My bike befor the X11 was a Kwaka Z13, the BIG 6, or should I say 666 the BEAST. The Z was fast for a late 70's bike, but the X11 was from another planet with the accelloration and speed to get you back there.
For what it was, a big tourer sport bike it did everythig very well, it's a HONDA what else would you expect.
Jumping from a late 70's bike to what is almost a BLACKBIRD I was rather careful. So careful that I fell off three times, always when turning right at slow speeds. The problem was me not the bike's, as I was failing to give her enough gas, so she stalled.
My brother-in-law was very eager to come on the back of the X11. As we live near the infamous "CAT & FIDDLE" and "MATLOCK", I decided to take him for a run to Buxton. To us (old) locals the roads up to the C&A are known as the "Dumbers" or "Badlands", we had barely got in to the Dumbers when he mad me stop. He told me we'd have to turn around as he was afraid of the acceloration and of been throw'n off the back of the bike.
But my best memory was after a day in Chester on Easter Bank Holiday Monday. As it is with Chester getting out is a knightmare, even on a bike. As the idiot car drivers block your way, some doing it on purpose when seeing you coming.
We had past BILL SMITHS through the worst of the jam and were over the rounderbout over the M-Way to Wales. I was cruising at legal speeds when in my mirror I saw it comming. I'd passed a silver VW Golf GTI. I sat at the legal, he tailed us (the missus was on the back) untill we got to the dualcarage way. I left the X11 in top (not dropping her a gear or two) and opened her up. Quickly we caught the GTI, and passed it slowed and gave him a second chance. He waited untill the next dualcarage way then made a move. Again I left the X in top and wound her up. Again we caught the Golf up. But this time I slowed gave him (a spotty faced snot, seat so low he could only see through the steering wheel. I waved at him and wound the X up again. I looked in my mirror to see him take a quick left. Twice he tried and got stuffed by a 40 something and his missus on a HONDA X11.
Do I need say more.
Not a Blackbird, but something of an odd ball "MISSILE", not for the shy and withdrawing type!!!
A good all round Sport Tourer, with all you need, say more.
I'd have another, we are very fond of our X11.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Where do I start. I find that it rides like my old 250. Disadvantages: Now that I know the my bike, I find that it does not have enough ground clearance for a sport titled bike.
Sep 3rd, 2002
helpful by (78%):
somewhat helpful by (11%):
not helpful by (11%):
