What year CS to buy?

[Bigjeff]

Hi,
I hope all is well,
I'm new to this and what a great forum, so much info.
This is my first post, I have just sold my transalp and I am looking to buy a CS before Xmas. On my budget I am hoping to buy from a 2014 on. I am just not sure what you get for what year. The Dct looks like it is a great option. Any advice greatly appreciated.

[Bigjeff]

Hi it should read CT. 

[Jfro5867]

Morning Bigjeff. It depends a bit on what you want the bike for. I have had both manual and DCT versions. Now have DCT, which I like a lot.

As the last post shows 500,000 km has been achieved on the same bike which is astonishing so provided you get a bike that's been serviced and cared for it should go forever pretty much.

There's two versions standard and Highlander. Highlander has 3 panniers, centre stand, heated grips and possibly a pair of fog lights. A standard bike can be upgraded to Highlander anyway just by buying the Honda kit though it's not cheap. Aftermarket stuff is available too.

2016 models got an adjustable screen which IMHO is rather good and on DCT versions an upgraded set of riding modes. Others can say whether it's better or not.

The CT was not a big seller so there's lots of bikes manufactured in one year but registered sometimes years later. So beware that one.

Some folk like to play with and change out suspension, others like me are perfectly happy with stock. Might depend upon your weight, height, riding style too.

The other thing of note is snatchy throttle. Personally I think it's fine, better than fine in fact. Some owners have had problems though and maybe problem bikes? There are a number of things to try to manage it if you find it a nuisance. Removing cable slack, throttle tamers, grease on throttle tube. It's possible from what I read (on here) that the initial PDI is very important on these bikes. Decent dealers who prep the bikes properly have no probs, others who owners think did a half arsed job are the problem bikes. Lots on the forum if you search the threads out.

Personally I would try to buy a well cared for one above anything. I did lots of reading up before getting mine and TBH it's a very strong/reliable bike.

Go on YouTube, there a few decent OWNER vlogs on there. Avoid journo types they don't 'get' the bike and slag it off for being too heavy and not festooned with gadgets.

Good luck with it. Kind regards Jon

[Bigjeff]

Hi Jfro,
Many thanks for your comprehensive post, after reading it I think a well cared for highlander from 2016 on is what I am looking for. If anybody has one for sale I wud be very interested. Probably need to get over there by Xmas with everything going on with brexit etc.

[Younger06]

Hi Jeff,
I reckon you should definitely get this done before january or expect a huge jump in cost.

Try Autotrader......there are a few 2016 (and on) Highlanders for sale at the moment. As mentioned in a previous post........do not go on the reg plate, if it doesn't have the adjustable screen, it ain't a 2016.

Definitely consider the DCT........in my opinion, it's the big V4 + DCT that sets this bike apart from the herds of Beemers. Triumphs and Yamahas on our roads.