Why a new Motorcycle
To start with, my passion for two wheelers refuses to die. The uncontrollable itching for a new motorcycle forced me to take the plunge and the search began about two years back.
I have owned two Royal Enfields, one a cast iron 350 and another a Machusmo AVL 500cc. So my first thoughts were to go for a motorcycle from the same manufacturer, perhaps the new J platform 350cc Classic or Meteor. The J platform design is light years ahead of the CI and AVL models – so say many reviews. However, my past experience regarding the intensive attention required from the owner/rider for regular maintenance, my reluctance to tinker with the motorcycle (which I did enjoy a lot in my younger days) pushed me away from this brand.
The initial choice
Since I was planning for solo rides, my search focussed on bikes of smaller capacity and size. Finally zeroed in on the Honda CB300F. Why Honda? Well, the bomb proof reliability. These bikes were sold and serviced by the Bigwing dealers of Honda. I called a friend of mine who is working in a Honda dealership – not the Bigwing, at Kollam. He directed me to a contact of him in the Kollam Bigwing. The response from the Bigwing Kollam was instantaneous. The sales executive called me and arranged for a visit to the showroom.
I went to the showroom and felt somewhat disappointed by the CB300F. The motorcycle looked and felt excellent and well within the price range I have in my mind. However, the bike felt too small for my liking and lacked the relaxed riding posture I was looking for. My fault. I made my choice from looking at the web images and videos.
The decision
As I turned back my eyes fell on the beauty parked nearby – the New Honda CB350 DLX PRO in complete touring attire. Wow! Love at first sight! Decision made. What the Honda says about this bike is:
“The thunderous power, the fearless stance, the exhilarating rush of the open roads – a legend rises, CB350, where tech-meets-bold riding, with its timeless style and brave presence, itʼs your trusted sidekick. Gear up to charge with the 2025-ready OBD-2B standards..”
Every word in the above paragraph barring the thunderous power, is true. A timeless classic married to modern tech!
Booked one. I went for the base variant, the DLX. Paperwork started and the motorcycle was ready for delivery by the 5th of September 2024. Took delivery on the 8th September.
Rating for the Customer Service:
- Responsiveness: 5/5. Highly responsive
- Helpfulness: 5/5. Was ready to help and guide at every moment of the sales process and delivery
- Overall Customer Service Experience: 5/5. Right from the initial phone call to the time of delivery, the sales executive and the team at the show room were receptive and extended excellent service. The courteous behaviour, the patience with which they listened to my queries (there were a few), the educated answers and solutions they provided, the guidance and assistance for the paperwork and finally, taking the time on a Sunday morning to deliver the vehicle-the experience was mind-blowing. (This continues with the service team…will write about the service experience later.) Unquestionably, the buying experience at Honda Bigwing Kollam was exceptional
Recommendations:
- Would I recommend this product/company to others? Yes. Strongly recommend this product and this dealership.
- Would I purchase from this company again? Yes. Without any doubt.
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