Off Tyre kicking an X-ADV 350 this morning...

[Neil955i]

So having mulled over the relatively minuscule price difference (<£200 here in the UK), between the Kymco DTX360 and Honda's X-ADV 350, I've decided to ride over to my local Honda dealer this morning and see what numbers they can come up with to tempt me. 

Spoiler alert, I'm seriously considering trading in my Triumph if that makes the figures stack up better!  The thinking here being the lack of miles I'm now doing on that bike, it's a crime for it to sit languishing in the garage.  Far better it go to an owner who is actually going to use it.  If it goes I'll be sad, but to quote someone or other, "them's the breaks!"

[Neil955i]

Well that was a number I wasn't expecting!  6+ months before they expect to get one!  Had a long chat with Karl the Sales guy and Roger the owner during which they admitted that after a 50+ year relationship with Honda they're ready to throw in the towel.  Seems they can't get anywhere near the numbers of machines they are ordering so today when I visited, the showroom was stuffed with (readily available) Royal Enfields, Benellis, Sym and Royal Alloy machines.  Have Honda lost the plot?  Shame because I really liked the look and specs on the X-ADV.

So where do I go now?  Probably back to the Kymco dealer who advised "next day delivery" for a DTX 360!  Watch this space.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Excited for you here!

July 17, 2014 : "It's time for bed - where's your father?"
"He's out in the garage looking at his Honda."
"Alright, well leave a light on for him...."


[EDIT:there was a 1 hour gap between the start of this post and now]
Stig

[Stig / Major Tom]

Phone-around to other dealers, delivery or go fetch-it - not an option?

Stig

[Neil955i]

Phone-around to other dealers, delivery or go fetch-it - not an option?

Stig

Yet to explore that Stig.  I had hoped that a local dealer - whom I know & trust - would be able to pull a rabbit out of the hat, but no.  Honest answer we ain't likely to see one before March 2023 and in all likelihood by then, we won't be a Honda dealership!

[klaviator]

We are having similar issues here in the states.  Honda and Yamaha are doing a terrible job of sending inventory across the ocean.  I drove 330 miles to get an ADV150.  Local dealers do have bikes in the showrooms but very few Honda's or Yamaha's.  I don't know what the issue is.  Other brands manage to get inventory into showrooms.

Part of the issue is that certain Honda and Yamaha models are very much in demand right now but lack of supply is the main issue. 

[Stig / Major Tom]

We are having similar issues here in the states.  Honda and Yamaha are doing a terrible job of sending inventory across the ocean.  I drove 330 miles to get an ADV150.  Local dealers do have bikes in the showrooms but very few Honda's or Yamaha's.  I don't know what the issue is.  Other brands manage to get inventory into showrooms.

Part of the issue is that certain Honda and Yamaha models are very much in demand right now but lack of supply is the main issue.

I understand the frustration of not seeing your favs in the showrooms.....but I don't understand why the global issue of supply slowdowns are blamed on Honda or Yamaha.
I'm pretty certain my local Honda auto dealer would like to have more than 5 new cars on his lot, while his used lot is overflowing, and we have a giant Honda plant 45 miles away.

I don't get the idea that someone is dropping the ball....the issue is there are no balls to be found!
Ohio is refusing to encourage a massive chip manufacturer to build here.

COVID and chips.
Demand fell, production slowed - demand rose - production can't keep up.
GAS, cars, every damn thing!

Even though they don't know him Honda would love to sell Neil his ADV....

Heck - I remember when it happened to toilet paper.....you couldn't even find the chinese brand!

what was the question again.....?

Stig

[Neil955i]

Phone-around to other dealers, delivery or go fetch-it - not an option?

Stig

Tried all dealers in a 100 mile radius - nothing, nada, zilch.  Coming around to the idea of a DTX 360. Will take a few days now to ponder.

[Iahawk]

Neil - I bet you'll love the new Kymco...and since you haven't ridden the new Honda, yet, you won't even know what you're missing!  You'll probably give up some resale value down the road with the Kymco but we all know they are solid machines.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Neil955i]

Thanks Hawk, I'm sure you're right!

[Viper254]

Yet to explore that Stig.  I had hoped that a local dealer - whom I know & trust - would be able to pull a rabbit out of the hat, but no.  Honest answer we ain't likely to see one before March 2023 and in all likelihood by then, we won't be a Honda dealership!

Just to pick up on that - won't be a Honda dealership?

I'm guessing you're talking about Crewe Honda?

That will be a hell of a loss

[Neil955i]

Just to pick up on that - won't be a Honda dealership?

I'm guessing you're talking about Crewe Honda?

That will be a hell of a loss

Right 1st time Viper!  Even going as far afield as SouthWales it’s the same story, no stock or idea when!  Just been browsing BMW C400X’s again…

[monkeybongos]

Neil, no consideration of Piaggio BV 350 (or 400)?  Might be easier to find..

[Neil955i]

Known as the Beverley 400 here MB and no, not really my taste (don’t tell Stig!) as I prefer a more traditional scooter design. I know all the arguments for the large wheel varieties, but not for me.

Think I’ll just keep my powder dry and see if a bargain crops up maybe over winter, who knows?

[Quick-Star24]

I'm a HUGE KTM fanboy!....Before I bought this Kymco AK 550 I was all set to get ANOTHER KTM 390 DUKE....I had a 2019 for one year and sold it to get to get me a new Lexus IS and did not want to hear much noise at home about all my TOYS....Regretted selling that bike the minute it was leaving my driveway!
HOWEVER....no dealer within 500 miles or more had any 390 DUKES in stock and most had no idea when one would show up.

But one day I went to the nearest KTM dealer to look over the 200 DUKE to see if it was the same size as the 390 but with a smaller motor....it really looked small to me....but Wow was it so damn good looking....for my eyes....I Love the KTM Orange wheels on their bikes....people here love the dark blue color on the AK 550 but I find it dull and boring personally....LOL

But I want to add....while at the dealership I saw the NEW 390 ADVENTURE bike....and I was excited to see it was awesome in person because it did not interest me much seeing it online.
And when I enquired about it they said it was the only one they had, it was sold and they had no idea when they might get another one in stock.

I LOVE my AK 550 but it was costly and I still dream about those DUKES!