Faults:

The bike is big and heavy, but with time you get used to it.

Chrome finish on instrument cluster is chipped off.

Warms up rather slowly. Re-jetted carbs helped a lot.

Other than that, it is the best performing, most reliable bike I've owned.

General Comments:

I hope mine lasts forever, and at the rate it's aging I think it just might! It's got the perfect amount of power and torque for my needs, and has never left me stranded. I put a Corbin saddle on mine and noticed a big difference on the long rides.

This bike blows my past bikes out of the water!

Faults:

Clutch slave cylinder seal required replacing.

Just service items otherwise e.g. new tyres, brake pads, oil and filters.

General Comments:

Saw this bike for sale at York Suzuki, having never heard of them before (they are rare in the UK). I was looking for an 1100 GoldWing, but couldn't find a good one for the price I was willing to pay (£2,000).

However I am very pleased with having something a bit different, and that has a lot more street cred than a Wing.

Plus points are: It is very comfortable; I suffer from lower back pain, but have had no trouble with this bike. The standard seat is well padded, and being 6 foot 3 inches high, means I have no problem touching the ground.

The torque is amazing, and will pull your arms out of their sockets, so you can be very lazy with the gearbox.

I grew up in the 80s, so was a big fan of the UJM type motorcycle, and this behemoth really fulfills all the criteria, except for the massive frame does not come with the hinge in the middle handling, which was part of the 70s and 80s experience.

Minus points are: Styling isn't really retro enough; it is just a VX800 on steroids.

The weight is enormous, especially when you are trying to turn at low speed or around town; the massively raked steering really isn't a help in this respect.

The 18" front wheel restricts tyre choice. I have just fitted Bridgestone BT023s front and rear, so will see how they hold up.

The front forks are too soft and non adjustable. Next on the shopping list are some Hagon progressive fork springs; only £80, so should be a bargain upgrade.

It has the original 4 into 2 zorst, and the chromed down pipes are showing rust along the back. However it looks terrible with a 4 into 1, because of the shaft drive, so the system will stay as long as possible. Also the rest of the chrome is showing the machine's age

The footrests are about 2" too far forward for spirited riding, and the high bars leave you prone to wind blast above 80mph. I have fitted a flyscreen, which helps, but detracts from the looks of the bike.

After market parts, apart from standard service items, are thin on the ground in the UK, but these machines were popular in Germany, so are better catered for there.

All in all, an interesting comfortable cruiser that is capable of scaring the pants off you if the mood should take you (and sometimes if it doesn't).

Faults:

Nothing has GONE wrong with it. It had minor problems when I bought it. I fixed the wheel bearings and the carbs, as well as giving it a major tuneup, including setting the valves (which required no parts!). I still need to fix the fork seals.

General Comments:

It's big - too tall and too heavy. It's cold-natured; warms up slowly. It tends to foul the carbs, because the pilot jets are tiny (Shell premium gas keeps the crabs clean and functioning well). It's 20 years old, as well - getting parts can be a challenge. It sucks fuel, like there's no tomorrow. I own a car that gets better mileage, by far.

HAVING SAID ALL THAT, this bike is grand!

The rake (front fork angle) is extreme. Time is required to become accustomed to riding the "Z" (as they are called). That time is not too pleasant! It drives like a California chopper, but not quite as extreme as that. Ah, but once you get used to it, there is no better ride. The wind will not buffet it. The bike is more stable, the faster it goes.

There will be no need to do anything to it. It works really fine, just like it is. I sure as hell don't need more power from it! If you drink heavily or are uncool on 2 wheels, you should choose another bike, 'cause this one will hurt you... probably while riding it before becoming familiar with it.

She has the power and the weight to put that power on the ground, without wheelies or burning rubber. It will do both, but you will have to do those things on purpose. The bike is steady and solid as a big rock, with no surprises.

This is a highway machine - born and bred, for the hammer lane. Around town its 600 pound + weight and the rake make it less than optimal. The awesome power makes it deadly in the rain - especially when going over railroad tracks, etc. It's really easy to spin the back tire on the slick!

This bike is not for beginners or fools. I hated it, until I had it a month. It scared the living crap out of me on several occasions! But it didn't hurt me - LOL - just warned me.

Now I love the big brute. And it is a brute. Ah, but the power that motor makes can be used to make up for the sophistication it lacks :)

There is a group on Yahoo that has some invaluable information on this bike. Sadly, the people in there are a clique and "not too friendly..." I would just go there and read the information... For my part, put the stock tires on it. It is old, and not designed for the latest crop of tires.

Is this the bike for you? Probably not. You will need to be an adult, patient and wanting a highway cruiser... and a mechanic as well, due to the age of these machines.