Performance

How the Odyssey performs

The Honda Odyssey has a rigid axle and low pressure knobby tires to provide top performance on sand dunes and trails. The design of the Odyssey makes it have a tendancy to oversteer. Sliding the rear end out is quite easy on these machines and also quite fun. While the Odyssey is not a super-fast machine, it does have alot of torque and climbs steep hills easily. A stock Odyssey will go approximatly 50mph (80km/h) which is plenty fast with the lack of a rear suspension. To go any faster than that with just the tires as the suspension (which is VERY bouncy) would be very dangerous. FL250 Odyssey's were only equipped with a rear disc brake which is very stupid in my mind. Stopping with only a back brake is very ineffective, it often causes the machine to slide one way or the other if the brake is locked up. Front brakes would stop the machine (which weigh's 430lbs + the rider) a hell of alot faster and with much more stability. And stopping on pavement at full speed gets a little hairy!! Acceleration is very good on these machines and power is on tap through most of the powerband. A honda serviceman told me once that you know if your Odyssey is in top shape when you can lift the front tires off the ground one inch from a standing start on dry pavement.

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