Let’s Get Furious

Honda looks back, stretches out, and builds a production motorcycle no one ever expected.
By Bill Heald

Big companies can be wily creatures—unpredictable and full of surprises. I was stunned when Apple Computer decided to make a cellphone, so you might think I’d have learned that you can never predict in which direction an imaginative bunch of engineers might wander. But Honda blew one right by me this year when it announced the creation of a genuine production chopper, because these mantis-like rolling works of art aren’t the kind of things Honda is usually known for. The company that manufactures everything from lawn mowers to corporate jets has been motivated by a certain functionover-form mentality, where how well something works is more important than whether or not it looks cool when parked. When it comes to motorcycles, they’ve certainly made some very handsome cruisers, yet never jumped so deeply into the style pool as they have with the Fury. But is it possible that a machine that looks like it rolled off the set of Easy Rider decades ago actually is, at the end of the ride, still a Honda?

First, we must address the beauty in this beast. To really appreciate what a truly kicked-back ride the Fury is, you have to walk around it and soak it all in. All the styling cues that are icons of the radical 1960s chopper culture are present, including long raked-out front forks, a minimalist tube frame, a tiny teardrop tank, a huge rear tire, and lots of chrome topped with a flawless paint job. In the custombuilding tradition, all wires, hoses, and assorted hardware are cunningly hidden so as to not disturb the clean lines. The V-twin engine is liquidcooled, but the radiator is tucked between the front downtubes so brilliantly that it all but disappears.

With all the extreme styling that compromises such things as steering geometry, one would think that, like most choppers, this bike would be okay for putting down Main Street, but not exactly sharp in the handling, ride, and braking departments. But this being a Honda, the Fury is a solid, comfortable, responsive motorcycle that is a true blast to ride. Rather than being a pricey custom cobbled together in a garage by a bike-builder who hasn’t been near an engineering degree, this machine benefits from the expertise and R&D that is a Honda hallmark. The counterbalanced engine is smooth and potent, and the balanced chassis takes the feet forward, chopper-riding stance and makes it actually work on challenging tarmac. The rear shock is hidden (mimicking choppers of yore with no rear suspension) and absorbs assorted road evils well. Even the brakes are excellent, and Honda’s amazingly sophisticated ABS is available for the ultimate in state-of-the-art stopping technology. The Fury is born to be wild, yet as refined as an Acura. Get your motor runnin’, Jeeves.

SPECIFICATIONS Engine type Liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin Bore x stroke 89.5 mm x 104.3 mm Displacement 1,312 cc Fuel system Programmed fuel injection Ignition Digital transistorized Transmission Five speed Front suspension 45-mm telescopic forks Rear suspension Single shock, preload adjustable Front brakes Single 336-mm disc Rear brake Single 296-mm disc Front tire 90/90-21 Rear tire 200/50-18 Fuel tank 3.4 gallons Wheelbase 71.24 inches Seat height 26.7 inches Dry weight 663 pounds MSRP $12,999; $13,499 in matte silver metallic; $13,999 w/ABS