First year motorcycle models.

[Acadian Rider]

I did buy a Honda Custom 900 when they came out in 1980 (I believe) and there were no issues with it but this is 2011.  I don't think I would do that right now.  I purposely waited for the 2nd year (2004) Honda ST1300 when I bought it.  

I certainly would not have bought a 2009 BMW K1300GT.  Mine is a 2010.  

 

[bomber]

I bought an 07 Triumph Tiger, first year for the bike, no real issues, but the engine was not new -- I'd reserve judgment, for certain, and I'd be leery of a year one scoot, but won't say never.

[scottzilla]

Depends on MFG mostly but there are other factors too.  For instance, a pet peeve is to buy a bike and then the following year the MFG decides to massively update it for $200 more.  Stuff like would be taken in to consideration when buying a first year bike.

[squeezer]

Given that I'm budget rider, I've never bought a new bike, period.

When I buy a used bike, I don't sweat whether or not it's a first year model. Any problems are usually sorted out by the time I pick one up.

My current scoot is a first year FJR. Great bike (sorry, county), one recall for the throttle position sensor, zero problems otherwise (knock on wood). Of course, '03 was a first year U.S. model, not a first year model for the rest of the world.

I also owned a first year ('86) Connie. Also a great bike. Then again, that was largely a parts bin bike without Kaw tossing in a lot of new and untested engineering.

If I find a bag of money between now and spring, I won't be afraid to buy a Tiger 800 or a Ninja 1000.

[Jetpilot5]

I voted it depends on the manufacturer, but there is more to it than that.  In the case of bikes like the BMW K1300GT or S I would because it's an evolution of a previous design.  Same for the new Ninja 1000, it's really just a Z1000 with a full fairing.

With a completely clean sheet design, like the BMW 6 cylinder 1600 or even the 2010 VFR 1200, I think I would pass, though I would feel better buying the Honda than most other brands.

[spd2918]

Given that I'm budget rider, I've never bought a new bike, period.

When I buy a used bike, I don't sweat whether or not it's a first year model. Any problems are usually sorted out by the time I pick one up.

This.

I have a first year ST1300 and it is pretty much the same as the last year model.  But Honda doesn't make mistakes, do they?  

Going used allows you to see any issues.  If I bought new I'd wait until the second year model at least.  That way you can read reports from actual owners not magazine writers that are taking in ad dollars.

[bucktownbilly]

I voted it depends on the manufacturer, but there is more to it than that.  In the case of bikes like the BMW K1300GT or S I would because it's an evolution of a previous design.  Same for the new Ninja 1000, it's really just a Z1000 with a full fairing.

With a completely clean sheet design, like the BMW 6 cylinder 1600 or even the 2010 VFR 1200, I think I would pass, though I would feel better buying the Honda than most other brands.

He's got it right.

[falcofred]

1984 Honda Nighthawk S  
1991 Honda ST1100 (bought in 1990)  
1999 Suzuki SV650  
2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Touring  

I think the used DRZ400S that I bought used was a first year, but can't remember year.

[schoon]

Both of mine are first year models 97 YZF 1000R, and a 05 DR-Z SM. The YZF was an only year bike though, where would that fit in?

[mwt]

 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S......

  The frame debuted in Europe/Canada in 2006, but the motor was all new in the U.S. for 2007. So far, it has been fine...9K miles.....

[jsanford]

Bought a "first year" F800ST and it was a clean sheet design.  Technically, though, it came out a year earlier in Europe. I followed the user forum, paying particularly close attention to how BMW and the dealer dealt with issues as they came up.

My bike didn't have some of the '06 issues, but it did have some of the issues that shoppers today say are the reasons they won't purchase '07s.  I've been satisfied with how each has been dealt with, including the two that came up after the warranty expired.

I think that a time-proven design isn't necessarily a guarantee.  I've had some interesting quirks with my Monster, and it was the last year of a design that had a 15-year run.  Again, though, I've been satisfied with how they were handled.  Perhaps in the end it depends on the dealer.

[Open Sore]

I voted for depends on manuf..  But there is more to it than that.  I would buy a 1st year bike as a leftover,for the most part, regardless of the mnfctr, hoping problems would have been exposed by the early buyers.

The question doesn't specify if you'd buy it new, either.  If there was a used first model year of a bike, I'd judge the purchase on potential marketability.  Who wouldn't buy a first year knucklehead HD, CB750, Vincent, MV etc., if the price was right?

There are some manufacturers, I wouldn't buy, 5 years into production.

[Acadian Rider]

I voted for depends on manuf..  But there is more to it than that.  I would buy a 1st year bike as a leftover,for the most part, regardless of the mnfctr, hoping problems would have been exposed by the early buyers.

The question doesn't specify if you'd buy it new, either.  If there was a used first model year of a bike, I'd judge the purchase on potential marketability.  Who wouldn't buy a first year knucklehead HD, CB750, Vincent, MV etc., if the price was right?

There are some manufacturers, I wouldn't buy, 5 years into production.

Good point.  The question was meant to be whether you would take a chance and buy new as in would you buy a new BMW K1600GT or Ducati Diavel right now?  

I have edited the question a little bit.  

[falconati]

Yep, but I'm having a hard time purchasing a new bike when good used models are readily available.  The Ninja 1000 is the only new bike I'm considering, and I would absolutely buy it new.

[Andrew]

Never owned a "New" bike  

[davemeister]

I usually buy used. Cheaper price and some reliability data that way.

[Papa Lazarou]

Never owned a new bike. Give me all your money and I'll vote.

[TriumphTiger1050]

I too bought a first year 2007 model 1050 Triumph Tiger.  No issues.  But the engine was one that was already proven.  Just the bike frame and other innards were new.  I think it all depends on the reputation of the manufacturer.

I hear they are/may do a 1200 Tiger!  Will have to see how that turns out.

[BamaBiker]

I usually bye used. First year models are cheaper.
If buying new, depends on how much new technology is in it.