PC800 vs Swing

I rode a friend's PC800 years ago and was really impressed. Odd-looking when compared to my VFR, but a really decent motorcycle with huge storage. While the PC800 is virtually a cult bike today, the sad fact is that most were bought at a steep discount after languishing on the showroom floor for months. What I found most remarkable was how well it could be hustled through the twisties, even though it looked like it would do poorly. The reality is that the PC800 was the poor man's Gold Wing. I'm curious if there are other Swing-ers who have both, or who have experience with both.

Mods: Need to move this to the appropriate section.

Your wish is my command.

Other than being a bit 'big in the rump' the Pacific Coast was a good and reliable bike. Definitely not 'MACHO', like scooters but that's the way a lot of people in the US look at 'em. Too much 'Harley mystique'.

MikeO wrote:

Your wish is my command.

Thank you much.

I've always liked the PC800, it's just a shame we never had them here.
I would be interested how they compare with the Silverwing too.
I guess they fill a similar niche use wise.

I've never understood why Honda UK never brought in the PC 800, discontinued the Helix after 3 years, and still don't have the SW-T 400 and 600 Silver Wings in their scooter range. Thinking back I have seen a few grey import Pacific Coasts in the UK, they were all painted in what I'd call a really dull 'grey import grey'. I suppose a variation of it's built in panniers were styling cues for the later Dullsville, so loved by the hi-vis Sam Browne belt wearing BMF community.

They are great bikes! Could hardly hear it run. I had the one shown above (right), and sold it earlier this summer. Like most bikes encased in plastic, they don't have a whole lot of appeal to the general public.

I see the title of your post is Pacific Coast vs. the Swing. So I assume you want a comparison. The difference would be mostly in the cramped riding position of any typical bike, and the more relaxed position of a scooter. My legs would cramp and also would get sore shoulders from the coast. It had to be something between the riders position and the position of the handle bars. Probably had something to do with my height as well 5' 7".

I think that is a lovely looking bike - looks good in that colour too!

They weren't bad looking bikes... from any angle but the rear. They kind of look like a scooter and a Goldwing crossbreed. That's a nice looking GL1500 in the background too.

A friend of mine in Blackpool had a PC800. It served him well and he may still have it for sale. It's now yellow and black, an eyesore colour scheme that's spoiled a good bike, but that's just IMHO.

Anyway, I tried it but couldn't fit on it. At 6' 3" my knees were jammed against the fairing and the butt-rest was too far forward for me. Shame really as it's quite a good bike.

I think it's the mother of the Honda ST1100. The fairing vents, the indicator pods and vents, the headlight, the tip-over "wings". All features that are slightly restyled on the ST1100 Pan European.

That is a beauty, Dekare. The PC800 has always caught my eye.

Apologies for posting to the wrong forum. Although I did not say it well, I was interested in experiences with both the Swing and PC800. I think Flyingpanman got my drift, although the "trunk" created by non-detachable panniers on the PC is huge compared to the removable panniers on the ST1100/1300.

MikeO wrote:

Your wish is my command.

So, Where did you move it, please?

Tom G wrote:

MikeO wrote:

Your wish is my command.

So, Where did you move it, please?

Never mind, I found it.

Thanks