Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

I currently own a GS500F (my beginners bike) and will be buying a GSX650F very soon (within the next month). In particular, there are two bikes I'm considering and wondering what others think is the best deal. The first is a used 2009 in orange with about 3000 miles for $5000. Its is in excellent condition. The other is a 'new' 2008 in blue for $5500. It is a dealer leftover and has zero miles on it.

So, which is the better deal? Color is not an issue (since I like both colors). I'm wondering if there is any issue with the 2008 that has been sitting in a showroom for 3 years. The showroom is airconditioned/heated (so low humidity) but I'm wondering about any rust concerns on internal engine components or other component deterioration while its been sitting.

I would say I'm leaning towards the 2009, but getting a 'new' bike is appealing, too. Let's hear your thoughts...

There is one owner on this forum that bought his brand new 2008 showroom F with a fueltank that was rusted from the inside (rust particles clogged up the fuel filter). If its been there so long there is a chance of the tires going bad because there aren't at the correct pressure and standing on the same patch of rubber for 3 years (apart from someone sitting on it once a week or so).

The minute you ride out the door, the 2008 is worth $1000 less, thats not the case with the 2009 one.

Thanks for the reply, Kadett. Good point about fuel tank internal rust. I'll need to check for that. A while back, my son bought an old 'project bike' and the inside of the fuel tank was a mess -- rust and sediment. So I understand what you're warning about. Flat spots on the tires is another good point. The bike is on carpet, and the dealer does seem to rearrange their bikes periodically, but its another concern.

Other suggestions or warnings?

One thing the 'new' 2008 has with it (I presume) is that it still has 2 full years of waranty when you buy it. The one with rust inside its tank got a brand spanking new tank because of the warranty.
The 2009 will get out of warranty this year, maybe its already out of warranty if its a Jan-2009 model. Also, you dont know the previous owner of the 2009 F, maybe its a 'boy-racer' who trashed the bike thinking it was a Gixxer!?

I'm still a bit sceptical about buying a brand new bike that has its oil completely drained out of the engine, even the fine film oil leaves behind after stopping the engine goes down eventually so rust could take its place. But this is something that usually happens to bikes kept outside in humid environments and not AC showrooms

I bought a 2008 about 6 weeks ago. I paid about $6100 out the door, actual bike price was about $5000 and I could have done better if I had traveled.

So far no problems, the bike was never run before I bought it. I did discover a crack in the fairing from the windshield screw being torqued too to tight and the dealer is replacing that for me in a week or 2 under warrantee. Bike runs great and I have 1500 miles on it so far.

I don't care about resale, for me I like to break the bike in myself and I would choose a new one over a used bike. Since I ride 18-20,000 miles a year there will be no resale value no matter what year I buy. If you don't ride much and plan on trading it in or selling in a year or 2 then maybe a 2009 would be better.

the "new 08" will depreciate the second it is plated, find out what the w/sale dealer price is for it ... in Canada it is $4500 for a high end good condition bike, by buying obsolete inventory, you buy low ... you also sell low. Having said that, i always buy new model year end bikes. Its a wash ..... as long as you expect it. You do get the warranty with it and the bike should be PDI'd.

Higgy -- Enjoy your new bike -- it sounds great. I don't plan to sell whatever I buy anytime soon, and plan to keep it for many years and many miles, so I'm not too concerned with the price drop off the lot. Based on your experience, it does sound like the OTD price I've been quoted is a bit high for the 2008, so I'll have to see what the dealer might do about that. Thanks.

Whiting57 -- Thanks for the comments. Pardon my ignorance, but what does PDI'd mean? (Pre-Delivery Inspection?)

Other comments/suggestions/concerns?

As the guys said ,its when selling the 08 against the 09 when the time comes ,there won't be alot of difference when one is 3 years or one 4 years old ,there both used.
If your worried about resale ,you would pick the best colour for resale and thats a 50-50 call to who is looking at the time.
Warrenty is a good point ,but the bike is pretty solid and 95% or more of us never used it.
Can't think of any warrenty claim more then a few hundred I can remember....so its a 50-50 call up to you.
Ask the dealer to drain the tank while your there to see if the 08 has rust in the fuel...tell him-her ,that your son brought a older bike that had been sitting at a dealers and it was a problem and you want peace of mine.
If they want the sale they will do it with a smile ,if they roll there eyes and don't care about your concerns BEFORE the sale ....thier a crap dealer and I won't buy any bike from them ,because if you have a problem after you have given them a stack of cash ,they won't give a shit even more.

YEP, my dealer marks every bolt checked with a white sharpie, he knows it done .... and so do i.

I dont know where you are from, if its the US or Canada, it could of been in a crate for 2 and a half of those 3 years.
At the Toronto bike show a few weeks ago, they were still selling 09 bikes and a few 08's, as well as 2010's and 2011's.

Its a buyers market, cant get a good deal, move onto the next shop!, cant get a great price, start talking accessories ... fitted. Do not be worried about walking out on the deal .... the dealer has to sell bikes ... you do not have to buy them, the preasure is on him.!

ABS on the 2009 ?? , the 2008 does not come with ABS

Lampie -- Good point, but neither bike has ABS. I haven't seen ABS available on the GSX650F here in the states.

Overhere in Holland the GSX650F comes with :
No ABS on the 2008, ABS on all colours in 2009, and the models of 2010 and 2011 it's an option.

I'd go with the new '08 hands down. With the new bike, you get to ensure it's broken in properly... you can't put a price on peace of mind.
If the bike was kept in a temperature controlled showroom, you have nothing to worry about... besides, you'll get a full warranty, & a dealer to back you up... nobody is backing you up with a used private sale. As far as resale value goes... I don't see a big difference... If anything, the '08 might be a better bet because you are the original owner.

Buy the new one!!

Good luck

I appreciate all the suggestions. I guess my biggest concern with the 'new' 2008 is the condition of the motor's cylinders. While I'm new to motorcycles, I've been a private pilot for 20+ years, and I'd be very concerned about an aircraft engine that was never operated for several years. Most of the rust prevention capability of motor oil is diminished after a month, so an aircraft engine would almost certainly have some rust on the cylinder walls, pistons, and rings and the engine life would be greatly reduced as a result -- although that would be lessened if the aircraft was kept in an air conditioned environment like a bike showroom.

So, my worry is whether engine rust is a concern with a new bike that's been sitting in the showroom for 2-3 years. Any comments on this aspect? Thanks again for all the feedback, it's very helpful.

If you buy the new bike, tell them you want the 1000km service thrown in for free.

Also, get them to start the bike in the show room. If it starts right up then they must have been at least been letting it idle now and then, which would keep the cylinders lubricated and rust free. If they can't fire it up right away then it has been standing and you should perhaps be concerned.

Personally, I would go for the used bike. It has already had it's first service, and any problems should be noticeable (oil leaks, strange noises from the engine...). Dont know if its the same where you are, but around here you can always test ride a used bike which should also add some peace of mind.