What's the better deal?

[lancerplayer]

I have my eye on two bikes and I would like to get your opinion on which is the better deal given each circumstance. Both bikes fit my riding style.

The details of each are listed below:

Option 1: 2011 Yamaha V-Star 950

- 1,700 miles
- all factory original - tires, brakes, fluids, plugs, etc (owner says everything is perfect condition)
- second owner (I would be third)
- owner barely put on 1,200 miles in 3 years of ownership
- "small" loan still on bike from current owner
- does not have windshield or bags (would cost around $500 or so for me to add them on)
- price = $4,100...KBB retail price = $5,015



Option 2: 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT

- 6,500 miles
- all factory original - tires, brakes, fluids, plugs, etc (owner says everything is perfect condition)
- maintenance records available
- original owner purchased brand new
- title free and clear
- has windshield and bags
- price: $3,700...KBB retail price = $4,295


My main concern with the Yamaha is that with such low miles, it obviously sat around a lot. I was told by other gear heads when vehicles sit around a lot rather than being used, it can cause problems. I'm not sure what to think of this. Is the $400 difference in price point that I'm better off with one or the other?

Your input and breakdown would help me out.

Thanks!

 

[Robenstein]

Go with the 950 Yamaha. It is only 4 years old...that is not bad. We are talking like a 20 year old bike with that mileage is bad. Yamaha usually has better aftermarket support and better fit, finish, and reliability than Kawasaki bikes. The only thing I would change is the battery for peace of mind. The 950 is a good mill.

The Kawasaki 900 is a total mutt also. A Vulcan 500 had more pep than the 900. They look and ride nice, but they are beyond boring when you twist the throttle. We had a guy with one that rode with us. I had my 865cc Triumph, one guy had a VTX1300 Honda, and another guy a Yamaha Stryker. The poor dude on the Kawasaki could not keep up with us very well at all.

 

[Shrubitup]

Little odd there's so few miles especially on a two owner bike (Yamaha). If one owner it's easy to assume they didn't like street riding. Two owners..... smells fishy. I like both brands. Kawasaki has under appreciated value IMO.

 

[DuckRyder]

Assuming no known short comings of each particular model, I'd buy the one that has in the best shape (garaged, clean, fewer scratches and so forth)

I do agree that two very low mileage owners seems a little fishy without some reasonable explanation (new riders decided riding not for them and so forth)

 

[lancerplayer]

Originally Posted By: Shrubitup
Little odd there's so few miles especially on a two owner bike (Yamaha). If one owner it's easy to assume they didn't like street riding. Two owners..... smells fishy. I like both brands. Kawasaki has under appreciated value IMO.


That's what went through my head when I first found that out. However, the current owner claims he purchased the bike from dealer. So, I'm assuming the original owner bought it brand new, didn't like it or wanted something smaller, more powerful, whatever and traded it in on something else. Then the current owner bought it from the dealer and barely put any miles on it and now just wants it gone.

The pictures he sent had dust on the bike from sitting...

 

[Robenstein]

Sometimes life gets in the way of riding. My dad put 10k on his bike over 31 years of owning it.

 

[BigCahuna]

Go with the Yamaha. Newer bike, less miles and a bigger motor. It's only 4 years old so it's like new. Chose whatever parts YOU want on it and be happier with it.,,

 

[donnyj08]

Go Yamaha! 1700 miles is like brand new! Well worth the extra $400 IMO. I'll admit Yamaha is my brand of choice, however.

 

[mtndew_dad]

Yamaha for sure. The 2 owner thing is a little unusual, but not unheard of with motorcycles. Could be the first owner lost their job, experienced spousal disapproval or perhaps witnessed or had someone they know get involved in an accident. I have a friend who worked at a dealership and he said all of these were given as reasons customers gave when looking to unload a fairly new bike.

 

[spasm3]

Yamaha, the only thing i'd worry about if it runs okay is the brakes from sitting.
A lot of people buy a bike and decide its just not for them.

 

[skyactiv]

Consumers Reports actually rated motorcycle manufactures in the 2015 annual auto issue. Yamaha is the most reliable motorcycle brand if it matters.

 

[Atesz792]

For what it's worth, dealers in my area are notorious for spinning back the odometers.
90% of motorcycles for sale have kilometres between 20-35K on their odo regardless of age. Take it with a grain of salt.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[hpb]

Ride 'em both, and see which you prefer? I've not ridden one, but UK magazine "Bike" had a Yamaha 950 as a longtermer, and they slated it for very poor cornering clearance. I'm not sure if it was the exact model you're looking at, but it's worth checking for yourself before committing.

 

[tc1446]

Buy whichever one grabs your fancy and appears to have been kept nice. The mileage on either is insignificant. Ride each one and you'll know which suits you.

I just got a Yam 400 scooter to play with; '12 with 4K miles..two owners, senior cit like me, but unfortunately both had health issues and never rode much. It looks like new. Don't worry about how many owners.