[socaltrailrider]

First post here. I've decided that the Wee Strom is the bike I want, but am undecided on whether to go new or used. Seems like you can find fairly new bikes with less than 10k on the odo from $4,500-$6,500 with a few farkles included depending on age and mileage. Would need to add state tax and fees to that price. I can also pick up a brand new 2011 for $8,500 OTD(tax & license) with OEM saddlebags with the current Suzuki promotion.

This will be my first street bike purchase in 20 years since I've only been on dirt bikes and dual sport bikes since then. I've never bought a bike new from the dealer, but these V-stroms seem so reasonably priced to start with, it might be worth it to not have to worry about how well or bad the previous owner treated the bike. Buying a used bike is always a crap shoot.

Any advice either way from all of you Strom owners out there?

 

[Tollster]

Used for me, do some homework and what to look in a used machine (Good info all over this site). Keep in mind with the ecomomy, you may find a really good deal if your patient.Also with the first year of a new model, there may be inherent issues that need to be resolved, new models also push prices down on old designs. And that new model you speak of...you can bet it won't be perfect for you and you will add farkles of another 2 k to get it close.
You may find one that has plenty of extras on it already, combined with low milage for your area. Sure we all want a new bike, but there are deals out that that will save you plenty of money if you patient and knowlegable on the product.

Start by making a list of things you must have Ie...heated grips, center stand, panniers..windscreen ect...

Then make a list of things that you would like ie skid plate, crash bars,suspension mods ect...

Its important to resolve to two between must haves and maybe's

Then research what to look for in a used machine.

Milage, tire wear from normal use, and wear from twisted forks and the like, sprocket and chain wear, hidden crash damage and how to identify it, maintence records, fluid cleanliness, swingarm bearing wear and how to check for it . Many low milage bikes are not a real concern for normal wear, but look for crash damage and hidden issues....low oil runnig and such. does it smoke under acceleration, is the oil clean ect..

Look at a few machines and build some confidence on these items I speak of and how to identify hidden issues. Take a friend who is knowledgable on the subject. You will find what you want and save money doing so...its a buyer market right now!

Keep inmind you have not ridden for a while, don't take this wrong, but you would feel better if you took out the turn signalon a used bike with a few scratches than a brand new one. Also consider a Motorcycle safety course as a refresher..there have been many changes over the past 20 years and it would be like shock treatment at least to me. But please consider it at least, it will help you transition quickly to your new machine and increase your confidnece level, no matter what bike you choose..
Tol

 

[csharp1171]

For my primary motorcycle I always buy new. I know buying new is no guarantee but I want to know that the break-in period was properly followed and all of the maintenance was followed. That's just me.

I would like to get an older model bike and restore it so I know what to expect with that.

 

[John V Strom Jr.]

I'd buy used, but that's just me.

I can also pick up a brand new 2011 for $8,500 OTD(tax & license) with OEM saddlebags with the current Suzuki promotion.

BTW, you should check cycletrader.com. I saw new 2011s on there a couple of weeks ago for $6,400. You heard that right. Might not be close to you, but you'd still save even with shipping.

 

[juddspaintballs]

Unless your primary source of income is a direct result of riding a motorcycle everywhere, a motorcycle is nothing but a toy. From a purely economical standpoint, buying new does not make sense. With the rapid depreciation of a new model rolling out of the showroom, used will always win in the economic department. That being said, it's still a toy, so buying a motorcycle in the first place is certainly not a way to save money. Buy whichever one you want the most. I always choose used because I save money up front, it usually comes slightly farkled, I don't really like dealerships, a model a few years older is usually cheaper on insurance than a brand new model, I don't feel as bad riding in crappy conditions and not washing it right away, I really don't feel as bad if I drop it, and a scratch or two adds character rather than bringing tears. I'll never take a loan on a motorcycle either.

Your choice though. It's a toy so buy whichever toy you want (new or used).

 

[John V Strom Jr.]

Unless your primary source of income is a direct result of riding a motorcycle everywhere, a motorcycle is nothing but a toy. From a purely economical standpoint, buying new does not make sense. With the rapid depreciation of a new model rolling out of the showroom, used will always win in the economic department. That being said, it's still a toy, so buying a motorcycle in the first place is certainly not a way to save money. Buy whichever one you want the most. I always choose used because I save money up front, it usually comes slightly farkled, I don't really like dealerships, a model a few years older is usually cheaper on insurance than a brand new model, I don't feel as bad riding in crappy conditions and not washing it right away, I really don't feel as bad if I drop it, and a scratch or two adds character rather than bringing tears. I'll never take a loan on a motorcycle either.

Your choice though. It's a toy so buy whichever toy you want (new or used).

Excellent advice IMO!

 

[richw]

I always bought new because I bought superbikes.

I would have bought a VEE and especially a WEE used because I believe the average owner of Stroms is a responsible adult. SH8t happens but its an average case. Go to the guys house see how most of his stuff is kept. Hear the story and see if it makes you comfortable.

Your on a 12mo riding area but I also suspect when the 2012 are on the floor even better deals will be had and withing 6 more months there will be a bunch of used Stroms to buy cheap as upgrades.

Buy used ride it like you stole it when it blows up, buy another one


I am a notorious liar as I was searching and found a NOS Vee from a dealer going out

 

[awannabe veewee]

old vs new

Over three years ago when I was Wee shopping, I found my 07 wee in 08. It had lots of the things I was looking for Bags racks and center stand. The bike I know have 21k miles on it, had barely 1k when I bought it. The PO had the sales receipt, over 9k out the door!:yikes: I bought the bike for about 2/3rds of the orginal price:thumbup:
By going the used bike route, you will find a great bike, along with some of the farkles, depending on the situation, that you might want anyway, and you can save a few bucks, only to spend them later to complete the conversion that makes your bike yours!

 

[bassbronco_74]

+1 for used :thumbup:

bought my 07 used this last spring for ~$4300 with a touch over 8K miles and already equipped with most of the major farkles i wanted.

biggest thing about buying used is to look at the previous owner and maintenance records. i bought mine from an older gentleman that was done riding, and the bike was flawless and had the records to prove it.

i will personally never buy a new motorcycle again, for me it was the biggest waste of money and one of the worse personal decisions i have made financially, but that is all in the past, and it's only financially that i wouldn't do new again.

that's my .02 :rockon:

 

[DougInKY]

I have never bought a new motorcycle in the over 45 years I have been riding. I guess that one of the reasons for this is that I always, always pay cash for any motorcycle I am buying. I also have the opinion that I will let someone else take the hit in value that you get when you buy a new motorcycle. I look over the bike I am considering and I talk to the seller to get a feel as to how he rides as well as how well he maintains his bikes. The best bike for sale IMHO is one that someone has bought thinking he or she is going to become a "biker" and then discovers that they don't enjoy it as much as they thought they would. Makes for low mileage bikes that have mostly been dealer maintained. I have got some screaming deals this way.

 

[Bravo21]

+1 on the +1 for used over new.

I just bought a used '08 Wee with a little over 6k miles and everything needed to tour immediately: crash bars, highway pegs, 12v outlet, madstad bracket, gel seat, throttle lock, grip puppies, hand guards, and Tourmaster saddlebags. My cost: $5,200 (the seller was asking $5,700 - cash talks). The bike was spotless - not a mark on it. It looks brand new, is already broken-in, and someone else sucked up the depreciation off the sticker price.

When I was shopping for a V-strom (a month ago), there were a lot of them available to choose from withing a day's drive. I used Craigslist exclusively via a Craigslist search engine called SearchTempest. It made looking for a bike within striking distance (300 mile radius for me) super easy.

This time of year, in this economy, is a great time to look for a good deal on a bike, IMO. And the Vstrom is fairly popular bike, which I think helps the available selection. Take your time, search Craigslist every day, and if you find one you like and it's available, be willing/ready to go get it the next day. You'll find a bike that fits your wants/needs and your wallet.:fineprint:

 

[mountainmeterman]

Generally, I say let some other fool take the hit on the depreciation over the first year or two. This applies to all motorized vehicles.

 

[socaltrailrider]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I was definitely leaning towards the used route. The 2 other bikes in my garage(YZ 250 race bike, WR450 dual sport bike) were bought slightly used at great prices. I was just getting a little impatient on finding a good used 650. A lot of liter bikes for sale, but the clean, low mileage Wee Stroms go pretty fast around here. Unless it's real close, I can only get to see them on weekends. I guess I need to toss some cash in an envelope and keep it in the truck so I can react quickly when I find something.

 

[mangomadness]

I found my 07 wee on craigslist last november two hours away with a whopping 445 miles. paid 5k for it. I love it!

 

[Bravo21]

I guess I need to toss some cash in an envelope and keep it in the truck so I can react quickly when I find something.

That's the key. I had the cash I was willing to spend on a bike on-hand, so I could go on a moment's notice. Good deals don't last long regardless where you are located.

 

[DougInKY]

I don't impulse buy. It is too easy to get carried away and buy something you regret later. I do have the cash easily available when I am looking to buy but like to think about a purchase. I will go get a cup of coffee at a Starbucks or something after I have seen the bike. This lets me think about it. If the pressure is on from the seller and they can't wait that long before closing then I let the bike go. I do not respond well to high pressure sales and this has served me well for my entire life. If the deal is a great deal, it will still be a great deal in an hour or two. If the bike is gone when I get back, I don't beat myself up over it. I just keep looking and know that S##T happens.

Something to think about...

 

[PTRider]

The strom is a very reliable bike, and as posted above, seldom owned by the most irresponsible riders. I've bought two used Wees, and both have worked out very well. On the other hand, with the new model 2012 650s arriving soon, there might be some bargains on new 2011s soon. I've seen one dealer advertising them for $7000 and another for $7500. If you buy new, don't buy the extended warranty unless you know you won't sleep at night without it. These actually are reliable bikes.

 

[bwringer]

Buy new. We need to keep a good supply of used bikes... :fineprint:

 

[Black Lab]

First, welcome to the forum, and also to making your way to the decision of purchasing a V-Strom. You are on the right path with your decision, and in the right place to spend your time learning about the motorcycle.

If you are looking to purchase a used DL-650, I would be willing to part with mine. However, you should know that my version of the bike is priceless, and I am not sure that you would be able to afford it.

It's the sentimental, and ornamental value that jacks up the price so high.


B.L.

 

[BigMan73]

For those paying cash - yes, you pay less, but with the low interest rates today it makes little sense to put $6000 cash on the table.
A 2% fixed loan is a much better deal.
Put the $6000 in some other investment - gold..