DrewEckhardt 0 #26 September 2, 2009 Quote All in all, a used bike has its advantages, but so does new. I've always bought used cars, but cars depreciate far more in value, and cost an absolute fortune brand-new.. I also had the time, tools and money to maintain a used car at the time, but this is less true of my situation now.. I bought a brand new 1998 Triumph Spring Executive operating under the theory that I wouldn't have to deal with any problems given no one having abused it before me and the Hinkley tractor-like horsepower and demonstrated reliability. I was wrong and had the engine rebuilt at 8000 miles with a spun big-end rod bearing. A used BMW R-series or Yamaha FJ would have cost thousands less and been more reliable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nigel99 143 #27 September 2, 2009 Quote Quote A word to the wise, don't buy new. Look around and you can buy a nice second hand bike at half the price of a new one. That way you can use the saved money to buy gear. I'm weighing the pros and cons of this.. PRO: save money and avoid hearbreak when you invariably drop the thing CON: more expensive to maintain an older bike and potentially inherit problems caused by someone else. All in all, a used bike has its advantages, but so does new. I've always bought used cars, but cars depreciate far more in value, and cost an absolute fortune brand-new.. I also had the time, tools and money to maintain a used car at the time, but this is less true of my situation now.. I'm considering getting the same model I rented - a Honda CBF 125. It targets new/inexperienced riders, looks pretty good, is nice and manoeuvrable and is relatively affordable. It came out in 2009, so buying used isn't much of an option for this model.. But I have plenty of time to try out a few different bikes before I commit to getting one If you are looking at smaller bikes it might be an idea to contact local bike schools as my local sells off bikes every few months and generally they are less than a year old, well maintained, but having been dropped a couple of times so cosmetic damage. I would suggest a CBF250 (although for some reason honda don't seem to be selling them new anymore) over a 125 simply because you wouldn't drive flat out. I admit you can get away with a 125 even on the motorways as I have a friend who is 6ft3 and large who used a 125 for a couple of years and he could hold 60 on the motorway.Experienced jumper - someone who has made mistakes more often than I have and lived. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,382 #28 September 2, 2009 Quote I'm considering getting the same model I rented - a Honda CBF 125. It targets new/inexperienced riders, looks pretty good, is nice and manoeuvrable and is relatively affordable. It came out in 2009, so buying used isn't much of an option for this model.. I've heard there is a rental shop in London that has one they might sell. It's has some cracks and scratches due to a clumsy chick that recently rented it, but it is otherwise quite serviceable. "There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
