Does it really make that much of a difference if i get a used or a new. I am looking at getting a used 2004 for $4350 while a new would end up costing about $5600. I can pay for the used all at once while i would have to finance the last $1500 of a new one and pull full coverage insurance on it. I do not know what to do. If you're curious, the info about the used bike is posted in a topic titled "New Bike".

Why not buy the used one? :dunno:  Slightly used is almost always a better deal if 1) there's no significant damage and 2) it's what you really want, not just a "good deal that came along".  You really want a GS500F, and you have one available for about a grand off.  If it has its 600-mile service, even better.  Unless it was severely abused in its first 700 miles (check the chain for tight spots, this is often a giveaway), why buy a new one for so much more?

assuming the used runs well what are you buying with the new one? peace of mind?

don't buy something pretty and new if your a new rider.
When you drop it, even at 0 mph its gonna hurt your pride and you will cringe at the damage you do to something you payed so much for and may not even own yet.

I'll sell you my nearly-new '04 for $3,700.    You can take that extra $600 I'm saving you and buy some nice gear.  

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15822

told you it could be had cheap =P
don't settle on the $4k deal you came across, keep looking around

I paid $4300 for a leftover new 2004

The other thing to think about when buying new is that you will most likely have to pay for shipping and other dealer charges.  I negotiated my 2004 GS500 down to $4,500 and ended up having to cough up almost another $1,000 in dealer charges, plus a theft ins. policy.  I think you should go with a used bike.

$4300 and change total for the bike, Then - $1500 for trading in 2003 Yamaha Blaster.   I financed a little over $3000 with some other things I got.  I had no dealer fees, no prep, and no shipping.  A friend used to work as a salesman and told me that leftover model year bikes, atvs, etc get kickbacks from the manufacturer, by car dealers they are called rebates.

Got my 04 GS500F for $3200 yesterday in eastern PA.  If you look long enough, they can be had cheaper.  $3700 for that one guys above aint so bad either.  Mine has a small dent (no creased) in the back of the tank but no other damage....wasnt abused and found it with 2K miles on it.  Look around, no need for a shiny 2005 when like others said..you get roped into other costs that arent worth it.