How dealers lose the sale

[VLJ_imp]

Just checked, and the new Z900RS and its sportier sibling the Z900 both use the big 'N' display for neutral, in addition to the green light.

It does look better that way, vs leaving the space blank.

[Nortoon_imp]

When I started this thread, it was with a few observations about poor sales techniques in Honda dealerships.

Since then, this it has wandered all over the place, currently debating the gear indicator. There is no other motorcycle (or any other!) forum I have been on where a post has been described as 'an 'essay in love' (Cormanus, post #64).

I think this is part of the reason I want a CB1100: the forum is wonderful.

Beerman

At least the CB1100 has a gear indicator. The CB500 motorcycles do not. Every year a long debate pops up on the CB500 Forums about the merits of a gear indicator.

[Cormanus]

When I started this thread, it was with a few observations about poor sales techniques in Honda dealerships.

Since then, this it has wandered all over the place, currently debating the gear indicator. There is no other motorcycle (or any other!) forum I have been on where a post has been described as 'an 'essay in love' (Cormanus, post #64).

I think this is part of the reason I want a CB1100: the forum is wonderful.

Beerman

At least the CB1100 has a gear indicator. The CB500 motorcycles do not. Every year a long debate pops up on the CB500 Forums about the merits of a gear indicator.

At least the CB1100 has a gear indicator. The CB500 motorcycles do not. Every year a long debate pops up on the CB500 Forums about the merits of a gear indicator.
Only since 2014. Us early adopters had to go without or go aftermarket.

[emptysea]

I am in the "don't know what i'm missing" category when it comes to gear indicators. Although, I have a work around to tell me when I'm in 5th gear on my 2013 -- I simply pull in the clutch and lift the gear shift with my left toe. If it moves up, I was in 4th. If not, I was in 5th. Easy.

[SportsterDoc]

I am in the "don't know what i'm missing" category when it comes to gear indicators. Although, I have a work around to tell me when I'm in 5th gear on my 2013 -- I simply pull in the clutch and lift the gear shift with my left toe. If it moves up, I was in 4th. If not, I was in 5th. Easy.

That was my practice on the previous 6 bikes from 2002 on. Too long ago to remember about the prior 10 bikes. Seems like I was ALWAYS looking for one more gear!...even with the 6 speed Moto Guzzi.

With the gearing on the 2014 CB1100, I don't think I would be so inclined when running 6th...but with the indicator, I don't need to count gears anymore.

Today, I was in the mountains. Decent temps, with a warm(er) layer from about 5,500 feet to about 6,500 feet...then strong headwinds (westerly, with storm moving in) up to 8,500 feet (Deer Creek Road, highway 158, summit). Was down to 5th and then 4th. When I hold less than top gear for a while, I oft forget, although the tach versus speedo is a good tell. I am enjoying the gear indicator, not that I previously thought I needed one,

[the Ferret]

I've had gear indicators on bikes since 1981 (Suzuki GS 850G) and miss them when I don't have one. Not to the point of can't stand the motorcycle, but annoyed when it doesn't. Don't need it, just like it. Love the one on my CB even if neutral is only a green idiot light located elsewhere. My ST 1300 doesn't have one. That annoys me. There is a giant blank space on the speedo where they could have easily put one. I have tried shifting into an imaginary 6 th gear a million times, and also ridden down the freeway for 40 miles in 4 th only to discover I actually have a another gear.

[emptysea]

The title of my memoir will be "In Search of 6th"

[SportsterDoc]

I've had gear indicators on bikes since 1981 (Suzuki GS 850G) and miss them when I don't have one. Not to the point of can't stand the motorcycle, but annoyed when it doesn't. Don't need it, just like it. Love the one on my CB even if neutral is only a green idiot light located elsewhere. My ST 1300 doesn't have one. That annoys me. There is a giant blank space on the speedo where they could have easily put one. I have tried shifting into an imaginary 6 th gear a million times, and also ridden down the freeway for 40 miles in 4 th only to discover I actually have a another gear.

Well stated.

There is little that I would change on the 2014 CB, other than having an ambient temp display. Enjoyed it on the Moto Guzzi. Trying to remember if the 2012 Triumph Bonneville had one. Might get a Formotion thermometer with handlebar mount, but will not work well (at least parked) in the summer in southern Nevada.

[Lord Popgun]

Ferret, re the gear indicator on the ST: GiPro—Jus sayin.

[the Ferret]

Lol if I was electrically smart like you popgun, I would have installed one years ago.