1986 Honda reviews

Well, this is actually for the 1984 version, but I assume the 86 is much the same. I bought my bike 3 years ago, and I have put over 6000km a year on it. It now has over 60000km. My friend was afraid to buy it because of stories about problems, but this bike has been solid, even with my abuse (burnouts, crashes, etc.) I've only had to change the tires and repaint it, plus I took off the heavy stock mufflers and put on a couple of Supertrapps (note to owners: these are extremely cheap now, contact the Supertrapp people before they are all gone!) This bike is really fast for its size (top speed 126mph), but more importantly it is great fun and a bargain. On top of that, you get to be part of a legend, these bikes sold out of every dealer's showroom when they first came out. don't be afraid to take a chance on a higher mileage Interceptor, they are great for long trips (mine took me on a 700km summer drive this year). To see a pic of mine, visit www.geocities.com/interceptor_84 Show less

I have really enjoyed my wing. 1986 was a very good year for the wings. I have owned my bike for 4 years and am very happy with it. It's comfortable to ride, even with 2 on board.I have extra lights on the saddle bags & trunk. Easy to see at night. I also have fog lights, which do come in handy. It is very dependable for trips or just around town. I haven't taken any long trips yet,(keep saying I will) but I know it will deliver for me. I am looking forward to this summer and know my wing will be there waiting !! Show less

I just recently purchased this bike. I intially speculated a 500cc would be underpowered, but riding this bike proved me wrong. It is well balanced and gentle in the lower rpms, and non-disappointing from about 6,000 rpm upward. While it will not out perform today's bigger brother, it will also not be left behind. For the age, the fit and finish are amazing. Factory three color paint scheme, air adjustable front and rear suspension, liquid cooled V-4, and 6 speed transmission make it an enjoyable and affordable ride. Show less

They don't make them like this anymore in this class. Shaft drive, water cooled,Hydrolic valves.....almost maintance free. bought it in 1996 with 10K on it, took it to Chaco Canyon in New Mexico in '97. Averages about 50MPG, 54 or 55 if you drive the old speed limit of 55 MPH. the only problem I have had with it is last year the stator went out, with only 25K on the bike. The bike starts excellent and is not cold blooded. excellent power and easy on fuel. the saddle is comfortable up to about 6 or 7 hour then the butt feel restless. Good bike for the short legged, a seat height of about 27". Show less

The Nighthawk was my first bike, and I still love it. It's been great to commute on; it handles very well at low speeds, but can also maintain freeway speeds with little trouble (there's no fairing or windscreen, so long distances at speed can be tiring). This is also a great bike for do-it-yourself maintenance -- there are a few third-party service manuals (Clymers, Haynes) in addition to the original owner's manual, and the bike is well-laid-out, so it's easy to learn mechanics by playing with it. Sure, it isn't as flashy or fast as a brand-new sportsbike, but as a cheap, easily-maintained, mid-speed standard, you can't go wrong with the Nighthawk 450 at all. Show less

I bought the bike in the Summer of '00 in showroom condition with 10,000 miles on it(previous owner got a Fat Boy),well worth the $1,000 paid!!I have found,however,that there is an almost absolute lack of aftermarket parts for this model(not even an available K/N power filter).I have not had much problems with the ergo's,a trip to Laconia this year will find out more.Other than parts(the reason I give it 4 stars)it is a beuty of a bike. Show less

One day last year I decided to "buy a bike". I had never owned a bike before, have only been on the back of one once or twice.. I found an advertisement in the paper for an "'86 Aspencade one owner" I am now the proud owner and enjoy the bike very much. It has all the bells and whistles including CB,tape player,head sets, lots of chrome, lights and gizmos that light up or make noise. It also came with the original tool kit and owners manuel. Both in their unopened original cases. The bike is silver color and the original saddle is almost in new condition. With 30K on it and a one owner bike I guess I got lucky but I am very satisfied and couldn't see trading or selling it as it is everything I need to satisfy my riding needs. Great acceleration, smooth ride, stable, and it has the original stator that the Honda dealer says is in fine shape... I took the Pa. safety course and have enjoyed my Sunday rides. I wish I would have done this years ago... Show less

Well I have an '87 not an '86, but anyway I love the bike. After 78,xxx miles the stock seat finally got a hairline crack in it and is going to need replacing. Other than that and a stator replacement there have been zero problems him the bike. I consistently get slightly above 50 MPG and turn heads whereever I go. I was riding with my friend and his new 929RR and everyone that would walk by us or look at us would just stare at mine and not even give his a second look. Really pissed him off. I have added Cobra pipes and jet kit, K&N air filter, and high performance plug wires and she really screams. I put on 9,000 miles last year and look forward to putting on 10,000+ this summer. I gave it a four star rating because it only has a four-speed transmission. It works, but it would work a lot better with a five. I have thought about swapping it with the five speed from the Shadow Spirit but it will have to wait. I don't think I will let this bike go for many years. Show less

I moved "down" to an 84 Aspencade with a sidecar from a 95 SE. WOW, it wasn't a step down at all! I recently added an 86 Aspencade without a sidecar to my stable. Better suspension than the GL1500. It's an excellent ride, has adjustable riding position, and great handling PLUS it's the fastest touring bike made... the jury is still out on the 2001 GL1800. Both of my Aspencades are in near showroom condition with less than 10K miles. I go through several new bikes every year, but these are definitely "keepers!" The one drawback was already mentioned... the stator will fail on these bikes (if it hasn't already) and it takes a lot of labor to replace it. Show less

This is my first bike that I learned on. It`s fun to ride and cheap on gas. Show less