Unique integrated trunk
Honda's brave move
PC800 was unique — fully-faired tourer with integrated rear trunk in place of traditional panniers. Trunk could be opened with a single key, held a full-face helmet plus jacket. No other manufacturer copied the concept. MCN at the time called it 'crotch rocket meets Honda Civic' — affectionate but accurate.
Why it ended 1998
Sales never broke through
Sold in low volumes 1989-1998 — riders who wanted touring bought GL1500 Goldwing or BMW R1200RT (traditional pannier setup); riders who wanted sport bought CBR1000F. PC800's middle ground appealed to a small but loyal customer base. Honda killed it 1998 to focus production on more profitable lines.
Real cost trajectory
Held value
$7,499 PC800 in 1996 ($15,000 today). Used market 2026: $2.2-4k for clean low-mile. Held value relatively well because of cult status and low production volumes. Pay attention to V-twin carb sync, final drive splines, integrated trunk seal.
vs NT1100 in 2026
Different concept
NT1100 (1084cc parallel-twin, 100bhp, traditional panniers): modern, electronic. PC800 (800cc V-twin, 58bhp, integrated trunk): traditional, analogue, unique aesthetic. Different ownership experience entirely.
Rider aids count
0
PC800 had nothing — analogue dials, carb-fed, no electronics. Pure 1990s simplicity in a uniquely-designed package.
Cheapest way in
$2.2k
A clean PC800 from 1990-1996. 58bhp V-twin (Hawk GT/NTV650-derived), integrated rear trunk, shaft drive, comfortable upright ergonomics. Pay attention to carb sync, final drive splines, integrated trunk seal condition. Honda dealer support strong for older bikes; NTV650 service knowledge transfers.
