New or Used?

Which way's the best way to go?
SDs seam to hold there value quite well so is it worth saving a couple of grand on one that's a year or so old and not be sure how the thing's been treated by the original owner, or do you think it's better to just dig deep and fork out for a brand-pankers one?

Unless a used one is either not available or abused, I would have no problem going "previously owned". I would NEVER buy a vehicle that's been down or in an accident. Period. A new bike is nice, but after 2 weeks, it's used, so what's really the difference? Previously owned saves you $$, break-in, and possibly gives you some aftermarket bling. Win-win. I never buy new cars anymore, and if there had been used SDs when I got mine, I'd have definitely looked there first. My Duke II was previously owned, and it was perfect (and a steal). Half the fun is shopping for the deal, and 100% of the fun after that is riding the snot out of it.

I was looking at used sd's back in august, wanted to spend £5k. I ended up finding a brand new battle spec for £5800. Its my first ever brand new bike and I do like it. But I'd only go brand new again if the deal was that good!

I bought mine new simply because I couldnt locate a used one. If you can find one and the owner seems to know his way around the bike, and has the service / repair information then I wouldn't hesitate to jump on it. The money you save could go towards up grades. Or just less money to fess up the misses.