Newbie - things to look for

[CeeJay07]

Hey Mark, don't think of offers below the asking price as stupid (especially in private sales). Look for negatives in the bike you can use as bargaining chips . I bought an '03 model privately, the bloke was asking $11500...I got it for $10k cos it needed chains & sprockets (didn't really but he didn't seem to know any better), he couldn't tell me when the last service was, and it needed new tyres soonish, so I talked him down. You gotta put yourself in the drivers' seat of the negotiation. Also don't forget that when you spend $10k on the purchase, by the time you pay insurance, rego transfer etc... you'll have spent $11k.
Stay within your budget, be patient, and you'll find a bike you (& the missus) are really happy with.
Good luck on the search (keep an eye on the forums for members selling their bikes).