What constitutes a good deal ?

[TheArchitect]

I'm going to be on the market for a new bike soon. Was planning to get the MT-09 new on finance but with the insurance payout and a bit of cash I had squirrelled away I think I'm going to buy something used as I think I have enough for something decent.

I have about 3.5k to play with. I've been told that January is a good time to buy used bikes, but what would be considered a good deal versus prices at other times of the year?

For example I've seen a 2005 CBR600RR for £3300. If I was to get that for say £2900 would that be a good deal or should I be expecting more off the list price?

Just trying to gauge how much to push when negotiating prices, both with dealers and private.
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GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[monkeybiker]

There is no real answer to this it's what your happy to pay that counts.

If you pay full market value but can afford to do so and get the bike that makes you happy then what is the problem?

It all comes down to how keen you are to buy verses how keen they are to sell.

[mattyfattyboo...]

It's going to be hard to put a figure on something so variable. Miles, condition, history, owners etc. Some bikes are put up for strong money to start with, others are advertised at quite a good price but have little room for negotiation.

Personally, I'd just keep an eye on the ads, get a feel for what kinda money bikes are up for, view a few and then decide how much you want to offer when you find a nice one.

[TheArchitect]

Understood, and that does make sense. I thought maybe there was a general percentage drop around off-peak times. If only eh?!

Off for 2 weeks over Christmas so plenty of time to browse ebay and autotrader for that perfect bike, if such a thing exists!
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GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[chris-red]

Might get something cheap if someone is desperate to sell so his kids can have iPads or something.
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[stevo as b4]

List price isn't the same when applied to S/H motorcycles though. I think all of the best time to buy business has always applied more to new bike sales.

If your going used, then I take it you have a very good reason to buy from a dealer as opposed to private? I can't think of many unless it's a recently introduced bike and there are not many examples out there to choose from, except dealer owned/pre reg bikes or demos?

A 2005 bike won't be worth much to a dealer, and he will want that floor space for a 0mile out of the crate machine. He won't be able to sell the S/H bike generally for whatever he likes, it will be market value+ dealer costs and warrenty cover.

I've never particulury liked buying used bikes from dealers. Unless it's a popular model that's easy to find, they have several off and want to get rid of them at sensible money.

I've been in dealers where every 15-20year old bike is like their own personal machine that they can't bear to get rid of and hence either state POA or a stupidly high price that no-one is likely to consider.

[daplumber]

Look for prices on mcn etc...they do a lower and higher price stat for each bike somewhere on their website ..its a good guide
I picked up my bike from a private seller and he dropped 100 quid...however he was 1000 cheaper than a dealer...
then got whacked with the service which was around 300 quid
still for me it was a good deal..
My advice is buy the bike you want and don't be afraid to take a punt
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I'm New to biking. Failed mod 1 once and mod2 twice...Gwan!