Disposable bikes.........???

[Ixion]

I think that, unlike cars, *almost* new secondhand bikes are not good value. Two and three year old models are going for not much less than new, and if you want a bike that recent you might be better to buy new. But I've always lived off the bottom of the bike food chain, inheriting the sad and forlorn. I count anything under 100000 Km as low mileage. Present are 95000 92000 90000 and 68000 (and two of those are two strokes - so much for the two strokes don't last myth!). If you're willing to fish in those water cheap motorcycling can be had - As Mr Bonez said. But I steer clear of the mechanically and technologically complex - if I can't pull it apart AND put it back together with a couple of adjustables a screwdriver and a BLOODY HEAVY HAMMER I pass it by (not quite, but you know what I mean)

[pzkpfw]

This thread is interesting, in that I'll have my full license in about a week, so will get serious about upgrading off the NZ250.

My choices seem to be:

1. Get a cheap (old) "a bit bigger bike" as a step up... like some old 400 off TradeMe.
2. Get an expensive (new) "a bit bigger bike" and lose heaps when I upgrade again in a year or two... like a GS500K5
3. Get an expensive (new) "full size bike" and maybe kill myself... like a VTR1000.

Opinions?

(A guy in a local shop showed us a (new) 2005 R6 for $13,000 - my wife said "buy it"; but I think that's for the insurance...)

Cheers,

[The_Dover]

The_Dover rides disposable bikes. I think he normally gets about 2000 k's out of them.

I think you'll find it was 950km and 5800km. And one was recycled.

[Bonez]

This thread is interesting, in that I'll have my full license in about a week, so will get serious about upgrading off the NZ250.

My choices seem to be:

1. Get a cheap (old) "a bit bigger bike" as a step up... like some old 400 off TradeMe.
2. Get an expensive (new) "a bit bigger bike" and lose heaps when I upgrade again in a year or two... like a GS500K5
3. Get an expensive (new) "full size bike" and maybe kill myself... like a VTR1000.

Opinions?

(A guy in a local shop showed us a (new) 2005 R6 for $13,000 - my wife said "buy it"; but I think that's for the insurance...)

Cheers,

Option 4. Keep the NZ250 for a wee bit longer till you really have decided what you really want to do.

[jonbuoy]

(A guy in a local shop showed us a (new) 2005 R6 for $13,000 - my wife said "buy it"; but I think that's for the insurance...)

Cheers,

Holy shit - see what I mean a brand new R6 for 13K - thats a great deal!!!

[SPman]

I think you'll find it was 950km and 5800km. And one was recycled.

Shit - I got 6050 km out of mine!
Who said Suzukis don't last!

[pzkpfw]

Option 4. Keep the NZ250 for a wee bit longer till you really have decided what you really want to do.

Probably good advice. Thanks.

My latest thinking is SV650 or GSX750F.

But is the SV good for touring? And is the GSX OK for commuting? I'll do more commuting than touring, but I enjoy the touring more...

My head hurts.

Cheers,

[Rashika]

I think that, unlike cars, *almost* new secondhand bikes are not good value. Two and three year old models are going for not much less than new, and if you want a bike that recent you might be better to buy new.

I dont really agree with that... still think you are prob better buying a bike that is a couple of years old (meaning 1-3 aprox) rather than new, for a couple of reasons.
1. Dont tend to get the running in problems that *most* new bikes seem to have, e.g warrenty claims, yes paid for but still a hassle to get done. I know a few people who have gone thru this lately and often more than one claim as well. All those things are pretty much sorted out over the first year.

2. You miss out on all the extras that may get added to a new bike by an enthusiastic new owner, like racekits, fancy pipes, dampeners, all those wee things you'd probably get to pay for yourself on a new bike.

3. You will still get depreciation on a new bike. I've often seen brand new 04 models going for a few grand cheaper than 05 models, with only VERY subtle changes, but still brand new. But if you want all the latest bling, yeah go buy new. I'll take on your 1 year old machine for 1/4 less cost anyday
but only if it is a Buell

Dont think i will ever buy a new bike (or car for that matter) for these reasons alone.
Of course there are exceptions, like when they are selling older stock for waaaaaay under price...it sometimes happens

[Rashika]

Probably good advice. Thanks.

My latest thinking is SV650 or GSX750F.

But is the SV good for touring? And is the GSX OK for commuting? I'll do more commuting than touring, but I enjoy the touring more...

My head hurts.

Cheers,

Have been told by a reliable source who has a SV650 in wgtn that they are GREAT for touring! He cant get enough of his

[Rashika]

oh yeah and as for the stock tyres on a new bike ...ya gotta be joking if you think you'll ever get high mileage outa them!
Think it was 4000km for the rear and 6000km for the front on the Buell....crap as far as I'm concerned ( and I have heard the same complaint from overseas owners too I might add). Already got 5000 outa the replacement rear, and barely worn yet!