The cost of a first bike rant - Private sale or dealers?

tartantaz · Spanner Monkey Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Karma :

I am a new biker about to pass my test and buy a bike. Ive have lots of advice from different friends about what bike to buy and why I should not spend too much money on my first bike. It all makes sense except for the fact that I know very little about the mechanical side of bikes. As someone who doesnt know a lot about the workings of a bike, I feel rather vulnerable when it comes to buying privately as I feel I may not get value for money.

Ive bought cheap cars in the past and they have ended up costing me lots of money in the first few months of having them. So Im reluctant to buy a cheap bike incase the same happens. I know the dangers of me dropping or scraping the bike in my first year. So really my head is spinning with it all and Im unsure what I should do.

It also does not help that the bikes I want to buy are newer bikes and therefore will cost more such as an SV650.

Ok thanks for reading my rant is over. Has anyone been in a similar position as me. If so what did you do in the end? Private or dealer?

Taz

Superlight · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Karma :

I got a 125 before I passed my test, then kept it for another 6 months or so.
First 'big' bike was a naked 500, I liked the look of it, and of course much more powerful than a 125, but still sensible.

It's a good idea not to get a new bike with lots of expensive plastic at first. I dropped mine about 5 times (3 in one day!). They were all stupid car park / gravel driveway jobs, but a fairing would've been a mess. All I did was bend a couple of levers.

Private or dealer depends on the money you're spending, but they both sell good and bad bikes sometimes. I'm not too fussed where I get a bike, as long as the price is right, and all the bits are in the right place. The most important thing is to get somebody who knows bikes to have a good look over anything you might buy.

Are you gonna be restricted or DAS?
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You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move but should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move but does, use the Duct Tape.

tartantaz · Spanner Monkey Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Karma :

Im doing my DAS

snuff2005 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Karma :

ive been thinking about this as theres a vfr in my local dealer ship for 2 grand its in realy good condition only 22k miles on the clock, and then theres ebay were theres lots of vfr's with around 20-25k miles going for about 1.2k to 1.7k but im probly gonna end up plumping for the dealers jsut because he can give me finance as i dont have 2 grand to pay out.
and i get a warenty if i get it from the dealer lol
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[MBK Ovetto 50cc] [CPI Popcorn 50cc - FOR SALE - With pics]
[CBT - Passed] [Theory - Passed] [Practical - Collecting funds lol]
[Bike fund: Building up once again yay - ZXR 400 here i come] /phil

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Dealers sell dogs with worrying frequency and a warranty is not worth much in my book. When you read what they dont cover, you'll wonder why you bothered. The stories you can find on the forum are scary - yes, there are some very good dealers out there, there are also a lot of cowboys.

Private sales will often net you more for your money and can give you the chance to suss out the seller, which often tells you more about how the bike's been looked after than any booklet full of stamps can do.

Finance is a no-no unless its 0%. Get a loan instead, A&L are offering 5.5% which is way less than you'll get on any vehicle finance (usually Black Horse, around 18%).

As for 'not knowing much about bikes', 2 points:

a) Second hand bikes being sold by dealers need as close a check over as second hand bikes being sold privately.

b) You have at your disposal an entire forum full of largely good-natured bikers. If you want someone to come along and look at a bike with you, try asking cos you may be surprised.