Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I know my opinion on this one, but it seems it comes up with most of the "what bike should i buy" posts.

When buying a first bike is it better to buy used or new?

Your heart and your ego say you want a slick looking brand new ride, but is that the best idea?

Buying used in my opinion is the way to go for a first bike. Not saying it has to be 20 years old and worth 200 dollars or anything like that, but something where the initial depreciation is gone from the bike.

another reason to buy used is that you don't need to fully insure it like you would something you are financing. also your rate will probably be lower (depending on insurance company) just because the bike is older.

Insurance companies also give a discount after you have held your full license for a year (maybe more in some places) that can be about 20% of what it would be when you first get your license.

another great thing about used bikes is the parts manufacturers will have a lot more aftermarket toys you can bolt/strap on compared to what may or may not be available for a new bike and especially a new model of bike.

buying used doesn't hurt as much if someone knocks over your bike, or you dump it at a stoplight because you slipped on a patch of oil or something of that nature. scuff the fairing on a used bike is something to chuckle about with friends, but on that brand new bike it ticks you off.

so a used bike should be cheaper than it's brand new counterpart, cost less to insure, have plenty of aftermarket parts and not hurt your ego as bad if it drops.

any other reasons to buy used over new out there?[/i]

buy a used bike.

Read this thread HERE for my reasons why.

Thanks Gadjet. I appreciate your post and referenced thread. It has helped me make up my mind.

It depends on the kind of bike to me. I like sports bikes and many riders like to mod them. 90% I see locally have an exhaust or somethin done to them. I wouldn't buy unless if it was stock. Right now I'm 50 / 50. Not completely sure on what I will do.

well from the advice I have seen it is better to wait until like sept october to get used because right now all I see are used bikes at or just a couple hundred dollars under brand new. I dont care what that other thread says if a used bike is only 3-500 less than brand new and that used bike is 4 years old im sorry but im going to buy brand new. however like the advice I was given most people who cant sell in spring have lowered the prices drastically by september/october time frame. I trust they are right lol.

Yeah, wait until it gets colder and people stop riding. They will sell their bikes for cheaper (in most states). Where I am in Florida, a lot of people ride year round, so bikes stay at a fixed scale for the most part.

However, I have noticed more demand for bikes in the past year, the prices of used bikes are going up drastically compared to what they were worth before!!

Buy used because...

I bought TWO (yes, TWO) great Honda motorcycles that run great, look great, and are a ton of fun - for LESS THAN 1000 bucks. That's U.S. money, folks.

I know that used probobly should have been the best option...

but

I got new anyway. My ego over powered my thoughts. Every one of my bikes has been new except my second.



I'm thinking of buying that new duc next month... That sexy beast keeps me up at night.

MattL wrote: I got new anyway. My ego over powered my thoughts. Every one of my bikes has been new except my second.

I'm thinking of buying that new duc next month...

The only advantage to a O mile (New) bike is you can break it in properly. A kid in sneakers and a t-shirt blew down the street winding out a brand new R6, the classic yellow one. He is ruining the engine and will probably sell it come fall.

Improper break-in causes engine half-life.

The worst part about buying a new bike is the fact that it won't be new the minute you ride it. Road debris, drunk friends, kids, and power equipment are attracted to your new beauty to make it... well...
not so new.

Buy used, don't fuss over your bike, maybe even let a friend ride it once, it makes your bike easier to enjoy and ride.

Babysitting a bike isn't as much fun as riding it.

I bought new cause I don't like to pay for other peoples problems. Plus if it breaks down, its under warinty.