new rider and buying second hand bikes

[paisleypark]

Hi,

I been riding a Yamaha Virago 400 - as my first bike for about 4 months - but it turned out to be very problematic and I have returned it to the dealership. In that time I have realized that bike was a bit underpowered. So I started to look for something else and since I like cruisers - I found the Suzuki Intruder 800 Classic.

In fact I found 2 of these bikes at the same price.
- 2000 model, 12000km on the clock
- 2002 model, 30000km on the clock (this one has a wind shield and saddle bags included)

Same price - but when choosing a bike what should one look for? Low mileage or later year model? What is a decent lifespan of motorbike engine?

One last question: being relatively new to riding, I am also concerned about the 800 engine, the bike does weigh about 240kg and has 50hp...plus I am more of a cruiser, not a racer type of rider. A part of me says it will be fine, another part says stick with a smaller cc for a year or so...

Any advice on the above questions will be greatly appreciated!

Regards,
P.P.

[arry]

on the first question; I would say the overall condition is more important than mileage or age - I'd rather buy an older bike with more miles than a new bike with less miles but less well looked after. If there's no difference in condition between the two, and you like them both equally - I'd say go with the one with less miles personally but then that's just me. However, I'd make sure service items aren't just on their way out on either before making my mind up - ie if the 30k miles one has a new chain and sprocket, I'd choose that over a 3/4 worn sprocket on the lower mileage bike, so to speak.