Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => Other Bikes => Topic started by: mickwinf on October 10, 2026, 01:37:12 PM
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was wondering if any members own one and can give a real world opinion. I fancy one as an alternative to my 500 four. I did have a quick ride on one and liked most things, although the seat is uncomfortable and the engine seemed very mechanically noisy. I am looking for mid range power around 50-70 mph as dont really go much faster nowadays. I like the model with alloy rims rather than black. Any thoughts?
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Go for it, great bikes.
First the bad points:
1. They are heavy, something like 210Kg fueled up. This makes them a bit of a lump to move around in the garage. The weight disappears when on the move.
2. They run bloody hot. This is because RE had to run them lean at the rev band where the emissions tests are taken.
3. The OE seat is worse than a 400/4 plank.
4. They are built to a price and some parts of the bike show it BUT not in finish, only in choice of materials used.
5. The suspension front and back is basic but if you are used to a 70’s Honda you won't notice. Everything is available (for a price) to have better suspension.
The fixes needed to make a great bike even better:
1. Ditch the entire exhaust system, not just the silencers that weigh 7kg each and both contain cats but also the very restrictive header pipes. Replace with S/S TEC 42mm big bore headers and a pair of S/S Cannon silencers. The result will be instant, a lovely sound and better breathing.
2. Throw the OE seat in the bin and replace with the RE touring seat, your piles will thank you for it.
3. Remove the air box snorkel and the paper filter and replace with a free breathing K&N, don't replace the snorkel.
4. Fit a Fuel-X unit but not the all singing and dancing programmable unit which is IMHO a waste of money. The standard Fuel-X is plug and play. It looks the Fi system into thinking it is running lean at low revs (where the emissions tests are taken) to make it pump more fuel in. This results in a cooler running engine, better pickup and free breathing.
5. The OE footrests, gear levers and brake levers are cheap and nasty painted steel. Fit TEC alloy units that are adjustable, look so much better and don't catch your trouser bottoms!
6. The above also applies to the brake and clutch levers, fit a pair of TEC adjustable units to give you hands a decent span.
7. OE mirrors are pig ugly and don't do a very good job either. A pair of stainless bar end mirrors from Stadium are great and are available from Hitchcocks who also sell the special bar ends you need to fit the stadium mirrors. Very, Very cool😎.
8. Fit a fly screen, the RE is the best as it fits without modification to the headlight brackets. They do work and protect the clocks from bugs but it does a good job of deflecting the wind off the rider.
9. The grill over the oil cooler is laughable, replace with a TEC unit.
The journalists at the time slagged off the OE tires, they are 100% fine, it's a touring bike not a GP replica!
10. Change the oil at the recommended service intervals DONT miss them. Use an ester based oil and change the filter every time. The oil (I use Silkolene) is something like £55 for 4 litres on-line, not cheap but worth it as I've heard of cheaper oils not giving very good fuel economy (?) and needing topping up.
They are easy to customise to your personal taste.
They really are great bikes, cheap, well made and a lot of bang for your buck👍
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I've read good things about the new BSA 650 Goldstar, a member in the SD site runs one.
Iirc cost about £5k new in 2025, lots of low mileage used ones about.