[gfloyd2002]

Cost for a used ninja in very good condition and low miles is surprisingly close to price for new. I looked at both when I bought mine, and decided to go with the certainty and peace of mind buying new. It was worth the extra $500 to $1000 for me. If I'd have found a good deal on a bike in good condition and not too many miles, with an trustworthy owner, I would have gone used instead.

I did drop mine fairly quickly, not my fault as a van ran a stop sign into me. And it scratched my right fairing, mirror and brake levers. No biggie, cost me $50 and 30 minutes to fix. Minor scratches on fairing remain as a badge of honor that I had the presence of mind to avoid direct collision. I'd say don't worry about going down on new vs. used, unless you find that great used bike out there, better to know what you've done on a new bike than wonder about an old one.