DWJ Honda
I once had a Gold Wing
So I sold a Honda CB1100 a few months ago, largely due to a combination of family responsibilities and health concerns. Neither the responsibilities or concerns have gone away . . . But I have some major remorse about selling the bike, and feeling like I’m a happier and healthier guy with a motorcycle in the garage.
For now at least am considering 2 very different bikes — a well-cared for low mileage Honda ST1300 (I owned a 2005 dark red one for 5 years and, other than a bit of a heat issue on my lower legs, loved it). I’m looking at a couple of 2004’s in that beautiful blue. It’s the color I always wished I owned. Was always a powerful, smooth, and elegant bike to own. Made going anywhere fast and effortless. Would also be a modest investment. At least initially!
The other bike I really love is again similar to one I owned before, for 2 years prior to owning my CB1100. I owned a 2012 Triumph Tiger 800XC, and it was a revelation — smooth, comfortable, go anywhere, flickable and fun. No heat issue that I ever noticed. I would get a brand new or barely used 2018 (or 2019 once they come out) Tiger 800XCA or XCX. Full price is 15,800 plus fees for the XCA. Right now Triumph is offering a sweet finance deal, and I bet they’d also knock close to $2,000 off the price. Feels like the prices will only drop on either bike over the next 2 or so months as winter hits.
Other than the advice that life is short, to follow my heart and get the bike I am most excited by, etc., . . . What I am really asking for is the more rational and objective feedback. Especially on the maintence costs of a 14 year old bike like the ST. I know they are bullet proof, and the ones I’m looking at seem to have just had new tires put on and most of the other key services done. But I know myself and if I got it I would probably re-do some of that “routine” maintence just to be sure it was done. I would likely buy a sergeant seat like I had on my old one, I think it was about $600. Maybe some heli - risers. New grips. Larger foot pegs. I can easily see $1,000-1,500 of extra expenses in the first year. On the other hand the Triumph pretty much comes loaded with all I would ever want — heated seats and grips, fancy and larger foot pegs, LED lights all around, electronic suspension with special modes, TFT screen, adjustable seat and bars and windshield, and tons of other extras I can’t recall. Pretty sure there is nothing else I would need to buy.
Cost of the ST1300 would be 35-40 % of the Tiger . . . But I would have to cut the check all at once. No warranty. Many of the ST’s of that age have had multiple owners so there is the uncertainty that comes with that.
Truth be told I should probably sit tight for a year or so to let some other things in my life settle down a bit. But I am drawn to both of these bikes. A test ride on examples of both is probably an option and that might help me decide. They are incredibly different, but both bikes I have loved before and would love again.
Any thoughts on the above questions? (From a more rational point of view)
Any one own both bikes have story or perspective to share?
Many thanks for insights!
For now at least am considering 2 very different bikes — a well-cared for low mileage Honda ST1300 (I owned a 2005 dark red one for 5 years and, other than a bit of a heat issue on my lower legs, loved it). I’m looking at a couple of 2004’s in that beautiful blue. It’s the color I always wished I owned. Was always a powerful, smooth, and elegant bike to own. Made going anywhere fast and effortless. Would also be a modest investment. At least initially!
The other bike I really love is again similar to one I owned before, for 2 years prior to owning my CB1100. I owned a 2012 Triumph Tiger 800XC, and it was a revelation — smooth, comfortable, go anywhere, flickable and fun. No heat issue that I ever noticed. I would get a brand new or barely used 2018 (or 2019 once they come out) Tiger 800XCA or XCX. Full price is 15,800 plus fees for the XCA. Right now Triumph is offering a sweet finance deal, and I bet they’d also knock close to $2,000 off the price. Feels like the prices will only drop on either bike over the next 2 or so months as winter hits.
Other than the advice that life is short, to follow my heart and get the bike I am most excited by, etc., . . . What I am really asking for is the more rational and objective feedback. Especially on the maintence costs of a 14 year old bike like the ST. I know they are bullet proof, and the ones I’m looking at seem to have just had new tires put on and most of the other key services done. But I know myself and if I got it I would probably re-do some of that “routine” maintence just to be sure it was done. I would likely buy a sergeant seat like I had on my old one, I think it was about $600. Maybe some heli - risers. New grips. Larger foot pegs. I can easily see $1,000-1,500 of extra expenses in the first year. On the other hand the Triumph pretty much comes loaded with all I would ever want — heated seats and grips, fancy and larger foot pegs, LED lights all around, electronic suspension with special modes, TFT screen, adjustable seat and bars and windshield, and tons of other extras I can’t recall. Pretty sure there is nothing else I would need to buy.
Cost of the ST1300 would be 35-40 % of the Tiger . . . But I would have to cut the check all at once. No warranty. Many of the ST’s of that age have had multiple owners so there is the uncertainty that comes with that.
Truth be told I should probably sit tight for a year or so to let some other things in my life settle down a bit. But I am drawn to both of these bikes. A test ride on examples of both is probably an option and that might help me decide. They are incredibly different, but both bikes I have loved before and would love again.
Any thoughts on the above questions? (From a more rational point of view)
Any one own both bikes have story or perspective to share?
Many thanks for insights!
I think you answered your question right here. Sit tight. Wait a year and figure out what your real needs are, verses lusts. Otherwise, you could easily end up with something that is totally unusable for what you need.
