We all know what happens the moment you pull a new car off the lot. The value immediately drops by $5,000...or more.

One reason, if not the reason, why many shopping for a "new" car buy used.

The same logic applies to a motorcycle off the showroom floor. Resisting a shiny new steed unridden by human hands can draw in even the most frugal of customers and if not for the dramatic drop in price the moment a motorcycle changes ownership and rides away most people would probably opt for new.

Unlike a car, motorcyclists tend to form a lasting bond with their ride and often prefer an unsullied machine that knows only one owner. But, that doesn't mean a used motorcycle, once imprinted by its new owner, can't change allegiance and offer a lifetime of memories. If buying a new motorcycle beckons, whether as a first time- or multi-time buyer, consider the following when deciding whether to spend the money for the showroom shine or save some on a second-hand ride.

Buying a new motorcycle from a dealer has advantages

Buying a New Motorcycle

Regardless of the type or style of motorcycle you intend to purchase, buying from a dealer has advantages - the warranty being the big one. Like a new car, you get a warranty from defects when purchased at a dealer. Think of it like insurance if something breaks down but in reality you pay for it in the price.

Check out that odometer. Something special about a handful of miles showing, isn't there? Another positive, if only mental. That low mileage also points to brand new parts all around. Some riders relish the opportunity to break in an engine, if that describes you, then go new.

You also experience, at least you should, worry free reliability. Most new things, motorcycles too, run very well for the first few years before parts break down. When buying a new motorcycle most owners expect to only handle the basics like oil and filter changes before tackling the bigger problems that come after miles of use and years of ownership.

You also get far more protections, in more ways than one, when buying a new motorcycle from a dealer compared to meeting a stranger off the internet. You probably still hassle with the haggle, but you have some recourse if things go south and a dealer has more incentive to develop a long term relationship.

And finally, with a new motorcycle you know for sure the complete history of the bike as no one has taken it for a joyride at some time or another leaving the future owner (you) with damaged internals that have yet to reveal their ugly heads.

Look hard enough and you just might find a "like new" used motorcycle

Buying a Used Motorcycle

Buying a used motorcycle saves you a whole lot of money over buying new. And, if you look hard enough, with some patience you just might find a low mileage ride that someone needs to get off their hands for a quick cash payout. You get a reasonably new bike, at a used price that in some cases might retain some manufacture warranty protection.

Most new riders lean towards used because A) they might not stick with riding over the long term and B) if they crash or topple over, well at least the bike was used and not a few miles from the dealer.

Sometimes new bikes come with issues that need ironing out so if you buy a used one just several years old the original owner, perhaps, has handled all the recalls and addressed any initial underlying troubles. But keep in mind those can continue later and end up in your lap.

Wrenching on a used motorcycle offers a great way to learn the ins and outs of motorcycle maintenance. If you enjoy getting your hands greasy and find an afternoon in the garage pulling on parts a day well spent, then you won't get much better practice than working on a used bike. Some riders don't mind buying a worn-out bike with the sole intention of refurbishing, something you just can't do or at least don't want to do on a new motorcycle.

Lastly, sometimes we long for good times past or a missed dream so if your heart was always set on a 1973 BMW R90S then you have to buy used.