I agreed with Lancer but want to add a little.

Dealers will take a slight loss on a bike that is still under warranty so that you come back for Service.    That's where they can make money.

Hmmmmm....maybe that's why they don't push the LS650's,  they're easy to work on, so the owners do some of their own maintenance.

I was in the same boat as you about 2 months ago.

I bought a 07 S40 as my very first bike right after taking the MSF class.

The dealer here in PA was asking $4100, I got him to $3900 and we both walked away happy- I guess.

First, I have been really happy with the purchase-I think it is a great bike to learn on with plenty of room to "grow". I have no problem keeping up with a couple of buddies who ride an ST800 and a VFR800 (although if we opened them up on the highway I am sure they could blow me away-but we don't ride like that anyway).

Anything smaller (like a 250) might be too small IMO. I rode a 250 in the MSF and this bike feels and handles pretty similar, but has enough power to make it a little  more fun.

As far as new vs. used, if you can afford it and you don't plan to work on the bike yourself, buying new under warranty might give you a little more peace of mind (it does for me)

Thanks for all the help, it's all great. I'm thinking I'm gonna walk in saying I have $3,500 and if they lower the price great, if not and I can walk out at $4,000 I would be happy too. I discovered today that the bike is actually a 2007 not a 2006, but he still wants to unload it.

-Jaime

    OK. I am officially frustrated. I made the 1 1/2 hour drive down to the dealership that had the Savage I was looking at and which had told me I could test drive it. Today when I said I wanted to test drive the new bike I was told I couldn't, the ground was wet and it was sprinkling (like the bike was gonna melt or something!!!!). Instead I could test drive one of two used Savages. I thought no big deal I really just want to see how a 650 feels, my only previous riding had been on a 125 at the Motorcycle Safety Class. So I fill out the demo form and the sales guy I had been dealing with takes it to his manager to OK. Nope, you can't test drive a bike there unless you have 3+ years riding experience. I had told the sales guy I was looking for a first bike!!!!! So no deal.
    I guess I will have to increase my search range to over 100 miles. I have been asking if I can test drive bikes and I realize a lot of places won't let you, but most of them were good enough to say so!

-Jaime

My wife and I took the class this fall and had not ridden a bike since our teen years.  In the class we rode Buell 500's which have a nice pickup.  Her uncle had couple of Savages that he was selling and we got  a '97 and love it.  Great starter bike.  The more we rode it the more we wanted another and did last week get an 02. Was listed for sale here.  Needs a little tlc but good bike. Point is, we have not ridden since our teens and except for the Safty class had not ridden before we bought our bike.  Good luck in your search.

Tony