I expect you come to AutoClique to read reviews, have a laugh at some of the videos and pictures, and just generally trawl through the website. That’s a bit of a take-take relationship, don’t you think? Now it’s my turn to ask you for some advice.
My current ride is a 2002 Aprilia RST1000 Futura. It is a stunning bike and was ahead of its time. Looks great, goes incredibly well, and the sound…wind it out past 8,000rpm and you can’t help but grin.
But – it’s now 13 years old. I’ve put it up on TradeMe, as you do, and now am looking at replacing it.
My question for you: new or used?
I’ve not got a big budget. My wife is very forgiving with my passion for cars and bikes, but (luckily) she’s not crazy like I am.
So I started hunting…there is a 2008 BMW FS800ST for sale at $8495 with 46,000k on the clock.
But for that sort of money I can buy a brand new CF Motor 650TK sports tourer – actually there are specials on right now for this bike for $8k – BRAND NEW!
Used…or new?
So what to do? First up I’m going to ride the BMW this morning. In saying that, there are fantastic reviews on that model all over the ‘net. The CF Moto also has some good reviews and $8k for a brand new tourer, with panniers? Surely I’d be crazy to not buy that over a 7 year-old BMW? (this is where you convince me that I should be going for the BMW, by the way).
You would probably be thinking right now, when I am going to say, “and then I’ll ride the CF Moto”. But it’s just not on my ‘to ride’ list. Sure I should ride it, but just can’t bring myself to do it. I’m not actually sure of the reason why; it could be that it doesn’t excite me (I do actually like the look of them) but I think the reason may be that I’d actually enjoy riding it, and then would be turned off the BMW, and I really like the BMW.
I had this same conversation the other day with someone who wanted to buy a 5 year-old Toyota Hilux. Hang on I said, for that money you can get a brand new Great Wall with a 3-year roadside warranty, leather, Bluetooth and other goodies. And it’s BRAND NEW! You would be crazy to buy that Hilux, when you can have a brand new ute!
Used…or new?
But now I see myself doing the same thing, looking at something which in reality for a motorbike is sort of old, over a new and never used or abused Chinese motorbike.
So – help please. What’s your suggestion here?