28/12/2016
Crazy ‘buying’ process!
We sometimes do things for which there is no sane explanation!
In my case, it is the continual attempt to find a bike that will be all things to all people. These criteria include, in no particular order, the following aspects:
• cruise on the highway at 160km plus,
• it must handle like a dream bike,
• it must stop quickly without endangering one’s life,
• it must absorb the pot holes like they never existed,
• when riding dirt roads the corrugations are absorbed with ease
• it must carry a pillion without an issue
• the luggage options must be unlimited
• there must be sufficient air around the screen to ensure cooling but no buffeting
• the service factor from the dealer must be the ‘best’ – always makes a plan, is honest, reliable,
reasonable and just enjoys your bike as much as you do
• there is plenty of torque available (great for immediate acceleration and riding sand)
• ABS can be switched on and off completely, left on in front and off at the back
• The exhaust must not be too loud or soft – just right and must look sleek!
• Resale values must be unbelievable let alone the warranty period (at least two years)
• If something does go wrong, the supplier and dealer will find reasons to assist vs turning requests down
• The seat should be comfortable for both long distance riding and not too wide for the technical sections
• The controls and levers must be easy to work and service (no sore knuckles with 2 finger grip)
• Heated grips are essential
• Speed control is another must
• Shift assist is a great feature (up and down)
• The extended brake lever (wider and higher) to allow for standing
• Tyre pressure monitors - all help with safety.
• Suspension settings for preload and the dampening for the different conditions – preferably electronic – it’s incredible how the sensors pick up the conditions and adjust accordingly.
• A clear list of items for the owner to do on their own
• Easy to get accessories for the bike
• A maximum of two weeks to get spares and get the bike up and running
• The lights of the bike must be superb for both bright and dims
• The tyres must preferably be tubeless and be able to be replaced easily
• A centre stand is a must
• The bike should not have finicky issues to get to tools or frequently required parts.
• Fuel consumption should be reasonable and be able to travel at least 400km - 300 before you start looking!
• A pleasure to look at
• Wide rider and pillion foot pegs and a decent standing position
• The bike should be able to ride tar, D roads, potholes, sand, mud, gravel and loose rocks i.e. strong enough and high enough to do all of these.
• You just feel comfortable and nothing is missing.
• Good insurance rates
• Lead times for servicing are not too extensive
• Wide service intervals and reasonable pricing
• GPS mounting facility
• The levers are easy to operate with two fingers
• The fuel tank fills without having to deal with air locks
• When you don’t have the bike you miss it!
So when I bought the Honda (Africa Twin) it was because I liked the looks, I loved the colours, it was comfortable to sit on, it sounded nice and hey it could seriously handle dirt D roads and it was an absolute ‘beaut’ on the serious dirt. Put it into the thick/ large loose rocks and the suspension just gobbled everything up provided you were at speed. It also had a superb heritage!
I presented a course on the Honda and was happy – nothing was shouting at me and in fact the students were suitably impressed with the bike as I was!
Off I went to the NDBA and ended up riding a ‘red’ route. And then worst of all night mares, I was obviously fast asleep in the early morning, I rode very slowly (too slowly) into a rocky section and the bike and I had a lie down amongst all the little rocks and one very big one. The damage didn’t look like much but before I knew it, there was a substantial bill in front of me! Eina! So one sucks that up and then to be told that it would be anything between 4 and 6 weeks for the parts. It ended up 9 for a number of good reasons.
Now sure, new bike etc. new model, Japanese production issues etc. whatever it’s just too long to wait. In fact I made the decision to give up riding! Including asking the dealership to sell the little bike (Honda CRF 250L) as well.
Then I borrowed a friend’s GSA to instruct on another course and suddenly there were many items on the list above that I missed while I was riding the Honda. This got me thinking again.
The local Honda Dealer in Umhlanga was brilliant –Roy understood my dilemma and offered a really good price on the repaired (brand new) machine. These guys had gone out of their way to make sure I was happy – offered a bike in the interim and really made me feel (not purposely) very guilty of wanting to sell a Honda. If I were in their position I would have felt very ‘bummed’ so guys once again - apologies!
Interestingly one of my colleagues, a younger (substantially) instructor, found the bike to be awesome – in his words “like a superbly powerful dirt bike”. He was blown away by its handling in the dirt.
Why did I change? In the light of all the positives about the Honda in truth it didn’t tick all the boxes. I would have loved to have both bikes but the budget does not allow for it.
So in a sentence I missed the big BMW with all its features and benefits. It is definitely the one bike that can almost do everything in respect of my requirements. I have decided not to go and ride ‘red +’ routes. I know I will also miss the ‘Twin’. Right now I can’t own both, so the choice was made based on the right time to sell (stock shortages) and the bike being returned to new!
To Danie, Roy and Johan of Honda Umhlanga you guys were superb and I know many, many Africa Twins will move through your doors! Thank you for your support and I still look forward to greeting you with our two remaining cars! By the way a third was added with my sister purchasing a CRV in Johannesburg.
To the guys at Ryder Motorrad thank you for reacting as quickly as you did and finding a bike for me! I guess in a way you knew I would be back. The teamwork is superb and I look forward to many happy miles of riding especially having come so close to giving it all up. Here is to 2017!
