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Hello. I think I just found the bike I'm going to buy. I've been looking at Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classics for awhile now (both new and used). This would be my first bike but I'm not interested in a discussion about whether this bike is too big to start on as I have already seen virtually every post on the matter. Rather I am trying to find out what the right price should be.

Here is what I have found so far. All prices noted include all taxes, fees and everything else. I can get a brand new 2006 model for about $9,200 out the door. Or I can get a brand new 2005 for $8,600. The problem with these two options is that I will be settling for colors that I do not particularly care for as I do not like the color options for the 2006 models and there are limited quantities of 2005's to choose from. I know making a decision based on color is a bit silly but I figure if I'm going to spend this kind of money then I should be as satisfied as possible.

The 3rd option is a 2003 model with only 8K miles on it. It is 100% stock so there aren't any after market parts driving up the cost. The Kelly Blue Book valus is $6,070 which assumes 15,000 miles (double what are on the bike). The dealer quoted me a price around $6,400 but with all of the taxes and other fees it would be about $7,340. This bike is the exact color I was looking for and honestly looks to be in mint condition (which I will have an independent mechanic verify before purchasing). The dealer also said that he would throw in a free helmet ($100 value- big whup). Is this too much to pay if I can get a brand new bike for $8,600? The used bike doesn't come with a warranty (though I can buy one) and the dealer thinks the bike is on the original tires but wasn't sure (it was a big dealership and I think I was dealing with the least experienced guy there).

I have looked at buying direct from an individual but have been unable to find a bike in my area that I like. So should I just keep waiting or go after one of these deals?

What it comes down to is how much you are willing to spend for the color you want. No one can actually answer this question for you, because it comes down to a question of whether it is worth it to you to have a run-in bike in the color you want.

A couple things to keep in mind are:
1) it may not have been broken in correctly
2) there may be some problems with it, which is why it was sold
3) it still costs less
4) you don't need to pay for its first two services (500miles and 5000miles)

More then likely it'll be a good purchase, most dealerships aren't willing to sell a bike they know will have problems. Though some are.

There's always the chance that you could talk him down some. You like the color, but it's to much considering how many km on it etc etc etc.

Then again it's 2 years old and has seen relatively little riding time, sounds like it's in good condition, is in the color that you want, and is almost $2000 cheaper then a new one.

If it was the bike I was sure I wanted, I'd probably get it. And if you decide to resell it later, then it'll have less depreciation. And you'll have spent less on services.

Just my two cents.

If your going to have a mechanic you can trust look at the bike before purchase or contingent on purchase, and it passes then go for it. Might as well have what you want. The Vstars are pretty well bullet proof, unless its been run without oil or the wrong oil, (unlikely).

And I thought only girls could be swayed by color lol.

Well I was able to talk the dealer down a bit to $6,170 plus a free helmet and gloves. He will also winterize the bike for me since I won't be able to ride until mid February when the next MSF class takes place. He'll also un-winterize (if that is even a word) it for me when I am ready to ride again. They are letting me pay for the bike and then take it to a mechanic to be checked out with the understanding that they will fix any minor problems and I will be able to decline the sale if any major problems are found. The mechanic actually said that this dealer has a great reputation (they sell a lot of used bikes) and that he has even bought from them in the past without any problems.

If it were me and I'm only speaking for myself. I would swallow the extra money and buy New. I just traded in my 650 for an 1100. Like you I am partial to blue, unfortunatly the 2006 models do not come in that color and I settled for a dark wine red color. Long story short. The color can be changed and I will have a new bike that I know has been broke in properly and is covered by a good warranty.
Good luck.

You might also find that they new color will grow on you. When I bought my bike I wanted to get a black one. But the only shop that had a black one tried to jerk me around in regards to the price. Offering me one, then increasing it when I went in to buy it. Saying that they couldn't do it, or some such load of garbage. So bought the cheaper yellow one, and have since decided that a well polished yellow looks a lot better then the matte black that was the other choice for my bike. I could go on as to why, but it's all personal choice right.

Thanks for the thoughts. I decided to go with the used bike simply because I will be saving $1,700. That money will more than cover my safety equipment, Rider's Edge Class, insurance for a year, and still leave me with a few hundred bucks toward getting some pipes that roar. Now I just have to endure the agony of waiting until mid February to ride it. That is really going to hurt.

Congrats on your purchase. Have fun and ride safe.

If you have not bought yet - get the 05. I have heard of some 03' and previous having a starter problem. They fixed it in 04.

That said - all say don't start the bike with the throttle - choke it and push the button. Don't give it gas before you push the button.

Cheers

If you are gonna get the '03 try to at least get him to the blue book price.

Dont pay over blue book on a used bike.