buyer tips

[drummerman1985]

This is my 1st post on this site so bear with me.     I am 21 yrs old and want to buy my 1st street bike.  The '06 gs500 is my first choice right now so I'm pretty excited.  I was wondering if buying a bike is like with a car? Can you talk the dealer down on the price or is it more firm?  I don't have a liscense yet either so gimme some tips and info on how to get started?    -thks- 

[yamahonkawazuki]

k i dont know where you are at, but take the msf course, that way you go in with your license. it seems as though alot of bike dealers are somewhat more firm on prices, but hey it never hurts to try.  btw the gs is an excellent choice

[blue05twin]

+1 on taking the MSF course, you will learn alot and besides some insurance companies will lower your rates a bit.
Most dealers dont come down on prices at all but you can still get a good deal just don't rush and check all the dealers in your area.  I was able to get the 05 for around 4700 or 4800 OTD brand new in 05.
Most people will tell you sense it's your first bike to get used that might be an option.  Used bike is cheaper and if it's a pre 04 GS it won't have all the plastics on it, which is good because if you drop your bike you won't spend as much to fix it.  And you can usually sell your used bike for what you got it for or real close to it.  While your new bike you will take a depreciation hit.

Some dealers do post in www.cycletrader.com ( new bikes ) check it out.  BTW what area do you live in?

[drummerman1985]

I'm residing in Evansville, Indiana. I'm going to college right now 4 Engineering at the University of Southern Indiana.  I plan to graduate in two yrs and closer to then will prolly be when I finnaly get the bike.   

[blue05twin]

Ok was wondering because I know a great suzuki dealer in Atl was going to tell you to check him out he still has a black 05 new that I'm sure he would want to sell.

[Unnamed]

(I don't have any actual experience with this, but) most people recommend an earlier GS like Blue05 said because itll be a lot cheaper to drop a bike without fairings, and most people drop their first bike at least once. Of course we still need people to buy the new ones to keep plenty of parts floating around, but you might be a lot happier if you saved the 2-3k and invested it in another bike once you're a proficient rider.

[blue05twin]

This is a good deal if you were looking for one now

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=27584.0