Is Lack of Reverse a Deal Breaker?

A

adamchandler

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I’m looking at R18 Classics. The main reason for wanting the bike now versus 2 years ago is the addition of Mars Red to the lineup. It looks great.

Local dealer has offered a price of $18,750 for a Mars Red Premium Classic with floor boards. I’ve asked them if they’d consider demoing the bike to save an additional $1500. it’s a 2022 model so has some discounts but not many.

Alternatively, there’s a 1st Edition Classic 2021 for $15,995 which includes all incentives. It has the pinstriping, is also a premium bike and has reverse assist but…it’s not red.

—-

If the 1st gets demo pricing, we’re talking about a $1250 premium for a bike that is red but doesn’t have reverse assist versus a 1st edition which has better current rebates and the reverse but is in black.

I always think about resale (I know) and am wondering if someone is going to not care about color But want that reverse gear in 5-10 years when I sell it. Looking nationally, there aren’t many Premium Red Classics on showrooms and none have the little switch for reverse.
 
Thank you Adrian, so let’s say in a world where you have a 2021 First Edition for $15,999 and a 2022 for $16,999 out the door and both are premium bikes but one is first edition, the other is just red, it just comes down to preference at that point?

I think 1st edition has the added benefit of being pin-striped and has more incentives At the moment.
 
adamchandler said:
Thank you Adrian, so let’s say in a world where you have a 2021 First Edition for $15,999 and a 2022 for $16,999 out the door and both are premium bikes but one is first edition, the other is just red, it just comes down to preference at that point?

I think 1st edition has the added benefit of being pin-striped and has more incentives At the moment.
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I opted for no pinstripes! My dealer got me a 21 Classic with cruise and reverse with engine chrome parts for a great deal! If u can, get cruise. Wayyyy more important then reverse.
 
adamchandler said:
I’m looking at R18 Classics. The main reason for wanting the bike now versus 2 years ago is the addition of Mars Red to the lineup. It looks great.

Local dealer has offered a price of $18,750 for a Mars Red Premium Classic with floor boards. I’ve asked them if they’d consider demoing the bike to save an additional $1500. it’s a 2022 model so has some discounts but not many.

Alternatively, there’s a 1st Edition Classic 2021 for $15,995 which includes all incentives. It has the pinstriping, is also a premium bike and has reverse assist but…it’s not red.

—-

If the 1st gets demo pricing, we’re talking about a $1250 premium for a bike that is red but doesn’t have reverse assist versus a 1st edition which has better current rebates and the reverse but is in black.

I always think about resale (I know) and am wondering if someone is going to not care about color But want that reverse gear in 5-10 years when I sell it. Looking nationally, there aren’t many Premium Red Classics on showrooms and none have the little switch for reverse.
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IMG_9935.JPGI specifically wanted a reverse.;)For good reason.
I don't think it is needed for most folks.On the other hand,I would definitely not buy a bike without cruise control if it is offered.
Good luck!
 
I have a TC and only used to make sure I knew how it worked. On my 2018 Goldwing I used reverse often as that bike was tall for me. R18's are so low I doubt one would use reverse unless they were in an awkward parking situation. "Like condoms or fire arms ..........better to have and not need than need and not have!"
 
adamchandler said:
I’m looking at R18 Classics. The main reason for wanting the bike now versus 2 years ago is the addition of Mars Red to the lineup. It looks great.

Local dealer has offered a price of $18,750 for a Mars Red Premium Classic with floor boards. I’ve asked them if they’d consider demoing the bike to save an additional $1500. it’s a 2022 model so has some discounts but not many.

Alternatively, there’s a 1st Edition Classic 2021 for $15,995 which includes all incentives. It has the pinstriping, is also a premium bike and has reverse assist but…it’s not red.

—-

If the 1st gets demo pricing, we’re talking about a $1250 premium for a bike that is red but doesn’t have reverse assist versus a 1st edition which has better current rebates and the reverse but is in black.

I always think about resale (I know) and am wondering if someone is going to not care about color But want that reverse gear in 5-10 years when I sell it. Looking nationally, there aren’t many Premium Red Classics on showrooms and none have the little switch
Click to expand...

adamchandler said:
I’m looking at R18 Classics. The main reason for wanting the bike now versus 2 years ago is the addition of Mars Red to the lineup. It looks great.

Local dealer has offered a price of $18,750 for a Mars Red Premium Classic with floor boards. I’ve asked them if they’d consider demoing the bike to save an additional $1500. it’s a 2022 model so has some discounts but not many.

Alternatively, there’s a 1st Edition Classic 2021 for $15,995 which includes all incentives. It has the pinstriping, is also a premium bike and has reverse assist but…it’s not red.

—-

If the 1st gets demo pricing, we’re talking about a $1250 premium for a bike that is red but doesn’t have reverse assist versus a 1st edition which has better current rebates and the reverse but is in black.

I always think about resale (I know) and am wondering if someone is going to not care about color But want that reverse gear in 5-10 years when I sell it. Looking nationally, there aren’t many Premium Red Classics on showrooms and none have the little switch for reverse.
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum Adam! Are you the same Adam, that has the GSA up in NH? If so, I know you are a red kinda guy, from the GSA, lol. I would think the dealer would make it a demo, to get the sale. I personally would get what I want, even if if doesn’t have reverse. I admit to using reverse a few times and it is great. That said, most riders, are not used to having reverse, and probably won't care. My 2018 K1600B didn't have reverse, when most did, and when I traded it, the dealer never mentioned it. Also, the dealer sold it within a few days. As long as it has cruise, I wouldn't concern myself. Just get your best deal, and ride! Keep us posted, with whatever your decision is.
 
The reverse is a personal preference. It helps me back into my garage over the slight bump from the driveway. I have used it on a few occasions but as others have said, the Classic is still pretty maneuverable. I personally love the black FE Classic. It is (in my mind) such a classic retro look. I do like the red but I prefer the black for the tie back to the R5. Now for your 16,999 you're also getting a newer year model. If you're like me, I hang onto my vehicles for decades so resale or depreciation isn't a factor for me. Go with the one that floats your boat. $1k isn't enough to quibble over and regret later on.
 
adamchandler said:
I’m looking at R18 Classics. The main reason for wanting the bike now versus 2 years ago is the addition of Mars Red to the lineup. It looks great.

Local dealer has offered a price of $18,750 for a Mars Red Premium Classic with floor boards. I’ve asked them if they’d consider demoing the bike to save an additional $1500. it’s a 2022 model so has some discounts but not many.

Alternatively, there’s a 1st Edition Classic 2021 for $15,995 which includes all incentives. It has the pinstriping, is also a premium bike and has reverse assist but…it’s not red.

—-

If the 1st gets demo pricing, we’re talking about a $1250 premium for a bike that is red but doesn’t have reverse assist versus a 1st edition which has better current rebates and the reverse but is in black.

I always think about resale (I know) and am wondering if someone is going to not care about color But want that reverse gear in 5-10 years when I sell it. Looking nationally, there aren’t many Premium Red Classics on showrooms and none have the little switch for reverse.
Click to expand...
I was in the same situation. I liked the Red coming in 2022, but I wanted pin stripes. Reverse is something I was leaning toward, as the R18 would be the heaviest bike I ever had. My dealer offered a great deal on a 2021 FE Classic, so I went for that & have the reverse. I've used the reverse on mine. Its a bit easier taking the bike out of the wheel chock using the reverse than your feet to get it out of the garage, but not a must have. I've not yet had a situation where I've needed the reverse. But, as the old adage goes... better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
 
I have not yet used my reverse in over 8000 miles on an FE(5k) and a TC(3k), parking circumstances and strategic maneuvering turning around on narrow sloping driveways have allowed it thus far. My garage is up and in, down and out.. ride in and roll back out works welI. I always wear boots with aggressive tread, thus far traction has not been an issue but a slippery surface or shoes could certainly make reverse a boon even on flat. I would expect two-up, loaded, or just having a sore shoulder would make it a valuable feature. The FE pushes around nicely, but a few degrees off level and it can be a load, The TC pushes nicely on flat, but it can be a real bear if the grade is against you. I am glad for the reverse, and feel it will have it's day on both bikes.
 
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R18C said:
View attachment 5458I specifically wanted a reverse.;)For good reason.
I don't think it is needed for most folks.On the other hand,I would definitely not buy a bike without cruise control if it is offered.
Good luck!
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R18C, I truly can not stop loving your bike with side car. Sheer perfection how you did the seats with white piping, and all the other small details.

I am Never tired staring at it, LOVE the pics you post of it !!

Stunning Masterpiece !!
 
How many bikes even have reverse ? two ? this R18 and honda gold wing ?

How can you NOT get reverse, if offered on a bike ? I would never get a R18 without reverse, even if not to use, but just to "have"
 
kratedisease said:
R18C, I truly can not stop loving your bike with side car. Sheer perfection how you did the seats with white piping, and all the other small details.

I am Never tired staring at it, LOVE the pics you post of it !!

Stunning Masterpiece !!
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Thanks,really love it too!The R18 was made for a side hack,4 sure.
Hardly ever see any on the road.I get more pictures taken of it when we are going somewhere and gas stations are like crazy.Folks don't know if it is a old bike or a new one.
 
When it comes to retail most nothing is a deal breaker. But everything is a money ‘nick’.

If the buyer is looking around and the vast majority have reverse, yours will have to be something special to get the same money or run at a discount.

I expect paint to be more subjective. However stock, what ever it is, will carry the best price. Given the history of bmw I expect pinstripes will get the sale of two identical bikes.

The good news, if you are a buyer who doesn’t care about stripes, reverse or cruise, you will find better bottom line numbers down the road. .
 
Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback. It would appear there are no Red R18C bikes with reverse so it comes down to what I want to ride (a red bike) versus what might be nice to have once or twice and make a buyer happy in 7-10 years (reverse)

That’s a great point about the pinstripes. I had not considered that to be a big deal but it does speak to the heritage styling.

I’m waiting on out the door prices on both bikes in hand. The 2022 Red premium will be delivered to my door. The 2021 First Edition with reverse and pinstripes will be a fly and ride down to North Carolina and 1000 miles home. I’ve done it before but the plane ticket and gas eliminates the price savings.

pbosik said:
Welcome to the forum Adam! Are you the same Adam, that has the GSA up in NH? If so, I know you are a red kinda guy, from the GSA, lol. I would think the dealer would make it a demo, to get the sale. I personally would get what I want, even if if doesn’t have reverse. I admit to using reverse a few times and it is great. That said, most riders, are not used to having reverse, and probably won't care. My 2018 K1600B didn't have reverse, when most did, and when I traded it, the dealer never mentioned it. Also, the dealer sold it within a few days. As long as it has cruise, I wouldn't concern myself. Just get your best deal, and ride! Keep us posted, with whatever your decision is.
Click to expand...

Hi! Yes, that’s me. R18 has been calling for a while. Finally starting to think about getting one.
 
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