I have never bought a used bike. I don't know where its been.
First bike was a Suzuki 550. Good starter but size became an issue after a couple of years. (6' 280)
Next came a Suzuki 850. Like moving up to a Cadillac. Put close to 200K on that bike. Sill sitting in my garage. (got to clean that place )
Then there was the 1400 Suzuki Intruder. Really enjoyed that bike. Lots of power and maneuverable. Sold it on eBay.
Now it's the '04 Yamaha Midnight Silverado. 1700 cc's and a great cruiser.
Probably be dead before I'm ready for another one.
Been riding over 40 years so I tend to keep a bike a while.
I bought new because I wanted the financing, so my first bike was brand new 2000 Kawasaki Ninja ZX7-R. I rode it for a year and traded up to new Ducati ST4. It wasn't unitl this year that I bought a used bike, 04 HD 1200 Custom because I wanted to pay cash an not have a payment. I wish I kept the Ducati, it would be paid in full and it was by far my favorite bike. Love those v-twins!
Currently - 04 HD 1200 Custom
00 Kawi ZX-7R
01 Ducati ST4
New...but i'm thinking maybe i should have gone used because i have that fear off dropping it and it sux...oh well...i guess if i do drop it...it'll be my dents and dings...not someone elses...either or...i'm happy w/ my choice...
For my first bike, I definitely bought used. I bought an '81 Honda CB650 Custom. It was a good bike to learn on, and yes, like many others I did drop it a couple of times. After practicing on this bike for many months, I was more able to discern what I liked, what I didn't like and what I felt would make a better bike for me.
First of all, I knew that I wanted a lower slung bike!! That was first and foremost! For many months I think I sat on every bike known to man, regardless of brand, etc. to see which bikes were more comfortable. I was able to narrow that down and now am the proud owner of a brand new 2008 Yamaha V-Star 1100 custom. Now, I did look for a used bike, because I do not think I needed a new bike, but every bike that was up for sale did not have the stock pipes and I did not want a "loud" bike.
I happen to wander onto a great deal one night.. .and got my bike for about $1,400 less than the normal MSRP. . .which was only about $1,500 - $2,000 more than a used bike. . ..definitely a deal. . ..I guess it's about searching and knowing what you want and you will find the best bike for you.
I confess: I'm a dummy. My first (and only) was a new BMW F800ST. I did drop it twice, but both times were stalls during take offs, so I got away with tiny scuffs on the bottom of the faring.
My first few bikes were new. They were dirt bikes and dirt bikes, obviously, get trashed! After taking a bath when trading up/selling them, I learned to buy "lightly used..."
The main reason many people pick a used bike is because of financial reasons. If the 8 grand is a real struggle then of course get the used Suzuki Mauraders or Honda Shadows but it seems you are not worried so much about the price as you are of dropping a new bike
One thing you have to remember is when buying a used bike, not only do you have to know how to ride, you have to kinda be a mechanic. No matter what the previous owner tells you, ya gotta look over the bike carefully and make sure things are kosher. Heck, you've only got 2 wheels so everything makes a difference!
If you can afford it, go with the new one, especially since you chose a Boulevard M50 which has plenty of power and I don't think you'll outgrow so quickly! Plus it seems you love it already
Heck, after all the bikes I bought and sold..I still have my first bike..and she was purchased NEW!
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