Ok I AM getting an S3.....but

[n_senn]

Ok i am pretty well set on the S3 as the way to go.....i only have a limited amount of money....i was hurt on the job and have a nice chunk of money coming in but after that i need to get my a$$ in college......anyhow enough of that....i have enough coming in to pay cash....my question is would you get a bike a couple years old and put the few thousand extra into mods you wanted or buy the brand new bike........I had heard that there were issues with the brakes prior to the brembos being added in 08.......i had originally wanted white but my local dealer does not have any new.....here is what he has to say........"...I only have one 2009 in stock at this time and it is Matt Black. The 2009's are going for $11,909. I do have a 2007 demonstrator model that I am selling as a pre-owned bike, but has never been titled. It is white and in perfect shape and I will be selling this one for $8,800....this guy sounds high as gas to me....or as gas was lol.....i do sort of like the black....what could i expect to pay for an 09 in reality or a new 08.....and what is your opinion on preowned.....i cannot afford to have this in the shop as this will be my primary transportation for awhile....I live in northwest Arkansas by the way...thanks

[2wheeljunkie]

My advice is to get to as many dealers as you can. You have to shop around and get several prices.
With this economy you should be able to find some good deals. Check E- bay for prices. Seems like the dealers use E- Bay as a last resource for bikes that don't sell.

[Shaunlee]

The brakes on pre '08's are great, don't believe the hype! If money is an issue go for used there are lots of good deals out there plus if it is demo then dealer should have already taken care of first service(oil change).

[Speedy Russ]

It looks like you have quite a distance to travel if you plan on buying a new one at a dealer. If you do plan on buying a brand new one, the dealer's reputation when it comes to support and service will likely weigh heavily in the decision. Even if buying a used one, this is a major consideration. But I know at my local dealer (RPM in Belleville, IL), their business has all but dried up due to the economy and winter season. I could probably buy one of their '09 Speed Triples at MSRP out the door but I'd certainly pay MSRP ($11,299) plus two or three hundred because they are awesome when it comes to service. $11,909 is way too much though. Good luck in finding your Speedy.

[Shaunlee]

BTW forgot to add the best dealer for our area is Eldorado Springs MO they are about the same distance as Little Rock but way better.

I have a buddy that is looking to sell a nice older S3 in Fayetteville.

[Catenaccio]

I'm a firm believer in buying used but well maintained bikes. I think there is more value in a used bike. I've purchased 4 bikes in the last 4 years. 3 used. Not one of the used bikes has given me an ounce of trouble. It also helps to buy a bike already modded, saves big on cash.

[MotoZiggy]

Originally Posted by n_senn

....I had heard that there were issues with the brakes prior to the brembos being added in 08....

Yeah....brakes that allow you to do "stoppies" aren't nearly powerful enough. Ive rode both, and I cant tell much of a difference. If anything I actually found the Brembos just a little jumpy. The Nissin on the 07 are smooth and VERY powerful.

[KungFooJimmy]

The switch to Brembos was probably more of a PR move than a necessary upgrade.

There were some brake problems with early 1050s (2005 models) where they would start to feel squishy after very little use. It was an engineering problem that was fixed for 2006 and up but the tales of bad brakes didn't die and became a permanent black mark, earned or not.

And it's a shame, because the gold Nissin calipers really look great.

[n_senn]

that is good to hear about the brakes.....lol it would be nice to get a bike that you didnt have to wait through the break in period......i am keeping my eyes open on ebay and stuff.....seeing what these bikes are going for.....thats part of the reason i do not think i could bring myself to pay the almost 12k this dealer is asking...then you have TTL fees......that would be 13,500 or better......when i could get into one a couple years old for around 8000.....everything included.....lol i am starting to convince myself.....i have seen some good prices online though.....if something just happens to come along at the right time I would love to have brand new....warranty and knowing every scratch was mine but i might enjoy it more and be less anal if i bought used lol....anyhow thanks for the replies.....by the way Shaunlee what year and color is your buddies bike???

[Shaunlee]

It's a Black '98 with D&D pipes and some other mods in very good shape.
I can tell that you have spoken with the dealer in our state. When I bought mine from Elorado Springs it was below MSRP with no extra charges out the door. I know some of the guys in Little Rock and they are fine but not much on cutting any deals.