Getting good deal

[Scuzi]

I’m considering a new Africa Twin Adventure Sports and am negotiating with the dealer. I’m in no massive rush to buy so I want to push for the best deal possible. It has been a while since I’ve bought from a dealer so I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what the benchmark is?

The offer on the table is for full price, £12995, throwing in a centre stand (£150) and lower seat (£130). I’ve made it clear I need a bit more convincing so waiting to see what he comes back with. The panniers, about £600, interest me but would it be reasonable to expect those to also be thrown in? If it’s likely I will push for it but if not, I’ll pish for something else instead.

I know that no two deals are the same but getting an idea of what the average deal struck is would help! Thanks.

 

[Scuzi]

Will they also sort it in 12 months time when it's turned into a pile of rust? The state of some of these after a few months is ridiculous.

I haven’t seen any reports of that. I know the wheel spokes on the standard bike are an issue (not SS) but this version has SS spokes.

 

[Scuzi]

I’ve always had a thing for adventure bikes and have owned a few in my time. Just sold a Super Tenere and am about to sell my old DR800. I know they’re not everyone’s cup of tea and they make compromises compared to pure road bikes but they’re my preferred choice. I’ve had my heart set on an Africa Twin for a long time and a recent test drive really hit home how much it suits me. The stats don’t set the world on fire but it clearly has a different philosophy than the likes of a KTM.

I mainly use the bike for commuting and the high upright position suits this well. Igave up off roading a while ago so I’m definitely becoming one of those “Ewan and Charlie” riders with a big adventure bike that never gets dirty. I promise that I will never wear a “POLITE notice” vest though.

I drove a Triumph Tiger 800 and whilst it was a good bike it didn’t do it for me. I did look at the Yamaha Tracer which I thought was a fantastic bike but the Honda has my affections!

Like I said earlier though, I’m not in a major rush and would consider running a different bike (used) for a year before going for a good used Africa Twin. I considered a KTM 990 Adventure but I used to own a 990 SMR and the fuelling was crap. Open to other ideas...

 

[Scuzi]

I got £500 of accessories, first service and 15% off any gear bought with a purchase.... on a new SV650.

On a bike double the cost I’d expect at least £1000+ in discount and/or deals.

What about a PCP? They may discount more if you sign up to finance... ride out and ring the finance company to pay the balance within 14 days, pocketing the discount

The PCP angle is a good shout. My local dealer offers 6.9% APR and won’t budge on it. Over a 3 year deal that equates to about £1800 in interest. There’s a Honda dealer in Cambridge offering 0%. If I play that angle maybe I could angle for £1800 worth of accessories from the local dealer, buy it on the PCP, and then pay it off. Probably pushing it a bit but worth a shout. Thanks.

Both the Africa Twin and the Triumph Explorer 1200 weigh pretty much a quarter of a ton before you stick a rider, tank bag or panniers on. That was enough to put me off. The Africa Twin dash also seems bizarrely old fashioned. I reckon it is a lovely comfortable ride for a commute though.

Horses for courses. I’ve done the fast bike thing and came to realise after my KTM 990 SMR that I was over it. Tall riding position, big tank, big screen, and a smooth tractable engine are what get me going now. I thought that would come when I was 50, certainly not this early, but there’s always time for a mid-life crisis Panigale or something in a few years

 

[Scuzi]

What would you suggest? I also considered the new V Strom but I couldn’t get on with the motor. The Yamaha Tracer 900 is the only other alternative I really considered taking the leap on. Also considered the Honda VFR800X which had a great motor but it didn’t really excite me overall. Even looked at a Moto Guzzi Stelvio but the lack of decent backup in the form of parts and service doesn’t suit me.

I suppose I could look at a R1200 GS but I just can’t see myself on one

 

[Scuzi]

Have you tried the DCT box out of interest?

No, I’m worried I might like it!

 

[Scuzi]

Plot twist...just put a deposit on an ex-police BMW R1200RT

I gave the new bike idea a lot of thought and just couldn’t bring myself to lay out that much cash on one bike. I figured I could have two used bikes instead, one for the commute and longer journeys (Beemer), and something a bit more fun (yet to be decided).