Your First Bike: New or Used

[huge]

Hi all,

I'm kind of curious as to whether or not you bought a new bike as a first bike.

I am taking my MSF in June and have been daydreaming about bikes for 14 years and always planned to buy a used bike. I'm looking at midsized cruisers like Suzuki Mauraders or Honda Shadows, and have found some listed for ~$4000 for units that are only a few years old.

However, I was looking at new bikes and have fallen in love with a Boulevard M50. New, after tax with no negotiating can be out the door for ~$8000. I also have permission from the future wife to make this purchase as she feels that it is cheap for a motorcycle.

For half the price (or less) I can get essentially the same bike, a few years older, not looking exactly as I would like, with no warranty.

Or is it worth paying new prices to get warranty and a bike that looks exactly the way I want?

This would be my first bike and am concerned that I may drop it.

Anyway, what did you do for your first bike?

If you would like to chime in with advice on what I'm considering, feel free. Also, I won't be looking to buy until after I get my license.

Thanks a ton,
David

[jonnythan]

Get a used bike.

Use it for a year or two, then decide if you still want the M50 or something else like a C90, V-star 1300, H-D, etc.

[flynrider]

I went with a used bike, mainly because I was poor, but ultimately it turned out to be a wise choice. I dropped that bike several times while learning to ride.

[RevBrian]

Dave, I'm like you and began my search looking at used bikes but for one reason or another I couldn't find what I was looking for, at least not within a reasonable travel radius. Ultimately, I decided that I didn't know enough about motorcycles to make an informed purchase. Like you, I also found a new 07 Honda Shadow that fit me, and which I could afford with the financing available I believe I will have years of riding enjoyment. I have always believed that you bring to you what you dwell on, therefore if you dwell on the fear of dropping your bike, you will. It may happen, but if you go with a positive approach things will go well for you. I know 3 folks who took the MSF course last year and practiced what they learned and practiced and practiced some more. They put over 4,000 kms on their bikes and never dropped them, so I figure there's hope for me if I keep a positive attitude and practice. I don't know whether this helps, but this is the thought process I went through and I have to say, I'm delighted that me and my bike are beginning our relationship together from the beginning - I know, it sounds corny, but I'm glad nobody else has driven my bike.

[huge]

While I did say that I'm concerned about dropping the bike, it's hardly in the forefront of my mind. In fact, I never thought about it until I started reading about it on the internet.

Thanks,
David

[Johnj]

I voted used, come to think of it I've never had a new bike. I always find some used bike, cheap, that needs some work done to it.

[RevBrian]

My apologies Dave, I wasn't suggesting you were thinking that. I agree with you, I hadn't thought of it until I started reading blogs on the internet. In fact, of all the people I know who are new riders and or have ridden for years, I can honestly say I do not know anyone who has dropped a bike. I just believe we bring to ourselves that which we focus on - which is why I believe the bike I was hoping to find, I did indeed find at a price I could afford. Now all I have to do is learn how to ride it. I can hardly wait.

[Grey Thumper]

Started off with a used bike, and I think I'll stick with used bikes. Don't really see the point of buying new, especially since initial depreciation on bikes (at least where I live) is quite high + bikes "age" much more slowly than cars. I'd only buy new if I wanted a sport bike (if only to be sure it hasn't been mercilessly thrashed).

[Thumper]

My first was new...and I wish I'd bought used. I didn't drop it it (yet...I still ride it once in a while) but the depreciation hit is horrible, and I just didn't listen to people who warned I'd want to move up in a year or so. They were right...

[ofblong]

I bought used to learn on cause it was cheaper than new cause im poor. Well ok im not really poor I just made some bad financial decisions to which I am getting myself out from underneath of. Either way if i coulda afforded it I would have bought a brand new Ducati MS 620 when they were still being made. Matter of fact the one i wanted was yellow.