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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 12 Feb 2008
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need advice on a new bike

Hi gang,

As you probably know, I ride a Suzuki 1500 intruder, I do travel on this but mainly nice flat roads !!

Im looking at getting a different bike.

But heres the thing,

I work in the motor industry ( IT support !) and will get a decent price (staff discount).

Im looking at a wee strom but will have to get it lowered (me being a short ass lol).

So do I buy new ?

If I do buy new which model ie standard, abs or gt ?

Or do I wait and see what the BMW650 (really a 800) performs in our world ?

Cheers
Geordie
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  #2  
Old 12 Feb 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by geordie_e View Post
Hi gang,

Or do I wait and see what the BMW650 (really a 800) performs in our world ?

Cheers
Geordie
Back in the late 60's I waited for Triumphs to sort out the then new triples... I waited until I got married and never got the bike.... My advice is do not wait on vapourware but choose from
what is available ( and known) now.
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  #3  
Old 12 Feb 2008
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Wink How long have you got to wait?

That is one hell of a wide open question: I tend to agree with OldBMW on the waiting business, but, there again, I have never bought a new bike yet!

You did not mention this model of Wee Strom:-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...weestrom-27249

It came along a few months ago and it looks like good value.
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  #4  
Old 13 Feb 2008
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Cheers for the replys guys,

Ive never bought a NEW bike either.... I have bought 2 new cars in my life and both times lost heaps of money when I sold them.

My thought was... if I buy new I would know how its been run in ! and how its been maintained.

not sure I want a new bike at the mo.. quite happy with my big ol cruiser but then keep thinking If I get a decent discount then it might be worth it ?


@walkabout, just looked at your link, how important do you think ABS is on these bikes ??

Cheers
Geordie

Last edited by geordie_e; 13 Feb 2008 at 01:08. Reason: forgot lol
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  #5  
Old 13 Feb 2008
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Originally Posted by geordie_e View Post

@walkabout, just looked at your link, how important do you think ABS is on these bikes ??

Cheers
Geordie
A salesman, especially one who works for a BMW dealer, will tell you that it is essential for the resale value of the bike; personally, I have never owned a bike fitted with ABS - I can see its' attraction, but, there again, I have not owned a bike fitted with a slipper clutch nor traction control nor radial brakes, to name a few more possibilities.
Following other threads about ABS, I generally have thought it is not a bad idea if it is switchable i.e. if I can choose to switch it off. Quite a few bikes offer ABS as an option nowadays of course, so I guess that means that more and more second hand bikes will have it in the future.

New bikes: yes, it is an attractive concept, especially if you can get a good discount - don't forget that lots of dealers will "negotiate" so is it really such a good discount?
For a new bike, you have the definite advantage that the dealer knows that you can go elsewhere to buy, assuming that you are prepared to travel a bit of distance - basically, every new bike is the same as every other one, all else (such as discounts) being equal. See the ads for the big dealers in the MCN, with delivery anywhere in the UK on offer.
For a second hand bike you are much more in the hands of the dealer - the more interest you show in a particular bike, the more the salesman can manipulate your expectations and "wants" - all a good game BTW if you have time to spare in the showrooms!


Keep reading the threads in here about "which bike" Geordie!!
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Last edited by Walkabout; 13 Feb 2008 at 14:28. Reason: Whole paragraphs added
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  #6  
Old 13 Feb 2008
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Cheers Dave,

I think ive read all the threads until my eyes started to go wobbly lol

Im sure Im just being blinded by the discount factor (which should be about cost plus delivery and maybe small admin charge).

Perhaps will put it on the back burner for now.... after all nowt wrong with me big ol cruiser for now

Cheers
Geordie
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