Economic and simple street tourer

Press, 30 April 1981, Page 11

Economic and simple street tourer

(By

PETER BRITTENDEN

You could not win many road races on Honda’s new CM2OOT but in terms of economy and simplicity, this machine is a winner anyway. The CM could be taken as a replacement for the venerable CB2OO twin — a machine which, judging by the numbers still on the road, is a bit of a Christchurch tradition. Honda promote the CM as a street tourer and this is just what the CM2OO does very well. A very relaxed motor, coupled to a single carburetor and four-speed gearbox, is the basis of the success of the CM. .... ■ .. The 194.1 cu cm motor puts out an amazing amount of torque. Although the bike was new when tested, it still did not hesitate when pulling away from” a stand-still in second gear. That would be reasonably impressive for a five-speed bike but for one with only four ratios, very impressive. The .acceleration ability of the 200, while not sluggish, is certainly not dazzling. However, the bike will out-accel-erate most cars in a normal traffic situation.

The most pleasantly surprising attribute of the CM2OO is the comfortable riding position. Usually, I far prefer a riding position, which involves leaning forward into the wind but on the CM the combination of pulled back handlebars and two-tiered seat is very comfortable. Both the forks and shock absorbers on the 200 are quite adequate although very unsophisticated compared to larger bikes. Braking is supplied by drum mechanisms on both wheels. This works perfectly well, both wet or fine.

One of the unusual features is the single 22mm carburetor. Usually twin-cyl-inder motorcycles have a carburetor for each cylinder. Because performance was not a criteria employed by the CM2OO designers, the cost and weight saving of having a single carburetor will be obvious.

The CM2OOT sells for $2398. For that money, a buyer does not get electronic ignition, a tachometer, disc brakes, a centre stand or high performance. But the rider will get economy (28 to 30km per litre would be a safe expectation), comfort, reliability and riding enjoyment. The test machine was provided by Honda City, on the corner of Manchester and St Asaph Streets. Specifications: Engine type, four-stroke: overhead camshaft, air cooled twin; bore and stroke, 53 by 44mm: displacement, 194.1 cu cm; compression ration, 8.8:1; maximum horsepower, 12.5 kW; maximum torque, 14.7 Nm: clutch, wet, multiplate; ignition system, battery and coil; starting, electric and kick start; suspension, telscopic fork and hydraulic shock absorbers; front tyre,- 300-17; rear tyre, 3.50-16; wheelbase, 128 cm; length, 199 cm; width, 84cm; height; 110 cm; ground clearance, 17cm; dry weight, 122 kg; fuel capacity, 10.5 litres (including reserve).