Caveat Emptor

[Tyke57nz_imp]

That must be a NZ thing. Here in the U.S. we use the model year for motor vehicles. Model year determines resale value as well as taxation values (where motor vehicles are taxed). The year digit in the VIN specifies the model year, which is why they also indicate the date of manufacture separately.

Back in '96 I bought my brand new '93 CB750 (still in the crate). It was sold and registered as a '93 model and I also paid less because that brand new bike was 3 model years older than the current model.

I know of a few cases over the years where a customer successfully sued a dealership for misrepresenting the model year of a new vehicle. The key was a contract stating that the vehicle was the newer year, when the VIN indicated that it was not.

Unfortunately the law here is as stated from the Honda dealer, I am considering contacting Consumer Affairs over it. Still brings a smile when I ride it, so its a lesson learnt.

I knew mine was a 2010 MY when I bought it new in 2013. It was actually advertised that way by the dealer. Different laws maybe?

Yes, haven`t bought a new motorcycle since 1976 so its all new to me; lesson learnt though.