Named after California's Pacific Coast Highway, over 14,000 were sold in North America, Europe and Japan, with a three-year hiatus between two production runs.

Though subsequent Honda motorcycles would feature integral, side-opening trunks—namely the Deauville/NT700V, ST1100, Gold Wing and ST1300—the wheel-straddling, top-opening trunk concept remained unique to the Pacific Coast.

In contrast to motorcycling advertising that emphasized rebellion or exaggerated masculinity, a 1989 30-second introductory television commercial for the PC800 depicted a couple awakening at a stylish waterfront home.

She is seen running on the beach, he is seen showering, lifting his Rolex-like wrist watch from the bedside table, fixing coffee—all with a Honda PC800 next to a grand piano in their elegant living room, the waves crashing visibly beyond.

[citation needed] Unlike other motorcycles that offer detachable side or top cases for storage, the PC800 has an integral waterproof trunk under the pillion (passenger seat).

Riding position is standard or neutral, instrumentation is "automobile-like,"[4] switches and controls are large and clearly marked, self-canceling turn signals were included until the 1997 model year along with a seat height of 30.1 inches (760 mm) and an integrated fairing and windshield.