2013 vs. 2014

[Papa Weeley_imp]

We've had a couple of threads lately about 2013 owners who are considering, or even attempting to buy a 2014 now. I confess that I've had the same thought more than once. I'm pretty happy with my '13, but there are many things about the '14 I like better...although to be honest, there are things I don't, too.
In my usual analytical way, I decided to sit down and weigh the 2014 model "pros" against the "cons". Feel free to add anything I may have missed (I'm talking Deluxe version here, for argument's sake):

Pros:
I REALLY like the silver cylinders. A LOT.
Ditto the red side covers (though I've gotten a set from Samurider for my '13)
Two exhaust pipes make a much more "balanced" look (but then , I've always liked the 4-into-1 of the CB400-4, too, so...)
ABS
The digital dash is very cool
Much better seat (but I've also already solved that on my bike with the Tiro seat)
6th gear (thanks for the reminder, powerdogg11!)
And most of all, as much as I hate to admit it: overall, I think it's a nicer looking bike

Cons:
I don't really like the solid color wheels
The additional 50-ish lbs. over the '13 - and I find the '13 alarmingly top-heavy already. Not sure I'd like what that may do the feel of the bike for me, especially at low speeds, since part of that extra weight is no doubt due to the larger gas tank
As much as I like the new digital dash, I also like the retro look of the instruments on the '13...
Higher price tag than what I paid for the '13

So, yeah, the "cons" list is a bit shorter, but I'm not so sure the "pros" list I've come up with warrants me running out and selling my '13 any time soon.

[Damfino_imp]

Quote:As much as I like the new digital dash, I also like the retro look of the instruments on the '13...
The instruments on the 14 are the same as the 13. They just added a little more (gear indicator, etc.) to the digital cluster in between them. Not much of a change really.

[Powerdogg55]

Believe I'd sit tight on the 13 until the 15 hits the market. See what's new other than the traditional price increase. I bought the 14 DLX based mainly on the pros you alluded too in addition to the 6th gear.

[Capo]

The bikes are close enough that the decision comes down to three things: 1) If you like the way the DLX looks 2) If the additional equipment matters to you and 3) the cost differential. If you dig points 1 & 2, and the $5000 or so cost of flipping isn't material to you, then it makes loads of sense. For me, point 3 is the deal killer, as I do not find the difference worth it, but that is just my own POV. If I didn't own a '13 now, and I could buy a low- mileage '13 for $7500 rather than $11K for a new DLX, I'd probably go for the '13 as well, again, based on my own valuations.

[Ack-CB11_imp]

This place is saying no changes for 2015?

http://hondareleasedate.com/2015-honda-cb1100/

[hb9400_imp]

If the deluxe had kept the 2013 blacked out engine version, 4 into 1 exhaust and the 2013 turn signals I would have held out for it with it's extras. Since I've owned a (75) CB400F and ( 96 & 98) 750 Nighthawk I found I liked the appearance of the 13 model for it's CB400F look over the deluxe's Nighthawk look.

[pechorin75_imp]

What Capo said. If you've got the money and you like the DLX a lot better, that's great....do what's going to make YOU happy.

Speaking only for myself, I probably couldn't justify spending more than about $1,000 for the swap. When I walk out into a parking lot around sundown, see my '13 sitting there gleaming in the light, and think to myself "Now that is one good-looking machine," any little thoughts about cosmetic improvements tend to just fade away. Add to that the fact that there are some really nice used bikes to be found up in the $4,000 - $5,000 neighborhood and, well....you get the picture.

[grover_imp]

Sounds like you've already solved for most of the '14 "pros" you named, with only engine color and exhaust remaining. I bet you could get dual exhaust and powdercoat your motor for less than a flip...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[the Ferret]

Quote:As much as I like the new digital dash, I also like the retro look of the instruments on the '13...
The instruments on the 14 are the same as the 13. They just added a little more (gear indicator, etc.) to the digital cluster in between them. Not much of a change really.

The instruments on the 14 are the same as the 13. They just added a little more (gear indicator, etc.) to the digital cluster in between them. Not much of a change really.

Gauges on my dlx are completely different than they were on my 13

Yea you missed quite a bit Papa bit maybe not enough to sway you, and besides that's not what I am trying to do. You can put them in the pros or cons coulumns as you see fit.

6 speed transmission, lower cruising rpms and better gas mileage
Polished master cyl covers for brake and clutch
Polished passenger grab rails
Polished top triple tree
Chrome bars ends instead of black
Repositioned headlight
Smaller turn signals
Fuel computer
Gear indicator although the last two may be included in the the digital gauges you mentioned
Extra weight includes the ability to go from 20 to 40 miles further on a tank of gas
Chrome head pipes that will never bronze or brown spot

[Ack-CB11_imp]

I think the '13 gauges are a Pro