Motorcycle Honda Steed is a lightweight, reliable, comfortable and relatively inexpensive cruiser, designed in the American style. As of today, the model has already been discontinued from mass production. However, it is not very difficult to find it in the secondary market. Here, the cost of this motorcycle, depending on the state, ranges from three to four thousand US dollars.
Production start
Serial production of the model started in Japan in 1988. She immediately stood out against the rest of the line from this manufacturer. It should be noted that for the European market, a modification was called under the name Shadow, and for the American - VLX. Under the name Honda Steed, the motorcycle was sold in the Asian region.
The 1988 model was equipped with an engine of 600 or 400 cubic meters. In the first case, the power plant capacity was 41 horsepower, which was issued at 6500 rpm. It was transmitted to the wheels with spokes through a chain transmission. Quite original on the part of the designers was the use of a monoshock for the rear suspension. As for the second option, the Honda Steed 400 issued 30 “horses” and was equipped with a five-speed gearbox.
Model update
In 1995-1996, the model was modified. Updates concerned, first of all, the styling, which made the motorcycle more modern. Two years later, designers remade the suspension and some other elements. Innovations did not affect the power plant. On the other hand, the model has become more attractive from an aesthetic point of view. These changes have significantly increased the number of sales.
Model benefits
Such a motorcycle has rather limited technical characteristics (relatively inexpressive dynamics and lack of power), in connection with which it is unlikely to interest true bikers. Such people, if they have financial capabilities, are likely to pay attention to a model such as Harley Davidson. On the other hand, some advantages are obvious. For lovers of this class of technology, as well as for beginner motorcyclists, the Honda Steed is the ideal solution. User reviews of the model from all over the world are a vivid confirmation of this. In addition, a motorcycle in the conditions of domestic potholes, mounds and off-road is considered one of the most successful in terms of endurance. Moreover, the model’s fuel system is absolutely not picky about our gasoline. Any great experience and strength to control this “Honda” is not required. As for the cost of maintenance, it is not very high.
Dynamics
Honda Steed, regardless of the size of its engine, accelerates quite quickly and maintains good speed. After reaching a mark of 100 km / h, the motorcycle steadily keeps its balance. It makes no sense to accelerate the model to the maximum possible speed (it is about 130 km / h), since it is not intended for such a driving style.
Competition and tuning
Compared to many other models, the Honda Steed has always looked apart. The solutions used in it by the manufacturer have been quite successful. As a result, the main competitors of this motorcycle were not so much Harley Davidson, but similar options assembled in garage conditions. At the same time, they did not have a chance to compete with a model designed and assembled at the factory in compliance with all advanced technologies. As a result, thousands of instances of Steed have spread all over the world. As for tuning this motorcycle, it is not alien to him. The fact is that the model is easily amenable to progressive innovations both in design and in structural elements. At the same time, one cannot fail to note the availability on the domestic market of almost all of its nodes.