 Some reviewers even claimed it to be the best-handling Japanese bike, and close to European standards.After the novelty of the RE5's rotary engine had worn off, reviewers found only its handling to be its winning factor over other bikes.In 1985 "Cycle World" criticised the RE5 as expensive, over-complicated, underpowered, and hideous; and they declared it to be one of "The Ten Worst Motorcycles".