Im in the same boat. Although here they are $8k new(plus tax and all the yada yadas) if you cant get the dealer to drop the price a bit. I look on craiglist and any decent low mile bikes they are wanting $8,000 to $8500. I just dont have the cash so im going for the new one and some low payments.

 

I had the same delimna a week ago. Buy a brand new 2012 Sportster or a local 2009 with 1100 miles for $8000. Big differences are no warranty on the 2009, but yet I did not have to pay for all the thousands lost in depreciation. If you're financing, the payments are pretty much the same on either bike. I went with the used 2009 Sportster with 1100 miles and am very happy with my decision. I am in Naples, Italy by the way.

 

thanks for the input all - will update you on his decision with pics