Would you buy a demo?

[DenverC-14]

I know how I would test ride a C14 and I wouldn't want to buy it unless there was at least $2000 taken off the price.

+1

[booger]

I bought an 09 ZX-10R holdover that was advertised as a demo.  It had 3 miles.  Dealer said it was marked demo to sell at a lower price that Kawasaki would authorize them to advertise.

I would buy a demo with 1000 plus/minus miles with no problem.  But I would never pay any more than used book price for it.  And I think that would be more that $1000 off.

[ZG]

I've had a couple dozen bikes, all bought used, you never truly now how hard a bike was riden by previous owners or even friends of the previous owners...
 
My Connie was the first "brand new" bike I've ever bought, I only bought it new because it was a leftover model and was within $1k of the used ones I found...
 
Last week I went and test rode a brand new VFR1200, break-in miles never even entered my mind and I hit redline many times on my rip if that tells you anything... 
Happy hunting! 
 

[jasonc32amg]

I'd have no qualms with a demo. If the bike was seriously abused the tires would tell the tale.

[Z71]

The price is the key.  I have seen demo bikes that were priced higher than the same year brand new left over bikes at other dealerships.   

[stevewfl]

If we're talking Kawi factory demo's from the tents I'd buy one in a heartbeat. I've been to many of them and rode the bikes. The route is so slow and controlled not only can one torture the bike but its about impossible to get a true feel for braking and handling.

I have a friend that works for Kawi and he tries to attend these events, so usually i bypass the lines altogether. A dealer demo (which rarely exist) I wouldn't touch, I know how I've "tested" them. Starting with the rev limiter functionality testing

[Shadowofshoe]

   My thoughts on bikes in our category; Beemers, Wings, and other big bore tourers...the test riders are not likely to be riding the unknown  beasts if they are not serious  and if they do "most" of them would be careful. Full discloser here..I had not ridden for 20 years and my biggest bike previously was an 86 XL 600. With this in mind ( my mensa mind) I choose NOT to test ride my new 05 BMW LT to avoid potential embarrassment on the test -Bought it ,loved it and it launched a sport touring love.  I just rode it off the lot and really hoped it acted like a bike and it did.
       Long way to say I wouldn't shy away if full warranty is in effect.

     Mike

[stevewfl]

86 XL 600

[DkKnight]

I did buy a 2011 demo with 300 miles on it, I put 25 miles on it myself during a demo ride.
The dealer gave me the 1st service and $3500 off the msrp.
I would look at the class of bike, as others have said - not likely to be abused on a demo ride.
Enjoy the bike whichever way you go.

DK