Kevininsc wrote on 01/16/09 at 11:45:07:Greetings Everyone!! I need some advice/comments regarding comments made to me on my recent visit to another one of my local dealers for the first time. I went in to again check out the 2009 S40s', but they didn't have any on the showroom floor. They also didn't have any S50s'. So, I decided to compare the Honda Rebel 250s' just for the heck of it (a little too small, I think, but nice). I'm about 5'9", 180lbs. I am not a total beginner, even though I do not have that many miles under my belt (1000). My first bike was a Kawasaki Concours, my second a Honda Silverwing Scooter. I am in my mid 50s and want something that is dependable; not too big/heavy; and easy to work on; and more power than a 250.
The salesman then started to try to talk me out of the Savage, saying that if you are going to do any interstate riding (above 65mph) for any length of time (other than a couple of exits) then the Savage is definately not the bike!!! He and a sales manager both started showing me other bikes to sit on like a Honda Aero and other larger cruisers they had on the floor.
I mentioned to them both (after sitting on various larger cruisers), that I really didn't want a 525lb bike, but did in fact want to occassionally go on the interstate (around 1 to 2 hours) @ 70/75 mph. They again started in with "it will buzz like crazy!"; it will get blown around!; it will be scary!; it will be dangerous!; your hands will get numb; and, it just won't be any fun!!!!
They also said the I might as well just get a Honda Rebel 250, since they all will be about the same interstate riding experience, unless I get a larger/heavier cruiser!
Now here's the problem--- I have been reading this forum for some time now and most of what I understand, is==== the S40/Savage should not have any problem with interstate higher speed riding for a couple of hours. I do understand that a heaver bike would be more comfortable, but, and as I said to the salesman, " I don't want another heavy bike". The other bike I might be interested in would be the S50, but I have never sat on one-yet!
In summary- I gave him my phone number and told him to call me when they get the S40/S50s in the showroom. He also said, as I was leaving, that they are getting in a 1100 cruiser (in trade) and he would call me to let me know when it comes in. Still trying to get me into a larger bike!!!!!
I have sat on the S40 at another dealer a month or so ago and it just seems so nice to me. I also really like the fact that the S40 is so simple and I would very much like to do all my own maintenance. The other thing that I like about the S40 is the position of my feet vs. the only other cruiser that wasn't too heavy (Kawasaki 500). But on the Kawi, my feet are too far forward, which I don't care for.
So-- are they just trying to sell me a more expensive new/used larger cruiser or do their comments really have any merit?
Comments/suggestions???
Thanks
Kevin
I would be asking the salesmen/owner/whoever, after all the bad mouthing they did about the Savage/S40, if they have ever actually ridden one at all and if so did they do any more than just go around the block? Chances are they have no real experience with the model.