Column: Miles of smiles
2010-07-30 10:58
Author: Dave Fall
Honda has three new two-wheelers in its 2010 line-up and I’d like to tell you about is a 750cc cruiser-type all-rounder with a sticker price just south of R60 000.
Mention you’re considering buying a cruiser and one immediately conjures up thoughts of an American device with a double-barrelled name — if money’s no object — then that’s arguably the way to go.
But should you perhaps be a rider who has been away from the “scene” for a while, you could do a lot worse than check out the new Honda VT750S Cruiser to get you back in the saddle.This is an easy-to-ride vee-twin bike that definitely won’t break the bank …
Any colour you like — as long as it’s Dark Grey
It’s a given because it’s from the Honda stable there’s quality build de luxe to be found everywhere you look: from the beautifully welded frame joints to the shiny wire-spoked wheels, through to the depth of quality chrome and the lustrous paintwork. Hopefully the Honda single choice of Metallic Dark Grey appeals because, like Henry Ford’s single-minded decision over a century ago about having any colour you like — your choice is rather limited!
As with any vee-twin, the all-important centre of gravity is to be found low down in the sturdy bike frame — where it should be. It’s liquid-cooled and really does pump out a strong power delivery via the fuel-injection system – albeit at low to medium revs — exactly where you want it on a bike of this type.
That’s not so say you can’t hold your own on the dual carriageways of this world. The launch venue of the bike was up on the Highveld a few days ago and it didn’t disappoint in the performance stakes on major and minor roads.
Vertically challenged? No problem
Gladly the 750mm seat height of the bike means that those vertically challenged can place both feet flat on the ground at standstill, while the footpegs are positioned in just the right spot to create an upright, natural sitting position, so a trip, long or short, will always remain a pleasure and never a chore.
Honda, it seems has come up with a bike that could well appeal to commuters and not just the weekend warrior who has an appetite for grabbing at horizons. This really is a compact bike that’s easy to manoeuvre through traffic and city streets when the need arises.
Factor in a user-friendly, close-ratio five-speed gearbox and an 11-litre fuel tank that should allow distances of around 220km to be covered before a trip to the fuel station becomes necessary.
Honda VT750S Cruiser
Motor: Vee-twin 745cc, liquid-cooled
Power: 33 kW @ 5 500 r/min
Torque: 62 Nm @ 3 250 r/min
0-100km/h: 5 sec (est.)
Top Speed: 170 km/h (est.)
Tank capacity: 10,7 litres
Seat height: 750 mm
Kerb weight: 232kg
Wheelbase: 1 560 mm
Brakes: (F) disc (R) drum
Final drive: O-ring sealed chain
Price: R59 990
