Newbie bike hunt

[Mhz]

Greetings everyone,

Took me a while to remember that I've always wanted to get a motorcycle, got my license a while back but I'm still comparing prices and looking at different models.  I just want to hear your opinions on the current prices and get some advice.  

Yamaha FZ6
Suzuki 650F

These bikes sell for approximately $8,450 here, 2010 model(Not available though).  The dealerships only have 2008 models in stock but they are selling them for $7,650.  Yamaha's dealership doesn't negotiate and Suzuki's answer was "just come visit us and we will see what we can do".

Personally I don't think its a fair price, for a 2008 model but I don't really know much, a $400 price drop per year isn't that big of an incentive.  What do you guys think? Any advice on the target price I should ask for?

I would have loved to get a used one but I couldn't find any suitable ones (125cc or 600cc+ supersport only).

Thanks for your time.

[falconati]

Both great beginner bikes (but just to be sure - what's your height/weight?) - as far as price goes, I'm not sure how many people here will be familiar with UAE pricing.  Certainly in the US you're correct - they should be dropping the price more than $400 per year the bike is old.  Here, you can get at least $1000 off the average 1 year old Japanese bike (and more, depending on how expensive the motorcycle was to begin with).

Shop around as much as you can, but remember: when it comes down to it - service is way, WAY more important than price.  Make sure you've got a good service/parts department!

[Mhz]

Thanks for your input falconati.

Im 5'10/220 lbs.  I'm leaning more towards the suzuki since spare parts are much easier to find compared to Yamaha, that and the FZ6 is more peaky compared to the GSX650F, still need to sit on one though, sat on the FZ6 and it was excellent and comfortable.  I'll keep the service costs in mind.

Hopefully I can get a good deal on the suzuki, I'm not sure anyone is buying it anytime soon so they should sell it to me for a better price.

Alternatively, if all fails, I might just have to wait.  There are a few companies that import used bikes from U.S. and Japan.  Might be able to find an SV650.

A friend mentioned that motorcycles are more reliable than cars so buying a 2008 model in 2010 isn't a big deal right? As far as I know, only the colors changed.  

[UHOH]

both would be great choices.
Have fun and welcome !!

[Mhz]

Thanks

Went to the suzuki showroom today, the bike condition wasn't so good, scratches here and there and it seems that it wasn't well attended to.  $7,650 ... for this? I asked (good thing I was over my buy-on-sight phase, 1-2 week after you get your license  )

I was ready to walk out but he followed me and he dropped it to $7,080.  I was about to buy it but then he told me all the insurance companies are closed at the moment and registration could take a while, didn't have enough time so I just reminded him how he said anytime is alright even though I ask about insurance offices and all that but It was his fault for insisting that we shouldn't talk on the phone "come to the showroom and we will discuss it".  In the end, I told him I may come back later to buy it.

Salesman: So, you aren't paying for it now?
Me    :  Nope, I don't think so.
Salesman: But, if you do that I don't think I can keep it booked.
Me    : If someone ever buys that, Its my loss.

Took my cash and walked away, had it with me just to show him how serious I was .  Oh well, at least I got to sit on the bike and check some gear.  If anything, I'm the one doing them a favor and buying that new but used bike  .

I guess I'll just have to wait, too bad I'm already exposed to the addiction, my friend let me ride his 750cc gixxer (not the wisest idea) but I never got over 8k rpm and got back in one piece with no trouble.

[Krellian]

You Sir, I'd like to get to know
Location: Dubai, UAE

the last couple of years I have spent considerable time in Ajman, Fujarah.
I'd love to find out if a foreigner is able to ride in your country and what it would take to do so.
bike rentals if any?

[Mhz]

I'm sure any international driving license is sufficient, I'm not sure if you can keep using it for long periods of time.  I'll have to look more into it.  You may want to check the RTA's site. http://www.rta.ae/

I'm not aware of any restrictions on riding, anyone can ride as long as they have a license and an insured and registered bike, actually, most of the bikers I see aren't local.

As for bike rentals, I wasn't successful at finding a place yet, I've heard from a friend that the Harely-Davidson dealership has such services but I didn't call them to confirm.

Sorry I wasn't of much help.  I'm usually away from home except on weekends so I don't know that much.