rblanders@watrose.UUCP (Robyn Landers) (02/26/85)
Thankyou to all who responded with info & opinions on the Turbo.
Most responses weren't too favourable (Canadian spelling there) so even
though I can get one in EXCELLENT shape (as in only a few thousand
miles and nary a scratch) for $3600 (Canadian dollars there)
I'm having second thoughts.
I'll summarize responses individually so that those of you with
conflicting opinions (and there were several) can pursue the issues if
you're interested.
Person 1:
-low trade allowance -rotten midrange power due to turbo lag
-hard to find backrest/rack -get same power for less $$ via non-turbo
with bigger engine -high maintenance costs due to ultra high-tech
-some companies won't insure turbos or else charge lots
-bought Yamaha turbo to get fairing, shocks, etc at good price.
Person 2:
-sluggish around town, no fun unless screaming on the freeways
-pay too much for "turbo" and get too little.
Person 3:
(has a normal CX650E)
-no Hondaline accessories
-easily beat turbo just by bigger displacement normal engine.
-poor trade value
-CX650 is good base for a turbo but Honda didn't do the job
Person 4:
-this bike is famous for most awesome midrange power punch ever,
even more than GS1100 (compare this to person 1: ed.)
Person 5:
-bad turbo lag
-scary statistics: 50% of turbos get in accidents within 6 months
and half of those are totalled. This is due to the lag, and to
the sudden rush of too much power. Tends to lift the front end if
you're not careful on an on-ramp, for example.
-has, and likes very much, a Honda CB900F.
So there's the results. I might add that I've read reviews from back-issues
of bike mags and rarely have I seen such unbridled enthusiasm and
heaping high praises. (In fact, only for 500 Interceptor. If only I were
under 5 foot 10 inches ... ) The reviews said that while other turbos, eg
Yamaha 650 and Kawasaki 750 were pretty much a waste, the Honda was a
masterpiece. They loved everything about it.
Then again, ask someone who owns one, and that's you guys.
P.S. I have no scary accident story of my own to share. I sure hope I'm not
in the minority! (...although a friend of mine has a great tale about
his 400 and a deer...)
--
"you probably don't believe me, but it's true"
{allegra,linus,decvax,utzoo}!watmath!watrose!rblanders