Coyote Chris
Site Supporter
Interesting discussion. First, price vs value. When I rode the Triumph 800, with the wire wheels, I would say that it handled great at low speeds, had gobs of power and was pretty much vibration free. One might argue that it was a bit squirrley (quick handleing) at freeway speeds but that is pretty subjective. It is not a cheep bike but I would say for me, the NT still has more value in that I dont need all that power, the NT really doesnt handle that bad at low speeds, and it is a very steady bike at speed, even in a crosswind. And I like all the touring features that come standard. Ref emotion. I didnt buy the NT due to emotion. I bought it due to the features it has that I like. I bought the FJR due to emotion. But I am glad I have both.Absolutely!!!
I loved my NT in the 5 years and 55,000 miles I had it. It was the most comfortable motorcycle I've had, got great fuel economy, and was quite reliable. But I just couldn't resist 30 more hp and 100# less weight in a bike that handled a little better than the NT. Honda could have given the NT a little more power and shaved some weight off of it, but that would have raised the price of a motorcycle that never sold well in the first place. As much as I liked the NT I think Honda did the only thing they could by dropping the NT.
I realized the low value (price) of the NT when a dealer offered me $2,200 on trade for a new motorcycle. That started a discussion that ended in a bad way, but at least there was no blood on the floor. I fealt that was too low a price, but the sales manager really did know what he was doing. I didn't trade it in and never went back there and won't. The NT wasn't pristine, but it was a solid bike, adult ridden, never down, mostly highway miles, and tires at 50%. However there was probably some mud from Alaska that was caked in inaccessable places and held in by tar from road construction. I'm no good at cleaning motorcycles, but it wasn't nearly as bad as Rust-in Peace's.
Now I am looking at mid displacement adventure tourers. And I am doing that because of emotion. I miss the days when I could ride to the Big Horn Mountains and ride the forest service roads and camp up in the high country and hike for a few days. I cant do that on a heavily loaded big bike anymore. I am too old and too weak and my balance isnt getting any better. I like the new BMW GS 750 with its low effort slipper clutch, variable expansion hard cases, new lower seat height with lots of seat options. It is ride by wire and has two (at least) riding modes. And my dealer says he is ordering every one they will give him with a center stand and upgraded options, like bag mounts. I dont like the fact that the bike may have put on a few lbs and the new engine is made in China (you tube vid rumor) The V-strom would probably do me well also and there are lots of aftermarket parts available. The triumph is a good bike and has cruise control but its not cheep either like the BMW and I am afraid the dealer might go under with the continued decline in motorcycle sales.
Dealers dont buy used bikes based on emotion. There idea of value is making money. And they arent going to sell many used NTs to kids who like to eat Tide packets..... No matter. I am keeping my NT.....now who wants to come to the ralley?