Which would be better for a new rider? Buying a new motorcycle or buying a used motorcycle. I'm sure both have their pros and cons. I'm planning on taking the MSF Course in October, before I buy a bike and I would like the opinions of other riders. I'm currently looking at a new 2008 Honda Aero 750 as my first bike, but would consider a used motorcycle as well.  

As a newbie myself, I bought a used motorcycle for my first ride (Star V-Star 650 Classic).  As I was told, and have learned, you will likely drop the bike at least once while you are learning to ride.  If you have a relatively inexpensive used bike, any damage will not be as devastating to you.  In my instance, I'll keep the 650 for likely another year, then upgrade to something new(er) and larger that more closely fits my desires.  Best of luck on the MSF course, you'll enjoy it (I did)!  

I am a new again rider after a 20-25 year hiatus. I looked at used bikes but decided to go for a new Suzuki C50. I wanted the security of having a warranty in case of a breakdown during the first couple of years of ownership.
It all depends on your current financial situation and how much you will have available for maintenance. Used bikes can often be found for real bargains as some people get in over their heads finacially or they don't have time to ride as they thought they would.
Be aware that buying from an individual has an inherent risk of buying somone else's problem. Used bikes from dealers are usually checked over for problems and some may have a warranty, but you also pay more for the added assurance.
I looked at the Aero 750 but chose the C50 for the slightly larger engine, and the fuel injection.
 I hope this has been somewhat helpful.  

Buying someone elses problem is my biggest concern. Even a dealer can miss something, hence the lemon laws for cars. I may look into left overs at the dealer as well, the Yamaha/Suzuki dealer near me had a 2006 Boulevard that was loaded with a lot of extras for less than a same model 2008. I never thought to ask the Honda Dealer if he had any left over models  

I understand in my area that there are many leftovers that even go back to 2006.  Most of them seem to be the larger bikes but you are right with checking all the dealers.  With the 2009's here the dealers have to reduce inventory so it might be a good time.  I have to take the course also but I have done a lot of research and listened to riders with lots of experience and one thing I heard clearly is not to buy a bigger bike that you don't have the experience to handle.      Mike  

texasrider1 said...

>Be aware that buying from an individual has an inherent risk of buying somone else's problem. Used bikes from dealers are usually checked over for problems and some may have a warranty, but you also pay more for the added assurance.

Ten years ago, I might have agreed with you. In today's used bike marketplace, I wouldn't bet on it. If the bike looks good and was ridden to the shop to trade in, the dealer will take it in trade because it will sell quickly. I've seen used bikes shoved onto the showroom floor without even being washed, let alone gone over by a mechanic.

The 5 year old bike I traded in for my new Saber, was sold in three days. I rode it there in the rain. The shop owner glanced at the tires and odometer. No mechanic was called up front to look at it. It wasn't even washed before it was sold and the new owner hauled it home.

The dealer isn't going to warranty a used bike. If the bike already has a transferrable warranty, then any warranty repairs will come out of someone else's pocket, not the dealer's. The dealer only absorbs extra warranty costs on new bikes. Anything the transferrable warranty doesn't cover on a used bike will come out of your pocket.

Every dealer is adjusting to the higher demand for used bikes. How they adjust will be determined by the local market. If they can make an adequate profit off the used bikes without bothering to do anything to them, most dealers won't do anything to them. They'll just sell the bike as is. If the bike sets without selling for long enough, someone will get told to wash and wax it when they're not doing anything else. I wouldn't depend on any more care than that.

regards,
Joe