Here are my thoughts based on my limited experience:
1) If you can, wait until winter. People are looking at another year of registration and insurance while the bike sits in the garage waiting for warmer weather, so deals are much better.
2) I agree with the "be patient". I was looking for awhile, then came across a CL offer for a low mileage (7k) '08 for $7000 ($7700 after paying CA taxes). It was bone stock, and had a little tipover damage on the right mirror and fairing, but I was happy to get it for $4-5k less than new.
3) Looking at the costs to install what I now think are essential farkles (aftermarket seat, cruise control, outlets for heated clothes, and maybe heated grips), I would look for a relatively low mileage late model unit already equipped with these items, and pay maybe up to $9000.
If you go new and get it OTD for lets say $11,000, you're still looking at up to $1000 for what I consider essential items, not to mention all the wrenching required for the electrical upgrades - if you're good at all that (which I'm not) then maybe that's not a factor.
Anyhow, that's my opinion, and as we know, everyone's got one!
good luck