buying tips needed...

[kentuckyfried]

I was looking to buy a bike...tomorrow. A naked SV-650.

Is it better to wait until the new year passes? I hear that winter is the best time to buy b/c of slow sales, but does the difference between December, and say, January/February make a difference in the price?

That's what my friend mentioned earlier today. He was imploring me to wait until at least January.

Against all common sense, I just want to go out and ride!! Even if I'm going on a 6-day vacation starting on the 27th of Dec.

Worst of all, I know I shouldn't be buying a new SV-650. But I don't want/don't have 2 months to burn looking for a used bike I can depend upon amidst the hundreds of POS bikes that idiots keep putting on Craigslist, a huge number of them residing in San Francisco. I had a used bike for about 6 months prior (just sold it last Sunday), but I think I spent more time getting it fixed and fretting about whether or not I'd make it home sometimes (not b/c it was going to blow up or anything, it just had a problem where sometimes, it wouldn't start after 30+ minutes of riding).

I've ridden all of maybe...25-30 hrs total. Enough time to feel fairly comfortable on a bike and have most things come second nature.

I have a set of frame sliders/rail sliders/bar ends ready for installation on the new bike as soon as I arrive at the dealership. That'll hopefully mitigate some of the potential damage from dropping the bike.

Is the reason why I'm not seeing alot of good, used SV-650s on Craigslist right now b/c it's winter, and most owners recognize that if they sell now, they'll lose alot of money? I'm surprised that there aren't more since the typical rule for December is that people want to move there cars oftentimes to help get money to pay for Xmas gifts.

Any/all comments appreciated. If you're from San Francisco and a good, law-abiding citizen, I apologize for my gross generalization. lol.

[Crydee]

Fall/Winter is the best time to ride as far as I'm concerned as long as you're not in an area where it snows.. Riding in FL in the summer has to suck in my case!

[Lion_Lady]

Wait.

Especially if you reallyreallyreally want new... after the new year, any dealers that HAVE new SV's will be even MORE anxious to deal.

On the other hand, buying used isn't quite the cr@p shoot that you're thinking. If you've got access to a reputable shop to get a safety inspection then you can be pretty well assured that you're not buying an accident waiting to happen.

An SV is sort of a gray area starter bike, it has very grabby brakes which can put your 'important parts' in a pinch without any warning. 70HP with lots of low end power can put you up in the air and on your a$$ in a blink if you twist your wrist in a moment of distraction.

Before walking into a dealership, call an insurance agent and find out how much it will cost to insure a new SV... that should bring you down to earth.

P

[Itzamna]

I think you would be fine with it. The SV, especially the smaller of the two, won't just pop up on you accidently. The powerband is very linear so there is no point where it will just suddenly accelerate with a little throttle. With my 1000, I have only had one pop up not on purpose and that was after I did 3 major mods performance wise at once. But I guess I did have experience before and I assume you have none?

It's a forgiving bike really, but you will most likely drop it, because we all do. Usually something stupid like you pushed the bike forward and didn't realize the kickstand came up. Tons of different ways it happens but it does, so buy some frame sliders and good ones. They will protect your bike very well from these moments.

[jmillheiser]

And dropping a new bike sucks a lot worse than dropping a used bike.

I would say wait until after the new year

[flynrider]

Usually any time in the winter is a good time to buy a new bike. The dealer is not selling too many this time of year. The absolute best time is to wait until the end of a winter month. This is when crummy sales totals will motivate a dealer to move some product.