Wilsons Sandbox

As I ponder the used bike web sites (In Australia) I noticed several 07/08 models coming onto the market. Quite good value compared to new. They have dropped about $2000 from the new price of say $9000 ride away. Some even more. They are now competing quite well with the 04/05/06 models on the market. In fact, if I were buying, I wouldnt look at them. Most are asking late 5's to early 6's. Then I got the calculator out and estimated my 3 year old bikes have depreciated approximately 40%. This includes the KLR and Wee Strom. Because I am looking at updating the wee with a KTM adventure or 950SE, I did the same calculations on used Katies. About the same percentages. Then I thought ouch, thats gotta hurt come sale time. The depreciation is about the same as the purchase price of a new KLR, or nearly a wee strom. The other interesting observation is that a farkled adventure may have up to $4000 in panniers, bags, bars etc. Doesnt seem to contribute to the overall purchase price much. Just makes it easier to sell. I suggest that the same situation exists with my upgraded KLR. Wont necessarily add value. May frighten a purchaser to think that the bike has suffered more in the dirt than a standard bike used for commuting to work. Anyway, when posts talk about costs such as fuel consumption, oil consumption, tire wear etc, bear a thought for the cost of pure ownership. It actually makes the KLR even better value for money per mile/kilometre. This research has unsettled me in making a decision on the KTM purchase. I look at my $7000 strom in good condition and wonder if a $20,000 (950SE) or $24000 (Adventure) purchase is justified. My head says no but my heart says go for it. What to do? Cioa Greg B OZ