Honda VT750S

From the outset: Honda's Honda VT750S is great value at $8990.

Sure, there's not a lot of hard-hitting performance to be had from the six-valve liquid-cooled 745cc V-twin -- 42hp (31kW) at 5500rpm and 62Nm at 3250rpm -- and the brakes are nothing more than satisfactory, but those limitations don't seem to take too much away from its overall appeal.

I reckon all this had to do with expectations. Without a doubt, some people have unrealistic ideals on how 'casual' road bikes should perform - and when there is a whiff of fallibility, imperfection or apprehension about a certain element of the product (which is just about a given) they become disengaged. I certainly don't think less of the VT750S because it doesn't slingshot out of corners like a Fireblade.

Sure, for a cutting-edge sports bike (and for Abbott and Gillard….) there's not such a level of tolerance, but the VT750S is a different kettle of fish altogether.

Have I lost you? Then consider the other elements of the VT750S broth which I found such a connection with: the fairly upright riding position, low 750mm seat height, flat handlebars and its easy-handling manners. And I love the wire-spoked wheels, shallow guards, the chrome-finished headlight, the slim teardrop fuel tank and the matte black engine -- although you can have the lowbrow chromed plastic engine covers. Those aside, Honda hasn't gone overboard with too much shiny stuff, as 9K of benevolence only goes so far.

The VT750S weighs 232kg, has a 1560mm wheelbase, and the geometry is fairly standard for this style of bike. The wheels are 19-inch (front) and 16-inch (rear), all in the name of delivering a neutral handling package. It's just a pity that the VT750S doesn't fall under the LAMS umbrella, as it has all the traits to make it a compelling learner's bike, including good low-speed manoeuvrability.

According to a Japanese media release, the VT750S's fuel injected engine, which sits in a steel double cradle frame, is "full of beautiful figurative sense of rhythm", which I think I get.

It's all about peak torque being delivered at just 3500rpm, which ensures the VT gets up to speed with a respectable punch, notwithstanding that the standard gearing is quite tall.

But the engine is a bit of a revver, though, and acceleration certainly isn't as anodyne as the raw numbers would lead you to suggest. So don't be afraid to take it beyond the urban boundaries if you get the urge, but bear in mind that the fuel tank is only 10lt.

As you'd expect, the VT750S's footwork is fairly sure-footed with the 19 and 16-inch wheels, and the suspension is surprisingly good - especially the preload-adjustable twin shocks. The front has conventional 41mm forks.

Only a few times did I feel some real jarring through the body when I hit some big bumps, but nothing as sinister as the back ache-inducing thuds I got on a Triumph Thunderbird on the same piece of road only days earlier -- and that's a plus-20K bike.

The VT750S is plenty comfortable for as many short haul trips as you desire, but beyond that things can become pretty uncomfortable. But the rider's perch is far more palatable than the pillion's, which is way too small to develop any meaningful relationship with.

As far as ergonomics, it's just about spot-on, and my only request would be to move back the footpegs a few millimetres. But I can certainly live with it as it is.

The wide-ratio five-speed gearbox posed no problems for the Bikesales Network testers, and the clutch action is light.

The brakes, which I briefly touched on earlier, are only serviceable, with the twin-piston Nissin caliper grabbing a 296mm disc at the front. That's the best part, with a 180mm drum at the rear completing the package. That means the front does most of the heavy lifting, with drum really only good for settling the bike rather than outright stopping power. There is no ABS option.

In summary, what I like about the VT750S is the not only the harmonious marriage between the chassis, engine and suspension, but its smooth styling and all-round useability.

TRANSMISSION
Type: Five-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Double cradle steel tube
Front suspension: Non-adjustable 41mm forks, 118mm travel
Rear suspension: Twin shocks with preload adjustment, 90mm travel
Front brakes: 296mm disc with Nissin twin-piston calipers
Rear brakes: 180mm drum
Wheels: Wire-spoked, front 2.15 x 19, rear 3.5 x 16
Tyres: Metzler, front 100/90-19, rear 150/80-16

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 32.3 degrees
Trail: 134mm
Claimed wet weight: 232kg
Seat height: 750mm
Wheelbase: 1560mm
Ground clearance: 155mm
Fuel capacity: 10.7lt

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 43hp (32kW) at 5500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 62Nm at 3250rpm

OTHER STUFF
Price: $8990
Colour: Grey metallic or white
Bike supplied by: Honda Australia (www.hondamotorcycles.com.au)
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres