Honda Pacific Coast
Encyclopedia
The PC800 Pacific Coast is a touring motorcycle
made in Japan by Honda
between 1989 and 1998 and named after California's Pacific Coast Highway. Over 14,000 were sold in North America, Europe and Japan, with a three-year hiatus between two production runs. The bike is noted for a single integrated trunk straddling the rear wheel, full bodywork, and distinctive two-tone paint.
Like the earlier Honda Goldwing
and later Rune
, the Pacific Coast had been conceived and designed by Honda Research America specifically for the US market. Though subsequent Honda motorcycles would feature side-opening pannier
s—namely the Deauville
, ST1100
, Honda Gold Wing and ST1300
— the company abandoned the Pacific Coast's wheel-straddling, top-opening trunk concept.
from the 1994 Pacific Coast brochure highlighted the famed Amalfi Drive
and Blue Ridge Parkway
, along with, of course, the Pacific Coast Highway.
Similarly, the name of the lower body color for 1996 model (see table below) referred to another important road, the Karakorum Highway, the highest international highway in the world.
In contrast to motorcycling advertising that emphasized rebellion or exaggerated masculinity, a 1989 30-second introductory television commercial for the PC800 depicted a couple awakening at a stylish waterfront home. She is seen running on the beach, he is seen showering, lifting his Rolex
-like wrist watch from the bedside table, fixing coffee—all with a Honda PC800 next to a grand piano in their elegant living room, the waves crashing visibly beyond. The commercial ended with a single shot of the motorcycle at a very calm (i.e., pacific) shoreline carrying the voiceover: "Introducing the Pacific Coast, from Honda. It is the beginning of a new day."
Sales averaged under 1,400 sales per year over ten years.
(passenger seat). The passenger seat is attached to a single trunk lid that hinges upward to reveal two storage areas that straddle the rear wheel — with sufficient capacity to carry "two full-face helmets and two medium-sized gym bags", or "two grocery bags", or "four plastic bags full of groceries, along with a small bag of dog food." The trunk lid is held up by a hydraulic strut and is controlled by a release mechanism under the lockable fuel filler door.
and Victory Vision, the PC800's plastic bodywork conceals almost the entirety of the motorcycle's mechanical underpinnings — in the manner of a scooter
. While routine oil changes do not require panel removal the PC800 owners manual
calls for removal and replacement of four panels (two each side) for servicing the spark plugs and seven panels for servicing the battery.
The design of the bodywork includes three vents (visible in the photo above) on each side of the bike to cool the mechanicals: a pair of forward vents on the wheel cowling, a lower vent on each side for the transmission, and two larger vents to accommodate the engine's cooling system.
In contrast to other motorcycles with full bodywork, the PC800's trunk occupies the full unbroken width of the bike's tailend while the front wheel carries an unusual cowling, which reverted to a fender
in 1997-1998 model years. For the entire production run, the visual bulk of the bodywork was mitigated by a lower-body accent color.
1997) along with a seat height of 30.1" and an integrated fairing and windshield. 1989 and 1990 models offered an optional AM/FM radio.
The table uses serial numbers as a basis for estimating production: US production bikes carry serial number in the RC340 range, California models carry RC341 numbers, Japanese models carry RC341(J) numbers, and Canadian and European models carried RC342 serial numbers.
Touring motorcycle
A touring motorcycle is a type of motorcycle designed for touring. Although any motorcycle can be used to tour with, manufacturers have brought specific models designed to address the particular needs of these riders...
made in Japan by Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
between 1989 and 1998 and named after California's Pacific Coast Highway. Over 14,000 were sold in North America, Europe and Japan, with a three-year hiatus between two production runs. The bike is noted for a single integrated trunk straddling the rear wheel, full bodywork, and distinctive two-tone paint.
Like the earlier Honda Goldwing
Honda Goldwing
The Honda Gold Wing is a touring motorcycle designed and manufactured by Honda. It was introduced October 1974, and went on to become a popular model in North America, Western Europe and Australia. Over the course of its history, it has had numerous modifications to its design. In 1975 it featured...
and later Rune
Honda Valkyrie
The Honda Valkyrie is a motorcycle that was manufactured by Honda, from model years 1997 to 2003. It was designated GL1500C in the US market and F6C in other markets....
, the Pacific Coast had been conceived and designed by Honda Research America specifically for the US market. Though subsequent Honda motorcycles would feature side-opening pannier
Pannier
A pannier is a basket, bag, box, or similar container, carried in pairs either slung over the back of a beast of burden, or attached to the sides of a bicycle or motorcycle. The term derives from the Old French, from Classical Latin, word for bread basket....
s—namely the Deauville
Honda Deauville
The Honda Deauville, also known as the NT650V and NT700V, is a mid-range touring motorcycle developed by Honda in 1998 for the European market, replacing the NTV650 Revere. Launched as the NT650V Deauville, the motorcycle was powered by a 52° 650 cc V-twin engine. In 2006, the engine capacity...
, ST1100
Honda ST1100
The Honda ST1100, also known as the Pan-European, is a sport touring motorcycle that was manufactured by Honda until 2002.- History :The ST1100 began its production in 1990 and ended in 2002, although the police variant, the ST1100P, was available for several more years.A revamped model, the...
, Honda Gold Wing and ST1300
Honda ST1300
The Honda ST1300, also known as the Pan-European, is a sport touring motorcycle manufactured by Honda and introduced to Europe in 2002. The following year, it was released in North America as the ST1300....
— the company abandoned the Pacific Coast's wheel-straddling, top-opening trunk concept.
An unorthodox motorcycle
According to a 1998 Motorcycle.org article, "when the PC debuted, it was considered a radical bike." The PC800 departed convention with its integral trunk, extensive bodywork and marketing aimed at the "white-collar professional."Marketing
In addition to naming the PC800 after an important American highway, Honda reinforced the association between the motorcycle and other notable highways of the world; advertising copyCopy (written)
Copy refers to written material, in contrast to photographs or other elements of layout, in a large number of contexts, including magazines, advertising, and book publishing....
from the 1994 Pacific Coast brochure highlighted the famed Amalfi Drive
Amalfi Drive
The Amalfi Drive is the conventional name of a stretch of road which runs along the stretch of the Amalfi Coast between the southern Italian towns of Sorrento and Amalfi. The road was originally built by the Romans...
and Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles , mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains...
, along with, of course, the Pacific Coast Highway.
Similarly, the name of the lower body color for 1996 model (see table below) referred to another important road, the Karakorum Highway, the highest international highway in the world.
In contrast to motorcycling advertising that emphasized rebellion or exaggerated masculinity, a 1989 30-second introductory television commercial for the PC800 depicted a couple awakening at a stylish waterfront home. She is seen running on the beach, he is seen showering, lifting his Rolex
Rolex
Rolex SA is a Swiss watchmaking manufacturer of high-quality, luxury wristwatches. Rolex watches are popularly regarded as status symbols and BusinessWeek magazine ranks Rolex No.71 on its 2007 annual list of the 100 most valuable global brands...
-like wrist watch from the bedside table, fixing coffee—all with a Honda PC800 next to a grand piano in their elegant living room, the waves crashing visibly beyond. The commercial ended with a single shot of the motorcycle at a very calm (i.e., pacific) shoreline carrying the voiceover: "Introducing the Pacific Coast, from Honda. It is the beginning of a new day."
Sales averaged under 1,400 sales per year over ten years.
Trunk
Unlike other motorcycles that offer detachable side or top cases for storage, the PC800 has an integral waterproof trunk under the pillionPillion
A pillion is a mostly British English term for a secondary pad, cushion, or seat behind the main seat or saddle on a horse, motorcycle, bicycle or moped...
(passenger seat). The passenger seat is attached to a single trunk lid that hinges upward to reveal two storage areas that straddle the rear wheel — with sufficient capacity to carry "two full-face helmets and two medium-sized gym bags", or "two grocery bags", or "four plastic bags full of groceries, along with a small bag of dog food." The trunk lid is held up by a hydraulic strut and is controlled by a release mechanism under the lockable fuel filler door.
Bodywork
Like other motorcycles with full bodywork such as the BMW K1200GTBMW K1200GT
The BMW K1200GT is a sport-touring motorcycle made by BMW. The second generation K1200GT, introduced in 2006, uses essentially the same inline-4 engine as the BMW K1200S sportbike, which held the world speed record in 2005 for its class at 173.57 mph ,and the K1200R...
and Victory Vision, the PC800's plastic bodywork conceals almost the entirety of the motorcycle's mechanical underpinnings — in the manner of a scooter
Scooter (motorcycle)
A scooter is a motorcycle with step-through frame and a platform for the operator's feet. Elements of scooter design have been present in some of the earliest motorcycles, and motorcycles identifiable as scooters have been made from 1914 or earlier...
. While routine oil changes do not require panel removal the PC800 owners manual
Owners manual
An owner's manual is an instructional book or booklet that is supplied with almost all technologically advanced consumer products such as vehicles, home appliances and computer peripherals....
calls for removal and replacement of four panels (two each side) for servicing the spark plugs and seven panels for servicing the battery.
The design of the bodywork includes three vents (visible in the photo above) on each side of the bike to cool the mechanicals: a pair of forward vents on the wheel cowling, a lower vent on each side for the transmission, and two larger vents to accommodate the engine's cooling system.
In contrast to other motorcycles with full bodywork, the PC800's trunk occupies the full unbroken width of the bike's tailend while the front wheel carries an unusual cowling, which reverted to a fender
Fender (vehicle)
Fender is the US English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well . Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are typically rigid and can be...
in 1997-1998 model years. For the entire production run, the visual bulk of the bodywork was mitigated by a lower-body accent color.
Features
Honda outfitted the Pacific Coast as a "low-maintenance motorcycle for daily use" aimed primarily toward first-time motorcycle owners. Riding position is standard or neutral, instrumentation is "automobile-like," switches and controls are large and clearly marked, self-canceling turn signals were included (until MYMY
MY or my commonly refers to the first-person, possessive adjective in the English language, see I .It may also refer to:* My , as in My Holmsten and My Skarsgård* Burmese language * Motoryacht...
1997) along with a seat height of 30.1" and an integrated fairing and windshield. 1989 and 1990 models offered an optional AM/FM radio.
Production data
The table below outlines production figures and production notes.The table uses serial numbers as a basis for estimating production: US production bikes carry serial number in the RC340 range, California models carry RC341 numbers, Japanese models carry RC341(J) numbers, and Canadian and European models carried RC342 serial numbers.
| Model year | Production | Notes |
| MY1989 | 6,602 | All years: fender is upper body color |
| MY1989 | 562 | Japan model S/N RC341(J) |
| MY1990 | 3,739 | light blue option, France and Italy (with main light switch, speedo in km only, no side reflectors) |
| MY1991 | ||
| model year not offered | ||
| MY1992 | -- | model year not offered |
| MY1993 | -- | model year not offered |
| MY1994 | 1,193 | radio option no longer offered |
| MY1995 | 1,009 | -- |
| MY1996 | 1,070 | MY96-98: no clearcoat above, MY97-98: no clearcoat below, lower color moulded in, not painted. |
| MY1997 | 713 | Self-canceling turn signals discontinued. Front wheel cowling Cowling A cowling is the covering of a vehicle's engine, most often found on automobiles and aircraft.A cowling may be used:* for drag reduction* for engine cooling by directing airflow* as an air intake for jet engines* for decorative purposes... reverted to fender, minor cosmetic, cost-cutting changes |
| MY1998 | 510 (approx) | -- |