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Is there any US state that is cheaper to buy motorcycles? Is there any US state that is cheaper to buy motorcycles?
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Old 24 Aug 2006
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Question Is there any US state that is cheaper to buy motorcycles?
Is there any US state that is cheaper to buy motorcycles?

I am looking at doing a trip leaving Australia, buying a bike in USA and travelling through Central America and South America. I was looking at LA or San Francisco but can fly elsewhere if I can get a better buy.

I was contemplating buying a new bike to minimise the possibilities of breakdowns as I am not mechanically experienced. A late model second hand one is an option too.

Looking at KLR650 or Vstom 650 but will ask a separate question about that.

Many thanks for the help.

Maurice
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Old 24 Aug 2006
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I have heard the Bay Area has some good deals on used bikes, but not sure of new bike deals. There is a trader magazine called Cycletrader that is available online.
I linked you to this page on www.cycletrader.com The criteria I used (if you want to go back to try a fresh start) was 'new' 'Suzuki' within 100 miles of zip code 91325 (one of the many zip codes of the L.Angeles area) There is an option to narrow down your criteria, but you might miss some deals if the bike dealer doesn't use the proper name for the particular bike you are looking for.

Here's a sample ad for a V-Strom: http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/2/9/84181829.htm

http://www.cycletrader.com/adsearch.html

Try this link for a KLR; again I used 'new' 'Kawasaki' but used keyword of KLR to help narrow the search, 'within 100 miles of zip code 91325.

Here is a sample ad for a KLR with an "out the door" price found using the above criteria:

http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/9/2/85445192.htm

You can play around with the settings on this search, but for L.A., use 91325 as your zip code, and even try a wider search, such as 200 miles, and add keywords in as well.

Perhaps, someone could give you a good, central San Francisco/Bay Area zip code to use in the www.cycletrader.com search to look there?
Last edited by yuma simon; 24 Aug 2006 at 05:52.
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Old 24 Aug 2006
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Many other good options too. I'd go
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Last edited by mollydog; 24 Mar 2009 at 20:53.
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Old 24 Aug 2006
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Maurice,

Go to Lycos Classifieds, it'll pick up ads from craigslist and other websites. I would get the KLR, cheaper to fix than a VS or BMW and resale value is still pretty good in SA. Better yet, bring over an Africaa Twin and forget about the Kawi or Suz....
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Old 26 Aug 2006
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Thumbs up Thanks Guys!
Thanks for the great feedback and links. The links have been gretly appreciated. I am leaning towards San Fran as it is a little bit less scary to an outsider, particularly one that has to buy a bike (I have been to both but not on motorcycle).

As far as the cost of a flight eating into the savings made on a purchase that is not too big a problem because I am going to get the flight on frequent flyer points.

Thanks again
Maurice
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Old 26 Aug 2006
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You might consider that Oregon state has no sales tax, so that would save a few percent if you are buying new. Depends where you want to start your trip from.
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