I've been looking at the Honda CRF230F and am curious why there is no price difference between the 2012, 2013, and 2014 models. Most places I look, all three model years are listed at an MSRP of $4,170 in new condition. Apparently new is new if the bike is not pre-owned regardless of the model year and they keep the price the same. Is this typical in the world of motorcycle sales? I would think that I could get a better deal on a "new" 2012, but I'm not really sure what to expect. I do know I hate the idea of buying a bike from a dealer, but at the same time I don't really want to buy used because you never know what you're getting.

 

I've seen that a few places...a couple of car dealers and a bike shop. Matter of fact, last year my wife bought what was supposed to be a 2014 Trek road bike. Almost $1000, plus different seat, lights flashers, etc. When I was looking up specs, the colors didn't match the 2014 models...turned out it was a 2011. Different (cheaper) shifters and derailleur. They did it to keep the price reasonable I guess.
Diff between '11 and '14 price was almost $200 IIRC.

Went back to the owner of the small shop the next day and said "Hey, this is a 3 y/o bike. If we sell it next year, it's 4 yrs old, not 1." He looked at us like we were crazy til I pulled the specs for the 2011 up on his PC and showed him. He finally gave us 10% off the '11 list price, but my wife was soured forever on the guy. What kind of owner doesn't know what he has in stock?

Most car dealers won't deal toooo much on a 2013 vs a 2014 unless there has been a major design change. Local Chrysler/Dodge dealer is giving $5K rebates on 2013 200s/Darts because they don't want to release the completely re-engineered models til stock is depleted.

Do some research and find out what the original list on the 2012 was, then work from there. I'd NEVER pay 2014 price for a 2 y/o car. The tires, belts, hoses, dash, upholstery, etc have all be exposed to the elements for 2 yrs.

 

There are plenty of Honda dealers in Va. Surely some are hungry and willing to dicker. Suggested retail price is just that. A lot of dealers have new, older model years sitting around. They don't make any money unless they sell them.

 

I believe the MSRP on the 2012, 2013, and 2014 is $4,170 and I don't believe there have been any design changes, but still, I wouldn't pay the same price for a 2012 as a 2014 because even though it is not pre-owned, it is already two years old and that is two extra years tacked on to the age when I go to resell it. I have my eyes on a 2013 model at a local dealer. They are asking $3,850, but I think I'm going to offer $3,500 cash out the door. Maybe I'll wait to see if there is a Memorial Day sale (not sure I can wait that long!).

 

Is Kelley Blue Book a reliable source for Motorcycles? It gives a suggested retail (from dealer) of $3,170 for a 2013 CRF230F.

 

I can't imagine anything more reliable...as long as you have the zip code entered. It's what dealers use. Hmmm..or do they use NADA?

If you are willing to pay $3500...then offer them KBB or NADA if they are similar and let them bring you up to $3400-3500.

Hmmm...NADA calls it out at $4170 if new, just like you stated in yer first post. Same for a 2012. Sure you didn't click USED at KBB, cuz that lines up with NADA numbers for used high retail.

 

Not to butt in again... But IMO a dual sport is a great option... Im sure you have your mind made up and not to confuse you any.

Just like everyone to know their options before they buy things...

We were enduro riders of the day many moons ago.. No trailer needed. We would just ride to the trails...

Just a thought. I would not buy nothing without lights anymore. Those late nights getting out of the pits a headlight was a lifesaver..

2014 CRF250L Overview - Honda Powersports

And no offense against Honda, but have you looked at Suzuki? I am partial to them. IMO more comfortable ride. Very light too..

Suzuki Cycles - Product Lines - Cycles - Products - DR200SE - 2013 - DR200SE


Not sure how old you are mossman to make suggestions anyway..

Lets put it this way. My first bike was a 1971 RN...

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Oh and buy the newest model. If they are old on the floor and not run the oil turns acidic and starts eating the metal away in the engine..Absorbs and retains moisture and rusts the cylinder walls... Pits them too...

Just my theory...

 

I greatly appreciate the input. I'm not necessarily partial to one brand or the other. I'm getting advice from my brother-in-law, who has been riding and working on bikes since he could walk. He recommended Honda and Kawasaki. I'm not opposed to dual sport, but I don't think I'll be taking it on the road. If I bite the dust, I'd prefer to know that it was my stupidity that caused the spill, not some teenager texting and driving. I've decided that I'll be buying a used bike for my first bike. I've been able to find a couple CRF 230s in the $2,000 range and they have gone quick. Since I'll be buying used, I now need to educate myself on what to ask/look for when viewing them. Oh, and I'm 36 years young.

 

One of the CRF230F bikes I found is listed as a 2010. However, neither KBB or NADA even lists a CRF230 under 2010 or 2011. What gives?

 

I think it's just different than cars. Bikes don't get year to year changes so I don't think model year is as important as a car. The same model may be produced for years without significant change. Then there is whether or not that model was offered in the North American market under that or another name.

Oh, and I don't buy the bit about oil turning into acid. Oil may accumulate contaminates when the engine is run but for the most part it does not turn evil when sitting in an engine any more than it does on the shelf in a bottle. I think more harm is done to an engine that is not run regularly. New is one thing but something that has been sitting in a garage for years without being run may have rust pitting on the crank and cam.

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And, my first "real" motorcycle was a Yamaha Champ. All 72cc of it. I remember having to drive in circles beeping the horn when I wanted to stop so my mom could come outside and catch me because my legs were far too short to reach the ground.



I actually had that bike until just a few years ago. I'd ride it to get the mail but finally decided that after 40 years it was time to move on.

 

I'm going to look at a 2010 CRF230F tomorrow morning from a private seller. He is asking $2,500 and says the bike is "like new" and has 30 to 40 hours of use. I checked KBB and since there is no blue book listing for the 2010 or 2011, I printed the values for the 2009 and 2012 values and extrapolated the 2010 and 2011 values. The given values are for bikes in excellent condition from the dealer. There doesn't seem to be an option for private party value. In general, how much more is the dealer value than the private party value? The extrapolated value for the 2010 (assuming linear depreciation) is $2,255, so I was thinking of offering $1,900 to $2,000 if its in as good as condition as he claims. Does this sound fair?

 

Bring cash and start at $1500... That will get you a feel of what he really wants for it... Start low.

 

Sounds good to me. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

I agree...think Pawn Stars if you've ever seen it. He says $2500...you say $1500...he says $2000...you say..Lets meet half way. Fanned out $100 bills do a lot. It's going on 5 yrs old with 30-40 hrs of use. That could have been hard riding for all you know. If it's all cleaned up...take it for a ride for 20-30 min then look for leaks or streaks on the heads and engine...don't forget underneath.

NADA doesn't list a CRF230F either. Only a CRF250RA. He prob bought a 2011 in 2010 and thats how he remembers it.

 

I called the seller this morning. It's an overstocked 2009 model that he bought from the dealer in 2010. He wouldn't budge from his asking price so I said forget it. It's too bad. It sounded like a really nice and well kept bike. It also has a lien on it. He said he hasn't received many calls on it, likely because of the price tag. We'll see if he changes his mind in a week or so.

 

The lien scares me and is enough that I would stay away. If they owned it cleanly I would make it clear that I have real, paper cash and there would be no screwing around and no delay in them getting their money.

 

Scares me too. Five year old bike with a lien? I told him I was no longer interested. Found a 2006 for $1,900 this evening, but he doesn't have the title and sounds shady. Isn't providing a lot of detail. I'm about to go buy a new one just so I don't have to deal with these clowns.

 

There are many many of those types around here. Seems like every other house has a dirt bike or two or a couple of ATVs. Constantly hear in the paper about them being stolen. And constantly read in the paper for sale ads like you describe. It's one thing when a guy starts a custom road bike project, never finishes, and never gets it titled/registered...quite another when it's a production bike with no title. Buy the bike, go down to get title and register, next thing you know Johnny Law is in the parking lot and escorts you home to confiscate the stolen machine. Yer out yer money and possibly facing charges.

 

Get the vin number and contact the DMV or police and have the run it to see if it's been reported stolen. If the person with the bike has it honestly they shouldn't mind. If not I'm sure you'll get some sort of story.

 

I told him forget it once I received a text from him calling me "dude" and saying the bike was confiscated by the police then returned but "rides good doe".

 

I think that was a good call.

 

Apparently the CRF230F is pretty popular. They are selling very quickly. Most for over $2k. If they hold their value that well, then maybe I should just buy new. Local dealers are selling 2014 models for $3,600. If I can get a 2013 for $3,000 then I would be happy. I know you're not supposed to buy new for your first bike, but it's not that much money and you never know what you're getting with a dirt bike because they are made to be abused. At least with a new bike I would have piece of mind.