Last year's models - are they worth it?

[Hazelnutty]

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a new bike... Originally I was going to wait until April/May to get a new bike, but I've never been too patient, and as any other spoilt brat I WANT IT NOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW...

I've asked around, and as usual, the 2012 manufactured/badged models will not be arriving in shops until March/April, if not later... The 2011 models are at a runout price currently...

Assuming that the 2011/2012 models are identical (apart from colour scheme for example), would you wait for the 2012 badge, or just go for a 2011 model?
is the manufacture date important? Or do people look at when the bike was first registered? Assuming i will keep it for 3 or so years...

What discount / benefits would you expect from a dealer when buying an older model?

Has anyone waited for a new badge and regretted it?

Advice?

[connorling]

First what bike is it? I actually just bought a last year brand new hayabusa for 1500 less. And the resale value won't be that much different and I get to ride now not later. If nothing change other than colour, go for the last year one

[GreenMeanie]

If it's the right price go for it.

A couple of things to consider.

Generally a manufacturer will try to hold on to what they have for as long as they can. The NEW model often is little more than a few cosmetic changes.

It depends on the model you are after. Do your homework on the bike you want. If there are big changes then it may be worth hanging on for the latest.

[Drasius]

If the '12 comes with something that the '11 didn't (ie, the new R1 gets some electrickery IIRC) AND you want the new feature, then go with the new one.

If you like the colour scheme better on the '12 then get the new one.

If you must absolutely have the latest and greatest, then get the '12 and be forced to upgrade when the next version comes out with 1 more HP and 20g lighter.

Otherwise, just ride 'em all and pick up a new bike for a couple of grand cheaper than you would otherwise. Unless you're going to grab an 1198, then you have a real dilema on your hands.

I wouldn't think there'd be too much difference between an '11 and a '12 for someone looking to buy that particular model down the track, at least, not compared to how much you save by getting an '11 now. 1 or 2k more in your pocket vs getting 500 more when you sell is 500 to 1500 reasons to get the '11 on runout.

Since dealers will be struggling as everyone has just maxxed out their credit cards, I would imagine 1 - 2k off the sticker price, free 1st service, maybe some goodies (don't forget the seat cowl is included in the sticker price, don't let 'em talk you into paying for it if the model you want comes with one) if they are really keen to move it..

I got my 8 in '11 and it was an '09 model and got quite a few thousand off, but then, I'm not looking to sell it, so I don't really care about the resale side of things. I certainly have no regrets about picking up an older model.

Whatcha lookin' at anyway? You have something in mind? As usual, we can probably give better advice if you tell us more. For example, Kwakas have notoriously bad resale, but that's due to the rather large discount they give to get rid of "old" stock, so you might get better value that way. As always, the best value is getting a nice low km 2nd hand model where some other chump has already taken the major depreciation hit from buying new.

[Hazelnutty]

I was hoping to keep it generic... But I am looking at:
a) cbr 600rr (abs)
b) gsxr 750
c) zx 6r

All three bikes remain unchanged for 2012 models, apart from the colours (red fir cbr, yellow for gsxr, Red/black for ninja).

The bike choice does not matter... I dont want the thread to turn into 'buy the ninja itz da bomb'. Its about the pros and cons of buying the same spec bikes with different years of manufacture.

[connorling]

Like I said, get the 2011 one like I did.

[shan]

You save mony so yes its worth it big time, unless the newer bikes have some must have items tacked on.
Maybe more so these days as the models have had a long run time, heaps of parts for a long time to come, heaps of after market options.
Save a bit by getting the not quite as new and bling it.

One pattern i have noticed with when a new run comes out, there are always people whom rush out and by it.
Not long after that you will see a just run in item that is being sold rather suddenly usuly with some reasoning / excuse.
I think some people scare them selves and sell whilst trying to save face.
Truthfully not everyone is for sports bikes. some like the idea but in practise its better as an idea.

When I brought my R1 it was purly because the engin did things to me.
Privet things not to be metioned here.
The 08 was cheeper, the 09 was talking dirty to me.

[Stoneville]

here was me thinking the CBR and the ZX6 wouldn't get a look in

Colour does matter to me, so I would buy the older one to get the nicer colour, you would save a bit of money getting the 2011 instead of waiting for the 2012 model. The other thing to think about is ABS, do you want that? If so then you need get the CBR.

Buying now means you are out there instead of having to wait a few months

[Hazelnutty]

Who am i kidding, it will be the gsxr... Ill just test ride the others to make myself feel better :p

The colour is not that important to me, as i know that mr potato can help out... Most after market fairings are around $1000 so not that much of a big deal to get.... And that way i wouldnt be just another chick on a white gsxr 750 :p

[filbert]

if you're planning on keeping it 3 years the difference in resale is negligible but you would take a hit selling it at a year old for 2 year old prices, i bought the 09 hypermotard in september 2010 there were changes in the new model but not enough to warrant the extra $4k and i had started looking at them in 08 so i wasn't losing out.

If it's a decent saving and you want it now then why wait?

[Stoneville]

Who am i kidding, it will be the gsxr... Ill just test ride the others to make myself feel better :p

The colour is not that important to me, as i know that mr @potato can help out... Most after market fairings are around $1000 so not that much of a big deal to get.... And that way i wouldnt be just another chick on a white gsxr 750 :p

nah get a couple of different cheaper sets for $450

[Lord Augastus]

Getting a new 011 gsxr750 can someone be a BIG help and send me a list of things i can say or do to get the price down!?!? Seat coal should be free and what other goodies can i swagger

help would be an emence help!!!

[Chaos-incarnate]

...things i can say or do to get the price down!?!?

Great timing- RRossi just started a thread on this exact topic! Go hit him up for some tips

[Hazelnutty]

nah get a couple of different cheaper sets for $450

Or that :p


So anyone got any downfalls to buying last years model?

[buelllord]

Getting a new 011 gsxr750 can someone be a BIG help and send me a list of things i can say or do to get the price down!?!? Seat coal should be free and what other goodies can i swagger

help would be an emence help!!!

You failed English didn't you .......................



buelllord

[Stoneville]

Or that :p


So anyone got any downfalls to buying last years model?

I don't think there are really cept the comment if you turn around and want to sell it in the next 1-2 yrs you might find it a bit harder, otherwise I don't think there is an issue. In 2008 I bought a secondhand 07 model with 1300kms on it, as I wanted one with the shorty exhaust and they only made them in 2006/7

[Lord Augastus]

You failed English didn't you .......................



buelllord

Thank you Cpt'n Helpful!

[TheMenace]

You failed English didn't you .......................

buelllord

Thank you Cpt'n Helpful!

I think it is immensely helpful of Buellord

[harpo marxman]

Getting a new 011 gsxr750 can someone be a BIG help and send me a list of things i can say or do to get the price down!?!?

main thing is that it's last year's model - what else do you need to say? dealerships want to get rid of them. but don't come across as too eager, no matter how determined you are to buy one...let them work for the sale, rather than just asking: "what kind of deal can you offer me, and where do I sign?" waiting sucks, I know, but you will probably get an even better price on a 2011 model once the 2012 stock comes in.

[Ryven]

With the Japanese bikes, if it's a minor model revision, it's probably the best time to buy them.

Just remember a sports bike is a want, not a need, and be prepared to walk away if the dealer doesn't want to be generous with the discounts off last year's RRP. For what it's worth, I'd treat a 2011 built/complied 2012 model in a very similar light to a 2011 model, because that's how the people buying it off you will view it when the time comes.