12-19-2016, 03:57 AM
As a multiple Triumph and CB owner, I can speak to it a bit. It isn't hate, it's just that Triumph hit it out of the park with a broadly appealing line of bikes, supported by good marketing and massive accessory/ aftermarket support. And yes, right now, British bikes and the entire cafe / retro scene is favorable to Triumph, as is the tilt to European bikes in general after the 2008 crash caused the Japanese brands to go into the fetal position for 5 or 6 years. Motorbikes are not rational purchases, so trying to compare them on specs or even someone else's rationale is a waste of time.
Honda has done virtually nothing to elevate the CB other than dump it in US showrooms with no promotion at a higher price than the market will bear. Even how they dealt with the moto press. One of my journalist friends told me of a Honda rep handing him the keys in a parking lot to a launch bike in '13 and saying 'just be careful.' No prep, not conversation, nothing.How involving.
The CB is a beautiful bike, and you should be proud to own it. But the market is the market. I'd be happy with the $$ savings and the ability to stand out a bit.
Honda has done virtually nothing to elevate the CB other than dump it in US showrooms with no promotion at a higher price than the market will bear. Even how they dealt with the moto press. One of my journalist friends told me of a Honda rep handing him the keys in a parking lot to a launch bike in '13 and saying 'just be careful.' No prep, not conversation, nothing.How involving.
The CB is a beautiful bike, and you should be proud to own it. But the market is the market. I'd be happy with the $$ savings and the ability to stand out a bit.