Looked at new bikes last week

[ponch]

Originally Posted by IntheWind

...and no reverse. I like it though. I sat on one a month ago. Very comfortable. I could live without ABS, but no cruise control? What were they thinking?
__________
IntheWind
'08 Nomad

Gotta have ABS and cruise.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by dank

And goodness Jim, don't forget the XCT saddle bags! They're big enough for Brad to pack his ego without adding a sidecar!!!

As big as they are, a full face helmet won't fit.

[schoeney]

I thing Honda will make a big splash in 2014 or 2015. Over the last few years they moved the wing production back to Japan, they dealt with the tsunami supply issues, and a bad economy. All three of these issues are pretty much over now......back to business.

Regarding the revamp of the ST, to add cruise, heated grips, and change the design of the instrument cluster would not be much on the OEM level. I think the real expense would be adding a 6th gear and updating the cosmetics. Personally I only think they need to tweak the cosmetics (rear end look just a bit and add a color?). But of course they are at $18,000 already compared to Yamaha's $16,000 so Dan is right, could price them out of the ball park.

Oh Ponch, the bags of the ST DO fit a full face helmet so score one more for Honda over Victory. Hey BD and Kris..........

[ponch]

Originally Posted by schoeney

I thing Honda will make a big splash in 2014 or 2015. Over the last few years they moved the wing production back to Japan, they dealt with the tsunami supply issues, and a bad economy. All three of these issues are pretty much over now......back to business.

Regarding the revamp of the ST, to add cruise, heated grips, and change the design of the instrument cluster would not be much on the OEM level. I think the real expense would be adding a 6th gear and updating the cosmetics. Personally I only think they need to tweak the cosmetics (rear end look just a bit and add a color?). But of course they are at $18,000 already compared to Yamaha's $16,000 so Dan is right, could price them out of the ball park.

Oh Ponch, the bags of the ST DO fit a full face helmet so score one more for Honda over Victory. Hey BD and Kris..........

So does my RT and it still looks good with the bags removed. 18K isn't prohibitive and the FJR isn't in the same ballpark for me: To tight ergos/too sporty. Even the C14 is so. The ST is more like the RT and Triumph Trophy, which is now the other choice. Triumph basically copied the RT and added a 1200 triple.

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by ponch

As big as they are, a full face helmet won't fit.

But 2 full faced helmets will fit in the trunk just fine with room to spare.

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by ponch

I agree, but I can't get over the price. I am not ready to spend 23 large on a bike.

It took me a while to justify it Jim. I've had not one second of buyer's remorse for spending that much. Kris and I are into the "age" factor. At what age will I decide to get a bike I want regardless of price. The answer came as "NOW". I ain't getting any younger...

[waterman]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

I ain't getting any younger...

And definitely not any prettier.

[ponch]

My top case holds two as well, not much more. As far as money goes, I need to make more of it before I try to crack 20k.

[dank]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

But 2 full faced helmets will fit in the trunk just fine with room to spare.

That would be nice. I can just barely squeeze two in my givi, but no room for anything else and I have to angle them exactly right.

[highwayman2011]

My Voyager has ABS and Cruise and was well under 20K, just sayin'. On another note we don't ride two up any more because my wife got her own Spyder RT Limited. Yes it was 26K.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by ponch

I agree, but I can't get over the price. I am not ready to spend 23 large on a bike.

I thought that very thing, so I settled on the Voyager at about 8K less OTD (including accessory additions). Within a short time, I was sorry I did not just pony up the $$ for the bike I really wanted. That little mistake cost me an additional couple K to rectify, but to my credit (if I do say so myself), I recognized my unhappiness and moved quickly to get myself in a position where riding would be joyful again. Make no mistake, like with any bike, I had to spend some additional $$ to make the bike fit me a little better, but fit me it does (like a glove) and I could not be happier!

It's only money and if not for the things you enjoy in life, what good is it? My suggestion to anyone looking for a new bike, if you find one you REALLY like and want....do not let price be the deciding factor, like me, you will come to regret it later. You only live once, and besides Jared....none of us are getting any younger....

[ponch]

Originally Posted by highwayman2011

My Voyager has ABS and Cruise and was well under 20K, just sayin'. On another note we don't ride two up any more because my wife got her own Spyder RT Limited. Yes it was 26K.

And the quality isn't there and that's why it's under 20K. Not trying to start something, we've been there before. I've ridden the Voyager, and it's not for me. Ergos are tighter than the 1600 and the bags/trunk are poor quality plastic, lots of plastichrome too. It's also pokey compared to the HD, Victory and just about anything in that price range and market segment.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

I thought that very thing, so I settled on the Voyager at about 8K less OTD (including accessory additions). Within a short time, I was sorry I did not just pony up the $$ for the bike I really wanted. That little mistake cost me an additional couple K to rectify, but to my credit (if I do say so myself), I recognized my unhappiness and moved quickly to get myself in a position where riding would be joyful again. Make no mistake, like with any bike, I had to spend some additional $$ to make the bike fit me a little better, but fit me it does (like a glove) and I could not be happier!

It's only money and if not for the things you enjoy in life, what good is it? My suggestion to anyone looking for a new bike, if you find one you REALLY like and want....do not let price be the deciding factor, like me, you will come to regret it later. You only live once, and besides Jared....none of us are getting any younger....

I haven't seen a bike I've HAD to have. Not in a long time. I agree about getting what you pay for, but my income isn't where I'd be comfortable spending that much. That could change in the future, but I am just trying to be responsible. I have a bike anyway and I ride every weekday as it is.

[dank]

Originally Posted by ponch

And the quality isn't there and that's why it's under 20K. Not trying to start something, we've been there before. I've ridden the Voyager, and it's not for me. Ergos are tighter than the 1600 and the bags/trunk are poor quality plastic, lots of plastichrome too. It's also pokey compared to the HD, Victory and just about anything in that price range and market segment.

Ah, don't sugar coat it Jim, give it to them straight!

[ponch]

It's just my opinion and only that. I think the Vulcans are reliable as anything out there but they are made to a price point.