Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello all! Not very long ago, this past November, I bought a brand new BMW Dakar (650cc). Since November, I've been riding the crap out of it. I chose the Dakar because I felt the 1150 and 1200 GS bikes were too heavy for the dirt. Well, turns out I've only had my bike in the dirt twice. I really didn't realize I was going to ride this bike so much. It had been a long time (like 12-15 years) since my last bike before this Dakar. I expected I'd ride occasionally, but I find myself riding the bike almost exclusively. My wife tries to rotate through our three cars to keep batteries charged and tires from rotting. Me, I just ride. I'm in San Diego so I can ride year round.

Anyway, I really think I want the 1200 GS now since I ride much more than I anticipated. Thing is, depreciation since November will kill me on this bike. Thankfully, I don't owe anything on this bike so it's not like I'd be upside down on a loan. But still, I'd only get about half the price I paid for the bike in trade-in.

I guess I'm not looking for answers, since whether or not to eat the loss is something I'd have to decide for myself. I guess maybe I'm just looking for sympathy as yet another biker finds himself buying too small too soon after purchase.

Ho hum.

After riding a BMW, I'm sure you're not looking to "downgrade" - but have you considered a VStrom 1000? It's the same type of bike, but you could probably do a straight swap at the dealership.

Just a thought...

try selling your bike privately and not trading it in? Might get more money for it.

I tried to sell my Honda Rebel in the front yard when I was through with it. Wasn't easy enough though - not enough passing traffic to get it sold. I decided to trade it in, knowing that I would not get the best deal. I was already resigned with the idea that, as a first bike, my Rebel would be more like a "rental" bike for me. And that's okay. If the loss bothers you too much, then put another year of riding on the Dakar. But if you're willing to let go a bit, you can just get it over with, and enjoy your new ride sooner. There's always some sort of a trade off with these things. Let us know how it goes.

Cheers,
Loonette

I was down at the BMW store with a remote thought of trading in my 650gs for a new 1200. When they told me what the 650 was worth I lost intrest, for the moment anyway. Sad part is they would turn around and sell my 650 for more than I paid for it probably. Had thought of donating the bike and taking a tax write off.

Not real excited about the servo assisted brakes on the new models either. I'll wait until you get yours and see what you think.
RandK

You will almost always get more money if you sell it privately. List your bike in the newspaper, the bargain finder, or on the internet. I sold mine on www.buysellcommunity.com with a free listing. Took an $800 hit off the original buy price, but I put 4000km on it. The way I see it, that's 20 cents a km to ride.

Ahoy there RandK. Did you mention a donation of your bike .
I know i cant afford to buy one for what you might ask for it but i would take a donation. Sure could use a newer and better bike then i have now. could pass it by just in case. I promise to take good care of it.

space_man

Sevulturus wrote: The way I see it, that's 20 cents a km to ride.

thats actually kind of a lot

Best way to sell your bike? Ebay! Ebay is such a sellers market. You'll probably get more then what its worth. Sure, you get some people who end up not paying, but you can relist and not be out the cost of listing.

I will admit i've never sold a vehicle as new as yours, but ebay is great for unloading older stuff at good prices.

considering the dealership would have given me 2000 less then I got... it seems like a good deal.

i say keep the bike and get the other one you want also. no thing wrong with 2 bikes. it really sucks to sell something and take a huge loss on it, if you cant get a good return on your bike just keep it and hold out a little longer on getting your other bike. maybe youll decide later you want to do some off road riding and youll still have the dakar for that or have family that might start to ride. the price of a used cruiser isnt that huge so if you managed to buy the dakar out right you should be able to plunk down money on a used cruiser with no problems.