I’m going to buy a vehicle of some sort in the next few months – when exactly depends on the availability of credit on favorable terms (something very much in question at the moment).

So that said… I’m curious what all of you Real World types think about the following:

1. If I get a new motorcycle, what can I expect to pay under the sticker price? I’m very confident in my ability to haggle, especially considering that I know very well how the current state of the economy affects the business model of car retailers.

2. Insurance? Any idea what companies are useful or how to shop around effectively?

3. How are payment plans usually structured? I’d like to pay the cost off over, say, 20 months or so (in order to avoid having debt hanging over my head when I shove off for grad school and renewed poverty). Is this negotiable?

4. Thoughts on new vs. used? I’m kind of inclined to look for a motorcycle between two and four years old, the idea being that (i) It has depreciated enough for me to pay less for the bike and less for insurance; (ii) it’s still functional and reliable in a way that won’t get me killed.

5. Craigslist? Of course there I’d have to just lay the cash down (and so put off a purchase a few more months) but that’s not the worst, especially if the terms are better.

I’ll ask my mom what she pays for her bike.

I was at the MN State Fair this year pricing 49cc Vespas, and at the Fair they were $1200. They can get up to 40ish mph, so if you don’t need to do any interstate driving, I’d look at a motor scooter.

interstate driving is totally part of the point :D

also your mom bikes? awesome

heh yes I’m looking for a ~500cc displacement engine

Goddamn Eisenhower.

Yeah, my mom bikes. She’s basically a badass. I’ll see what she has to say about pricing.