Expensive Scooter Shootout

[kz1000st]

At those prices I would have to think long and hard. Ten or eleven grand is an awful lot of money for two wheels.

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/caps-scooter-shootout-honda-nm4-vs-yamaha-tmax

[wheelbender6]

A few things stick out to me about this shootout:
-The futuristic appearance of the NM4 will look very dated 5 years from now.
-The NM4 is really a motorcycle frame and engine wrapped in scooter bodywork.
- if I wanted an MN4, I would save a few grand by getting the CTX700 instead. It has the
same drive train and a really big exhaust pipe.
http://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2014-honda-ctx-700-photo-gallery-1.jpg

[kz1000st]

I tend to agree with you. Plus the NC bikes have a usable compartment where a gas tank would usually go. My personal opinion is that DCT will make a dent in the maxi scooter market eventually. It works, it's supposedly reliable and it's automatic.

I don't like the looks of the NM4 but I said that about the Helix at first. I ended upon a Chinese copy.

[wheelbender6]

You have a point about the Helix. They are still highly sought after. They are still bonkers over them in Japan too.
I don't recall if the Helix MSRP was significantly more than a Rebel or XL250 when it was introduced.
A CTX700 or NC700 is only 2/3 of the price of the NM4 Vultus.

[kz1000st]

I don't know about 1986. The closest comparison I could find was 2004. The Helix cost $4999 MSRP, the Honda Rebel was $2999. A $2000 difference is a pretty good spread in anyone's language. Arguably the Rebel is a better piece. I love my Fashion but in terms of performance the Rebel beats it soundly. Plus the Rebel is even built for longevity. Two cylinders, one cam, two valves and just one carburetor.

[cheapeto]

MSRP can be a bit deceiving when looking back.
I read a thread at TR, Big Scooter section, *Honey we're having a Forza* thread.
Where a a guy's wife got him a new Honda Forza for [ $3899 out the door"] . Even if a left over, that price makes that scooter a very good price as far as I'm concerned.
I'm not crazy for the styling, an no colors to choose, but IMHO, the motor is exactly the power I want.
I'll never give up my big ugly, but if I got that price today, I'd run as fast as an old fat man could to get one.

[kz1000st]

Quite so but I bought my wife's Rebel at the beginning of the 2009 season for $3350. I don't know how somebody got a Forza for $3899 unless it was a demo or used. For a $5600 scooter to be knocked down $2000 defies description, unless the writer was in Europe where the Reflex was called a Forza. In the end the Helix went for close to $5500 which is far and above what a 250cc bike goes for even now.

This NM4 is different, has a great engine and I'm sure will last a long time. It's not, however, worth $2400 more than an NC 700X DCT ABS. The only difference between the two is that the NM4 sort of looks like a scooter but has motorcycle underpinnings. I'd rather see the Integra here.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/12/03/2013-honda-integra-scooter-first-ride/

[cheapeto]

[http://littlerock.craigslist.org/mcd/4900013516.html
This was the dealerships craigslist add for the $3899 Sunrise Honda Motorsports Searcy, Arkansas see if your dealership will price match :meh:]

It was 2014 left over.

[kz1000st]

[http://littlerock.craigslist.org/mcd/4900013516.html
This was the dealerships craigslist add for the $3899 Sunrise Honda Motorsports Searcy, Arkansas see if your dealership will price match :meh:]

It was 2014 left over.

I stand corrected but I have to wonder why? The rebates and credits must be astronomical. A 33% price drop is pretty incredible. I'd also love to see what after sale price fees he hangs on it.

[cheapeto]

Well they did sting the guy as he did not get an owners manual, LOL!
I've never leafed through my BR owners manual!!
The service manual, well I have lots of dog ears in that, trying to get a bit more out of my motor.
I more shop for price myself. I don't care if something is brand new or not.
Like you said, 33% is a whopper of a deal, in my book, one I don't really understand myself.
But dang, I'd love one for that price, I'll learn to like the styling.
Hell I like the Bulldog concept bike too, except that freaking chain drive.