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Drawing You In
Blog Date - 11 May 2026
Imagine if you will - a couple are sat at home on the settee watching telly. The settee is fine, it is a functional place to sit and watch telly. The issue is the settee is now say 15 years old. It's not quite as shiny and new as it once was, there's that one scratch on the faux leather bit near the floor where it was bashed with the vacuum cleaner, the cushions where they sit are no longer perfectly flat, they're developing a shape akin to their backsides, and if they're honest there's a collection of coins and crumbs in the angular folds between the back and the flat bits.
Plenty of life in the old chair yet.
One of them is not at all bothered by the aging sofa, the other person is. One of them sees nothing at all wrong and there's still another 20 years service left in the now comfy rounded edges of the padding. This Is person A. The other sees collapsing foam, faded colours, and a misfit in the otherwise blemishless confines of the living room. This is person B.
"Oh look, there's a sale on at DFS" says B - let's be honest when ISN'T there?
"Urgh..." responds A
"They've got a model in for £500 that'll fit right in with our decor"
"Urgh..."
Eventually the couple is in the car heading to DFS (other furniture stores are available). B is excited, A just wants to get this whole torrid shopping spree over and done with. Hey - guess what? Of course the DFS our couple is stood in does not have any more of the £500 sofas left - what a surprise. But what they do have is this model at £700 but it's the wrong colour. There's another at £849 that person B likes. Our couple is now £849 down when expecting to spend £500. They've been upsold to the tune of £349.
I have no facts, only suspicions. My suspicion is that DFS had but one of the £500 settees in each store (and I'm being generous here). The purpose of this £500 settee is advertising. They can legally advertise a nice settee for £500 thus drawing people into their stores. Once a potential buyer has made the effort to get off their existing settee and get into the car and drive to the store - that's 90% of the sales work done already. They don't want to trawl around another 10 shops. They don't want to go home empty handed. They don't want to lose the excitement of their new purchase. Person B wants their new settee, person A just wants to get home to watch more TV.
It's quite remarkable how many motorcycle stores Sharon and I have been to where an advertised item is not all that it seems in the advert. I shall not name names as I haven't got a lawyer - but...
Ooooh NC750X
Brand new NC750X, £6400. The list price was £7600. Hmmmm. I'm no fool I know there's a catch. It'll be last years model. It'll be pre-registered. None-the-less that's a good price for a new bike! I'm not bothered if it's last year's model, pre-registered.
"Can you tell me about this bike?" I show them the shop's own website with the listing.
"Eh what? Something's wrong there." Would you believe it - administrative error on the website. "Golly gee really sorry that shouldn't have happened. But what is it you're looking for, we have quite a few..." I collect my helmet and gloves and leave.
2023 NC750X. Under 5000 miles, full service history (including annual services so 3 oil changes in 5000 miles), already has crash bars, top box and side cases fitted, all for £4500. Bargain! Off I pop. I show the sales person the listing again on their website.
"Oh, wait, yeah, that's sold that one. Most people call to reserve them before the come to look at them. It's £100 to reserve and you get it back if you don't buy it."
"Oh, really, when did the bike sell?"
"Hang on" - checks computer - "about a week ago"
"So why is it still listed?"
"I don't know, our system can take a little while to update. Listen, what is it you're looking for, we have quite a few..." I collect my helmet and gloves and leave.
Computer sez no...
Sharon looking for a Z400 a good while back. Right bike, right miles, right colour and in a shop not far from her place.
"Yeah, where's that Z400 in black and green, '24 plate."
"Say what?" Sharon shows them the advert on AutoTrader. "Oh, right, let me check the system." Checks computer. "Oh that's in group stock, I don't know which shop it's in but we can get it here for you to look at next week - if you put £100 down and agree the deal. You can get the £100 back if you're not satisfied with the bike". We collect our helmets and gloves and leave.
Yes of course administrative errors happen. Yes you can see an advert but arrive at the shop too late. Yes I can **ALMOST** accept a shop might list bikes from other shops in the group although that's bloody crafty.
What both my own and Sharon's recent experiences lead us to believe is that - much like DFS - shops will do ANYTHING to get you into the showroom. By the time you're in the showroom you are primed and ready, excited and hopeful, you're desperate for fulfilment. Or you're so bloody sick of looking you'd buy a clapped out CG125 for 3 grand just to get this nightmare over with.
If you're bitter and cynical like myself you're already aware that such tactics exist and that people who sell things can be and often are crafty and manipulative. Don't be surprised if the advertised item is "out of stock", "already sold", "an administrative error", or otherwise not quite as you'd expect. If the item of interest does actually exist and is available - always look at the item in front of you and the price of said item. If the item fits your requirements and expectations at a price that makes sense then go for it. If it does not then do not be afraid to walk away. You won't change the system, you can't stop it, the best you can hope for is not to fall for it... too often.
My feelings about some shops are similar to the feelings I have about this person.
Advertise here - contact ren@bikesandtravels.com
Reader's Comments
Maca said :-
Ren, I’ve been reading the posts on your web site for many years now. The reason?, because you and your band of regular contributors are honest/truthful people. You’re not trying to sell me anything, when you comment about something it comes from the heart.
I’m not sure when dishonesty became acceptable for so many people but unfortunately it has..
We’re doomed captain, doomed…
(The 750X does seem to be one of the best all round ‘honest’ bikes)
20/05/2026 07:59:17 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Ooh Ren, tending towards the political. But of course you're quite right. Not being a frequent habitué of bike shops (or any other sort to be honest) I haven't experienced this sort of thing too often. You can fool all the people some of the time, some of the people all the time.......
20/05/2026 10:06:17 UTC
Bogger said :-
If you want a new bike just go and buy one. If the price isn't right just go and find one that is.
Bogger
20/05/2026 15:22:37 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Thanks Maca.
Sharon and I were meandering around a shop with plenty of stock the other day. There's lots and lots of lovely bikes available but there really are only 2 bikes out there in the market at the moment that are keeping my attention. The CB500X which I already own and the NC750X.
Why? Economy - that's why. My bike regularly returns 78-85mpg. Sharon's Z500 also returns similar figures and it's a lovely thing to ride but for myself it's just a little bit too physically small. Plus there's no real estate for all my trinkets, accoutrements and farkles with it being a naked bike. My issue with the CB500X is how ridiculously hard it is to get to the tappets - that's why I'm looking at the NC750X. But the NC750X has the fuel cap under the rear seat where my tent and saddlebags are - making filing up on tour a faff. DOH!!
Bogger... you're a genius...
21/05/2026 08:12:05 UTC
said :-
So you like shops just like you like the Orange Cockwomble. Hmmmmm.
I've never trusted a salesman, I mean they want to sell you some'at don't they. Other gender of sales persons are available, possibly even non binary, whatever that is.
But, there's always a but, we've bought two new cars in the last three years and it wasn't TOO bad an experience. They took no for an answer to some of the added extras and the deals were done. There was one dealer in The Borders who didn't get our money, they were talking nonsense and thought we were born yesterday, which unfortunately for them and us we weren't.
I can see you on a VSTrom 650 Ed, brand spanking new ones are going real cheap. But you probably won't get 70 to the Imp.gallon.
Upt.
21/05/2026 09:45:46 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The VStrom 650 is an excellent option Upt'. It has a long history with a solid reputation for reliability. It's been going so long and has been popular that there's tons of parts and farkles in the aftermarket. And as it's still a current model but been "superseded" by the 800 - Suzuki can sell 'em (relatively) cheap. But alas it's that fuel consumption - Fuelly.com seems to suggest around the typical 55-65 mpg mark. It's not bad... but it's not 80.
The shop experience can vary by day and by salesperson (all bases covered there). I've met enough salespeople (doesn't roll off the tongue) to understand like real people they're all quite different. From the smarmy to the meek, from the charming to the rude, they come in all shapes and sizes.
I had a friend who was a car dealer, used cars and some of them were "aging poorly". He told me some folks LIKE you to approach them, give them the old smooth sales talk, be super charming and agreeable. If you weren't attentive and doffing your cap they'd see you as rude, disinterested and up yourself. Others don't want to be approached - if they want you they'll come to you otherwise you're bothering them, hassling them. Some folks want facts and information not charm or "suits you sir".
For myself personally I like "Hi there, anything I can help you with - no? Well I'm over there if you want me." Acknowledge my existence, be polite, show you're interested but leave me alone. Also answer my questions with facts not opinions if you can!
The point of this post is to remind us all that what is in an advert is meant to draw us in. Take movie trailers - they never show the boring bits and they're hyped up to be a life changing experience when all you're getting is a movie. If you drink this drink you'll be cool and sexy, you're life will be filled with glee - it's can of pop innit. Well this shop has the bike you want at the best price - or does it?
When I got into motorcycling I thought I'd be cool and sexy. Needless to say that never happened but more by good luck rather than design it turned out I rather enjoy riding bikes.
21/05/2026 15:53:57 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Is the fuel consumption really a big deal between 80mpg and 65mpg?
Even at today's fuel prices if you cover 10000 miles in a year then the cost is less than £200.
The VStrom may depreciate less, so the total cost could be the same, and think how much easier the accessibility is to the valves on a v twin.
Come on Ren, reset those priorities.
By the way the big stupid K1600 is still returning over 60mpg and on a run with my wife on her 125 I achieved 70mpg (the 125 achieved 140mpg).
21/05/2026 18:00:54 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
It's all about the miles innit. The STrom only did around 2k last year with Er'Indoors makin me fly. Pfffffft.
I can see with large miles mpg becomes an issue but for moi it makes little difference in the bikes or cars. The STrom will consistently return 60+ mpg two up and loaded as long as you're not going for a speed record on the autobahns. I suspect with a little restraint it would achieve 70+ but I'm unlikely to find out.
Life is way too short-term to consider spending less on wine, women and go-juice.
As a total digression, there are about a dozen red deer peering through the window at me. I wonder if they ever consider MPM....munch per mile. They don't half like these young plants the owner planted.
21/05/2026 23:13:06 UTC
Bogger said :-
Ren you really need to buy a 'maxi' scooter. Good on fuel, more than fast enough, they look good.
Loads of under seat storage and various cubby holes. Comfy, good weather protection. Shall I go on?
Just get one bought.
Bogger
22/05/2026 16:16:22 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Oh no he doesn't. I did exactly that a few years ago. While it may not have been my absolutely worst decision - there's lots of competition there - it's certainly up there.
23/05/2026 10:01:16 UTC
BrosSteve said :-
I feel your pain Ren. I would be the worlds worst salesman because Im too honest.
My dealings buying cars/bikes/ vans/anything have been a mixture of satisfaction and despair.
With vehicles I always like to see in the flesh, so to speak. Many times I have walked away with just a cursory glance.
Mint condition is my favourite as the item very rarely is although buying 2nd hand is not buying new so adjustments have to be reasonably made.
24/05/2026 10:02:34 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I was very surprised by how nice my new Herald is. There's always a suspicion that the photos are 5 years old, but no - nothing but the odd spot of surface rust. I do wonder however why it's had 7(!) previous owners and mileage between MoTs is paltry. I have been looking at the photos and see the rear suspension units are adjusted for max preload. They must be screwed down at least 3".
Maybe the previous owners found it too uncomfortable and didn't have the mechanical nous to adjust them?
25/05/2026 13:45:21 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
"Mint Condition" BrosSteve - yeah that made me laugh. One man's mint condition is another man's wreck it seems.
Now ROD you do make an interesting point - how much fiscal cost difference would there be between 65 and 80 mpg. I covered 13,000 miles last year. The cheapest fuel hereabouts is £1.49.9 so £1.50 per litre.
65 mpg = 14.3 mpl. 80 mpg = 17.6 mpl.
13000 / 14.3 = 909 litres for 13000 miles
13000 / 17.6 = 739 litres for 13000 miles
909 x 1.50 = £1363 @ 65mpg
739 X 1.50 = £1108 @ 80mpg
Difference of £255.
Blimey! £255 sounds like a lot... then again it's a set of tyres, or the cost of insurance and tax, or a ferry to Holland. In the greater scheme of our lives £255 per annum is not that much these days - and if I particular bike gives you more than £255 worth of fun then it's a no brainer. Something for me to consider ROD, I'm glad you mentioned this and did the maths.
As for Bogger suggesting scooters though. I know Ian had a bad experience and Bogger just loves his scoots - I can see the logic and the advantages of them - I just can't bring myself to be seen on one just yet! Here's a question or two Bogger. Does the engine being enclosed like a car engine keep the engine cleaner and therefore nicer to work on? Correspondingly does the enclosed engine also make working on the engine harder in your experience? Oh - and how hard is it to change the CTV belt on these things - roadside job or 3 days in the workshop?
Ian - you've bought the Herald?!?
26/05/2026 08:17:52 UTC
BrosSteve said :-
Interesting point about scooters Ren.
Ive got a Honda sh300 and it is relatively easy to work on engine/drive train wise. Two screws and a plastic cover off reveal cylinder head and spark plug
Brake cylinders are a right faff, bodywork is held together with hidden clips and is a performance on its own so brake fluid changes are time consuming.
Quite a bit of chassis hidden under bodywork to corrode without being seen.
As for changing rear shocks, a right pita!
In spite of this I like it. It will hold 70 on motorways with a bit spare and does 80+mpg
Not sure about touring in Europe but Im prepared to give it a go
27/05/2026 11:16:28 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
There's no reason to not tour Europe on a scoot. In fact it's probably better than riding in the UK as scoots are more common and accepted there.
So how long is a CVT belt expected to last?
28/05/2026 07:10:17 UTC
BrosSteve said :-
20,000 miles maybe more. There are rollers to replace as well.
Mine is a 2012 and hasnt done 2,000 miles so I wonder if age of belt comes in to it.
On my SH i have a top box and storage under seat but seat has to be lifted to fuel up so same hassle as an nc750 if luggage strapped to seat
28/05/2026 08:12:39 UTC
BrosSteve said :-
Stop press! 12,000 mile belt changes on a Honda sh300!
Just checked thought it was more tbh.
28/05/2026 08:15:57 UTC
nab301 said :-
Ren , I'm with you on MPG , I have a'99 1100S BMW which I don't use anymore but for roughly 20 years and 120k mile it covered (only) 10miles per litre (45mpg,) less if commuting in suburbia , A friend was using an Inazuma 250 at the time and that was when I stumbled across your blog (CBF250 and 125) at the time I also had a carbed CB500 which did maybe 55 to 60 mpg but it decreased as the mileage increased towards 100 k miles. I'd never considered a Suzuki Bandit 600 previously because of the reported (mainly in the press) poor mpg , I took a spin one day and liked it enough to purchase a low mileage '04 carbed model in 2014, strangely it was cheaper to run than the CB500 , better tyre and fuel mileage .
Obviously no where near the mpg of my current restricted Honda 500 / DL250/CB125F but good all the same.
Overall since then my average mpg has more than doubled to more than 90mpg , if you're interested I fitted The hard panniers (for only the second time since 2019) to my Dl250 the other day and on that trip was struggling to get the normal 90 mpg, on comparing with the next trip minus the panniers mpg was maybe 3 mpg better...
Nigel
28/05/2026 15:49:54 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
12000 miles isn't "terrible" but that's annually if you're doing the miles. Cost BrosSteve?
Oh no! Are you telling me I'll get less mpg on the trips where I'm fully laden nab301? Right that's it - next project - aerodynamic luggage streamlined with the rider. Come to think of it the luggage solutions on the feet forwards bike Bogger recently featured looked quite aero... hmmm... got me thinking now.
Even at 80mpg the CB500X is a kicker compared to the CBF125's 120-140 mpg. I believe the newer CB125F is even more frugal.
So - right - CB125F feet forwards streamlined with integrated luggage system...
28/05/2026 21:30:29 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Wait a minute I have another brilliant idea. Them feet forward bikes can be unstable with slow manoeuvres, how about another couple of wheels for stability, oh and a roof to keep the rain off. Essentially I need a small 125cc car.
And before any of you HEATHENS suggest a Piaggio 2stroke powered french voiture sans permis from the 80s - go rattle your head! However a Kubota diesel powered Aixam might be just the ticket.
28/05/2026 22:59:25 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ed, if fuel consumption and four wheels is the goal a Toyota AygoX HEV is your friend. How does a 20 mile jaunt across the Borders at road legal speeds and 93.8 mpg sound?
You've got to buy a new car of course but that's just detail.
It's even got a boot and back seats, sort of. ACC set at 20c and life is good.
You're welcome.
Upt.
29/05/2026 08:06:13 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Although I wouldn't want to mislead anyone who reads this drivel and takes any notice of it so....
The average mpg so far for the month of May 2026 is 75.8 mpg imperial. That's over about 250 miles and in mixed driving but no motorway.
You're welcome.
I only know this because the blummin App says so, does everything have a blummin App these days. Seems so. It even rates your driving prowess, we score 90 apparently.
29/05/2026 08:39:29 UTC
BrosSteve said :-
Hey Ren what about a Citroen 2cv?
Good mpg and has the added bonus of car leaning for the bike effect.
Although it does lean the opposite way...
29/05/2026 09:48:44 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Now THAT's good MPG Upt'. It boils my blood to think a car (albeit a hybrid) can achieve a regular 75mpg when many motorcycles weighing 1/3 the weight and 1/2 the frontal aerodynamic area still only achieve 50-65mpg. I do like the Aygo.
Citroen 2CV BrosSteve? Now you're talking. A wonderful piece of agricultural engineering, simple and effective, built to be looked after by farmers with basic tools and a big hammer. Air cooled boxer engine too. There's a company in France converting them to electric giving them a little more power (not too much, the handling can't handle it).
29/05/2026 10:22:14 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
The actual roadholding is very good; the feel however is an acquired taste. There's actually a racing series for them (mind yiou there's one for MZs as well).
https://2cvracing.org.uk/...
29/05/2026 11:58:29 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
MZssss....
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/motorsports/action-packed-mz-racing-weekend-set-...
29/05/2026 11:58:45 UTC
nab301 said :-
Ren , The panniers were empty , they were just used to store bike gear at my destination (warm weather and all that) , so the decreased mpg was possibly aerodynamic issues ?
There's always an Enfield 700cc powered Berkeley from the 60's or for aerodynamics a K1 BMW 1100 bike, either way looking forward to the winter 125cc streamliner project!
The standard 1.0l old model Aygo will easily do around 50mpg for small outlay but 75mpg with the HEV is impressive. Upt , do you ever do an mpg check based on a fill up just to compare with the app.... nige the Luddite! Also are you sure the 90 score on the app isn't your estimated age based on mpg achieved as opposed to your driving prowess... (sorry !)
Nigel
29/05/2026 16:59:31 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Pffffffftttttt.
Blummin kids.
No not checking against actual real measurements, plus we have been keeping the tanks full or thereabouts because of the activities of the Orange Cockwomble. It's provably never been below half a tank since March.
Pffffffftttttt.
Upt. That's young Upt of the North.
29/05/2026 21:04:23 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Good point about the accuracy of the app and indeed vehicle read outs in general.
My BM is fairly accurate showing 64 mpg when the actual mpg is 63. My wife's mokka shows that it is achieving 10 percent more than the actual mpg.
29/05/2026 22:47:54 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Rod, Nidge, Ed, intrestin innit? Other participants are also readily available.
We go on about how great or not our fuel consumption is then happily spend on other vehicle parts and accessories which often make a bigger difference on the overall cost of vehicle ownership.
An example.....Er'Indoors last motor, just part exchanged was 13 years old and lost £7k in depreciation over that period of time and I put two sets of tyres on it which were £250 a set for X Climates. I'm not doing the math but that must equate to cheap motoring over 55k miles.
My Pan which I ran for around 8 or 9 years probably returned low 50's and over around 30K miles used around 6 sets of Bridgestones at around an average of £250 a set, depreciation was £400. Yes it didn't like tyres.
The VSTrom is better on mpg and tyres but depreciation will be greater, I would say around £1500 at this point.
That's a lot of math.
The Toyota is astonishing with regards fuel economy and the tyres are sensible but depreciation will be horrendous.
Upt and just drivin and ridin.
30/05/2026 09:19:06 UTC
nab301 said :-
@ young Upt , Tyre prices for two wheelers have always been a bone of contention (unless you're riding a Honda 50) in which case they're probably cheaper than a branded bicycle tyre.
My BMW used to chomp through 3 sets a year in the early years and the first bike I had to cover 10k miles on one set was strangely the Bandit 600, was it coincidence that the recommended pressures were 33psi and 36psi as opposed to the more generic 36 /42psi or was the 4cyl engine kinder to the tyres than a big twin? The biggest difference is improvement in grip over the decades.
Back in the 90's I had a works supplied VW Golf Diesel which covered 60k miles on the OE tyres and strangely I don't recall it lacking in grip...
Nigel
30/05/2026 17:52:46 UTC
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