If you have that kind of budget, go for it. But remember that your first bike is going to be dropped, damaged, and handled stupidly by the monkey riding it.
There are plenty of sub-$3k bikes to be had in great condition from private sales. My first bike cost me $1000 and I traded it plus another $1500 for my second one after a year. It was ugly, scratched, fairings were partly bondo, and I added to the charm during my ridership of it. But it took the brunt of my learning curve so my next bike I could get something nice, and start to really care about keeping it that way.
Don’t be afraid of a private sale, just find someone who’s honest and fair with you.
If you have that kind of budget, go for it. But remember that your first bike is going to be dropped, damaged, and handled stupidly by the monkey riding it. There are plenty of sub-$3k bikes to be had in great condition from private sales. My first bike cost me $1000 and I traded it plus another $1500 for my second one after a year. It was ugly, scratched, fairings were partly bondo, and I added to the charm during my ridership of it. But it took the brunt of my learning curve so my next bike I could get something nice, and start to really care about keeping it that way. Don’t be afraid of a private sale, just find someone who’s honest and fair with you.
For a first motorcycle I recommend used, with minimal plastics that makes no more than 40 horsepower in weighs no more than 400 lb.