Shopping around for FZ6 question

[nimzotech]

To all you experienced bikers out there; please answer the following question.
As my first bike (ever) What is the better bike to get?

1. 2006 FZ6 (1,700 miles) $ 4950 OTD
2. 2008 FZ6 ( < 10 miles, brand new) $6999 OTD

The first bike is from a private seller and is in mint condition. The second is from a dealer and is brand new.
I have my moto permit, and am awaiting the MSF voucher to come in within a week, so that I can waive the DMV riding test.
Cheers!

 

[wrightme43]

The 2007 model was a update over the 06 and prior model. It has better brakes, a easier to use dash, a more comfortable seat, a better fuel injection map, and the engine looks better in my opinion in black than silver. Just my opinion.

 

[dankatz]

As a first bike ever, generally it is better to go with a used bike because you'll probably lay it down at least once. But, the two options you have given us are not that different. The 2007+ has a much better fuel injection mapping from what I hear and a number of small modifications (better brakes, etc..). I would go for a new one given those two choices. And, you should be able to get it well under MSRP, especially in the winter months.
Dani

 

[buickttype]

I would go for the new one, you know what you are getting and if there is something wrong at least it would be under warrenty

 

[nimzotech]

Great! See, I learned something new already. I like the idea of better brakes, comfy seats, and improved fuel-injection mapping. Speaking of fuel injection maps, what is their function and benefit over the 2006 model?

Also, what would be reasonable way to ask for a price below the MSRP during the winter, (rainy weather currently in SoCal)? What price should I shoot for? I am getting emails from the dealer as we speak.

Cheers.

 

[reiobard]

hey revamped the bike in 07 so you might even be able to get a leftover for cheaper than an 08. with the revamp they re-mapped the FI, put a more stable swingarm on there, updated dash, sleeker fairing, better brakes, and different colors.

Ask for an 07 for $5400 plus fees and see what they say.

 

[DefyInertia]

This is not a money issue, right? YOu're still going to have all the money for gear and road trips and mods, right?

If it were me, I'd get the 2008 for many of the reasons mentioned above. If I were you, I'd get a mid 90's GS500, ride it, drop it, and then sell it for about the same you paid, then buy and '08 FZ6 in the fall when prices are down again.

Good luck and make sure you post pictures!
________
Medical Marijuana Dispenaries

 

[wrightme43]

This is not a money issue, right? YOu're still going to have all the money for gear and road trips and mods, right?

If it were me, I'd get the 2008 for many of the reasons mentioned above. If I were you, I'd get a mid 90's GS500, ride it, drop it, and then sell it for about the same you paid, then buy and '08 FZ6 in the fall when prices are down again.

Good luck and make sure you post pictures!

This, is reallly really good advice.

Or a ninja 250 which is what I started on.

 

[mikebike]

I do not subscribe to the "Fact" that you WILL lay it down....

I would go for the 2008 model.... unless $$ is an issue..

take the MSF course and be careful

 

[reiobard]

i agree, the only time my bike has ever been on the ground was when it was knocked over in a parking lot and one time i was so tired that i fell over at a stop sign after a 13 hour ride. Other than that i did dump a bike before i had my license so that doesn't count... right..

 

[wrightme43]

I didnt drop my first bike either. I did drop my FZ a few days after I got it. Rider error, just slipped the clutch to much on a very steep downhill right hand driveway at deals gap of course in front of all my friends. LOL

 

[Data]

Get the 08

The day you buy anything new, it starts getting older . . . buy the 08 for sure. I don't agree with the advice about dropping it- be very careful and try to avoid drops and crashes (really). You should be able to control the price negotiation- after all, you're the one with the money, and the dealer wants it- so you should be able to get it for around $6,000- maybe less if you are persistent. And if this is your first bike, don't worry about how fast it will go - think more about how fast you can get it stopped- you'll stay a lot healthier that way.
:thumbup:

 

[nimzotech]

2008

The day you buy anything new, it starts getting older . . . buy the 08 for sure. I don't agree with the advice about dropping it- be very careful and try to avoid drops and crashes (really). You should be able to control the price negotiation- after all, you're the one with the money, and the dealer wants it- so you should be able to get it for around $6,000- maybe less if you are persistent. And if this is your first bike, don't worry about how fast it will go - think more about how fast you can get it stopped- you'll stay a lot healthier that way.
:thumbup:

OK, so 2008 FZ6 sounds much better, I agree. The dealer is offering it for $6,999 OTD - price includes registration and taxes. Should I shoot for lower? And if so how much lower?

 

[reiobard]

i got my brand new 07 OTD for $6200 on Dec. 7th (exactly 1 month ago) so i think they can go lower.

 

[steveindenmark]

For the first bike ever.....Not the FZ6...in my opinion.

Get something cheap and cheerful with a lot less HP than the FZ6.

Ride it a LONG way for a year in all road conditions and weather.

TRY not to drop it or fall off but dont be bothered if you do, we all do that at sometime.

Sell it and get a FZ6 the next year.

Steve

 

[nimzotech]

For the first bike ever.....Not the FZ6...in my opinion.

Get something cheap and cheerful with a lot less HP than the FZ6.

Ride it a LONG way for a year in all road conditions and weather.

TRY not to drop it or fall off but dont be bothered if you do, we all do that at sometime.

Sell it and get a FZ6 the next year.

Steve

I got the FZ6 in early January... I love it.

 

[Gemini77]

I just got a 2007 FZ6 with no miles for $5699, with tax and fees $6200, Im sure there are son 07's around where you are.

 

[dako81]

First bike? Try to get a better deal on the used fz-6. You can get it scratched up and it wont depreciate as much when you go to sell it, it has already taken the initial hit on the value from when it was purchased new. Also, you wont be worked up about keeping it in pristine showroom condition because it probably has a couple of scratches already. But, it is your decision and if you get a good deal get the '08 get it, you will be happy with either year though. They are both great bikes.

I had been riding off road motorcycles for about 5 years before I got my street bike. I never raced, just wasn't my thing, but I have done many open rides at both tracks at Red Bud MX park and ridden many impressive private tracks in my area. So I was a somewhat experienced motorcyclist before I ever hit the street. I spent most of my time on an RM125 and a YZ450F.

I bought a used '01 GS500 for my first bike before I got the FZ-6. I knew I didn't need something powerful or really fast at first because I knew street riding was completely different. I put a few thousand miles on it on the street and had gotten all of my bugs driving in traffic worked out. Then I felt I was ready for the 6.

I think everyone should start with a smaller bike and work their way up, but I think that it is their decision to make not mine. If you're alert, and are careful, the fz is a more forgiving bike than others, so it is all about what you personally want.

Hope this helped

 

[ash1e]

I got the FZ6 in early January... I love it.

How much did you get it for? I am planning to buy a 2008 FZ6 (my first bike) here in DC/VA area, and your price would be helpful to know while bargaining for a deal.
Thanks
~A