So I've seen the light and want a roadie of my very own. Given that I live in the northeast (with a short riding season) I thought I'd consider a late model used bike.

Can you advise me on this? Is a late model (2005+) bike with low mileage (7500 or less) a safe bet or based on the amount of potential customization, a bad idea? When inspecting a used bike are there any known issues or signs of mistreatment I should be looking for?

With Yamaha's current discounts ($1,000+) I'm also tempted to buy new...

Great forum, and thank you for the help!<br><br>Post edited by: rboutin, at: 2007/06/18 09:43

I would not buy new as you can get low mileage used bikes for good deals, especially if you intend on customizing it extensively. If you're buying used then you need to decide whether you want a 1600 or 1700.

The 1600 are fairly bulletproof; most of the kinks have been worked out. They form a good basis for a full custom and can be bought dirt cheap. There is a major transmission recall for all 1600. The 99's had a recal on the valve train and fogging dash. Some 00s had faulty oil pump gear.

The 1700 have upgraded power vs the 1600. The only major differenct is the engine, which seems to be causing some problems with respect to valves sticking. The sticky valve syndrome is a major irritating problem with the 1700, especially the 05s. Prices are, obviously, more than the 1600.

Doc

welcome to the clinc.There are a lot of variables there,first your pocketbook
and how much you want spend. Do you want all stock or one with some mods.
You can get as many opinions here as there are bikes. Look around
,Check the dealers in your area they sometimes have bulletin boards with used bikes. And what Doc said.<br><br>Post edited by: Greysnake, at: 2007/06/18 09:58

Here's one for you ..... http://forums.delphiforums.com/1602/messages?msg=155241.1

Doc

DocShadow wrote:
Here's one for you ..... http://forums.delphiforums.com/1602/messages?msg=155241.1

Doc

Wow thats a great deal, if I did not have mines I would be all over that..
I got mines new but for one reason, I had a friend who use to work at a Yamaha dealer and got the bike at his cost....

Look on e-Bay also...

http://www.wowmotorcycles.com/

This should give you a good refference of pricing for used bikes. I have purchased 2 bikes from WOW both used, but with low miles. I got 100% financing from the bank on both. So they are very competitive.

You know I have noticed 95% of Road Stars you see are owned by people who really take good care of thier bikes... So I think used is a good Idea and you save mucho mula... Before I bought my left over 2006 I saw a 2004 that had 1,500 miles and looked show room new, I was going to make the guy an offer but I did not and I wish I would of... He sold it 3 days later.

Bottom line is you can't go wrong with a Road Star used or new....

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm tempted to save the money by buying used, and the bikes I've looked at all appear to be in great shape. (2005 5K miles, +w/screen, bags, and pipes, for $8K) or (2006 3K, w/screen, and pipes, $9K)

There's also a leftover '06 at the dealer nearby for $9.4K before incentives.

My reservation is with the modding that many users do to the bikes. Should I be concerned with potential internal damage resulting from a less-than-knowledgable person doing an after market mod? Can poorly installed after market pipes cause serious damage? With no warranty is just gives me some hesitation.

(I also have to give a thumbs-up to Grand Canyon Harley who rented me a Heritage Softail Classic a couple weeks back...great guys).

Thanks again,

That is the great thing about The Clinic here. I am sure most mods that are even remotely possible have been attempted by someone. With feed back from everyone I have made mods with comfedence, ported intake, BAK, throttle lock, light bar, engine guard to name a few. At least you aren't going in totally blind you get the pros and cons and you weigh them and decide. As far as used bikes most will have paper work of either service work or parts they have used to service. I know most dealers don't have your best interest in mind but there are a few good ones out there find one and if you do buy a used road* let them go through it. I bought mine with 4000 miles and I treated it like a new one, took her in and had them service it like it was the first time, they checked everything, had a check list which I signed for $165. I now have going on 15,000 and no major issues.

Guys correct me if I am wrong the only mods that will nulify the warranty is if you go inside the engine.

That's the way I understand it Jreed.