I did a test ride on the HM796 at
Cross Country (in Metuchen, NJ) today. I had done some reading about the bike online recently to hear about the impressions of others. But I felt that I really wanted to get a feel for both the 796 and 1100 HM's on my own today.
Some of the common complaints about the 796 are that the front forks
are under sprung, and the clutch being grabby. Often the biggest
issue (maybe only) with the 1100 is the fuel range. One common issue
to both are the mirrors. I ended up riding only the 796, and I'll get
into why later.
I got out in in the second group. The trip was a quick jaunt on 287
then a quick detour on some local roads. It wasn't long and I wasn't
pushing it but I was able to get some general ideas about the ride.
First of all was the front forks. I weigh in at 210lb. I had no
issues with the suspension in terms of dampening or it's tautness.
That stretch of 287 is awfully bumpy and pothole ridden, and right off
the bat I noticed that the bike seemed to glide right over the worst
of it. I had a 05 620 Monster in the past and swapped out the forks
at one point because it felt like it was sprung for a flea (or Max Biaggi). It would dive under moderate breaking and even if I chopped the throttle. No such issues here. The front felt engaged yet smooth throughout. I think
if I had one, those forks would not pose an issue.
As for the clutch it's the usual trademark small friction zone. Not
unusual, but what was different here is the engage point felt more
than halfway out on this bike. Also, I felt I had to rev the mill
quite a bit (3.5k+) so that it wouldn't bog down too much when pulling
out of first.
Speaking of the mill it was a little more spry than I would have
thought. Again, I didn't push it too hard and never got it out of
third gear. But it was surprisingly revvy. It would jump right up
with the throttle. The flyweel feels lighter, making the throttle
feel a bit more responsive that I recall on my 998 or M620.
Another nice change over the 620 was the gearing and first gear in
particular. All of it seemed much taller. First gear was quite
useable. It probably explains why I needed to really rev it to pull
out from a stop. I was switching out of second at about 60mph without
really wringing it's neck. I had it in third briefly and was up to 75
at one point. I can only imagine what this thing would do with some
open road in front of it and all six gears at it's disposal. A
shorter front sprocket is certainly something to consider on this
machine.
My last bike (02 998) was GP shift so I did need to concentrate on where my
foot was when I shifted. I had opportunity to both down and upshift
mid corner and the experience wasn't bad. The shifter found it's gear
no problem. Finding neutral at a stop was tricky, but holding in the
clutch at a light was nearly effortless. I didn't get to really ride
the clutch at any steep hills. But with the high and somewhat narrow
engage point I could see that being a learned skill.
At 5'9" (32" inseam) I was able to get the balls of both feet down pretty firmly. I think the seat height is just right more someone of my size. Anyone much shorter with need to have full contact at a stop would want to
consider a shorter saddle.
The pegs are not like normal sport bike pegs they are wide front to
back but narrow side to side. Not uncomfortable, just different.
Lastly are the mirrors. I know it's not uncommon for people to swap
them out and really it's a matter of preference. They were a little
blurry at certain revs but I could see enough to get by on. All in
all I think I'd leave them as is. They were more than enough to see
that old school bus I was pulling up next to as I merged on the
highway, but hey it was a giant yellow school bus.
I am sure there are many other considerations to take into account
that would require more seat time. This was just a test ride. But I
would say I got a chance to gauge some of it's performance
characteristics. All together I would say much of what I hear about
perceived shortcomings are untrue. The forks are exceptional. I am
sure some truly spirited riding would expose deficiencies compared to
fully adjustable forks. But I would say they were well tuned for
someone my size.
I enjoyed the fact that I could really move all over that seat. Scoot
back for the moments you want to tuck in and then get up front for the
corners. I can see why this style has caught on. Also the instrument
cluster seemed to present a great deal of information. All the
switches were easy to use. When we got back I pulled the key out then
remembered the bike wasn't mine so I put it back in. Oh well.
By then I had already made up my mind that I didn't need to ride the
HM1100. The fuel range on that bike is really too limited for me to
consider it. If I really wanted to make trouble, the 796 would be more
than enough to do just that. And all the things I had heard about the
796 didn't really pan out as much as I had feared. It has been almost
two years to the day since I was last atop a motorcycle with it's
engine running. I'd have to say it was fun, and not too overwhelming
on this bike.
So if you're in the market for an HM and you think you need the 1100
for things like adjustable forks and more oomph, but were concerned
about fuel range; I'd really consider the 796. Because after that
ride I am no longer on the fence.
Opinion Gladly Offered,
Chip McGowan
05 M620 - out there somewhere
02 998 - RIP
Put that same bumpiness in a few tight consecutive switch-backs and all of a sudden it's not that great anymore. In fact, if you ride at least 5 mph faster than the pirates it can get a little scary sometimes. I'm 165 lbs.
Hm1100 "Little Basterd" 
Linear Mode
