overcoming rows of cars, the motorcyclist does not suffer from the heat of the engine.

Reviews from Honda Steed 600 owners

The controls of this motorcycle are simple and intuitive, and steering is intuitive, although it is more than two meters long and weighs about 200 kg. You could even say that the Steed is a comfortable motorcycle, as much as possible for a bike of this class.

Owners of Honda Steeds often tune them. In the hope of making the bike even more rare, the springs are removed from the suspension, in other words, the motorcycle is made more rigid. Perhaps this is acceptable on American roads, but for our off-road conditions such changes are undesirable. By the way, the ground clearance of the Steed is only 14 cm.

Honda Steed is a really cool bike for measured, quiet riding around the city and country roads. This is a practical item for a true motorcycle connoisseur, and Steed is a reliable biker's friend. Sitting astride this iron horse, you want to grow your hair to your shoulders, put on a horned helmet and a leather jacket.

Specifications

Honda Steed VLX 600 was launched in 1988 as a new model. The motorcycle has a low seat (690 mm) and suspension. The wheelbase is 1610 mm, and the fuel tank has a capacity of 9.1 liters. The model was equipped with a 583 cm3 engine with a single camshaft located in a head with three valves per cylinder. The engine installed in this model is water-cooled and the cylinder block angle is 52º. Drive to the wheels is transmitted by a four-speed gearbox. There is a smaller model - the Honda Steed 400.

Additional equipment

It is also worth saying that from the very first year of production, in addition to three engine versions, the motorcycle also had four modifications or configurations, call it what you want. Each of them was different and made the motorcycle more equipped than the previous version. Here is their list:

Honda Steed 400 VLX is the most common modification, which was the standard version of the motorcycle.

Honda Steed 400 VLS – received a more interesting shaped tank, a new “Springer” fork, a 21-inch front wheel and a slightly reduced saddle height.

Honda Steed 400 VSE - this version has a cast rear disc instead of the usual spoked one. And of course, all the details are from the previous VLS version.

The Honda Steed 400 VCL is a custom version, which means that all components and parts of the motorcycle were made and trimmed to order. That is, the future owner was offered options for possible parts, and he chose from the list only those that he needed.

Design features

Honda Steed 400 is a light cruiser created specifically for the standards of American motorcyclists. The frame-type design was complemented by a lowered seat and telescopic front forks, despite the fact that some models were equipped with a springer.

The fuel tank was made in the shape of a drop and had a small volume. The seat was located as close as possible to the steering wheel, which, according to the designers’ idea, was supposed to bring dregster notes to the design of the motorcycle. The stepped seat design placed the passenger higher than the driver, and some models included an additional backrest.

An interesting fact is that during the entire production of the Honda Steed 400, the engine characteristics have never changed, but the popularity and demand for the motorcycle have remained at the same level.

Steed 400 Specifications

The Honda Stead 400, whose technical characteristics provide maximum driving comfort, was produced until 2001. In the review, we will analyze the technical part of the motorcycle from the last year of production. So, the motorcycle cruiser received a V-shaped two-cylinder engine that operates in four strokes. The motorcycle's power was 30 hp, which is quite enough for traveling on the highway. According to the test results, the motorcycle showed quite good maximum speed indicators, namely 140 km/h.

It is worth noting the efficiency of the motorcycle, because the fuel consumption of the Honda Steed does not require constant stops to refuel. If you drive in moderate mode, without putting too much pressure on the throttle, you will be able to drive around 150-200 km. With a tank volume of 11 liters and gasoline consumption of 3 l/100 km, this is more than possible. Although, as the owners of these bikes say, in fact the consumption varies between the numbers 4 and 5, which in principle is also not bad.

The cooling system won’t force you to stop for a smoke either, because the bike is equipped with liquid cooling. Thanks to the constant engine temperature, which is not too close to overheating, you have a better feeling of pickup and dynamics when accelerating.

Advantages of a motorcycle

The main advantage of the Honda Steed 400 is the unpretentiousness and reliability of the engine: its service life exceeds 250 thousand kilometers.

The rigid suspension also played a role, which, in combination with a lower center of gravity, ensures excellent handling of the motorcycle.

The advantage of the model is its design: outwardly it does not differ from more solid and powerful competitors with relatively modest engine performance.

The motorcycle is often used as a basis for creating choppers, and the main changes in most cases affect only the appearance, keeping the power unit unchanged.

The maximum speed of the Steed 400 is 130-140 km/h, which, coupled with excellent dynamics, creates the impression of more power than it actually is.

Comfortable and lightweight

The word “light” is of course said loudly, because the bike weighs 217 kg. However, when compared to modern cruisers, it really isn't that heavy. Here we are talking more about control, because steering this motorcycle is truly a pleasure. Engineers achieved such good handling thanks to a low center of gravity. The suspension also plays an equally important role.

By the way, about the suspension. On a Honda Steed 400 motorcycle, and even on the 600 cc version it is quite tough. Of course, its rigidity provides good handling, but this is not what I would like to see in a cruiser. This is not to say that it is too clumsy, but during long trips you still cannot do without stops.

But this model has a very comfortable fit. The motorcycle sits with a straight back, legs extended, and arms in the most comfortable position.

Honda Steed 400 reviews

Owners of the Japanese motorcycle, after several years of operation, note its reliability and beauty: it starts quickly and easily, does not require any maintenance except for regular engine oil changes.

Among the shortcomings are the ineffective front brake, a small seat and difficulties in accelerating the motorcycle to 120 km/h. There are no special complaints about the dynamics of the motorcycle if it is used in urban areas: it handles perfectly in traffic and you don’t have to turn the engine off.

The lack of engine power is compensated by a dry frame, which ultimately allows you to get an easy-to-control motorcycle that meets the parameters of cruiser models. On uneven roads, Honda demonstrates miracles of stability and can overcome simple off-road conditions.

Steed 400 is the best option for those who are just deciding whether to purchase a motorcycle as a permanent means of transport: its affordable price, wide tuning possibilities and reliability make it an ideal option. If necessary, Honda can be equipped with spare parts from Ural, Junker and other domestic motorcycles, which is an additional advantage of the model of the Japanese concern Honda.

Disadvantages of a motorcycle

Of course, the motorcycle is very worthy, but there are still shortcomings that cause some discomfort. Of these, we can note the small capacity of the tank. Agree, 11 liters is not so much for a cruiser, and considering that the old models had 8-liter tanks, this spoils the impression even more.

As mentioned earlier, the cruiser’s suspension causes some inconvenience, but you can get used to it. The engine power is a little more concerning. Over time, 400cc becomes not enough, so if you decide to buy this motorcycle, then it is better to go for the Steed 600.

Also, the motorcycle is not very comfortable for people with a height of more than 190 cm, since the seating position is quite low and the steering wheel is close to the seat.

Disadvantages of the model

High quality and reliability did not save the Honda Steed 400 from its shortcomings. Despite its belonging to the cruiser category, the motorcycle is not one.

The reason for this lies in the suspension: both the front and rear are too stiff and have little travel, which is why long trips quickly tire the driver. The reliable engine lacked power, especially if the motorcycle was carrying a passenger.

The seat close to the steering wheel and low seating position were not always comfortable for tall drivers.

The downside of the Honda Steed 400 was its small fuel tank - only 11 liters, which significantly limited its autonomy and reduced its range.

Comparison table of technical characteristics of modifications of Honda Steed 1995-1996 and 1998.

What we managed to decipher from Japanese. The absolute accuracy of the translation of the headings is not guaranteed.

1995-1996: Steed VLX (400/600), Steed VCL (400), Steed VSE (400)

Review of the history of Honda Steed and description of modifications for 1995-1996 on the official Japanese website

Comparison table of characteristics of Steed VLX (400/600), Steed VCL, Steed VSE on the official Japanese website

Changes have been made to the VLX modification. New modifications have been released: VCL and VSE. The engine remained unchanged, but significant changes were made to the exterior. American style is becoming more modern. The VSE modification comes in two-tone color, and the VCL comes in black. The VSE modification features a rear alloy wheel and a stylish seat shape.