Time to trade down

[gmike_imp]

Well said Ferret, when you've been riding and riding bike mags long enough you soon see that often last years darling is this years howler.

if I'm interested in a bike i usually seek out a review of the model that followed it. It gives you a better perspective when the writer focuses on which of the previous models faults have been improved.

Very good there, never thought of that. Good idea

[ClassicVW_imp]

If I believed all the cycle rag reviews I would have never purchased a Moto Guzzi V7 but man that would have been a huge mistake.

Most of those guys are weenies...

Ah, Moto Guzzi. Who's slogan is- The company that's been turning riders into mechanics for 90 years....

[LongRanger_imp]

If I believed all the cycle rag reviews I would have never purchased a Moto Guzzi V7 but man that would have been a huge mistake.

Most of those guys are weenies...

+1
Wonderful bike!

[kballowe_imp]

I (usually) will seek out a forum for a particular model that I'm interested in. Lots of information to sift thru, but well worth it.

For example - my neighbor wanted one of those Polaris Slingshot's - until we poured over over all the issues and recalls. Wow.

Also try a Google search on "[bike model] problems" or something similar.

[ClassicVW_imp]

I (usually) will seek out a forum for a particular model that I'm interested in. Lots of information to sift thru, but well worth it.

For example - my neighbor wanted one of those Polaris Slingshot's - until we poured over over all the issues and recalls. Wow.

Also try a Google search on "[bike model] problems" or something similar.

I too usually do the same. But then you have to understand you're seeing every single problem that can possibly happen, and no one bike is going to have all those or most of those issues. People tend to post problems they have, and rarely post "Gee isn't this bike great and trouble-free!?"

Come to think of it, this is one of the few forums that isn't filled with problems and warranty issues.

I do agree with you about the Slingshot. I too was surprised to read about the number and frequency of problems. I did think it would be fun, but quickly realized if I was going to spend $25K, why not just buy a Mazda Miata that has a roof and a trunk and seats where a tubular frame isn't sticking me in the side?

[Nortoon_imp]

I had the same thought when I estimated the cost of importing a new 2014 Deluxe. For the same money I could have bought an immaculate, never winter driven, used BMW convertible. I could have taken da boss with me on my day rides.

Oooh! Let me think on that one a bit. Riding free, or driving her from town to town to shop? Guess I'll stick with a motorcycle.

[kballowe_imp]

I (usually) will seek out a forum for a particular model that I'm interested in. Lots of information to sift thru, but well worth it.

For example - my neighbor wanted one of those Polaris Slingshot's - until we poured over over all the issues and recalls. Wow.

Also try a Google search on "[bike model] problems" or something similar.

I too usually do the same. But then you have to understand you're seeing every single problem that can possibly happen, and no one bike is going to have all those or most of those issues. People tend to post problems they have, and rarely post "Gee isn't this bike great and trouble-free!?"

Come to think of it, this is one of the few forums that isn't filled with problems and warranty issues.

I do agree with you about the Slingshot. I too was surprised to read about the number and frequency of problems. I did think it would be fun, but quickly realized if I was going to spend $25K, why not just buy a Mazda Miata that has a roof and a trunk and seats where a tubular frame isn't sticking me in the side?

I do agree with you about the Slingshot. I too was surprised to read about the number and frequency of problems. I did think it would be fun, but quickly realized if I was going to spend $25K, why not just buy a Mazda Miata that has a roof and a trunk and seats where a tubular frame isn't sticking me in the side?
Exactly !

[LongRanger_imp]

I'm fine if a vehicle has recalls. It's no skin off my back, and if I buy a new one, the updates will have already been performed by the factory or dealer. It's the issues that arise during ownership, like undisclosed maintenance requirements or persistent reliability or drivability problems that drive me nuts.

[Ben70_imp]

My two cents on the bike reviews- had to laugh when the 2013 cb was downgraded for not having a sixth gear, then the 2014 was snivelled about for having such a high 6th they had to shift down to pass on the freeway. I think it was the same reviewer! I agree that the ad dollars must influence the reviews. Not just for bikes.

Ben