Wanna buy » Dealer Demo or Brand New?

[BrookR1 2009 1100S (Red)]

Just wondering if it's worth the discount to go with a dealer demo (something under 1,000 miles) or to just go brand new? Something that concerns me is how it's treated while it's in its breaking in period. With a brand new bike, I can break it in myself and be sure that it's done right. But with a demo model, I can save some extra $$$. I plan on putting some serious mileage on this bike as it will be my primary commuter. Over the long haul, will it make much of a difference?

[mollycbr123 2010 1200S (White)]

My ST3 was a demo with about 700 miles on it. I was told that it was the shop owner's bike, but who really knows. It ran and looked brand new, and I got it for a price OTD that I could definitely live with. I also got an excellent trade in allowance on it when I bought the new Multi at another dealership.

[Skeandhu 2006 1000S DS (Red)]

My multi was a demo with 8000km on the clock. I've put on 20k since with nothing more than regularly scheduled maintenance.

As a demo, your 2yr warranty should start the day YOU pick it up, so there's still time to iron out the kinks.

For the money you save, it's well worth it. Sometimes having it "previously enjoyed" also means you won't feel as bad when you finally scratch it (umm... so I've heard. )

[JohnB 2005 1000S DS (Red)]

IMO, test riders may tend to "see what this thing can do", not exactly what you want during break-in.

[Skeandhu 2006 1000S DS (Red)]

IMO, test riders may tend to "see what this thing can do", not exactly what you want during break-in.

True... however I was under the impression that demo bikes were broken in by the dealer / demo crew / whomever before they were released for use by the general public.

[izzared]

My Multi was ex-demo with 700 miles on. Having previously bought brand new I was a little trepidatious, especially given the rumored Italian histrionics. There was a good saving against cost new and given the warranty was there as a back-up I took the plunge.

Three years on I haven't looked back, that reminds me I must get the mirrors re-fitted!

Not sure if dealers differ with the running-in procedure, but when my multi was in for servicing the loan bike was a new Monster 696 with just 16 miles on the clock and I was asked to bring it back run in! What fun.

I suppose the old adage may apply, "You pays your money and takes your choice".

[coman 2015 1200S (Red)]

I've had two ex-demos - a 620 with 2000 miles on, and an 1100 with 600 miles. Both were from the same dealer, who I suspect wasn't particularly careful with them, and both had a few bodywork scratches, which didn't really bother me.

I ran the 620 for over a year and put 4000 miles on it, with no hint of any trouble. The 1100 is still new to me - two weeks and 400 miles. The main thing is that both have very sound mechanicals, and reading other posts, providing the oil is changed as required, a bit of reving above what the manual says doesn't hurt and can even be benficial.

Your choice, but I'd have no hesitation in buying ex-demo again. The cost saving certainly makes it worthwhile.

[archkevinbrown]

Another nice thing about a demo without much more than 600 miles/1000km on it - especially if you don't do your own work or live near your dealer - it should come with that initial service out of the way. It's not a huge deal, but it's worth a few bucks, and I hate having to arrange a trip to the dealer for that so soon after picking a bike up.

[dentguy]

I would say that in most cases demo riders likely didn't care about if the demo was broken in or not when they rode it. Doesn't mean it's a problem or will be a problem. It likely won't, but you just don't know.

So get them to throw in the extended warranty on the demo and enjoy. If that doesn't make you feel comfortable then you should buy new.

You should feel happy and not worry about your new ride.

Steve.

[lotus54 - Moderator]

I bought my 2005 'S' that was a demo- but I was the first and only one to ride it.
I bought it before anyone else test rode it!

I also test rode a quite new 1100, but took it pretty easy on it since it was so new. Others that rode it may not.

Personally, it would have to be a substantial discount if I was planning on keeping the bike for a long time.
If you are going to trade it out in two or three years- I wouldn't worry at all about it.

Mark

[PhilipMSPT 2010 1200 (White)]

I bought a used bike, not knowing how the bike was broken in by the first owner. I got a good deal and I'm happy with my bike.

I don't see how different a dealer demo bike is. At least you have a warranty to cover any issues in the near future.

Tomatos and tomatoes...

[tenracing]

I would gladly buy a dealer demo, especially if it had enough miles on it that they did the first service...

[mrD 2008 1100S (Black)]

demo for me