Honda Pacific Coast ipcrc Archives

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I'm one of you now!
Written by unlikelylogi... on 5/21/2010 at 05:26 pm

--- In ipcrc@yahoogroups.com, Karen Boehler <karen_boehler@...> wrote:
> PCers:
>...
> For now though, a few initial questions.
>
> First, the former owner could NOT find the manual. Is it on line or does
anyone have one they'd like to sell me? (Is the manual one of the things I can
order from the "Order a Shop Manual" link?) Some of my questions are going to
sound stupid, because the answers are probably in the manual, but since I don't
have one, I'll ask. (And in no particular order.)

Three Honda manuals cover the PC800:

1. The Common Service Manual describes maintenance procedures that are common to
many Honda products.
Search the Web for: honda "common service manual"

2. The Owner's Manual, included with the motorcycle, describes operation and
basic maintenance procedures.

3. The Service Manual describes service procedures specific to the PC800.
Available online at:
http://www.directcon.net/lcshepp/PC800ShopManual.html
You can purchase a traditional copy from Helm:
http://www.helminc.com
Make a copy of Chapter 2 that you can get dirty. It describes Tupperware
removal/installation.
If you are inclined to dabble in things electrical you will want an enlarged and
laminated copy of the electrical schematic for the appropriate model year.

If you need parts you may want to reference the parts microfiche:
http://www.directcon.net/lcshepp/PC800PartsList.html
Many online retailers have a more convenient (YMMV) parts breakdown as part of
their ordering system.

> No helmet lock? Does anyone make an aftermarket one, or do I just have to
attach a carabiner to the grab handles?

Original equipment included a chain/combination lock for securing a helmet to a
passenger grab rail. It could be stowed wrapped around the fuel filler neck.

Depending on your needs, Pacsafe offers one option:
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=27

> It does NOT have a rack. I saw two in the links section, althoiugh I can't
seem to find them now. Are both still made? One better than the other? Others?

This may be a bit of a challenge.

> Biggest disappointment is that the tank's plastic. :-( I just bought a
beautiful magnetic tank bag. It DOES change over to strap if I can find the
straps, but WHERE do I hook them? I LOVE the plastic, but is there a way to get
the front strap around the front fork? And how the heck do I get the seat off to
attach the bottom straps?

The bottom of page 2-9 in the Service Manual shows how to remove the center
covers:
http://www.directcon.net/lcshepp/PC800SMPage2-9.html
Two obvious bolts in the trunk will release the seat. (The trick to removing it
is to have the trunk lid most of the way open while you slide the seat back to
disengage the front end.)

That should expose enough frame points to allow you to thread webbing straps to
structural elements.

> In fact, how do I get to ANYTHING in the engine? (I know my mechanic knows,
and I'll mostly let him do stuff, but I don't like to be totally ignorant.)

Don't panic. Do you know where your towel is?

>...
> It's missing one of the bar ends. Are those stock or how do I get just one?

You should be able to order one. A starting point is Service Honda, though it
never hurts to shop around. And beware S&H charges which make buying a single
small part painful.
http://www.servicehonda.com/

> Gas mileage and tank size? NO idea what to expect. With all the plastic, I'm
guessing there isn't a reserve, but maybe I'm wrong. If there isn't, is the gas
gauge accurate, and since I live in the land of VERY LONG ROADS with no gas
stations for 60-100 miles, at what point should I say, "OK, STOP and fill up?"
(And remember, I'm used to a Connie with a 7.2 gal tank and 300+ mile range.)

150 miles is a usually a safe time to start shopping.

>...
> Speaking of which, how bright is the headlight? I saw some chatter about
bulbs, and the Connie had the electrical upgrade for the big bright bulb. (Can't
remember the wattage.)

A brighter bulb may be available, though a higher wattage might not be a good
idea. There are wiring changes that can get more voltage to the bulb. Cleaning
the housing and polishing the lens may help. Many people have added a pair of
driving lights.

>...
> Oh, and crash bars/road pegs. I saw the Mick-O-Pegs in the database, but
$299!!!!!! I'm a poor person. :-( And I want something that will save the
plastic when I do inevitably drop it at low speeds.
>
> Suggestions?

Consider the fairing and saddlebag protectors as sacrificial parts. Sooner or
later they'll accumulate some scrapes while they do their job.

>...
> KAB
> Roswell, NM

If you have an original key you should have some copies made and then save the
original. As the copies wear out you can have additional copies cut.

And don't forget the voltmeter.

Welcome to the crease, er, fold!
Seth