Who is considering trading to a 2014?

[Buffalohead_imp]

If I was thinking about trading for a '14 model because of the 6th gear, I would check to see how the ratios are spaced. If 6th is higher than 2013's 5th gear, then it might be worth it. But, I would bet they only space out 6 gears instead of 5 with high gear being the same. I don't know why, but that's what they usually do. This engine has plenty of torque to not need another gear (unless it's higher on top).

[the Ferret]

Buff its been report 1-5 the same as on the 13, 6 th to be an overdrive

[Buffalohead_imp]

Buff its been report 1-5 the same as on the 13, 6 th to be an overdrive

Cool! If that's the case, I want one!

[bubblerboy64_imp]

Wouldn't it be a lot easier to just change a sprocket or two? To trade a 13 on a 14 is going to cost silly money. It's not the extra gear it's the relatively high rpm's in top gear which seem to be the only negative (minor as it is). The bike has plenty of torque and will start off in second gear easily so why not just change the rear sprocket a tooth or two.

[Randy B]

Yes and no. If you change the sprocket you change the performance of the bike. If you are strictly looking for highway mileage improvement and don't care about anything else, then sure. Swap the gears. Otherwise the 6th gear is an awesome thing for highway cruising.

[rboe]

It is silly money for just another gear and for some folks changing sprocket will work. But. Have you tried to find them? A month or so ago I searched for sprockets and there was nothing outside the stock size. This may change in the future (and may have already, have not searched again recently).

I for one would prefer the extra gear. Silly me (I'm not seriously considering a trade since I can simply choose a different bike to tour on). But hey, there are other changes like the larger tank, spoked rims (I'm of two minds, preferring the looks of spokes but disliking tube type tires), gear indicator and the four into two (I'd prefer the four into four so this is half a bowl vs. an empty bowl ).

Honda did good with the EX upgrade, taken as a package, I can see where folks would be mighty tempted to "upgrade" or add to their stable.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

Yes, I guess it comes down to what it's worth to the individual.

I spent a big pile of money trading to get this 2013. I guess if I really wanted the advantages of the 2014 badly enough I'd do it again.

The 2014 doesn't offer me enough to tempt me but I can see how it could be entirely different for others. I have no doubt there will be some 13's traded on 14's. Probably not a lot but some.

"Worth it" floats up and down on a column of emotion and money. Takes more of less of one or the other. If the emotion is great enough a fellow finds the money. If he's got tons of money then it probably takes less emotion.

[rboe]

In the greater scheme of things $10,000 is not a lot of money. Looking at popular bikes being sold for around twice that much the price point is not that bad at all. That said, for many of us $10K is a lot of money and we think twice, three times before committing to a purchase of that magnitude and you can't even bass fish from it.

When I worked retail I found the term "expensive" was relative. Some guys will drop $50-60K on a custom bike like you or I buy bubble gum. I know guys that will spend over $12,000 for a mount for a telescope. $12K and they don't even have a telescope yet! Add a scope and a good CCD camera and you could easily be talking another $20,000.

Within my own hobbies the value of a dollar varies. I'll spend $1500 on a camera lense with less hand wringing than I'd do for a new tablesaw or saddlebags or telescope. A dollar spent in one area does not have the same value as money spent in another. $1500 spent on the house can, some days, be considered a darn good deal! Funny how that works.

In your case bubblerboy64, I'd advise you to get an Italian bike to add to your stable (not saying the Vespa is not a bike, but she ain't no Guzzi, Duc, or MV); not another Honda.
Doing some butt covering; my last comment is tongue in cheek. Just in case that didn't come across.