Took a trip to the dealers to have a look at the Vultus today. Their/Honda approach rather bemused me. Firstly salesman was just disinterested and couldn't wait to get away - probably saw the battered old Helix I arrived on
.He did say that they had two Vultus (plural Vulti?), both were sold and that there were only 30 being imported into the country. So I asked, what no more imported ever? Well he said, you can never say never......... They will also only be in black (the old Ford Model T adage came out) and without panniers.
Is this a sales tatic to get you to put your money down (on an unavailable bike) now? I just had in my mind that Honda would want to sell as many as possible. Presumably its an expense to bring a bike into the country with parts inventory, mechanics training, etc and you recover your costs by selling as many units as possible. Or have I got it wrong?
I did manage to sit on the Vultus and really really liked it. It was much smaller than I expected, that I like, but I do have a number of issues:
- the mirrors look awfully small to me and would be surprised if they will be effective, I was expecting Pan European type size,
- the windcreen looks like it will offer very little protection,
- personally I would prefer two handle bar brakes rather than the rear being a foot brake
- the tank size at less than 12L is appalling small I think, even with the economy of that engine
- front headlight looks too small to me.
Even with the above, I would like a Vultus, its my first choice, but I want it to be white and with panniers. Not sure I am willing to spend £10k on something that will be in affect second choice.
I am in no rush, so may wait and see what happens next year. If the situtation ramains the same then the safe option of the Burgman (in white) might be the way forward.
