Topic: So would I like a Hondamatic for my wife?

[Brent C.]

I have been thinking about getting my wife a hondamatic. Are they reliable? My wife rides an XR200 and a 400ex already but never on the pavement yet. would you recomend one?

[nickjtc]

Any particular reason why a Hondamatic over a 'regular' 'bike? They are quite rare (and therefore, perhaps, desirable because of that) but shifting gears is part of the 'experience'......

[merc2dogs]

 Can't see any reason they'd be less reliable than a regular 750.

 could even be more so as you have a slightly reduced power rating so less stress on the parts.
 Haven't had an excuse to tear hers apart yet, so don't know if the shift is gear to gear, or through a clutch, if it's gear to gear it -should- reduce oil contamination etc from clutch particles.

 fewer moving parts also.

 my wife likes hers a lot.
 
  Everything I own is a manual shift, but there have been a few times when I'm stuck in traffic that I wished I was driving an auto!

Ken.

[Uncle Ernie]

Did you ever talk to Evan Wilcox?

Anyway, I'm going to assume you mean the 400. ?  I have a strong suspician there's a reason why they didn't sell...  Anyway, so far, they are only collectible to the people who are already stuck with one.  I've seen owners asking money as a "collectible" and the bikes sits forever.  The standard shift 400s are great bike, though.  Not real handsome, but terrific bikes.

[Brent C.]

I told my wife that they made an auto, and she kinda wants one now, although she rides the manuals just fine....it does tax on her "feminine grip" after a while.

[Dragman836]

My wife has both 400cm-A & 750 Hondamatic and loves both Ask her anything

[merc2dogs]

 Talk about grip, I took the wife's 750 matic for a ride today, kept trying to grab clutch and every time I'd hit a stop sign, I'd kick it into neutral.... some habits run real deep. should see when I drive her car....

Ken.