09-17-2014, 04:25 AM
We've had a couple of threads lately about 2013 owners who are considering, or even attempting to buy a 2014 now. I confess that I've had the same thought more than once. I'm pretty happy with my '13, but there are many things about the '14 I like better...although to be honest, there are things I don't, too.
In my usual analytical way, I decided to sit down and weigh the 2014 model "pros" against the "cons". Feel free to add anything I may have missed (I'm talking Deluxe version here, for argument's sake):
Pros:
I REALLY like the silver cylinders. A LOT.
Ditto the red side covers (though I've gotten a set from Samurider for my '13)
Two exhaust pipes make a much more "balanced" look (but then , I've always liked the 4-into-1 of the CB400-4, too, so...)
ABS
The digital dash is very cool
Much better seat (but I've also already solved that on my bike with the Tiro seat)
6th gear (thanks for the reminder, powerdogg11!)
And most of all, as much as I hate to admit it: overall, I think it's a nicer looking bike
Cons:
I don't really like the solid color wheels
The additional 50-ish lbs. over the '13 - and I find the '13 alarmingly top-heavy already. Not sure I'd like what that may do the feel of the bike for me, especially at low speeds, since part of that extra weight is no doubt due to the larger gas tank
As much as I like the new digital dash, I also like the retro look of the instruments on the '13...
Higher price tag than what I paid for the '13
So, yeah, the "cons" list is a bit shorter, but I'm not so sure the "pros" list I've come up with warrants me running out and selling my '13 any time soon.
In my usual analytical way, I decided to sit down and weigh the 2014 model "pros" against the "cons". Feel free to add anything I may have missed (I'm talking Deluxe version here, for argument's sake):
Pros:
I REALLY like the silver cylinders. A LOT.
Ditto the red side covers (though I've gotten a set from Samurider for my '13)
Two exhaust pipes make a much more "balanced" look (but then , I've always liked the 4-into-1 of the CB400-4, too, so...)
ABS
The digital dash is very cool
Much better seat (but I've also already solved that on my bike with the Tiro seat)
6th gear (thanks for the reminder, powerdogg11!)
And most of all, as much as I hate to admit it: overall, I think it's a nicer looking bike
Cons:
I don't really like the solid color wheels
The additional 50-ish lbs. over the '13 - and I find the '13 alarmingly top-heavy already. Not sure I'd like what that may do the feel of the bike for me, especially at low speeds, since part of that extra weight is no doubt due to the larger gas tank
As much as I like the new digital dash, I also like the retro look of the instruments on the '13...
Higher price tag than what I paid for the '13
So, yeah, the "cons" list is a bit shorter, but I'm not so sure the "pros" list I've come up with warrants me running out and selling my '13 any time soon.