I installed the leather console cover and really like it. At the same time I bought the S2000 badges. But after reconsideration I decided that applying the badges would be a tacit admission that I am embarrased the car is a Honda. I know we have had discussions on this board about the arrogance and snobbishness of some BMW and Porsche owners. Many owners had experiences with people putting the car down because it was "just a Honda". Well, I am proud of this little Honda. It is a great car and a technological wonder. So the Honda badges stay and will say loud and proud "this is a Honda". Anyone want a set of silver/black S2000 badges at 1/2 price?

 

With all respect due to Rick, and IMO that's a lot, I feel exactly the same way about the badges. I'm actually quite pleased and comfortable that the S2000 is a Honda, and I don't want to give anyone the impression that I'm not. That's why I didn't order the badges.

That having been said, I'm a satisfied console cover owner and I'm anxiously awaiting Rick's visor covers.

 

Hi guys,

here's my take on it. I am definitely not embarrassed that the S2000 is a Honda. In fact, if I were to buy an NSX, I'd take the direct JDM conversion route.....meaning to say that I'd debadge it and re-badge it with Honda emblems.

However, what doesn get my feathers ruffled is that all these aftermarket accessories that Rick has produced have most likely been looked against at by the corporate lawyer and business types at American Honda. Some time ago, Rick had requested the use of the Honda logo on some of his products and if not that, then the "S2000" logo, which isn't trademarked (either the name or the font) by Honda anyway. Their answer was no.

My intention to re-badge it as an "S" car was more of to create a "Hesel S" car (or S2000 type Rick, or S2000 RH). See where I'm going with this? You know, Bimmer has their Dinan, Benz has their AMG, Toyota has their Millen, Nissan has their Millen......

As far as some people's reason for adding to the mystique of the car; IMHO, the car already has it's mystique. Even with the Honda badges, I had people still asking me who makes it, what car is it, is it the new Z3, and so forth.

 

Please don't misunderstand my post, I don't mean to cast aspersions on any of Rick Hesel's products. All of the things I have purchased from him have been quality products including the badges and I have been very satisfied with them. My thoughts were more along the line of a philosophical rumination on the branding of our car. Honda v. not a Honda. I for one am sticking with the Honda badges. Just a personal preference.

 

my contrarian view-
i think that rick's badges just look great!
and a whole lot better than the honda badges...
just like his console cover looks better than the uncovered console.
i admit that i enjoy the mystique (sp?) that it causes,
but i also enjoy owning this honda.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wanabe
[B]my contrarian view-
i think that rick's badges just look great!
and a whole lot better than the honda badges...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Lawdog
[B]I installed the leather console cover and really like it.

 

Why would anyone be embrassed that your S2000 is a Honda???Honda makes great cars, including the NSX and new RSX and the high end line luxury lines (TL and RL), re-branded as Acura in the US but branded as Honda in Japan. Honda makes winning race engines for CART and the F1 series, using some of the same race technology in our S. The Target Team for CART won on a Honda engine 3 years straight.

 

I don't see putting Rick's badges on as being ashamed that it is a Honda but rather adding to the mystique of exactly what it is and who makes it. Even though I have my original badges, most people still ask what it is and who makes it.

People that I know who Ricks' badges bought them because they felt that they looked neat and added that mystique to the car and not at all because they didn't want people to know it is a Honda.

Kirk

 

Lawdog,

While I am in complete sympathy with your point of view, and I very much respect it, the S badges have actually provided a better opportunity for me to demonstrate my Honda pride (I've owned or leased 5 Hondas in the past five years).

Here's how. With the S badges, many more people now inquire about the make of the car. Just a few days ago, for example, I parked the car in front of a local Rite Aid and when I came out, three of four people had gathered around the car, and were looking it over closely, curious about what it was. When it was clear that I was the owner, they asked me what it was. I proudly told them it was a Honda, then launched into a description of the S sports car tradition with Honda and the company's racing record. They were incredibly surprised and eager to hear more. In the end, having the S badges gives me an opportunity to promote the Honda marque in ways that just didn't happen when I had the Honda badges on the car.

People come away from these encounters rethinking all their assumptions about Hondas, which is a good thing for the brand we all love.