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I have been an on and off member of this forum (great forum) for a couple of years or so. I had been interested in a 13/14 1100, and more recently the 2017 EX and RS. As in properly interested - ready to sign the cheque.
I visited several UK dealers who conveyed the following:
1. Disparaging comments about my Guzzi as a trade in (I didn't need a trade in, but was curious).
2. Portrayed the 1100 as a niche model: their customer base is interested in smaller bikes, or the Africa Twin.
3. No chance of a test ride.
The CB1100 is, in my humble opinion, a beautiful looking bike. I just hope I get to ride one day, because for now my (small, inconsequential)deal has gone to Triumph. Honda do not need my business, which is a greater pity to me than Honda - but I do think the members of this forum are riding a fabulous bike!
I will return (thus justifying Honda's treatment of me!).
Beerman
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That's a real shame, Beerman. The CB1100 is—in my opinion at least—a great bike and I can't understand why Honda dealers aren't willing to promote it. Indeed, broadly speaking, I'd have thought their job was to sell to a person whatever he or she wants. It would be interesting to hear the experience of other UK members.
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Well I think your gripe is with the dealership and not Honda, although sometimes I think Honda could do a better job of managing their dealers.
What kind of Triumph did you buy (hope it was a T -120 because that is a great bike as well)
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I've not come across any Honda dealer who offers new bikes for test rides. Nor Suzuki, Yamaha or Kawasaki. Seems only BMW, Triumph, Moto Guzzi and Ducati offer this (at least in my area). Perhaps HD and Indian too, but I wouldn't know.
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My local Honda/Yamaha dealer allows test rides.
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I had a CB1100 for a testride before buying and also a CBF1000F at my local Honda dealership.
I think, it's the dealership, not Honda.
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(12-22-2017, 09:18 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Well I think your gripe is with the dealership and not Honda, although sometimes I think Honda could do a better job of managing their dealers.
What kind of Triumph did you buy (hope it was a T -120 because that is a great bike as well) I've ordered the Speedmaster 2018. The dealer was helpful - T120 test rides (same engine) and a demo when the bike is available. When I bought my Guzzi, the dealer allowed a full day on it. It has been pretty frustrating, and I agree the gripe is with the dealership - though it seems it is a common problem, at least around where I live. I went to 4 dealers - and I'm not exaggerating, I was a keen buyer.
Still, I come back to the point that I think the CB looks as good as anything out there. I'm sure I will be back - and this is a really helpful forum.
Happy Christmas!
Beerman
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(12-22-2017, 09:02 AM)Beerman_imp Wrote: I have been an on and off member of this forum (great forum) for a couple of years or so. I had been interested in a 13/14 1100, and more recently the 2017 EX and RS. As in properly interested - ready to sign the cheque.
I visited several UK dealers who conveyed the following:
1. Disparaging comments about my Guzzi as a trade in (I didn't need a trade in, but was curious).
2. Portrayed the 1100 as a niche model: their customer base is interested in smaller bikes, or the Africa Twin.
3. No chance of a test ride.
The CB1100 is, in my humble opinion, a beautiful looking bike. I just hope I get to ride one day, because for now my (small, inconsequential)deal has gone to Triumph. Honda do not need my business, which is a greater pity to me than Honda - but I do think the members of this forum are riding a fabulous bike!
I will return (thus justifying Honda's treatment of me!).
Beerman
Yep, same thing happened to me here in California. Referring to my Yamaha, my local Honda dealer said, "Maybe if you had something we could sell. No one likes those things."
This, from a guy that was sitting on an unsold 2014 model, and is still sitting on his 2017 model.
Quote:2. Portrayed the 1100 as a niche model: their customer base is interested in smaller bikes, or the Africa Twin.
Yep. Identical wording. "These things are niche bikes...a very small niche. They only appeal to old, slow guys, and these days those guys only seem to want Gold Wings or Africa Twins, or small bikes like the 500s and 700s."
Quote:3. No chance of a test ride.
Ditto. Buy it, then I can try it.
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Hey, VLJ. I was wondering about you the other day. What happened. I take it you are not the owner of a CB1100?
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Beerman, I find dealer encounters such as those you've outlined to be a total turnoff as well. I'm sure that I too would have walked away under those circumstances. I hope that you end up being extremely happy with your new Speedmaster and that you'll share some details of your experiences on the new bike with the rest of us.
By the way, I'm curious to know if you ever considered buying a used CB1100 at any time during your search?
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