Buying a bike at this time of year.

[AldridgePrior]

I've been kinda half looking for a bike in the last couple of months but haven't really found anything that really caught my eye. I still have my big lady in the garage but since offloading my Scrambler I have sod all to commute and arse around on.

Is it me but did bike prices generally dip at this time of year? Kids need toys etc. Or is it pretty much the same all year round.

Needing a commuter that also has pillion and distance ability.

CBF1000s were in but the stator stories are putting me off. Nearly jumped at a mint FJR1300 but was outbid . Not much else has gotten my attention asides from these two models but its as if they've crept up in price. Thoughts/abuse more than welcome.

[stevo as b4]

Dealers never reduce their prices now its a myth about winter bike buying bargains.

But you could snap up a private sale bike maybe in January if someone loses job, has big Christmas debts, has a new years resolution not involving bikes etc.

[flea-rider]

you will be surprised at what you can get .. it's a quiet time of yr
not many sales so push on what you want ..there is a bargain to be had you just have to be able to walk away if they wont play fair ..
my daughter sells bikes dec-feb there looking for sales ..

[AldridgePrior]

Cheers chaps. It’s right enough. Dealers won’t hardly budge a penny plus I’ve noticed they’re looking for admin fees or suchlike as well.

I’ll keep scanning. Sometimes the hunt is better than the kill.

[stevo as b4]

You could argue that spring is a better time for dealer sales, as come the summer season they don't want lots of 2year old unregistered bikes sat in the showroom, or floor space taken up by used trade ins, because they will want to order in as many new 2020 bikes as possible to make the place look more exciting and attract new bike buyers who want to see the new ranges in the metal before they sign up to buy a new machine. It's always easier to sell something that people can see and touch that sell from a brochure pic.


Saying all that some dealers want as much 1-5year old used stock as possible, because used bikes are more scarce than ever and holding strong money against the relatively out of reach new bike prices.

Best chance of a bargain is a private seller that's cash strapped and needs the money, or has been forced or pressurised to sell up, or someone that's emigrating and needs to get rid of their bike quickly etc etc.

[AldridgePrior]

Had to edit there. Predicted text is killing me.

Yes, private is preferred as dealers can be economical with the truth in their description. Not only that but they all seem to be trying to out do each other with their assured quality and 35/46/52/258 point check. Which really means fuck all as their service at best is oil out, whatever oil they have lying about in with the same filters. At worst its a quick lick with a cloth or fuck all but a signature in the service book.

[SirFallalot]

[MarkyB]

It's quite a tough one to call. As mentioned there are bargains to be had because dealers can be frantic to clear remaining bikes from last year's catalogue to make room for the upgraded and replacement models that reach showrooms in the spring. Take advantage of an end-of-line bargain and you may find favourable warranty, finance and insurance deals offered with it, dealers are feeling the brexit crunch, with people holding onto there cash as the mo.

I feel a private sale is better, the warranties you get with new bikes isn't all that great like it used to be, and with servicing they probably use the cheapest oil, and parts, and really how do you know they have actually done the job. Doing it yourself is the best way.