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A
True Modern Classic
Extracts from John
Nutting's article in Classic and Motorcycle Mechanic (April 2001)
Honda's introduction of a vee-twin in 1988 was a daring move, some thirteen years ahead of its time. The Bros package included a single sided swing arm and a light alloy beam chassis similar to that employed on the exotic RC30 vee-four, both of which benefitted from the developements of the Ron Haslem 500cc Elf Grand Prix machine. Although there is no official record there's little doubt that the Bros was developed in parrallel with the race-replica RC30 and as such was designated the RC31 code.
Most owners of the bike find it a nimble and flexible machine. There is one area of the bike that most owners aknowledge as being not so desirable - the suspension! It's is suspected that Mr Honda had little budget left after specifying the high standard chassis, subsequently the forks and rear shock ended up as bargain basement items. There is no adjustment with the standard setup other than the spring pre-load at the rear.
Few middleweight
motorcycles have offered the combination of a top notch razor-sharp chassis
with a smooth and lusty power unit. Whilst on the twisties the bike is
more than up to out performing many 600cc fours without reaching for that
red line.
When comparing the Bros, from the Japanese market, to the US Hawk GT they
shared many common features, but for reasons only known by the Mr Honda
there were several variations. The Bros enjoyed a closer ratio gearbox
with a slighly lower gearing utilising a 43 rear sproket rather than the
44 used in the US. The Bros also enjoyed better stopping power by using
a 4 piston caliper on a semi-floating disc where the Hawk used a 2 piston
floating caliper on an all-steel disc.
The Hawk was discontinued in the US after three years, whereas the Japanses Bros enjoyed a mild facelift in 1990. The Product II featured a wider front rim and lighter three spoke alloys. The ignition was also updated to a PGM system.
Many spare parts will be available for years to come due to the amount of imports in the UK, the NTV600 / NTV650 and now the current Deauville. Main Honda dealers and other Bros specilists can supply all service items along with all the consumables you may need long term.
Edited:
Jolyon (07/08/2001)
Revised 30/08/2001