New or Used?

If you are a first time rider, is it better to buy used or new? I have experience in riding bikes and have no fear of dropping the bike but I dont want to spen 9 grand for a 600 honda or suzuki. Are there used bikes that run just as good?  

If you are new to sport riding, you can do NO BETTER than to find a nice, used SV650. Try to find a 1999-2002 first generation bike --they've pretty much taken all the depreciation they're ever gonna get, so you can find a good bike between $3000-$4500, ride it for a year or two, and lose next to nothing when you go to re-sell. Also, even the S model(half-fairing) has minimal bodywork, and you will probably drop it at some point in time. Bodywork gets expensive fast, so the less the better for a new rider. Not trying to scare you into saying you'll crash, but a driveway/parking lot tipover is all but guaranteed.
The other cool thing about an SV as a starter bike is they're quick enough that you won't be bored in 6 weeks (ala a 250 ninja) and there is great aftermarket support for go-fast goodies, suspension upgrades, etc.,.
From where I sit, the current 600cc sportbikes make TERRIBLE learner bikes---They're too expensive,motors are VERY peaky. Not too long ago, a 600 might be good for a first bike, but they're just a bit too hard-edged anymore. You'll have more fun on an SV---light, good performance, nice handling (especially w/a few suspension mods). And, again, when you're ready to sell it and move on, you will NOT take a bath on an SV. You may even find it's all the bike you ever need.  

+1 on sv650, also consider honda's F line (f3, *** f4i)