I'm on the look out for a new touring scooter and have narrowed the choices down to the Burgman 650 or Vultus (I like sit in rather than on).

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.

They are only getting 2 in Maidstone Honda, both are sold.

Dave Weller wrote:They are only getting 2 in Maidstone Honda, both are sold.

One of the ones at Dobles has just been sold to a "mutual friend", but then he was an original DN-01 owner too.

I've not seen one in the flesh, the director of the shop is having his prep'd.
Will our mutual friend be at the Ace on it tomorrow? I'm sure he would let me ride it.

Presumably the sales people say that they are sick and tired of telling people that there's no demand for it....
I never understand the attitude of sales people (in this country anyway - are other countries different?) - You go into a showroom keen to buy something and the sales people do their best to put you off! However, if you don't want something, they are always hassling you to buy something.....the dealer I bought my last car from is always hassling me to visit their showroom, or attend their special 'events' and seem quite offended when I say I don't what a car as I'm quite happy with the one I have and hardly drive it.

Give 'em a bell @ 21st Moto Swanley... not too far away...

Dave Weller wrote:I've not seen one in the flesh, the director of the shop is having his prep'd.
Will our mutual friend be at the Ace on it tomorrow? I'm sure he would let me ride it.

No he's planning to drop into Dobles tomorrow, to have a look, as he can't wait until next week when it's taxed and delivered.

I really like the vultus, but its too expensive, just wouldnt look right with a givi box on it, and the pillion perch looks like it was designed for a midget. If I had nine grand to burn on a second bike and I wanted to ride round looking for the joker and the penguin, maybe

I think its he USA version which is white with panniers.
The things just an NC wth a bad makeover.

Nope, over here we are getting Black with panniers...