[Jettamethis]

Sold my 02 sv650 (great bike). Want another one. New is close to $7-8,000. Used I can find nice ones for around $4,000.

Asking opinions from experienced sv owners about differences/preferences btwn buying new versus used - thoughts? horror stories? shouts of praise?

thanks.

 

[hsilman]

I bought new

buy used. The only benefit from buying new is being able to turn the bike on and see "0 mi" on the odometer, in my opinion. There are plenty of perfectly good bikes that have not been abused, and really have barely been rode, that you can get for 2-3k less than a brand new sv.

if I had to do it over again, I would have bought used in a hearbeat. my bike would already be paid off if I had.

 

[chupacabrah]

definitely used, just go by the checklist and make sure everything is in good condition

 

[eclark53520]

I doubt i will EVER buy a new bike...

There are so many people out there that buy a new bike, ride it a couple weekends and then it sits for a year untill their wife tells them to get rid of it because they need the room for a mini-van. YOu get a basically brand new bike for 4k less...whats not to love?

 

[Zach]

used. these things are bulletproof.

I have NEVER heard of a single warranty claim.

 

[macro]

I bought new, and will only get new. I like warranty, I like knowing every little nick, scratch was my doing. Also I am aware of any little changes from the day I bought it. There are a lot of threads here about people asking questions about different sounds. Since I purchased my sv new, I am very aware of any changes in sounds. Buying used is for sure a good thing. I first chose new for financing only, but after getting it, I really like the fact that I am the only rider of this bike and never have to question past maintenance.

 

[Whatever Dude]

I bought new in 2006. Buy used if you are confident in your ability to check out a used bike, or fix any minor issues. I am not much of a DIY guy....maybe oil changes and small stuff....so I bought new.

Buying used you can save a couple grand at least. And you can always find somebody like me. I just sold mine for $4K, and only 6,000 miles, lightly ridden for commuter and weekend jaunts, never down, etc. The only issue is that you may have to wait longer than you want to find this bike. Its up to you whether its worth the couple thousand bucks to have the enjoyment of the bike when you want it, versus waiting. I figure i "lost" a couple thousand buying new, but I had about $5K worth of fun, so its all good! WOOT!

 

[Jettamethis]

Thanks for the feedback folks.

Any who's still reading/getting this thread... one more thing.
Looking at '02 with 33,000 miles for $2,500. Well maintained. No immediate maintenance needed.

33k doesn't seem like a lot of miles but it's not a young babe either... being that it's carb - does it mean anything about longevity?

(thanks in advance)

J

 

[spicy]

probably that it's ridden regularly and therefore taken reasonable care of, though that depends on how many owners.

i doubt i'd really have a problem with buying a used bike if it were a one owner bike that had racked up like 10-12k/yr for a few years.

 

[pecha]

one more vote for USED

 

[JAG]

Used. I'm on my third used bike. No regrets.