sjf@bentley.UUCP (SJ Foster) (01/30/85)
I have been looking to get my first bike for a few months
now. After visiting most of the dealerships in my area, my first
choice was the Honda Sabre 700. My priorities for a bike are
low maintenance, comfort and reliability. The Sabre seems to
have the first 2 qualities; my main concern is the last. An article
in a recent issue of Cycle really condemned on the Sabre's reliability
over time. The only thing they said good about it was that the engine
will last.
My second concern is accessories. I do not want to be stuck having to
buy Hondaline products if I don't have too, but the Sabre seems to
be difficult to find 'generic' accessories for. I am sure this is
Honda's intention. For example, because of the pro-link suspension,
most luggage racks and sissy bars will not fit. I would like a full
windshield or faring; Sabre's seem to only work with Hondaline cafe farings.
Has anyone had any experience with Sabres? Recommendations on other bikes
I may have missed? Any information would be helpful.
Thanks.
Scott Foster
AT&T Bell Laboratories
Piscataway, NJ
{eagle, allegra, cbosgd, ihnp4}!bentley!sjfbob@vaxwaller.UUCP (Bob Palin) (01/30/85)
I have owned a Honda Sabre 700 since last June and put on 8000 miles in all types of weather and terrain, with passenger, camping gear and without. All I can say is review your needs very carefully, this is a VERY average bike. If this is your first bike it may be a good choice but if you are experienced you will probably be disappointed ( I am ). Details: Power - only adequate with one, slightly underpowered with two, underpowered with two and luggage. Fuel - have never got better than 45 mpg and usually get 35-40, got as low as 30 on trip. I do not hot-rod around and rarely rev above 6000-7000 rpm, I have tried it all the way to 11000 ( red line 10500 ) but it's no great thrill. Another annoying feature is the capacity which is advertised as being 4.8 gals but mine runs dry at 4 gals every time (including reserve), the Honda dealer is supposed to be looking into this. Handling - again adequate, never dangerous but not as good as my Honda 750F or 400F which preceded the Sabre. Comfort - superior to either the 750F or 400F, good riding position and seat is not as hard. The engine noise is also louder than the 750's was with the windshield but quieter without. This is surprising since the Sabre is water cooled. Reliability - so far perfect, great not having a chain to mess with. Accessories - plenty available, I have non-Honda luggage rack and full handlebar mounted windshield - this does not help the handling or fuel consumption ! I rode for quite a while without the windshield and consumption was 3-4 mpg better. The rack has an adjustable seat back which can be moved forward for the driver or back for a passenger. The windshield is a National Cycle made specifically for the Sabre (700 or 750) and offers great protection, I ride all through the apology for a winter we have here with no problem. I also use Bag Man soft saddle bags and tank bag which are good - I would get the semi-hard Bag Man next time since I'm always worried about the bags getting into the wheel - it has never happened but I still worry about it ! Tank bag is good itself but mounting could be better - it has straps that go round the tank and have a tendency to slip letting the bag come back into your lap, this gets annoying on a long trip. Recommendation - this is very hard, obviously I am not satisfied with the bike but I rode my 750F more than 44000 miles in four years and got very attached to its style. Secondly I suspect that my machine may be out of tune since several other Sabre riders I have talked to reported getting over 50 mpg though most agreed that the bike was under powered. The bike is due to be serviced so perhaps I can let you know if things improve after that - don't suppose you are in a hurry to rush out and ride given the cold weather right now. I would not buy another one but that's partly because I have decided that I no longer need to keep my (self) image of a plebe biker and can 'safely' get a Gold Wing. For a first bike this would be good, especially if it turns out that the mileage gets better after a service, but for a hardened tourer or speed freak I don't think so. Other bikes - here we have the real reason I bought it - there just aren't the same variety of middle of the road bikes that there used to be, perhaps one of the Suzuki GS series. If you can find one, the Honda F series was good and they are cheap now ( there are still some new ones available ), they do have a chain though. Let us know what you decide on and write a review on the net after you have ridden it for a while - good biking and watch out for Oscar Grope ! Bob Palin, Varian Instruments, Walnut Creek, Ca. (415) 945-2278 zehntel!varian!bob