12-24-2014, 08:46 AM
(12-24-2014, 02:10 AM)Capo_imp Wrote: I think part of the problem is Honda in general. They really have thrown some spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks, with some strange new models. Their current range is mostly uninspiring, albeit high quality. And they do price their products at a premium. My sense is that many enthusiasts that might have eyes the CB and other Hondas have moved on the European brands.
Since 1959 Honda has produced affordable bikes meant for the masses. While the Europeans have built specialized bikes meant for the few who were willing to pay the difference. You could always buy a Honda cheaper than a Beemer, Guzzi, Ducati or Triumph
When Honda wants suspension, or brakes for example they start a division within the company for those products and use the in house products. It has been that way as long as I can remember and I remember back pretty far (just don't remember what I had for lunch yesterday). You don't find premium products, like Brembo brakes or Marzocchis and Cerianis forks or Marchesini wheels or Ohlins shocks, on Hondas, like you would on say a Ducati, or MV Agusta or KTM....and the Euro bikes cost more because of it. If Honda used those top of the line products and then charged correspondingly for them, people would say "I'm not paying $22,000 for a Honda sport bike, if I'm going to pay that kind of money I'll by a KTM or Ducati or MV. Honda sport bikes should cost $13K.
They had the same problem with cars... when Honda started charging over $20K for Accords people would say, I'm not paying that much for a Honda, I'll buy a Beemer or Mercedes if I'm going to spend that kind of jack, because they were used to Hondas being cheap... so Honda started an Acura Division where they could sell $40K cars.
Honda does try new things... different styles, different technologies, DCT's etc but in the USA, I'm afraid they just don't go over well. Honda doesn't understand that,( Oh I don't know, American motorcyclists in general?), don't accept new technology much. Honda says we can make this better, more efficient, easier and people don't buy it. Look at ABS, and linked braking systems.. it's been available for years, yet most motorcyclists don't want it. Mandatory in many countries. In the USA we STILL don't get a lot of models with ABS because they don't sell well here.That barrier is finally breaking down, but it's been a long, tough fight. And we probably won't get entire line up ABS until the government mandates it.
The average motorcyclist wants the same ol thing... they just want it different...the same, but better, and they don't want to pay any more for it either.