04-24-2018, 01:58 AM
Guth, judging by their low resale value, as well as their discounted selling prices, I'd say a lower initial msrp would not only have not been a disservice to the model, it would have been a more accurate reflection of reality.
Also, judging a bike's popularity by the glowing comments from its owners here on this forum is indicative of nothing. Of course the few, the proud, are going to stand up for the bike they purchased. The proof, however, is in the pudding. The black units didn't sell, on a monumental scale. When they did sell, it was usually many years later, at wildly discounted prices. If someone tries to sell one now, or trade one in, they're going to recoup next to nothing for it.
The stripped-down, murdered-out look clearly hurt the '14 Standard. Also hurting its cause was the existence of the far more desirable, same-year Deluxe. For not much more money a buyer could get ABS, much greater fuel capacity, period-correct dual pipes/stitched seat/green dials, more chrome and overall bling, an all-silver motor, and that gorgeous red paint with matching red side covers.
For most people, the choice was clear.
Also, judging a bike's popularity by the glowing comments from its owners here on this forum is indicative of nothing. Of course the few, the proud, are going to stand up for the bike they purchased. The proof, however, is in the pudding. The black units didn't sell, on a monumental scale. When they did sell, it was usually many years later, at wildly discounted prices. If someone tries to sell one now, or trade one in, they're going to recoup next to nothing for it.
The stripped-down, murdered-out look clearly hurt the '14 Standard. Also hurting its cause was the existence of the far more desirable, same-year Deluxe. For not much more money a buyer could get ABS, much greater fuel capacity, period-correct dual pipes/stitched seat/green dials, more chrome and overall bling, an all-silver motor, and that gorgeous red paint with matching red side covers.
For most people, the choice was clear.