How dealers lose the sale

[VLJ_imp]

I have been an on and off member of this forum (great forum) for a couple of years or so. I had been interested in a 13/14 1100, and more recently the 2017 EX and RS. As in properly interested - ready to sign the cheque.

I visited several UK dealers who conveyed the following:

1. Disparaging comments about my Guzzi as a trade in (I didn't need a trade in, but was curious).
2. Portrayed the 1100 as a niche model: their customer base is interested in smaller bikes, or the Africa Twin.
3. No chance of a test ride.

The CB1100 is, in my humble opinion, a beautiful looking bike. I just hope I get to ride one day, because for now my (small, inconsequential)deal has gone to Triumph. Honda do not need my business, which is a greater pity to me than Honda - but I do think the members of this forum are riding a fabulous bike!

I will return (thus justifying Honda's treatment of me!).

Beerman

Yep, same thing happened to me here in California. Referring to my Yamaha, my local Honda dealer said, "Maybe if you had something we could sell. No one likes those things."

This, from a guy that was sitting on an unsold 2014 model, and is still sitting on his 2017 model.

Quote:2. Portrayed the 1100 as a niche model: their customer base is interested in smaller bikes, or the Africa Twin.
Yep. Identical wording. "These things are niche bikes...a very small niche. They only appeal to old, slow guys, and these days those guys only seem to want Gold Wings or Africa Twins, or small bikes like the 500s and 700s."

Quote:3. No chance of a test ride.
Ditto. Buy it, then I can try it.