TODDFFF

So now that you have had the bike for a few months, how do you like it? I have been considering one of these or the 800XC but I am concerned with the comfort for my wife when she rides with me. I absolutely love my Sprint ST1050 and like many others have said, the motor is flawless. I am just under 40k on it now with zero problems.

Love it! The power is almost scary but the ride is almost as smooth as the wing but rides like a sports bike. The wife was shocked when I finally talked her into getting on it how comfortable it was. The bike is way more comfortable than the 1050's I tried out and since it is considered a dual purpose bike, the insurance is cheaper than a new 1050. Going from a goldwing to this bike took some getting used to but after a littler tweaking, I am almost there. I didn't like the reach or leaning to the handlebars as much ( though not bad just wanted a change) so I did the ROX risers, I am doing a new windsheild, got the soft bag for the rear end for gear. You might want a top box so she can lean on it like a back rest. Forward pegs will be added soon as well and a lot of gas!

Go to triumph of Cincinnati and talk to Lou as he is a great guy to deal with and tell him the gun guy sent you!

Plain and simple...lol

That was a bad grammar mistake on my part!

Todd, I'll be frank.  Based on what I've read, it sounds like a lot of sour grapes over a bike that wasn't really the one you wanted anyway, but you decided to come here and pitch a public fit over a couple hundred dollars, probably not expecting CCM to chime in, and then you went away to spend an extra, what, $7k on a different bike.  That's cute.

 

You accused CCM of deceptive practices with a tabloid-worthy topic header of "Clinton county motorsports bait and switch BBW!" but it sounds like you changed your mind about a detail, and CCM counter-offered, but it disapointed/surprised you.  This kind of thing happens all the time in business and personal dealings as well - get over it.  I'm sure you were disapointed, but based on your posts I'd put money that you didn't handle it perfectly either.  Also, having bought a '13 DL650 during the same time, I can tell you that CCM's counteroffer was fair.  You probably could have paid a couple hundred more at a few other Ohio dealers or a couple hundred less at others.  Big deal - you could have left gracefully and keep shopping around, but instead you came here to vent your frustration.

 

In any case, enjoy your Explorer - it looks like a fabulous bike and we'll likely enjoy pictures of it here.  I'd love to see how much better a bike almost twice the cost of a DL650 is.

 

Brad at CCM, I think there's a lesson fo you here too.  Citing a "Christian-run company" is a double-edged sword and more often than not it distracts, detracts and derails.  Let your faith guide you to be continually better, but let the ethics of your dealings speak for themselves.

 

Social media.  It has its upsides and its downs...

 

- Scott

No not cute, just was surprised as they came highly recomended to me. I have 2 friends who bought there so I tried them out. Yes I did originally wanted the explorer but settled on the Vstrom as it was a great bike and would have been happy with it. After I went home after 3 hours of driving , I found a 2012 explorer with 450 miles on it for $13,000 on craigslist which in the end was only a few grand more not $7000. The money was never the issue as I can buy whatever I want. I just wanted something lighter than the goldwing.

If it was as simple as offer counter offer I would not complain and would respected that as that is common in my other businesses as well. We made a deal and some how it turned into MSRP minus the cases. They chose to make the deal and that is why I went there. All the "we are taking the risk of selling the cases" is crap as they were coming from Suzuki. If it was a risk either put on your big girl panties and deal with it or don't plane and simple. Why would I have to pay more to cover their asses if it didn't turn out in their favor? A few hundred bucks makes no difference in my life but it was the point of it.

The "tabloid topic worthy" header made you read it didn't it. I just wanted any other person who might be looking for a bike think about it that's all.

This is Brad from CCM.  I wish i would have found this sooner so I could get our side of the story to the public.  When we originally spoke with Todd on 10/8 we quoted him $8124+documenation, tax and title on a 2013 V Strom and he would receive the free bags from Suzuki.  We also quoted him a windshield, skid plate and engine guards for $821.  On 10/18 we spoke with Todd again and he stated that he did not want the stock Adventure bags and that he had been quoted $1100 off at other dealerships if he didn't take the bags.  We agreed to match this offer for him.  So at this point the bike lists for $8499, we are going to do $1,100 off which puts the bike at $7,399.  Now most people don't know this but as a dealer we don't receive a credit for these bags.  We have to get them in and try to sell them (Suzuki's policy, not ours.)  We don't know how long we will have them so we are investing this money, not sure what somebody will give us for them and not sure how long we will have them.  We are taking all of the risk here.  So he came into the dealership on 10/27, test rode the bike and agreed to buy.  When we went over the numbers he couldn't understand why he wasn't getting $1,100 off of the original price that we quoted.  So we explained to him that we agreed to take $1,100 off the list price if he didn't take the bags, this is what we quoted him on 10/18. 

 

Clinton County Motorsports has not bait and switched and never will.  We are a Christian owned company and do business the way it should be done.  We have one of the highest CSI ratings in the country for motorsports dealerships and will continue to do so.  Thank you to those above that have given a true representation of our company.

Nice try Brad, if you are a Christian, why were you getting so upset because I didn't agree with what ever number you threw at me? You were awful pissed off because I didn't agree with you. I own 2 different companies and deal with all kinds of customers who range from nice to horrible. No matter what kind of day I had, I am always professional which you were not.

Throwing " we are a Christian company" out there is somehow supposed to make everyone believe you? Really?

I am related to 3 Popes and 1000th cousin to Jesus. So it trumps your Christian company. Does that make you believe me now?

I hear your company does good things for the community, great. I hear it also does good things for the sport, also great. Some people are happy with your company, good for them and the people who work there. I just wanted people to know what tried on me and to be aware when dealing with you or any company.

I guess in a way I should thank you as I ended up buying the bike I really wanted, a Triumph explorer and love it.

I was looking at the S10 as well until I rode it and a Triumph explorer up at Joe's. The S10 put me to far forward into more of a crotch rocket posture. I know I could raise/ change the bars and tweak the bike but once I rode the explorer, it seem to fit me better and the triple is a monster!

I agree both bikes are not the best off road bike but I bought it for the riding position and to be able to do fire roads and smooth trails. I think if it got stuck in the mud, you might need a crane to pull it out!

I don't know the whole story, but I can say after dealing with the Clinton County guys since they've been open, the family of Dave, Brad and Mike have ALWAYS been honest, up front and noble.  Nothing less.  Now, things may be changed since I was in there last a year ago, but all I can say is that sounds like you got a deal where you pay for a bike and they gave a dicso on parts.  That disco was rolled out of the margin in the bike

 

So, bike costs $1000.  Margin is 15% let's say.  That means the price to the dealer is $850.  The $150 was used up in getting you a disco on parts.  They still probably were making money on parts as they retain on average 30-50%.  But, if you decline the parts, they need to up the price of the bike or they could be losing money.

 

Not sure.  The details are somewhat weird.  But in any case, before it becomes a total cluster fuck, the people at Clinton County are great folks, support the sport and do a LOT for the community and do a lot of events.

Their online reputation was why I drove 1 1/2 hours to get there. I was shopping around and had several dealers offer me the deal on discounting the bike for the side cases. I guess since their parts are much higher in cost versus other dealers, they do not sell as much and had no clue on dealing with suzuki on getting the credit for the bags.

I specifically asked about a discount on parts if I bought the bike there as I wanted to get everything on it at the same time. The sales man told me "the parts department is a different entity than the dealership ( not quite sure how that can be) and "I can't discount their parts and they can't discount our bikes". We agreed on a price for the bike out the door cash money. I then asked him to add the extras to the bike and give me that number. A couple days later before I went up there, he checked with the sales manager if they could drop the money off for the cases and they said yes.

If the truth was the parts department were separate from the bikes, why would it matter if I bought them or not since the case money was coming from Suzuki? We went from the original deal to MSRP since the manager had no clue what to do with the cases?

I think the sales man was as surprised as I was by the bad attitude the manager had towards the deal and towards me for having the guption to question him about it. I think he was actually thrown a curve as the sales manager who originally approved the deal wasn't there, didn't communicate it well when they called him about it and didn't know how to deal with it. That is still his fault not mine. As the manager and sometimes the face of the company, I would think he would have a better grip and not get so upset so fast toward a customer.

My whole point is if you have dealt with them and are happy, fine. If you are willing to pay whatever they want, fine. If you make a deal on the phone or by email, have it on paper and check you numbers when all is done as they were changing the numbers on me. As with any dealership, buyer be ware.

Well I decided to get a suzuki Vstrom after many weeks of deliberation. Suzuki was offering free panniers with the purchase of the bike for a limited time. Granted they normally cost $1600 to purchase and are crappy side cases but several dealers offered to take $1100 off the price of the bike. I contacted Clinton county motorsports and talked to Kent. He gave me a price on the bike I wanted and then I wanted to add a few accessories to it. He told me they can not discount the parts as they were a different entity than the dealership so I figured whatever. Then I asked them to see if they would take the money for the cases off the bike and they reluctantly agreed. It took me 1 1/2 hours to drive up there and when there we proceeded to take a very cold test drive and I liked the bike and was set to purchase. I brought a stack of $100 bills so I didn't need financing so it should be easy. We went over and looked at the accessories and agreed what was included was over priced or not what was requested so I asked him to go back to the original price quote before the accessories and he said no problem. I told him I would take it and to write it up. I went with the cute little girl to look at helmets as I need a new expensive one and some cold weather gear. The general manager came over with the paperwork and it didn't seem right so we went over the numbers. It didn't add up and asked why. He told me since I didn't take the over priced accessories, I would have to pay MSRP for the bike but they would still take off the cost of the panniers. I told him I was paying full price for the accessories, reminded him I was told the parts department was a separate entity and was already quoted this price before driving 1 1/2 hours up there. His response was he called the sales manager and he wasn't going to lose money on a bike. WTF? I asked how was he going to lose money by by honoring the original deal he approved before the accessories were added? Then changing the deal by charging me MSRP and getting the funds from suzuki? The difference was only $367 but I walked out over principal and was surprised they let me walk.The sad thing was the entire time I talked to the sales man, he kept reassuring me they were not like other stealerships and treated everyone honestly.

After I left, I stopped by Middletown Honda on the way home but they didn't have a bike I wanted. I did talk to the parts person and looked up all the parts for the Vstrom in case they got one in. I was shocked how much cheaper all the parts were there versus CCM.

Well I decided after many days on the net ( and a hammering by the wife) to get a suzuki Vstrom. They were offering free panniers with the purchase of the bike for a limited time. Granted they normally cost $1600 to purchase and are crappy side cases but several dealers offered to take $1100 off the price of the bike. I contacted Clinton county motorsports and talked to kent. He gave me a price on the bike then I wanted to add a few accessories to it. He told me they can not discount the parts as they were a different entity than the dealership so I figured whatever. Then I asked them to see if they would take the money for the cases off the bike and they reluctantly agreed. It took me 1 1/2 hours to drive up there and when there we proceeded to take a very cold test drive and I liked the bike and was set to purchase. I brought a stack of $100 bills so I didn't need financing so it should be easy. We went over and looked at the accessories and agreed what was included was over priced or not what was requested so I asked him to go back to the original price quote before the accessories and he said no problem. I told him I would take it and to write it up. I went with the cute little girl to look at helmets as I need a new expensive one and some cold weather gear. The general manager came over with the paperwork and it didn't seem right so we went over the numbers. It didn't add up and asked why. He told me since I didn't take the over priced accessories, I would have to pay MSRP for the bike but they would still take off the cost of the panniers. I told him I was paying full price for the accessories, reminded him I was told the parts department was a separate entity and was already quoted this price before driving 1 1/2 hours up there. His response was he called the sales manager and he wasn't going to lose money on a bike. WTF? I aske how was he going to lose money by by honoring the original deal he approved? Then changing the deal by charging me MSRP and getting the funds from suzuki? The difference was only $367 but I walked out over principal and was surprised they let me walk.

I guess it may have been fate but a triumph tiger 1200 came up on Craigslist with everything I wanted on it, only had 480 miles on it and I got it for $5000 less than the new one I was looking at. The guy bought it for his wife and she hated how tall it was and he already had another one for himself. I love the bike and think I will be happier with this one over the Suzuki.

So if you take it back for the first service, that is all they do is change the oil? I thought they went through and checked certain parts to tighten them up, adjust them and change differential fluids? Is this just everyone's opinion about it or just a way to bash people who do not like to work on their rides. I personally hate it but have a bunch of customers who are mechanics and will trade ammo or guns for services.

Thanks for the input guys.

I was hoping to not sell the wing and get the second bike. Just to see if there was intrest, I put it out front of the house and sure enough two people stopped and looked at it and the second person wants to buy it! I have to go tomorrow and sign it away with some regret as I really liked the wing. But I guess it is time to move on to something I am sure I will like better.

I have sold some guns and ammo to get extra cash for the new bike. I am close to the money I need for the explorer but then I will need accessories like a top box or side boxes for stuff, taller windscreen and find a way to hear music ( a near must when I ride) and a way to attach a CB for talking to the old guys on the wings when we ride together. Should I go aftermarket for the boxes or try to work a deal with the dealership? Anyone use the factory boxes on their bikes?

You kidding me, many need done in half that mileage. That is unreal mileage out of a chain and sprockets, as long as they were not bordering unsafe before replacing.

Not kidding you. The last two bikes I have had were shaft drive and never changed a chain on any of the quads we had granted we didn't rack up the miles on those.

I am 48, not a speed demon and feel mortal. What would be the life of a chain on a 1050 be? What do they cost to change?

Thank all of you for your time!

I ride a 2010 Tiger 1050SE, love the bike wouldn't trade it for anything.

I am looking at a couple of them now. Both are 2007 models no ABS. One has 30,000, it is white ( the color I prefer) new chain and sprocket. Why a chain and sprocket at that milage? And the other is a black one with only 18,000 miles and has never had anything done to it. They both have the hard bags on them and different aftermarket options but same price. Is there anything I need to look at or for on them?

1050 is a motor what bike are you talking about? Tiger, Sprint, Speed Triple? The motor itself is great. Isn't bothered by low rpm cruising and isn't so tightly wound that there is ever a surge of power. It just pulls. I've heard complaints about about the trans being clunky. Mine is butter smooth.

On the tigers the only big change I see being made are bar swaps and that's just to make them fit the rider better. Sprints not much gets changed maybe bar risers. Speed Triple defiantly needs aftermarket seat.

The problem with getting a Triumph is parts and service. From Oxford you have Joes, kick ass support (see sig). Triumph of cincy. I have heard nothing real positive about them. But they are new so growing pains probably. Tons of online stuff if your a DIY kinda guy. Just don't get in a hurry bikebandit takes 2 weeks to get parts to even ship. Oh the recomended oil in the older bikes is a castrol 4t.only available from the dealership. And its $80 a gallon. Post warranty I would go amsoil myself.

The new Tigers and 800xc I would ask on britrider.com most of those guys have them and will be fairly honest about them.

Thanks Anden for the info.

I was talking about the triumph 1050 tiger and I should have put it in the post. I keep hearing about the 12,000 service and was wondering if it is a big deal or not and do not know yet if it was done on the used bike I am looking at. Unfortunately I am not a good mechanic and do not like working on any of my rides. If it took a pro 2+ hrs to change the air filter on my wing, I just can't imagine what it would take me! Fortunately since I sell firearms and ammo and we have a lot of talented customers who have more time than money for their hobby.

10k valve adjustments would suck too

Luckily we have two Triumph dealers around and I have a customer who will trade guns or ammo to work on things for me.

I am still up in the air about the 1050.

I would have pissed on them! That would give them something to think about.

Why not a Tenere? I love the Vstroms personally, but oh how I love the 800 Tigers!!!!

I looked at one but it looked bigger and for about the same price I could get the explorer.

There is a show up in berea that is supposedly a good military show. Have you been there?

Don't know anyone who totaled a bike and most of the GW guys ride 20,000 plus miles a year! I will be lucky to do 6000 this season.

Don't know anyone who totaled a bike and most of the GW guys ride 20,000 plus miles a year! I will be lucky to do 6000 this season.

It is true I don't miss chains. My VStar had shaft drive as well as the wing. I like to work on our guns and can put them together blindfolded but hate to work on my vehicles so I am a freak on matinence. Easier the better.

Multistradas are garbage, anyway. Everyone knows that... especially the new, uglier version.

 

I like the 1200 Explorer. It's not terribly heavier than the 800, and has the benefit of shaft drive for touring. The Tiger 1050 is a cool bike, but if I had the option... I'd buy the Explorer in a second. It would have to be the XC, though.

I just see so many 1050's with low miles and it scared me and I would have to give up the wing to get the explorer. So why the XC version? Since we work together at the house, the wife bought me the wing to go away and encourages me to go on trips.

Appreciate the input but it is between listed bikes. I didn't care for the FZ1.

My buddy just picked up a 1943 enfield pretty clean and numbers matching. What are the values on these rifles? And any links to help find out more about the markings on it would be helpful..

There are several variables to effect cost/pricing. Is the bolt, receiver and forward part of the stock matching? Condition of the 2 or 6 groove rifling barrel? Is it Savage marked? There is a number on the bolt head (0,1,2,3) this determines condition of throat erosion and the larger the number, the more rounds that have been down the pipe. A lot of things matter but let's say it is matching and a nice pipe, we sell them in the $250 to $275 range. I also agree with what's been said about the available ammo. We sell the Privi stuff for $16.50 a box. If you can find Greek HXP ( on clips in bandoliers), that is the best and reloadable to boot. I just took in a couple or the UF55 guns which were the last NO4's made for the UK military ROF contract. They are brand new condition guns from 1955 and sweet! Downside the wife is making me put one or two up for sale.

We do the bill goodman gun shows in Dayton and Sharonville and specialize in hand picked C&R guns. Bring it by and I can headspace check it and give you a value on it for free. As a collector of Enfields, I always like looking at them.

I am in a delema. I have a goldwing GL1800 and have a love hate relationship with it. I like that when I ride with other GL guys it has the CB, stereo for cruising long distances and the power is great. The downside is it is really heavy and 90% of where/when I ride is twisties and grind pegs or I have to flip up my highway bars. My driveway is thick gravel and have to ride through the yard just to get it to the street. I don't ride as much as I would like to as so far it is 2 to 3,000 miles a season hoping for more. The wife doesn't ride with me anymore so I do not really need such a monster but it is still a nice beautiful ride.

I stopped by and looked at the Honda, Kawi, Suzuki and Yamaha dual sport bikes and then stopped by the Triumph dealer. I really liked the Triumph tiger 800 but it seemed to put me in a forward tilt and seemed it would get uncomfortable. The XC had the larger front tire which helped greatly but for the extra money and the fact I really do not like spoked wheels is kinda killing that idea. I know they are better off road wheels but we had quads for years and my heavy off roading days are most likely over. I thought about risers to help the riding position and then I sat on the explorer. It felt very nice, I like the fact it was shaft drive, throttle was fly by wire with cruise control and deffinately had some power. Very nice bike but the price difference between the 800 and 1200 seems large for what you get but still liked it.

Now comes in the Triumph 1050. I have a chance to buy a 2007, with 17,000+ miles, center stand, Triumph hard bags and mirror extenders, the bike is in excellent shape from what I can tell. The guy is set on $6500. I have never sat on one or rode it yet ( he lives 3 HRS away) but have read tons of reviews on them. The downside of reviews is they are paid to write them and can be biased. The other thing that concerns me is when I search for the 1050's for sale, all of the 2007's have about the same milage on them. Either people bought them for commuters and found out it isnt a good idea to commute everyday on one or just don't have the time to ride like me. It could also be that is standard miles for that kind of ride?

Now to the main delema. I really like the explorer but I would either have to trade in or sell the wing and add $5000 to $7000 to get it or I could settle and keep the wing and buy the 1050 and try to find room to store them.

Anyone have experience with a 1050?

Do you guys have 91/03 mosins or the hard to find m44? I bought my m44 like 7 or 8 years ago and I guess you can't find them that easily, at least not for the $75 I paid.

I hand pick every gun that comes in. If I go through 100 Mosin's, I only bring home 5. They are all matching, excellent bores, come with all accessories and run $100 and up depending on rarity. In M91/30's I have. Ex Snipers, pre war with pre war stocks, laminated stocks ( both round and he's receivers)' war time with wartime stocks and just nice guns. I have unissued Finnish M39's, and a 28/76 (nothing like a $900 Mosin).

I also have hand picked M44's in stock. There are Tula marked (only made for 1 year at Tula), 1943 dated "trials guns", laminated stocked and the standard guns. They run $240 and up. I also have 1 M38 left as well.

With the antichrist in office, the dollar is dropping in value over seas and importers have to pay more for this surplus. He is also causing the cost of fuel to rise which also increases costs. The importers are going to increase prices gradually but you can see it already and it will soon effect ammo.