Do i really need a used bike as my first?

Question

Well im gonna go by my first motorcyce soon. Im gonna go new even though i keep reading i should buy a used bike. the problem with that is that i cant find a cheap used bike. All the ones i find are more expensive than the bike i want brand new( a kawasaki vulcan 500). well i just want people's opinion, cuz i keep reading that people say its only a matter of time before u forget the kickstand and such. so i guess i just want to know if its really that common to mess up ur first bike. i should tell u that i took the msf course and got the highest grade in the riding test, and am a really careful person, i stay away from risky situations.

Answer 1

anymore i'd buy new you can deal on a holdover and get a better price then a used 1 these days.

Answer 2

it's usually easier to finance a new bike than an old bike just b/c people want way too much for their used bike. don't get something too small though b/c you'll be selling it for way too much too. they only go as fast as you make them!

Answer 3

If you can afford it, go with a new bike.  If your gonna lay it down it won't matter if the bike is new or used, body panels are just as expensive on used bikes as they are on new ones.

Answer 4

Get a good set of Case savers (crash bars) put on it. That should minimize if not prevent damage from a drop or tipover.

Answer 5

A 500 is a nice size for a starter bike and if you want a new one, get it.  If you forget the kickstand, chances are you will catch it before you drop it.  Get good insurance and if you do mess it up you can get it fixed.

Answer 6

I intend to buy a new (or a very nice used) bike for my wife to learn on. I told her just like I'll tell you. It is not a matter of if you drop it, just WHEN. I told her she would and that was a fact. I told her that hopefully it would be here in the yard and wouldn't mess it up too bad but we would fix it and she cold have at it again. You ARE going to drop it sooner or later and just hope it is slow and not serious. In my learning (self taught and grandfathered) I have dropped  three. Only one hurt me at all. I think that you should get the bike YOU want and practice until you know everything to expect from balance with a full tank of fuel to which way it will pull and how much when riding in the center of a lane. Good luck and have fun.

Answer 7

I second tekwatch’s comments, it’s really up to you.  A 500 Vulcan is about 5k?...that’s not really a lot for a decent vehicle like the Vulcan.  You might be able to save a few thousand, but you won’t have the fun of buying one new.  

It’s always good to learn with the least amount of consequence but you may be able to minimize a mistake tipping over because it’s light and easy to handle.  Not long ago I saw a guy at the dealer who just bought a 1000cc GSXR and he didn’t even make it to the first traffic light before falling kind of hard (at least the sound was ugly).  The scrawny sot didn’t seem like he could even pick it up – a bunch of people went over to help him; now he has a new, scratched up, $11k bike.  That’s the kind of situation where you just have to shake your head and ask what he was thinking.

Answer 8

If you are finding new bikes for the same price or less than used bikes, then get a new bike.  Nothing wrong with that at all.  The reason people usually suggest a used bike is because they are typically a lot cheaper (depending on the bike) and because of that low price and typically less to insure, if you don't want the bike after a while (you realize that having a motorcycle really isn't for you) it may be a bit easier to part with it.  If you are making major payments or you spent a lot of front, then your return if you try to sell the bike will be low if any.  If you damage a used bike though, it would be difficult to replace certain body or even mechanical parts if they don't build those specs anymore.  Which can cost a lot more than a new bike.

I got my '03 Vulcan 800 for $3500.  That is a very good price for me.  It is in great shape and rides very well.  My training has saved me in a couple of situations.

Good luck on getting your bike and have fun riding!

Answer 9

It is only matter of DAYS before you drop a bike (for beginner).

I used to own the Kawasaki Vulcan 500.  It would be a shame to  dent that thing.  It was my third bike.  I never dropped it.

My first bike was dropped many times (including the first day).

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Good Luck...