10-22-2018, 01:49 AM
(10-21-2018, 10:33 PM)apex1_imp Wrote:(10-21-2018, 06:21 PM)Destindoc_imp Wrote: It's a hard sell, too few people here in the US actually interested in this standard look. New young folks getting into this look at the sport bikes, or more "modern" design. Older folks looking to start riding tend to only look at cruisers, esp. HD. I bought the bike because of it's retro look, I was riding in the 70's but too young for a CB750 at the time. BUT, I think the bike is way overpriced for what it is and would have never bought one at $10-$12,000 ... this is a $8000 cycle at best. The only reason I have one now is I was looking for a used reasonable priced one online and came across this 2014 sell off and got a new one for $5995.
Some of these bike's prices are just a bit much.... I have a 2004 CBR 1000 RR I bought new for about $10,000 then... with the SV650 trade I had, it cost me cash about $6000. Today, a new CBR is $16,000... I wouldn't even remotely consider buying one today. My Goldwing new in 2008 was $25,000. Today you can buy a new 2018 for ....... $25,000.
If Honda wants to continue to sell this bike in the U.S. it's going to have to lower the price and focus on it being an entry level bike with a larger than typical engine for folks who are "entry" level. But, I think the design is not appealing to the next generation, likely Honda will stop producing them for the U.S. market. Unfortunate....
I think you're right about the future of the bike in the U.S., but an $8000 bike? I think that disregards the components and fit and finish of the 2017 EX. Dual bending valve forks, stainless wheels and spokes, beautifully polished case covers, valve covers, footpeg mounting plates, top triple tree, and even the rear shock top collars. Brushed aluminum side covers that are hand finished at the factory. Amazing dual walled 4 into 2 exhaust. Slipper clutch. LED lighting. Chrome steel fenders. Seamless fuel tank. All of this adds considerable cost. Now perhaps there is not a big market for an air-cooled, large standard bike with such high level components, but I don't think it is overpriced for what you get. I just can't stop staring at it every time I'm in the garage.
Very much agree. I did not buy it for retro appearance, I simply wanted an air cooled "standard". Generally, we get what we pay for and the price for my 2014 CB1100 standard was absolutely not an issue. However, I was at the point in life that price was not a driving factor. The fact that it was moderately discounted was a benefit, but not the reason for my decision.
I liked my 2012 Bonneville, which had a sticker of $7,700 in May 2012.
But when considering how much more I got on the CB, the CB would have been a bargain at MSRP. The irritation was dealer "fees".
There may be a perception issue, since many got their leftover 2014s at crazy reduced prices. My focus was not on the bargain, but on the bike's features.
Re 2014 standard:
• I prefer the 4 into 1 exhaust for appearance, lighter weight, chain access and nostalgia for my 1976 CB750F.
• a steel fuel tank, although I like the style and extra capacity of the aluminum 2017 tank
• alloy wheels, which are easier to clean and much easier to deal with a tubeless tire puncture on the road
• and the black/chrome appearance, with reminds me of my first bike, when I was 16
I appreciate having access under the seat (lock system similar to my V7II) without removing bolts and the best storage under the seat (tool pouch, Seal N Air, compact foot pump, etc.) of any bike I have owned.
Combine all that with 4 cylinder smoothness, low RPM torque and few bikes compare...for what I prefer.