How do you feel about the new bikes coming out these days?

[Silverbird]

I am going to pick on Honda here a little. They are asking $12,500 for a new 600 and just shy of $30,000 for a loaded Goldwing

I understand the dollar is in the crapper and so is the economy, but why are bikes getting so expensive? I am particularily dissapointed in the Japanese bikes, and there seems to be a deal breaker for just about every one of them.  BMW, Ducati and a few Triumphs are really pulling out the stops and giving us some incredible bikes even if the prices even higher.  

I suppose I could answer my own question and say emission standards, rider aids and safety features jack the price up but more technology means more things to fail.   I don't mean to complain even though I am, just wanted to see how you all feel about what you are getting for your money when you buy a new bike these days.

[Andrew]

Buy new

Let someone else take the hit. I will still be happy with a "new to me" bike

OK I have to admit I was considering a New BMW GSA but just could not swallow the $$$$ Yes I could afford it but just could not justify it.

[mxvet57]

I'll be looking for a used Super Tenere this coming summer.

[bassjones]

I'll be looking for a used Super Tenere this coming summer.

  to replace the FJR?

[mxvet57]

  to replace the FJR?

To complement it.

[sprk_sprd]

"How do you feel about the new bikes coming out these days?"

Meh.  I don't like the new prices.  I don't like the new designs (i.e. new Ducati Monsters, new Ninjas, new Triumph Speed/Street Triples, etc.).  

I find I'm stuck on bikes from the mid-90s to mid-00s.  I think the bikes that came from that period are the best in terms of design, pricing, what-you-get-for-money, etc.  I understand that manufacturers have to keep improving performance in order to outsell competitors.  But enough already.  We don't need to shave off another 0.05 lbs, or squeeze out another 2.8 HP.  Whether we're talking sportbikes, sport-tourers, full baggers, cruisers...these are street bikes!  Bikes for people who will never be able to (and don't need/want to) replicate the track-tested performance of racers.  So while the manufacturers think they're doing us a favor by implementing even more newfangled technology every two years, I think there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.  

Maybe that's why my current two bikes are 2005 and 2007 models....that I bought from Craigslist in 2010 and 2011.  I doubt I'll ever buy new again.

[BIWOZ]

Hmmm, let's check Australian prices (and our dollar is slightly above yours at present):

BMW R1200RT SE  $33 700 ride away
BMW K1600GTL  $39 500 ride away
BMW R1200GS (standard) $28 000 ride away

Honda VFR 1200 (circa) $26 000
Honda GL1800 Goldwing >$42 000

The dealers are reluctant (because of legislation) to put RRP on their websites. I've gleaned most of these prices from test reviews.

[Mr.Black]

  to replace the FJR?

To keep in the trunk.

[garry]

I find myself drawn to the Euro brands. The only bike from the Big 4 that is on my radar screen is the Ninja 1000.

[falconati]

There are so many good used bikes for cheap, that it doesn't make sense to buy new.  You could get a new Duc 1199 Panigale...or buy my relatively inexpensive MV for thousands less.  It all depends on what is important to the buyer.  If they see value in the warranty, newer model year, or new features, then it makes sense to buy.  I'm able to be fine with less, though I do see myself drooling at the electronic cruise that some models have.  The RT is one of those models that I just always seem to want to buy new...

[R Doug]

I find myself drawn to the Euro brands. The only bike from the Big 4 that is on my radar screen is the Ninja 1000.

+1

That and the new Honda VFR *IF* is had a larger tank and better luggage capacity.  However, I have been bitten with the adventure-touring bug so I keep looking at the likes of the new Tiger and I am anticipating the 1200 KTM Adventure.  

[AutoXer]

For any bike I plan to keep a long while (which is pretty much every bike I by) I would rather buy new, as there is no way to know how much a previous owner hammered the bike.  

That said, in a time where the economy is bad and sales are down, I think it ridiculous that the manufacturers are piling on high-priced, unnecessary technology that forces the prices up even more.  Okay, fuel injection and maybe ABS were okay, but c'mon, "anti-theft" systems begging to leave you stranded and that can't be bypassed if you lose your key fob?  Wireless throttle controls that can leave you stranded too?  Different computer modes ?(this ain't a video game - try learning to ride instead of faking it and needing a computer to save your ass)  Traction control??  (It's called "control your right wrist and use some brains!!).  I'm not interested in any of that.  Give me a simple, reliable bike and I'm there with money in hand.  

[stevent]

For any bike I plan to keep a long while (which is pretty much every bike I by) I would rather buy new, as there is no way to know how much a previous owner hammered the bike.

That right there.. There's just too many dumb shits running around with crescent wrenches and screwdrivers "improving" performance.. I'll buy used if it's box-stock and some kind of service history, otherwise I just bite the bullet and buy new, preferably a discounted leftover.

Right now the only thing that gets my attention is the new Triumph Explorer 1200, I have no intention of replacing my GS but if I did it would be at the top of the list. I'd also look for a left over or lightly used 1200 RT or an '08 or newer stock HD Road Glide with the ABS Brembo's. I can live w/o all the gee-whizz electronics but ABS is a life saver in this wet climate and electronic suspension adjustment is nice though not really necessary, as with Cruise Control and the various sound systems.  In fact I'd be more inclined to buy a late '80's Airhead than a new bike.  

[desertxxrider]

I don't have much love for the new bikes, most are too pricey, complicated and hard to service anyhow. If I was paid to race and needed a state of the art bike it would be different.

[Mr.Black]

I would like my wife to join in but her hips and back can't tolerate the Bandit. If a new bike were in our future I would consider the C14. As for the price of others in this class, the Kawi seems to be my pick.

Other than that, an older dual sport would be ok. Not new though. Too much $.

[Rogue]

The US$ is actually NOT in the crapper.  It's just that the Japanese Yen has gained strength recently due to Japans recovery from their recession, so the prices of Japanese made stuff has gone up.  There isn't much the Japanese can do about it because they are operating on razor thin margins already at this exchange rate.

The US Economy is doing much better than the rest of the world and just recently, the US$ has gained strength.  This is NOT good for our economy as it makes US made goods more expensive in Europe and Asia.  We want the exchange rate to be relatively stable and not gain any more as this benefits US manufacturing.

The Euro-zone crises has caused the EURO currency to lose value.  

I do hear you on the prices.  $11k for a top line 600 and $15k for a liter bike.  If you haven't shopped for a new motorcycle in the past 5 years you're in for sticker shock.  Keep in mind that a H-D Road Glide costs $20k.  

[bassjones]

I have two more years and then I'm getting a C14 or FJR. Probably lightly used unless I can get a new leftover.

[sprk_sprd]

There are so many good used bikes for cheap, that it doesn't make sense to buy new.

+1

[DogBoy]

Hmmm, let's check Australian prices (and our dollar is slightly above yours at present):

BMW R1200RT SE  $33 700 ride away
BMW K1600GTL  $39 500 ride away
BMW R1200GS (standard) $28 000 ride away

Honda VFR 1200 (circa) $26 000
Honda GL1800 Goldwing >$42 000

The dealers are reluctant (because of legislation) to put RRP on their websites. I've gleaned most of these prices from test reviews.

Canadian and European prices are also much higher than US prices. The only Japanese 600 supersport priced at $12,500 USD is the Honda CBR600RR and that is after a $1000 ABS option added to the base MSRP. Triumph is in line with the other Japanese brands the MV Agusta 675 F3 is almost $13,500.

OP answered his own question with the low value of the dollar. New bikes are pretty amazing. When this discussion has come up previously, comparing new bikes with counterparts from 10 or 15 years ago, and adjusting for inflation, would make many new bikes seem like a pretty good deal.

[Rincewind]

When I was in high school 20-years ago, I recall sportbikes costing about 1/2 what they do today.  But that was 20 years ago!  Today's prices are about the same as before, if you compare costs of 2-wheel sportbike vs 4-wheel econocars.  In other words, bikes are still relatively cheap in the overall picture.  

Are electronic aids pushing the prices overboard?  Not in all cases -- look at he SV650 and DL650 for instance, which have had available ABS for years.  

There are still plenty of great spanking bikes for under $10k, such as most of the Japanese standards, the Monster 796, Shiver 750, Street Triple/R.  In my opinion these are good values in today's market.  For not much more, there are quite a few stonking new bikes in the $10k-$12k range.

The premium-level bikes (BMW, Goldwing, Harley) still have premium level pricing pushing $20k or more.  But in the overall picture, a $20k price ceiling is nothing compared to the 4-wheeled world.  I think the new prices are fine, and some of the preowned prices are quite outstanding.