1st Bike. New or S/H. Which is better

Prompted by the fact that several members have very recently passed their tests and been fortunate enough to buy a brand new machine. My question is:

Is a new bike better?

For: Guaranteed history, everything works as it should, dealer support if it doesn't, feel good factor.

Against: Brakes need bedding in, tyres too, lower top speed whilst running in, constant scanning of rev counter to ensure you're not overrevving it in the running in period, feel bad factor should you drop it.

In the olden days, some members may remember, you used to have a "Running In" sticker that you put on the rear of the vehicle but in these impatient times I imagine that as you bimble along at 65 (5k in top on an SV) there will be a vehicle inches from your rear tyre pressurising you to speed up. Not good for a newly qualified rider. Also cornering can be ruined, you set yourself up for a long sweeper then hit the RI limit and have to do it on a feathered throttle. Same with overtakes. Of course you can momentarily exceed the RI limit but is it an added pressure that a newbie could do without?

The biggest advantage with a new bike from a riding point of view, IMO, is that it gives you a chance to acclimatise yourself to it and to grow as the RI limits increase with the miles rather than getting on a S/H machine and being able to rag the proverbials off it from the get go.

[G]

I had my SV new but purely because my history with buying vehicles used was absolutely shocking and I always end up with complete dogs/money pits.

I think its purely personal preference really buying new or used as a first bike.

Running in could be seen as a good thing for new riders as its (if they follow the factory rules) restricts them initially. I had to take it easy when I passed as I was running in, it probably saved me a couple of times as I didnt go out and hoon everywhere straight away.

At the same time running in doesnt have to be a slow process, with my latest bike I was told the dealer could run it in for me on the dyno within 30 miles or I could pick one of two ways to run it in on the road, the factory 500/600 miles way keeping it under 7krpm which they didnt recommend as its the engine under correct load which works all the seals etc.

Or using all the revs in each gear a couple of times then move up a gear and doing the same, so bedding in can be done in 50miles or so.

[the_lone_wolf]

Best reason not to buy new = the amount you will lose in the first year

Far better to buy a year old 2nd hand one that you know has been looked after

The rev ceiling can be pushed if need be though, if a situation arose. 1000 miles of steady gentle riding on a big bike before you can push it? Sounds like a bonus

I bought new after having a second hand CBR600 lemon, being a mechanical moron and not knowing any friendly mechanics in the area to give an honest opinion.
the running in wasn't that bad (I had to do it twice after binning my first one) but it does get you more used to the feel of it before you get let loose on the whole lot, I guess it depends how many miles you do as a necessity or can do for pleasure, if you can only get out for an hour or so each week then the run in period could last ages but mine was only a couple of weeks I think.

horses for courses though, if you have decent knowledge of how to fix stuff and know what you are looking for then second hand is without doubt the best way to go for value but if you aren't familiar with the intricacies and just want to get out and ride then new can be the best way to go.

[Paul the 6th]

I'd have to say second hand purely for financial reasons. There are so many mint condition 2nd hand bikes out there for nearly half the price of the brand new machine - I bought my 2005 sv in december 07 for just under 3 grand with only 500 miles on the clock - just run in!

I could have gone and bought one for 4600 or whatever the rrp is and lost nearly 2 grand in the first year. I've got a feeling at somepoint the market will have to re-align itself if too many people buy 2nd hand and not enough new machines appear on the roads each year (but according to bike mag, there were something like 500 2008 fireblades registerred last month so there should be plenty of options in the market)...

If you really want a particular bike in a certain condition, and you can't find it in the 2nd hand market then that's the time to buy new

[timwilky]

Ok, you buy a new bike. You then spend another fortune either fixing the stuff the stealer should have done on the PDI, or so called trick bits that serve no purpose beyond cosmetics. (Thinks of neighbour who has carbon fibre wheels, speed changer, M4 system, £3000 spent on the engine, a futher £600 on a Winston paint job etc.) Fast as feck. but does less than 2000 miles a year. Nice blade to buy second hand as all those extras never recoup there value.

Next, your a newbie. Those finely honed skills you got passing your test. Mean Zip. You are going to overcook it. You are going to misread the car at a junction that looked straight through you etc. Now this is where you find the bike has depreciated quicker that you are paying off a finance agreement.

My advice. Buy a good 1-2 year old bike that has been cared for. Take an experienced guy to look at it with you and pay the right price. The money you save, invest in decent leathers, a good helmet/boots. pucker insurance and advanced training.

Or do as I did, stick a old Bell open face helmet on my head, a pair of doc martin boots and learn to ride by falling off at increasing speed (ouch)

[Paul the 6th]

Originally Posted by timwilky

Ok, you buy a new bike. You then spend another fortune either fixing the stuff the stealer should have done on the PDI, or so called trick bits that serve no purpose beyond cosmetics. (Thinks of neighbour who has carbon fibre wheels, speed changer, M4 system, £3000 spent on the engine, a futher £600 on a Winston paint job etc.) Fast as feck. but does less than 2000 miles a year. Nice blade to buy second hand as all those extras never recoup there value.

Next, your a newbie. Those finely honed skills you got passing your test. Mean Zip. You are going to overcook it. You are going to misread the car at a junction that looked straight through you etc. Now this is where you find the bike has depreciated quicker that you are paying off a finance agreement.

My advice. Buy a good 1-2 year old bike that has been cared for. Take an experienced guy to look at it with you and pay the right price. The money you save, invest in decent leathers, a good helmet/boots. pucker insurance and advanced training.

Or do as I did, stick a old Bell open face helmet on my head, a pair of doc martin boots and learn to ride by falling off at increasing speed (ouch)

that sums it up for me - especially when buying as a new rider

New rider is going to bin their bike pretty soon.

Therefore it's probably better to have a second hand one. Oh, and depreciation of course!

[G]

I hate the dont buy a new bike because you will fall off argument, yes everyone will fall off at some point but why let that stop you buying a new bike. My girlfriends dad went 27 something years without binning a bike......lots of people do. My time is no doubt coming anytime soon but it wouldnt stop me buyng a new bike I would fix it or the insurance would.

Statistically i bet more new riders dont fall off in the first year than actually do.

I dont think depreciation really has anything to do with the new bike/new rider discussion. The depreciation will be the same whether your a new rider or whether you have been riding 40 years. If you dont like deprecition you will never have anything new, but its irrelevant when discussing whats best for a 'new' rider.