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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!

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.

1978 Yamaha 650

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.

The only brand new is the 2008 Buell Blast. The rest were bought used

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..."

I been riding dirt since I was 9, so I talk about street. My first bike was a Honda 150 I think it was a 1962 hard to remember 31 years ago.

Hi David

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!

Good luck