Good time to buy?

OK, been off the road for some time (read years) and am about to start
taking a look around at bikes. What's the general state of the market
new and second hand?

Not knowing enough about bike mechanics, I'm slightly hesitant about
getting a second hand bike if the new market is good.

Would need all the gear ... good place to haggle with a dealer? I'm
looking at possibly a 0% interest deal, so may limit my haggling
power?

Not even sure what bike to go for ... I quite like the idea of a
sports tourer or "adventure" as Honda call it. Pretty much ruled out
the BMW due to price.

Any advice from the FOAK?

Thanks

 

First define your objectives.

What will the bike be used for ?.
Commuting = small lightweight.
Long distance touring = big lazy tourer.
Boys Toys = Sportsbike.

How tall are you - as a guideline the seat height should not be more than
your inside leg measurement. If this looks marginal try sitting on one,
seat width and suspension travel will make a difference.

How fit and strong are you - some bikes are heavy, awkward and topheavy for
the less capable.
..

 

I've used my CBR600RR as a sports tourer loads of times ...

It's for sale if you're interested, 06 CBR600RR 16500 miles, full Honda
dealer service history including the 16K service done this week, 1 years
MOT, two new tyres. Has been used in the rain and in the winter but is
in very good condition. Location Edinburgh but can be delivered free of
charge within a 2000 mile radius. It's Red.

 

:

Arrange some test rides.

As you fancy an Adv bike, start with the smaller ones, single cylinder like
the F650 BMW and twins like the Transalp. If they don't float your boat
then look at the larger engined bikes such as the DL1000 Vstrom & TDM900.
Then try sports tourers until you find the bike you like.

Most new bikes come with a 2 year warranty so don't dismiss a nearly new
bike, although a new one on a cheap finance deal can sometimes be a better
deal.

Dealers will be reluctant to offer cash discounts. Look around the shop for
stuff you want such as new helmet, waterproofs or luggage to be included in
the deal.

 

<puts down phone>

My cousin in Ankara says can you deliver it to him by Sunday?

 

I probably won't commute regularly, but it will be main vehicle as I
have no car and don't want to sit in the traffic. However, there is
always the chance that I'll start commuting from Kingston to Central
London.

I'd like to go off around parts of the UK / Europe touring. Won't have
that many days in the year to do that though. Would probably go
camping, so able to carry me @ 16st and equipment.

I'm 6ft with a 32in inside leg, and pretty strong.

Looking at the Honda website, the VFR looks like a good mix for what
I'd want. (Only looking at Honda as there is a showroom around the
corner).

Thanks

 

If I can catch the 5pm ferry at Newcastle on Thursday, then probably
late Sunday ;-)

 

He says, "7 goats and as many kids as you like."

 

im sellin me transalp.... 1.5 years old, so half a year of warrenty left,
4300 miles, 57 reg, blue, big topbox, crash bars, bar risers, autocom, ideal
for the taller rider.

also have a trailer that am sellin with it (erde pm310) and tryin for £3850
with the trailer, had offers around 3.5k, but really want a little more.

anyhoo, i'm in stratford upon avon right now, but from monday back in
nottingham, de-mung the email ad