Good Deal? '14 STD

[ClassicVW_imp]

Why does it need a detailing? Shouldn't the dealer already have done that?

[NightRider_imp]

Update: now I am looking at used 2013 with 2000 miles at another dealer. I can get OTD with Honda 2 year warranty for $7000. It needs a detailing and I might paint the tank black to make it look like my beloved 2014 STD I was unable to get yesterday.

Other than the 6-speed transmission and better looking instrument cluster, anything I'd be missing out on by going for a used 2013 vs new 2014?

The bike is supposed to have some suspension refinements also. The sixth gear is for better cruising at high speed. Plus, it's control panel is sexier and guess what you look at the most. Still, all of these might not be worth 3500 dollars unless you are set on a new Black Edition and so buying one is much better than spending 7 grand on something you are not happy with, so unhappy with that you are considering spending money on changing the 2013 into a 2014 black edition. So save your money and buy what you really want.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I got tired of searching for a sixth gear on my old Bonnie. I wouldn't want to go back to that personally. Then again, there are plenty of 2013 owners who absolutely love their CBs and in fact prefer the subtle styling differences over the 2014.

NightRider makes agood observation about your apparent desires to make the '13 into a '14. I agree with him, have patience and get what you really want. And trust me, when the '15s come out, there will be plenty of people wanting to sell their '14. It's the "transient nature" of motorcyclist. Haha.

[OldF7Guy_imp]

Update: now I am looking at used 2013 with 2000 miles at another dealer. I can get OTD with Honda 2 year warranty for $7000. It needs a detailing and I might paint the tank black to make it look like my beloved 2014 STD I was unable to get yesterday.

Other than the 6-speed transmission and better looking instrument cluster, anything I'd be missing out on by going for a used 2013 vs new 2014?

Just a thought but I would inquire about the dealership keeping the 2 year warranty and knocking some more off the price. These Hondas are really pretty well built and seldom does anyone have a warranty issue that I can remember.

I have a 13 but really wanted a 14DLX. Mainly because of the eye candy, ABS and 6 speed. THat said, I am very content with my 13 given the difference in price.

[ClassicVW_imp]

We've discussed this a few times already, and I'll repeat my feelings now. For me, there wasn't enough styling differences or any improvements that would make me pay $3,000 more for a 2014 when I was shopping. I got my just about new 2013 (575 miles on it ) for $7010 from a non-Honda dealer.

I had done some research with regard to whether I would be hunting for a sixth gear. And after looking into it, I took a leap of faith that I would not be.
On my other motorcycle, a 700cc Honda tourer, I sometimes do look for a sixth gear on the open highway.
With my '13 CB I do not. I mostly limit my highway speed to 65-70 MPH and the bike never feels like it wants to go to another gear. I get no vibration, and for sure, the engine isn't straining. I feel that that speed is a practical limit for extended highway cruising anyway, due to the wind striking you which would tire you out if you wanted to spend eight hours at 80 MPH. Just my opinion.

[gossman_imp]

Having owned other motorcycles with 5 gears I had zero issue on getting another 5 speed, especially with our 65mph speed limits here. A simple sprocket change would change the rpms but I like the low end power. What I most wanted was an ABS model so when the opportunity came up I moved quickly. Love the linked system and hydraulic clutch.

[Tysondusch_imp]

So here is my update and what I'm deciding around...I would appreciate any opinions from you all!

Option 1: New 2014 Standard Black for around $10,022 OTD. Confirmed from dealer about 2 hours away in San Diego. I love the all-black look, but not sure I "need" a brand new motorcycle as a first bike, and not entirely comfortable with putting out $10k for what essentially is going to purely be a weekend toy and something I might drop and damage at some point, who knows? Love that all black look though!

Option 2: 2013 Standard with 2000 miles, dealer asking $6800. I got them down to $7000 OTD with 2 year extended warranty. I could try to get $6500 OTD without warranty, but since it is used and not sure how the prior owner maintained, this provides some piece of mind? Maybe unnecessary. Overall the bike looks good, there are some areas with wear/tear (it IS is used bike) but it looks like this guy rode it through a gravel pit or salt marsh or something. Dealer cleaned it up but as you can see has a few worn spots in the finish when you get real close. Bothers me a little bit, but not sure if it bothers me enough to pay $3000 more, you know what I mean? Runs fine. At some point I might paint the tank and side cover grey or black.

Anyways, this is what I'm deciding between. Photos of the used unit below. Any perspective or opinion is appreciated as I prepare to pull the trigger. Thanks!

[Capo]

Sorry, but that is some serious surface corrosion, which indicates that the bike was either stored outside, or the owner just didn't give a cuss. I, personally, wouldn't consider buying a bike in that condition, especially one that new. If the bike was clean, I'd save the $$ and grab it vs the 2014. But, and this is my opinion only, no way would I buy that bike.

If you like the color/ look of the red 2013, just keep looking a bit, they're out there.

[Elipten_imp]

I agree for only 2,000 miles that is some serious wear and tear. But as your first bike I suspect it will have some drops and dings as you learn. So maybe a learner bike in many ways.

If first bike why not start with something in the 500cc range. Just saying.

Clean low mileage dirt cheap CB1100 will be available in a year or two given the market and popularity.

[Tysondusch_imp]

Thanks both for the input so far- good to know that wear and tear is pretty high for 2000 miles. In terms of why not starting with something smaller, well I just love the looks of a standard classic bike and there are not too many options I guess? I started by looking at Bonnevilles and Moto Guzzi V7, and liked them but didn't want to get something I might grow out of in a year or two...plus the Guzzi dealer network is not very wide and if something needed attention it would be a couple hours away. I was looking at the CB1100 as something a bit more expensive but more reliable in the long term, more steady on the highway, easy to ride etc.

I rode the Bonneville and the Guzzi, liked them but preferred the Guzzi. Felt totally comfortable on them, grew up riding mopeds but never had motorcycle license until this year. I've read differing opinions on the suitability of CB1100 for a first bike and both pro and con have valid points.

I'd like to be riding now vs. in a year or two when more CB1100 show up on the used market.