Old review of the Fury, although reviews haven't changed--they still don't make sense because the reviewers can't make sense of a great chopper that isn't a Harley.
"Arguably the best Harley-Davidson clone to date"
[clone of what? H-D never made a chopper]
As Japanese customs go, Honda’s Fury is arguably the best Harley-Davidson clone to date. Its looks are radical for a Japanese custom, majoring more on a raked-out chopper design than a straightforward custom or cruiser, and Honda America’s design team should be applauded for this. Now add an engine that is typical Honda – perfect fuelling, gearbox and gutsy, complete with fuss-free shaft drive – and Honda has a recipe for success. Or has it? Unfortunately the Fury also comes with the usual Japanese smattering of cheapness in the shape of chromed plastic everywhere. From rocker cover tops to drive cases, all plastic. It’s the detailing that knocks points off the Fury’s score. [and price, plus it won't rust]
Ride Quality & Brakes 3 out of 5
It’s hard to believe a bike with a 1805mm wheelbase, 21in front wheel and a kerb weight figure to keep the Goodyear airship anchored could be anything but stable, but that is the Fury. With its plush suspension the Fury soaks up the biggest lumps and bumps, but also takes away any feedback from either tyre. Not that big lean angle is possible due to insufficient ground clearance. Feet forward ride position isn’t as painful as it looks, in fact it’s quite pleasant because the seat is padded and supportive and the high bars and headlight keep a fair amount of windblast off the rider. [so nothing is wrong with it, but that's what's wrong...? dumb.]
Engine 4 out of 5
Water-cooled but you’d be hard pushed to notice at first – the radiator lives between the front, lower frame rails. For a large capacity (1312cc) 52° V-twin it is exceptionally smooth through its short rev range [compared to what? H-D is way less] even with its claimed torque of 89ftlb whirling its way through the shaft drive. Coupled with perfect electronics and fuelling, this includes a light action throttle) and you have a 303kg bike with a long wheelbase that is actually manageable and a doddle to ride. [so you like it then?]
Build Quality & Reliability 3 out of 5
Reliability is never going to be an issue on the Honda – every mechanical is tried and tested from being used on other models, or derivative of. Quality is arguable in the sense the paint and coatings are fine, but it’s the amount of cheap chromed plastic and lack of polished metals that cheapen it ie painted wheels and sidestand. And why only a piddly 12.8lt fuel tank? [they should see a peanut tank....probably have a coronary!]
Insurance, running costs & value 3 out of 5
At £12,071 the Fury is pitched well under the list price of top flight Harley customs, and makes for value for money. However, it isn’t a Harley and you have to question the £12k price for a Japanese replica. [again with replica of what? H-D never made a chopper, nor a water-cooled 52° V-twin] If Honda could guarantee a long model life [done, but H-D's Rocker didn't make it] with all the back up of owners groups [done], lifestyle and full accessory brochure [oh, they need "a brand?" really? can't sell the bike on the bike's merit? no, that's not a problem of this brand....] then second-hand prices will remain high rather than drop like every other Japanese machine. [i'd rather not lose $27K on a H-D, personally, and try saying they sell for "way more" than a used Honda. I'd rather get in for less, get out for less, it's the smart money]
Equipment 2 out of 5
Nothing fancy here. Unless you count the deep blue paint, fancy fat-bars or shaft drive unit. The bike doesn’t even come with the bellypan (£395, ouch!) cowling, fly screen (£275, double ouch!) or pillion back support – all optional extras. Shaft drive is good. Erm, the chromed parts are shiny… [choppers should be "stripped," where's the problem? cost of aftermarket parts? they should see H-D....]
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In essence their main gripe is there isn't a Harley badge on the side of the tank. Bet they're racist & sexist too...
