This may seem an obviouse question but why does no one want to buy a second hand bike for a RTW or general trip? Ok the miles may be high but the chances are that the bike will have had the modifications people are looking for and given that someone has used it for the very same purpose which you are looking to use it for you would asume it had been looked after (even taking wear ant tear into account)? Any comment anyone?

Lots of people do use second hand bikes, but lots of people like new because it's less likely to fail. And it's got new improvements like better brakes etc.

I think a lot of it depends on your mechanical skills - if minimal, go new - if you can afford it. And don't buy too much bike - many people buy the biggest / fastest, and it's just not needed. In fact it's often a handicap.

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Grant Johnson

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Hi, I used a very second hand 1961 350cc AJS to go two up to Australia from the UK in 1993, and I'm now planning a UK to South Africa jaunt on a 1986 R80GS,My reason for not buying new is two fold, I'm a bloody skin flint, but also I'm poor.
If you buy a new motorcycle for say £7000.00 you've lost £1000.00 as soon as you put your name on the log book. Chris

another reason to buy a used bike is because of the carnet de passage, which is required in many parts of africa, asia and in australia.

the money you have to leave as a deposit or pay as an insurance to cover its value relates to the value of the vehicle. eg, for india, 400% of a lot is a lot.

you may be able to convince your motor association that your 10 year old r100gs is worth £750... not easy if it is a new bike...
good luck
cb

I guess some people are less confident with keeping a bike on the road for the duration of the trip , and a new bike has more likelihood of making it to the other end .

On the other hand a cheap second hand bike has great benefits . For starters , not as shiny and attention grabbing , so you are not labelled a rich gringo so badly .

Also , if it is stolen , you lose a cheap old bike , and not 7000 quids worth . And obviously a carnet will be much cheaper , and that is also money to be lost if the bike is stolen .

I feel a solid second hand bike is a good choice . I am in South America using a 1984 K100RS which had 90,000 miles before I left . Valued at 400 pounds for the AA makes the carnet quite cheap .