Honda Rebel Motorcycle

[nautec]

Was wondering on what you guys think of this price. I talked to the Arizona Honda Powersports dealership which is a tier 5 dealer.

They said that the MSRP for a 2008 Honda Rebel is $3199 and with tax (6.1%) licensing, and title, the total would come out to $3634 but he would knock a $100 off so out the door price would be $3534.

The salesman said they don't get much profit off a low cost bike like a Rebel so they really can't give much more of a discount.

Does this sound reasonable or can more haggling work? If so what price would be good? $3500, $3450, $3400? Which price should I pull the trigger. This would be my first bike ever.

Considered going the used route but I have had soooo many problems with used cars. But this one caught my eye http://tucson.craigslist.org/mcy/739865212.html

Thanks!

[heavylee]

You mentioned this is your first bike. DO NOT BUY A BRAND NEW BIKE. First bikes should always be cheap, ugly, used and mechanically safe bikes. New riders will drop their bike at least once in the first year. This will kill a new bike's value and your pride. A cheap bike will absorb those hits much better. But you're on the right track with getting a small bike to start with. They're easier to learn on, and in a year or two if you are ready to upgrade, you'll sell it to another noob. The CL bike looks decent. Take it to a mechanic for a mechanical inspection, preferably a trusted bike mechanic.

As usual, buy and use safety gear. Full face DOT/SNELL helmet, armored motorcycle jacket, riding boots and gloves. Take a MSF safety class asap.

[nautec]

Already took the MSF, and got a jacket, and waiting for Shoei helmet to come in.

[electrohawk]

I totally agree with Heavylee.
Buy used. No offense to your skills, but if you are new to motorcycling, you most likely will drop it sooner or later. I am not saying a crash or anything. Normally this is like a quick stop or stall, or something and you lose balance and it falls over at zero or 1mph.

It is good to start off with a smaller, light weight bike with a low seat, like the rebel you are looking at. Pick one that is used, not crashed, but might have minor dings from falling over. If you can, bring a friend that knows motorcycles to look it over with you. It is best if you can meet them at a qualified mechanic and pay $40 to the mechanic to look it over for you. There should be lots on craigslist and motorcycle-trader. Now that gas has gotten temporarily cheaper, there may be some good deals out there.

BUY USED!