dob@ihuxj.UUCP (Daniel M. O'Brien) (07/09/84)
Here are some pieces of mail that I received reviewing/critiqueing the new Honda VT500. (The names have not been changed to protect the innocent, but I did edit some of the text.) ---------------------------------------------- >From dual!proper!gam Tue Jun 26 11:25:51 1984 > >I bought the Ascot a few months ago and am very happy with it. It is my >first bike. > >I was wavering between it and the Shadow 500, but chose the Ascot >because (in addition to the shaft drive, two-plug-per-cyl, etc): > > o It has virtual no chrome > o I like the over-all styling > o It has a vacuum operated petcock (`84 only!), so I don't > have to remember to turn the gas off. > o My friend (proper!mickey) had just bought one a few weeks before > >(the Shadow is basically the same as the Ascot, only a tiny bit bigger >and a larger gas tank. In fact the shop manual for the Ascot is the >same one for the Shadow, with an appendix of differences). > >Now, the bad parts: While I like the bike, there are a few things that >could be better: > o Gas tank is small. 2 gal + 0.5 gal reserve (2.5 total). > I'm getting ~55mpg and I commute ~55 miles each day (total). > So I have to fill up every two days or so (I like to avoid > using the reserve). The Shadow offers a 3.1 gal (total) > fuel tank. > o The seat is uncomfortable for over 1hr trips. I don't > know if that is terribly bad as stock seats go. > o No (standard) sissy bar -- a sacrifice to its unique > styling. > >Gordon A. Moffett >----------------------- >From uw-beaver!tektronix!tekig!bentonh Thu Jun 28 22:35:09 1984 > > I bought myself an FT500 a few months back, >an so can toss in a few comments on it... (EDITOR: the FT and VT have similar/identical frames) > > The frame is light and narrow, making for nice >handling. The offset (there is a better word...) >of the front wheel forward on the forks gives >a stable ride up to at least 80 (as fast as I've >be on mine (one short burst)). Tho' it gets pretty >drafty with no faring. > > Benton Holzwarth >----------------------- >From unpfc1 Fri Jun 29 10:42 EDT 1984 remote from whuxe >POSTmark: call,peter f 46165 mo2b311 mo1228 whuxe!unpfc1 > >I am a recent owner of Honda VT500. >I don't have uch experience with other >cycles so performance comparisons are out. >I have only 600 miles on the cycle but >here are my impressions anyway. >1. Power is fine and is delivered smoothly. >2. Upkeep should be minimal. >3. shaft drive and water-cooled plant makes > for a super quiet bike. >4. narrow profile and light weight produce > good handling >5. good gas milage - 43 mpg in town and 63 mpg > on highway. >6. 2.5 gal tank(with .5 gal reserve) is too small >7. suspension must be set with riders weight > in mind to prevent front air-shocks and > rear shocks from bottoming. >8. I think for the money you can't find more > features on anyother bike. ----------------------------------- Well that's all folks. It's about as I expected. For in town and light touring, the bike sounds like a winner. -- Daniel M. O'Brien AT&T Bell Laboratories IH 4A-258 Naperville, IL 60566 ....!ihuxj!dob