Faults:

Clutch fluid leak from master cylinder at banjo bolt.

Starter would not work after shutting down by engaging side stand (fixed with new battery).

Occasional backfire, likely due to dirty carburetor.

Broken tabs on ABS bodywork.

General Comments:

I became intrigued about the PC 800 by reading reviews from rabid owners of this cult bike. Although I rode regularly many years ago, my most recent experience was on a Vespa 200 GT. I became addicted to its cargo carrying ability, and was looking for a motorcycle that excelled in that department. The PC is the hands down champion.

I was looking for a late model with the conventional sport fender in front rather than the Star Wars spats, which I don't like. I found a '98 about 100 miles away and purchased it without a test ride because the owner was confidence inspiring and I was intimidated by the bike's heft.

That turned out to be no problem, as the PC feels well balanced and nimble at anything above a walk. It can be dropped at a stop light if your feet aren't well planted; after all, it's over 600 lbs., wet, but it's fairly easy to "walk it back up" if you have learned the proper technique.

The engineering is pretty faultless. This bike is as easy to live with as a Honda Civic, and with the huge trunk, just as useful. When I park it at my destination, it swallows my jacket and full face helmet, and when I shut the lid and walk off in my "civvies", no one knows I came on a bike.

It will cruise at 75 nicely on the highway, but there are more comfortable bikes for that, with longer wheelbases, lower revs and room to stretch out. Two lanes are its forte, and it's smooth as silk on the straights, and loves corners because much of its weight is carried low. 52-57 hp is the range of figures I have found, but, really, it's got plenty for the sport-touring rider who normally goes solo. I fill mine up every 180 miles. If I break down and clean the carb, it may do better, as well as lose the occasional backfire, but it's very smooth even now.

I have thought about moving up to a Honda ST1100, but my research suggests it will be at the penalty of less secure handling on the twisties. Plus, I would miss that trunk SO much.

It needs a good battery to overcome the relatively weak charging system, and I went nuts with an Odyssey with 300 cranking amps. It works great and starts every time and easily. I don't have any accessories on mine, but if you do, you need to be sure you have an upgraded rectifier.

Plus, you can't beat the value. Clean machines are just about at the bottom of the pricing structure... why pay 6 grand for a Deauville when you can get a Pacific Coast for less than $2500?

In sum, this is a great bike. It does what bikes were designed to do, get you and lots of stuff there without fuss and in a pleasurable manner, unconcerned with its own machismo. You can't ride one without liking it.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This bike is excellent at almost everything, even though it doesn't reign supreme at anything. It's easy to find sportier sport tourers or more dedicated touring bikes.

At 57 years young, it's my favorite choice for everything from around town, to touring short or long distances.

Not the ungainly behemoth I found in a Gold Wing, yet not the compromising ride position I found this aging body can't tolerate any longer from a sport tourer. The best balanced lightest 600+ lb bike I've ever felt.

Fast enough and smoother over bumps than any of the 30 bikes I've previously owned. It won't win any races, but then I don't do that any longer. Just the same, it handles very well. Good enough to be very entertaining in the mountains without a scare.

Dependable as a hammer.

It's fun to frequent the boards. I find no issues of transmission problems or splines, internal engine, fuel injection surging or off idle abruptness. In fact the lack of inherent mechanical problems is what drew me to the PC800 to begin with.

Not completely without problems.

At 20 to 30 years old, I do find age related posts pertaining to electrics, regulators, fuel pumps, vacuum diaphragms weeping gaskets and other things that wear out with age. It's refreshing to read that most questions are tire choices, windshield preferences, preferred oil, and what or where to farkle next.

High mileage bikes are of little concern.

Previous owners are being a bit neurotic about the little maintenance required to keep it in good shape.. Most followed the maintenance schedule to a T and brought it to the dealer.

I consider myself a motorcyclist and I'm attracted to people who love to ride for the sheer enjoyment of riding and travel. Maybe not originally, but today this bike attracts that type. A great knowledgeable helpful community that has come to appreciate this bike's many virtues.

The only drawback is, on this bike I'll never be able to fantasize I'm doing the Dakar Rally, I'm part of a proud loud bike gang or I'm on my way to the race track for track day. I'm OK with that. It's why they make so many different style bikes, and I plan to own one of each someday.