No new bikes or cars seem worth buying these days?

[MD]

Strange thread title I know but I have found myself at an interesting time in my life. I see I joined Kiwibiker in 2004. That was when I had kids at primary school and a mortgage that could make you cry and struggled to justify the stupid amounts of new bike purchases I made for years.

Now after a combined 39 nine years in banking I suddenly threw it in and for the brief last 4 weeks I have been in awe of retirement. Long story short but essentially my employer, bless their greedy bloody corporate arse, had possibly one of the best performing employee Super schemes around and I wanted my money OUT! So fortune has smiled on me and I now have new employment 7 minutes from home. The last 5 years commuting from Kapiti to Wgtn drove me nuts and that drove my decision to chuck it in. The last 18 months the morning drive was closing in on 1.5 - 2 hours. Yeah I ride it as much as possible (55 minute trip on the MT09) but I'm over freezing my butt off and getting soaked. I did that time when I was 15 onwards going to High School on my SL125 in Chch.

So now I find myself with a sort of desire to buy something nice, bike or car. A situation that years before I could have easily satisfied with so many cool choices. But now 2019? NOTHING really appeals to me. NOTHING reaches out and screams BUY ME YOU WANT TO. I"M FANTASTIC.

My taste is maybe weird. I went looking today at the current Mazda 6 wagon. I've owned a few station wagons and they are bloody handy. By the way I hate SUVs and try hards in utes. So I'm mildly tempted by a Mazda 6 wagon. Or my first preference which is a Mustang but not the V8. I see no point in a V8 these days and if I go with a Mustang I want to actually drive it heaps - so the 2.3L four in white is keeping me awake. I think the reincarnated Mustang (2015+) is the best ever Mustang in terms of looks and appeal.

Then I think of getting a new bike, but bugger me. There's nothing that appeals, apart from the Niken. The S1000R or Speed Triple appeal to me a bit but for the cost of changing are little more than a variant on what I already have. A fun naked upright sports bike.

I'm still too old for a Hardly What's a thingy or any other boring cruiser. I'm way over sports bikes. Been there. Done that. A light weight adventure bike has some appeal but more as a second bike or a one year purchase to do the Molesworth and the likes, then sell it. That's still on my to do list.

Looking at the latest bike offerings is just a boring parade of same old with minor tweaks. Usually involving adding more cc and even more kg. Pointless to me.

At least the Niken is DIFFERENT and does deliver what it promises. I'm holding back though because the market has not embraced the Niken, which means it could backfire when the time comes to sell one. I made that mistake when I bought the first F800S in the showroom. 12 months later no bastard wanted one and I lost heaps. Same shit happened when I bought the MV675 F3. Couldn't give it away 18 months later.

It's a wonderful dilemma for sure but really, what's the point of upgrading a motorbike these days?

I miss the times when the breaking news of a new exciting model had us dribbling at the mouth. Now I yawn.

[Laava]

I watched that vid in the niken thread and the journos loved the niken, but admitted they thought it would not sell well cos people would basically shun it. But it might not be much different from what you already have?

[Big Dog]

Strange thread title I know but I have found myself at an interesting time in my life. I see I joined Kiwibiker in 2004. That was when I had kids at primary school and a mortgage that could make you cry and struggled to justify the stupid amounts of new bike purchases I made for years.

Now after a combined 39 nine years in banking I suddenly threw it in and for the brief last 4 weeks I have been in awe of retirement. Long story short but essentially my employer, bless their greedy bloody corporate arse, had possibly one of the best performing employee Super schemes around and I wanted my money OUT! So fortune has smiled on me and I now have new employment 7 minutes from home. The last 5 years commuting from Kapiti to Wgtn drove me nuts and that drove my decision to chuck it in. The last 18 months the morning drive was closing in on 1.5 - 2 hours. Yeah I ride it as much as possible (55 minute trip on the MT09) but I'm over freezing my butt off and getting soaked. I did that time when I was 15 onwards going to High School on my SL125 in Chch.

So now I find myself with a sort of desire to buy something nice, bike or car. A situation that years before I could have easily satisfied with so many cool choices. But now 2019? NOTHING really appeals to me. NOTHING reaches out and screams BUY ME YOU WANT TO. I"M FANTASTIC.

My taste is maybe weird. I went looking today at the current Mazda 6 wagon. I've owned a few station wagons and they are bloody handy. By the way I hate SUVs and try hards in utes. So I'm mildly tempted by a Mazda 6 wagon. Or my first preference which is a Mustang but not the V8. I see no point in a V8 these days and if I go with a Mustang I want to actually drive it heaps - so the 2.3L four in white is keeping me awake. I think the reincarnated Mustang (2015+) is the best ever Mustang in terms of looks and appeal.

Then I think of getting a new bike, but bugger me. There's nothing that appeals, apart from the Niken. The S1000R or Speed Triple appeal to me a bit but for the cost of changing are little more than a variant on what I already have. A fun naked upright sports bike.

I'm still too old for a Hardly What's a thingy or any other boring cruiser. I'm way over sports bikes. Been there. Done that. A light weight adventure bike has some appeal but more as a second bike or a one year purchase to do the Molesworth and the likes, then sell it. That's still on my to do list.

Looking at the latest bike offerings is just a boring parade of same old with minor tweaks. Usually involving adding more cc and even more kg. Pointless to me.

At least the Niken is DIFFERENT and does deliver what it promises. I'm holding back though because the market has not embraced the Niken, which means it could backfire when the time comes to sell one. I made that mistake when I bought the first F800S in the showroom. 12 months later no bastard wanted one and I lost heaps. Same shit happened when I bought the MV675 F3. Couldn't give it away 18 months later.

It's a wonderful dilemma for sure but really, what's the point of upgrading a motorbike these days?

I miss the times when the breaking news of a new exciting model had us dribbling at the mouth. Now I yawn.Yep, I remember the early 90s and 2000s as a time of getting the latest magazines the day they appeared on the shelves and spending the month til the next issue arrived reading about lighter bolts, thinner spacers etc.

I can't remember the last time I read a whole magazine, let alone the ads.
I think that the internet has made launches less exciting. Leaks being driven by marketing firms not insiders. Facts known before the release date is set.

Add to that the fact that most affordable cars care more about emission standards than causing you to make an emission in excitement.

Then fuck up the ergonomics with cost savings before making all cars equally accessible to all...

Fuck when did I get so old.

I agree the last cars I was excited to see launched were the Mustang and the new Camaro.

Most SUVs couldn't get themselves off a muddy soccer pitch, hell some couldn't tow a bicycle because of their weak transmissions.

I still get excited about bike launches... Until the details...
Nothing has moved me in the last 10 years of bikes.
Electrics still need better range. Fuel burners need to be more visceral.

[Blackbird]

MD - that's a nice bit of writing and agree with everything you've said - wonder if it's almost inevitable as we get older (been there, done that), especially if we have a bit of capital behind us?

I'm running a 2005 RAV4. We use it for general towing plus launching our runabout. I wouldn't want anything more expensive than that for dipping in the tide now and again. My wife has a 3 year old Honda Jazz RS which is perfect as the family runabout. The only car I lust after is a Cobra replica but not prepared to tie up that amount of capital for the limited use it would get.

Same goes for bikes. The Duke 790 makes me laugh and does what I need in a bike. There are other nice bikes on the market but nothing that makes me want to shell out more money.

My wife has been fantastic in supporting my passions over the years and I'm really happy to spend more time indulging her passions for travel and sea fishing. Interests and priorities change as time marches on and that's fine, isn't it? I'm just grateful that now into my 70's, I can still get my leg over a bike :niceone:

First world problems......

[F5 Dave]

I've lost interest in new bikes somewhat.

Look, you're in a good position . I can't afford this, but it would put some fun in your life.


https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-2260389984.htm?rsqid=382291927f4f4de79ba3f8fabdac2 f47-002

I'd like you to have it. Enjoy.

[OddDuck]

MD - I'm in my mid 40's and this isn't a getting older thing. I couldn't agree more. There's almost nothing out there right now that catches my eye.

[jim.cox]

New bike? maybe a Norton Atlas

New car? The ONLY thing that even sort of appeals is a 70 series Land Cruiser

But the rest of them are boring, ugly, overfull of techno crap or just plain dull

[sidecar bob]

There isint a new bike that spins my wheels either, that's why my newest bike it 2007 & my daily driver is a '96 BMW.
I could trade it on something worth four times as much & not be any more impressed.
Is there a good reason why you absolutely have to buy new?
I knew of some old boy that wasn't tickled by anything new, so he bought an '80's bike he liked & spent 18k having it fully rebuilt to as new, which was less than a new bike, and he got exactly the bike he wanted.
Having said that, I really didn't want to like the new Katana, but I've heard it's not too far off the mark.

[oldrider]

Spoiled for choices and too many restrictions = boring? - perhaps we have simply never had it so good? :whistle:

[Kickaha]

I really didn't want to like the new Katana, but I've heard it's not too far off the mark.

Dunno what it's like to ride but it's ugly as fuck in real life

[sidecar bob]

Also, always abide by the first rule of motorcycling.
The bike you buy only has to impress you & nobody else, not even your spouse.

[sidecar bob]

Dunno what it's like to ride but it's ugly as fuck in real life

Yeah, everyone was saying that in 1981 too.

[george formby]

Interesting thread. Dunno if it's age or wisdom but I find myself watching a review of some new bike and after 3 or 4 minutes realise I'm bored and have no interest in it, so I check to see if Ruby Day (https://youtu.be/4wb1RfnnqdY) has posted any new recipes. Which is weird, she can't cook for shit.:no:

What does interest me now are bikes which push me out of my comfort zone, I'm getting more and more into trials and enduro, modernised classics and new tech (Niken, ecletic).

I guess over time and being lucky enough to have been there and done that, my tastes are getting quite niche so I look for something which challenges and interests me. Titivate, even.

[Blackbird]

Interesting thread. Dunno if it's age or wisdom but I find myself watching a review of some new bike and after 3 or 4 minutes realise I'm bored and have no interest in it, so I check to see if Ruby Day (https://youtu.be/4wb1RfnnqdY) has posted any new recipes. Which is weird, she can't cook for shit.:no:


Thank you for that. Never heard of her before but I've suddenly developed an interest in her cooking :eek5::2thumbsup

[Moi]

Thank you for that. Never heard of her before but I've suddenly developed an interest in her cooking :eek5::2thumbsup

You going to check if Ruby has any fish recipes? Then you can show Mrs B Bird what you intend to do with her catch of the day...

[SVboy]

Good topic. A base Mazda 6 station wagon is about the only vehicle that slightly attracts me also. I could afford it but does not make sense when a ten grand Caldina would probably just about be as good. Who knows, I am into my 13 th year of owning my altezza! Bikes, had a street triple for almost 2 years now. Little love for it but it does what I need so very well. I could buy 765 version, but why bother for little gain. HOWEVER I recently got a 2006 Kawasaki kdx200. Loving that wee bike and now can see the point in buying a late model trail bike. They really are good.

[Blackbird]

You going to check if Ruby has any fish recipes? Then you can show Mrs B Bird what you intend to do with her catch of the day...

Mark - hahaha! Perhaps safer than suggesting Mrs J's new attire when cooking snapper :laugh:

[MD]

Good topic. A base Mazda 6 station wagon is about the only vehicle that slightly attracts me also. I could afford it but does not make sense when a ten grand Caldina would probably just about be as good. Who knows, I am into my 13 th year of owning my altezza! Bikes, had a street triple for almost 2 years now. Little love for it but it does what I need so very well. I could buy 765 version, but why bother for little gain. HOWEVER I recently got a 2006 Kawasaki kdx200. Loving that wee bike and now can see the point in buying a late model trail bike. They really are good.

Cheers and good to hear someone else likes the look of the Mazda 6 wagon [in their new shade of red is sweet]. You nailed what I started this thread about with your comment on upgrading your 675 Triple " why bother for little gain". That's how I feel now looking at what's out there.

And thanks all for sharing your thought on this topic.

ps- I don't want to go off bike topic but I had a quick look at the Kia Stinger this morning and might go back and take their demo for a spin.

[jellywrestler]

I made that mistake when I bought the first F800S in the showroom. 12 months later no bastard wanted one and I lost heaps. Same shit happened when I bought the MV675 F3. Couldn't give it away 18 months later.

. and you worked with money, how did they handle your slow learning?

[george formby]

" why bother for little gain". That's how I feel now looking at what's out there.



Indeed. I look at new bikes and look at my old bikes and think the same. Is their really thousands of dollars worth of improvements?

I will be taking a T7 for a spin when they are released into the wild. If it fits, then the venerable TDM will need a new home. I always wanted a dirty TDM but the lead frame prevented me spending money. I may, may, get $3000 for the TDM, $16'999 for a T7. :weep:

[Moi]

Had much the same dilemma a year or so ago... the 22 year old Camry was written off after an Uber did an ill-advised u-turn in front of us. Bit peeved as suddenly had the question "What to buy?" to answer. Had decided before the crash that the Camry would be replaced but not for a couple of years as it did everything we wanted, and that would give me time to consider what was available...

Wanting to stay with large-ish sedan excluded all those SUVs that populate the urban scene, those hatchbacks that all seem to be a sad replacement for a genuine station-wagon - the mid-90's Corolla hatch we had at one time had a proper fold-down rear seat like a station-wagon. It wasn't until someone suggested Hyundai that I found something that I was happy to part with some funds for... a Sonata sedan. It's comfortable, capable of carrying 4 adults in comfort, a reasonable boot that swallows all sorts of stuff when touring, leg room for lanky legged brother-in-law to be comfortable in the back seat, proved to be a good touring car when taking sister and bro-in-law round the North Island earlier this year... just doesn't come as a station-wagon.

The person who suggested to look at Hyundai also suggested looking at the Mazda 6 which I did. The Hyundai won because the dealer was trying to clear stock and the Hyundai was reduced enough to be financially attractive whereas the Mazda 6 was firm with the price. But the Mazda 6 was a serious contender until the dollars were discussed.

Fast forward to now, doing the same exercise with the bike... what to replace a 2001 v-twin 650 with? Want something that is comfortable to sit on - otherwise the lower back asks "Are we there yet?" before going too far - and something I can flat-foot when stationary. Do want something with some weather protection... and something that I'll be happy to ride, something that brings a wee smile to the face when you head off down the drive...

P.S. The OP mentioned F800S... the F800GT is on the list as a possible replacement for the 650.

[sidecar bob]

Happiness is wanting what you have.

[buggerit]

Also, always abide by the first rule of motorcycling.
The bike you buy only has to impress you & nobody else, not even your spouse.

Well said, bikes don't have to make sense, they just have to spin your wheels:scooter:

[caspernz]

Well said, bikes don't have to make sense, they just have to spin your wheels:scooter:

Oh I can sympathize with the OP there Steve, have had that dilemma a few times in past 10 years...maybe that's why I've got more than one bike now :devil2:

Makes up for the Corolla and RAV4 the wife and myself use for boring duties.

And your bike is hardly of the boring variety :Oi::devil2:

[merv]

MD, haha you could have avoided most of the depreciation like I did if you'd kept your VFR750F.

I reckon mine still looks good over 25 years later.

[SVboy]

Happiness is wanting what you have.

This. Have had my Busa for 3.5 years, 2 drz250,s for years , the previously mentioned st 675 and Altezza. Wife has had her 98 mx5 for 11 years too. A decent lotto win would see an Aprilia Tuono factory in the garage in the blink of the eye, but I doubt I would buy new cars.

[Laava]

To be fair tho, a lot of the new cars and utes are so good that it is hard to choose between them.
Good, that is, until you have an electronics glitch...

[JimO]

i like my wrx

[Laava]

I like your wrx too!

[oldrider]

Maybe when bikes catch up with battery technology the electric bike might satisfy your lust for something new? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go2g_BNpG_Y - :ride:

Air industry is making big strides in electric now. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb3OmhO7_ao - Bikes must be doing the same - Quiet right now perhaps but any day soon?

[Laava]

Had an interesting conversation today with a Ford salesman regarding the upcoming Mazda3electric. He was saying it is no greener than the outgoing over the course of it's intended life. He told me that info came from a recent Mazda conference he attended...

[sidecar bob]

Had an interesting conversation today with a Ford salesman regarding the upcoming Mazda3electric. He was saying it is no greener than the outgoing over the course of it's intended life. He told me that info came from a recent Mazda conference he attended...

Looks like green is the one to have.

[MD]

So a riding Buddy from years gone bye has the itch again to get back on two wheels and buy something exciting. Something stunning, something that reaches out and grabs his heartstrings, something that stirs his soul. He did the rounds of shops and webby searching. Seems I'm not alone in thinking bikes have become boring. He's disappointed with what's on offer and the microscopic advances bikes have made lately. Nothing appeals to him. First world problems I know but it doesn't bode well for the industry.

[Laava]

Jeepers, tough audience! Did you send him off for a jaunt on your MT? Plenty of others similar to yours to choose from...then the likes of the Indian FTR and the new Harley range for something different?

[oldrider]

Lots of new jingle jangles to consider here:- https://advrider.com/curtiss-zeus-v8-motorcycle-in-production/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=08_29_2019 - :ride:

[Berries]

He's disappointed with what's on offer and the microscopic advances bikes have made lately. Nothing appeals to him.
Sounds like he would be best off with a car. What advances is he expecting, bluetooth speakers or crumple zones?

[sidecar bob]

Sounds like he would be best off with a car. What advances is he expecting, bluetooth speakers or crumple zones?

Sounds like he needs a 'Pani.

[oldrider]

Adaptation?:- :scratch: https://twitter.com/cctv_idiots/status/1167046781034778624?cn=ZmxleGlibGVfcmVjc18y&refsrc=email - Plenty of thought candy out there yet? - :ride:

[MD]

Sounds like he needs a 'Pani.

Funny you should say that. The Panigale and S1000RR are all that caught his eye.

[Berries]

Perfect bikes after a lay off for a few years.

[MD]

I know what you mean but this fella has been toying around on two tonne Sherman tank disguised as an adventure tourer motorcycle.

[R650R]

Had an interesting conversation today with a Ford salesman regarding the upcoming Mazda3electric. He was saying it is no greener than the outgoing over the course of it's intended life. He told me that info came from a recent Mazda conference he attended...

Check out some of Steve Gorehams vids and books. So much “green” energy is like that... just check out how much concrete and rebar those wind turbines have in there foundations....

[BMWST?]

Check out some of Steve Gorehams vids and books. So much “green” energy is like that... just check out how much concrete and rebar those wind turbines have in there foundations....
tons and tons The "windmills" dont actually last very long either.

[Navy Boy]

The OP makes a good point. Now in my mid-40s I agree that this isn't just a 'Getting old' thing at all.

My latest purchase was a 1983 Honda CR250 - Like the ones I remember from being a kid doing motocross in South Africa on my little Yammie YZ80 - Which I'll race in the Top of the South VMX series. It's perfectly quick enough to provide me with plenty of thrills and I'll enjoy myself into the bargain.

Road bike-wise I bought a 2-year-old Triumph Street Triple RS a couple of months back from a mate who works in the Dockyard in Devonport. It's fabulous, goes like a stabbed rat and has lots of bells and whistles. Is it better than my 2008-model original Street Triple that I owned in the day? Not really. More refined yes but better? Nah.

So yes - I get where you're coming from. Bikes have advanced most noticeably, during the past 10-15 years at any rate, in the area of rider aids and electronic control. I guess it depends on your riding as to how much of a benefit that is. ;)

[MD]

Maybe the folks at Triumph read our posts and found my lament about the lack of exciting new models. Bike models that is, not the models with tits. Well actually catwalk models rarely have any tits anyway, more stick insects.

These two new toys have caught my eye.

The Rocket will no doubt be rather expensive for the limited amount of use I would get from a massive cruiser. But I give Triumph the thumbs up for the cool looks and the guts to make the biggest bike...bigger and what a pleasant surprise, 40kg lighter. Well done for bucking the weight gainer trend Lads.

I have fond memories of my Daytona 675 so look forward to seeing what this new 765cc baby does for the pulse rate when it finally reaches our shores.

[Blackbird]

Got to agree with you. I might be a bit biased towards Triumphs anyway but despite cruisers leaving me cold, I love the styling on the Rocket. More like a gigantic naked sport bike. The 765 Daytona should be the ultimate road going sport bike. Light with an incredible power to weight ratio. Pity that my knees are too stuffed to bend far enough for high pegs :no: The sound it makes will be incredible too if the YouTube videos of the race bike are anything to go by.

[SaferRides]

Good to see Triumph making a new Daytona. It might increase my chances of finding an affordable, used 675 while I can still ride a sportsbike.

[oldrider]

Interesting developments are actually happening:- :niceone: https://www.cake.co/conversations/KW26V0k/sur-ron-110-pound-electric-motorcycle-beats-full-fledged-gas-motocross-bikes-in-an-off-road-race?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=09_18_2019 - :ride: - Good things take time. - :wait: