Cannot decide between new and used

[phoebus]

I sold my TDM 900 as it was too much of a bike for my wife (new rider). Long story short, we've decided on Tracer 700, which is a good compromise for both of us.

We (not from the UK, so using €) found a nice used one for 6200 € (prod. 2017, 1st reg 2019, 14k km). Based on the pegs and tires, it has been ridden hard, and the guy also said he's moving on to something more powerful. Other than that, it looks nice. After adding things we need (top case, etc) we're at cca 6600.

New bike, the new 2020 model (new fairings, full LED, better suspension, dash,..) is 9000 € (incl. all the same equipment - crash bars, case, etc.).

Se here we are in this dissonance...on the one hand, used one is considerably cheaper (and the money isn't growing on trees for us), but on the other hand, a new one is both new & a new model. We technically could afford it given we're buying for long-term. What do you guys think regarding 2400 € difference?

Given we're buying for longer-term (8, 10+ yrs), the resale value in 2-5 years isn't all that important.

Thanks

[NJD]

My approach would be:

Haggle the used one down to €6000 on account of the current condition of the tyres, and other than that you're happy to pay sooner rather than later if he's happy. Replace with a decent set of your preference and everyone's a winner. Can't see peg damage, but is multiple cheap ways to get repaired.

I'm a tight arse, and so all those benefits you list that the new-er model has just means parts are perhaps harder to find and more expensive. They may mean a better ride and therefore happier in the long run during ownership, but you'd need to test ride it to see if that ride really warrants stretching the budget. Also keep in mind that you'll have to pay for (probably expensive) servicing to keep up the warrenty, and that's not accounting for any issues from new (that can happen) that may occur.

So, yeah, you've got two bikes that are same example but ones not updated and one is. I always go with the cheaper option, but as I say above you'll have to ride it to see how happy you are; or ride both and see which one you both like better.

In the current climate I'd save the €2400 all day long and use it towards repairs, servicing, insurance (or any legal fee's you have to pay where you are) etc etc..
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[Easy-X]

Dunno whether you have the same tactic with dealers where you are but...

I was looking at a bike with a list price of £8500 and "near new" i.e. less than 100 miles (could be what they call pre-registered or could be a demo bike) same bike but only £6500.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[om15]

I have just owned a Tracer 700, had it for 18 months and did around 6.5K on it, it is a fantastic bike, if you buy a low mileage second hand one for a short term use, great, if you think it will be a keeper then go for a new one if you can, you can run it in properly, look after it and keep it serviced.
Servicing isn't expensive (relatively) during warranty, and you can keep it like new by doing cleaning and maintenance yourself.
Whichever way you go, enjoy the Tracer, it is a great bike.
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Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk

[Polarbear]

If you are dead certain you are going to keep it for 8-10 years and can afford it I'd go new.

Manufacturers warranty. Know the whole history of the bike. 14k km less, so presuming you are average rider that's probably the best part of 2 years before you are at the stage of the used bike now.

Pre reg if they do them at the dealers is always a good shout. Ex demo, well, My Trophy is an ex demo and is fine but it's a big old lump so it wouldn't have been thrashed like a demo Tracer 700 will. I'd probably not go there myself with that bike.

There's obviously no definitive answer but if you can get her indoors to agree a brand new bike, why are you even asking this.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[phoebus]

Yeah it's a tough one (sweet problems, huh).

You were mentioning leftovers and test bikes. Actually, there are three options, but I wasn't considering the middle one - new 2019 leftover (it's an old model). It is 800-ish eur difference between leftover and new 2020 model due to way better discounts on the new model which is a nicer bike (LED, bigger tank, better suspension and the other less important stuff such as new dash etc.).
Weird, but they said the importer set the fixed discounted price for leftovers, while they have a little more discount freedom with new ones... at least the seller who gave me discount said so. So if I went for the new one, I'd only consider 2020 due to this (and better resale value down the road in [hopefully] 10+ yrs) for only 800 diff.
Regarding test bikes, one seller has them, but they said they aren't selling them (?!). I'll try to persuade them a bit more; maybe we can get a test bike for a good price. But it's a small country, and there are just a couple of them.

NJD also has a point...and 2400 € is something when thinking about other expenses we're having around the house... but still, if we had it for two more seasons (new vs spring 2019) and it had a better resale value after X yrs, maybe it would even up. But when the wife drops it for the first time, it will undoubtedly hurt more on the new one Or if we crash it... Or when those fancy LEDs fail... :-/

I've only bought used bikes before and I had them for long periods (5, 7, 8 years), but with the last one, I later found out it was crashed and "fixed for sale" so I had additional expenses (almost €1000!) plus a bad feeling right away. Hence, I checked this one thoroughly for any clues, and it doesn't look dropped. But you never know if the guy abused the engine (redline when cold?). I know "riding hard" (he was open about that) doesn't mean there's something wrong with the bike, but you never know :-/ It is still under warranty until 03/22 but that doesn't cover wear on the drivetrain due to abuse.

We've been going back and forth around this one for days, so we'll make the final decision today - before we're only left with the new one because the guy will sell the used one..

[phoebus]

So... given it will (hopefully) be a keeper, we went for a new one.
Thanks!

[Polarbear]

[om15]

Well done, you will enjoy it I am sure.
I have an (as new) Oxford paddock stand and bobbins which are now redundant (both my Royal Enfields have centre stands).
If you are interested let me know.
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Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk

[phoebus]

[om15]

I fitted a radiator cover, noticed a few small dents on the matrix, the Yamaha cover is the best one that I could find, easy to fit, I also had the soft panniers and also crash bars.
I did the running in as recommended, kept speed and rpm within their limits, initial journeys kept short to allow the engine to cool down between runs, at a couple of hundred miles started to use a bit more throttle, after the 600 mile service rode it normally, most important thing is not to lug the engine, keep the rpm up all the time at the beginning.
It was a great bike and I hope that you enjoy yours.
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Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk

[spikey34]

Since there is a massive decrease of value within the first 200km driven, I would go for the used one. It's not so old that it would be a liability and seems like it can still perform.
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Biking isn't a sport, it's a way of live.

[Easy-X]

[Keithy]

Sock?

Google is your friend, disregard that, looked it up.

[duncanwilliam]