SV650.org - SV650 & Gladius 650 Forum - View Single Post - Buy new or buy used

05-06-07, 10:31 AM

How much interest are you going to end up paying on a second hand loan / versus how much extra capital will you pay on a new bike with zero interest? You'll probably find a second hand one will still work out a grand or so cheaper - and when you come to sell it you won't have lost another grand in depreciation.

Remember you can always add lowers so if you find the right bike at the right price you can slap some lowers on it yourself (OEM ones not cheap, though they come up second hand fairly often).

As for what to look out for, service history obviously a good start. Suzuki's are not known for their corrosion resistance, so look for furry bolts and the like, like cars, the previous owner is a good indicator - spotty oik or middle aged bloke? Where is it kept? On the road, or in a shed chock full of AutoSol? Check the hero blobs (little stalks that come out from under the pegs) - have they been scraped? Nothing wrong in scraping them, but if they're not scraped then it's not been leant over far and therefore "suggests" an easy life (unless changed of course). Double check obvious signs of racing - lockwired sump plug, shark fin rear sprocket guard etc. Has it got an aftermarket 'zorst - I'd rate this as a plus - but if so make sure it's legal/has the baffle, or at least, seller has the original.

Overall, I'd probably go for a second hand one - there are loads of good examples around in the 2500-3000 range, you'll have plenty of choice.

05-06-07, 10:31 AM	#5
MiniMatt Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Buy new or buy used – what would you do? How much interest are you going to end up paying on a second hand loan / versus how much extra capital will you pay on a new bike with zero interest? You'll probably find a second hand one will still work out a grand or so cheaper - and when you come to sell it you won't have lost another grand in depreciation. Remember you can always add lowers so if you find the right bike at the right price you can slap some lowers on it yourself (OEM ones not cheap, though they come up second hand fairly often). As for what to look out for, service history obviously a good start. Suzuki's are not known for their corrosion resistance, so look for furry bolts and the like, like cars, the previous owner is a good indicator - spotty oik or middle aged bloke? Where is it kept? On the road, or in a shed chock full of AutoSol? Check the hero blobs (little stalks that come out from under the pegs) - have they been scraped? Nothing wrong in scraping them, but if they're not scraped then it's not been leant over far and therefore "suggests" an easy life (unless changed of course). Double check obvious signs of racing - lockwired sump plug, shark fin rear sprocket guard etc. Has it got an aftermarket 'zorst - I'd rate this as a plus - but if so make sure it's legal/has the baffle, or at least, seller has the original. Overall, I'd probably go for a second hand one - there are loads of good examples around in the 2500-3000 range, you'll have plenty of choice.