motorcycles didn't exist in my universe, until now. I have been riding for 45 years and owned more bikes than I can keep track of. Not until recently had I met a boring motorcycle. Maybe the C14 has simply spoiled me. I spotted a bike on Craigs list that I had lusted after for years. When it came out in 1989 I wanted one but they were over-priced and I was feeding a family, so I passed. I am now the proud owner of a Honda Pacific Coast 800. I am using it for my 22 mile commute. I love the bike but, damn it is BORING!!!!
Ok George, I will grant that the RED one is hideous, but the pearl white is a thing of beauty. I really think that Honda missed the boat with the name though. They should have named it the Rambler. Oh wait, that was taken. Hmmmm, maybe they could have called it Milk-Toast. That would have been quite descriptive. it does remind me of the times I borrowed my grandmothers Rambler though.
Back in 89, Honda had a bunch of cool bikes in the lineup. Not all of them sold well, but they were definitely making an effort. NX250 - high-revving 4-stroke dual-sport with a 6-speed. VTR250 - 90 degree V-twin sport bike that will outrun current Ninja 250's, inboard disk brake. Hawk GT650 - V-Twin sport bike with great handling. Engine family still in production. GB500 - retro thumper, now a cult classic. GL1500 - the second year of the 6-cylinder GoldWing, continued and dominated the touring revolution, with sportbike tech on a tourer. CBR600F Hurricane - started the sportbike trends that continue to the present. Raised the sportbike bar dramatically. PC800 - another Honda automobile (automobike?) on 2 wheels. Same engine family as the Hawk GT. Boring but faithful. Shadows - big 'n little - moving Honda firmly forward in the cruiser market. (I don't consider these "cool", but the market did.)
IMHO, a person could have nothing but '89 Hondas in their garage and still have a great bike collection.