My bud, AO and I are evolving as the wheels are revolving down the same road in a pursuit of a transcendental ride. Both of us have experienced two wheeling with and without a gas tank in front of us-- that is, on cycles and scooters. We both own Vespas, and we both own bikes. And we are both in our mid 60s, which means shifting is becoming a drag.
When I looked to enlarge my stable of vehicles with the addition of a motorcycle after some years dedicated to scootering, there were two reasons. First, I felt like I was beating on my GT200 while cruising at 65 on the parkway for 20 miles, even though the scoot seemed to handle the abuse well. But it didn't do so without drama, as the pizza sized wheels were vulnerable to even the smaller potholes.that suddenly materialize at highway speeds.
Then, there's the smaller body awareness you have on a 300 lb. ride that's only six feet long. Motor scooters are in their glory on two lane roads, but sometimes you have to use a highway to get to the best ones, which is where an extra 500cc's and 200 lbs. would be a blessing.
So, I went shopping, and found the logical next step in a 1998 Honda Pacific Coast. If you don't know of this model, it's one of the most versatile motos ever designed. It's sort of an enlarged scooter, with a space frame encased in plastic, but all the pieces are in cycle places. Or, at least they seem to be: the "gas tank" is the home for electronics and engine cooling apparatus, and the fuel reservoir is placed low, under the seat. It's a proper cycle though, as opposed to a Burgman, and you straddle it rather than sit in it.
Otherwise known as the PC800, the bike was designed for commuters back in the late '80s, but sold less than 14,000 examples worldwide in a halting production run that started and stopped twice over a nine year period. It's rather like a Pontiac Fiero in concept-- a space frame clad in plastic panels, which spread wings in a semi-touring fairing at front that hides the mirrors, and curve backward to end in a tub shaped trunk straddling the rear wheel. The latter is the point of fascination for people who have never seen one, as, instead of a pair of panniers with side opening covers, it sports a single clamshell boot mounted on a gas strut. From behind, the look is unlike any other bike, as the tail light stretches over 14 inches across the expanse of a smooth transom.
The PC weighs over 600lbs wet, yet is very easy to maneuver due to a low center of gravity. For my money, it's the motorcycle with the best of both worlds, having the speed and comfort of a bike, with the tractable manners and stowage of a scooter.
I would change one thing, though. I would give it an automatic transmission.
And that's what I will address in my next entry.
