Well finally got a test ride this afternoon, admittedly only for 20 miles and half hour, would of liked a lot more and was strictly told no off road riding! The bike had zero miles, so tyre and brakes needed breaking in and engine felt tight, but having not ridden a road bike for a good number of years, I was prepared to not be stunned by the performance. I had to use my trials helmet, boots and gloves and some old riding kit, that I have kept back from 2003. The open face helmet was a bit of a drawback for anything over 60, but I found the screen was pretty effective, even though it was quite windy. I really enjoyed the bike, didn't feel heavy at all and very easy to do figure of eights on lock, at snail pace in the dealer car park, it felt very well balanced. I thought the power was ok for riding back roads and green lanes, but I'm really torn on whether I could live with it, on dual carriageways and motorways (it would be my only road bike). The rear shock does feel overly soft, doesn't seem to effect the bike on road, the ride comfort on bumpy back roads was nice, but I don't like the fact that the rear squats down so much, just lifting the bike of its side stand, let alone sitting on it. I do wish I could of got the test bike for longer than the half hour I had it for, maybe I need to try and get another test ride, on a bike that's run in and get more than half hour on the bike?
If I did get one, I'd sort rear shock out immediately, maybe change tyres to a better make and fit adjustable brake and clutch levers. As for adding a little more power, that is possible, but at a fair cost.
I think I'll wait a while, see how things pan out and maybe later this year, you might be able to get them at a reasonable discount, or the 500 version that mcn hinted at, might appear? At a lower price, I'd be very willing to take a chance.
I think it's a cracking little bike, but I do think Honda have missed the ball park with it slightly. For the European and North America markets, it would of been so much better if they could of given it maybe 35+hp and a rear shock setup for 80/90kg riders instead of the light weight Asia riders. Then again, I guess we're lucky Honda even decided to make this, but if it had that 35+hp engine, they'd probably sell a lot more.