buying new bike advice

Vote4Missy · 05-19-2012, 05:45 PM

So I currently own a 97 ninja zx600c that runs great with busted fairings on both sides, I love the bike but I might want to upgrade now that I have a job. my price range would be 3k or lower from craigslist etc.

pros of my bike that I would like to see on my upgrade.
> 45+ mpg
> REGULAR fuel
> comfortable seating for me and my GF for long rides.

Cons of my bike that make me want to upgrade, but if someone could find ways around these things I would stick with my bike.

> 16" wheels, I cant find decent tires that easily
> no frame sliders available
> no hard case touring bags available
> no sportier suspention upgrades available
> lack of forum support for my model bike
> to new to be a classic, to old to have parts availible.

So I am looking for ideas, should I spend the money to replace all my fairing and or repair them and make my bike like new and upgrade it, or is there a better bike to fit my needs for around $3k?

PS, I am young so I enjoy a sportier bike

courier11sec · 05-19-2012, 06:03 PM

So 3 grand or 3 grand and whatever you get for your bike?

Vote4Missy · 05-19-2012, 07:02 PM

3 grand total, I think I will only be able to get about 1k for the bike I have now, it runs perfect but is really beat up.

Wyckedan · 05-19-2012, 07:05 PM

Never heard of a zx600c, and a Google search shows what looks like an ex500. Get rid of it, and get yourself an SV650.

UhOh · 05-19-2012, 07:12 PM

SV650, FZ6, Bandit 1200. If you're serious about 2-up you'll look at the latter.
luck on shopping.

kippen · 05-19-2012, 07:16 PM

I had a zx600c for a long time. I loved it. For 3k (plus whatever you may get from your bike), you should look for a 2003 or newer (fuel injected) SV650, specifically an SV650S. Everything that you want is available. Upgrading the suspension is the only thing that is a bit difficult. But the SV is in your price range and has all the other characteristics you want. Check out this forum: http://www.svrider.com/forum/

kippen · 05-19-2012, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by Wyckedan

Never heard of a zx600c, and a Google search shows what looks like an ex500. Get rid of it, and get yourself an SV650.

The ex500 was styled after the zx600c. but the zx600c had a four cylinder engine and was a much cooler bike IMO.

ww73 · 05-19-2012, 07:59 PM

wanna buy mine?

03 Kawi ZZR600 Sport Tourer

kmannth · 05-19-2012, 10:14 PM

You can buy a lot of bike for 3k go search craigs.

YZF600r
Ninja 600's zx6r 1998-2002 / zzr600 should be doable.
Maybe one of the 650 twins SV or Ninja 650.
Something with a Triumph 995i. 1998-2002 are probably in your price range. A nice sprint or older 995i Dayton or early Speed Triple.
Honda vtr1000

If you want hard bags gen 1 Kawi Concourse and the Triumph Sprint are your best bets.

There is nothing wrong with your bike it is just a very early design, I had a zx600b for a summer a log time ago. Things have come a long ways. There are a ton a great bikes from the last 15 years that fit your price range $3k and will get you onto a more modern platform.

Have Fun!

johnnyooze · 05-20-2012, 10:29 AM

Ya 3K total isnt a whole lot to work with. Keep an eye out on bikes with salvage titles. I bought an 02 CBR 600 for 3K with a salvage last year, but it was my riding buddys so i knew it was straight. Also, you could get a small personal loan to supplement your cash. Ive been craigslisting for the last couple of weeks for bikes and it seems like 4K-4500 is the baseline for modern jap bikes. Good luck!

ZrexRich · 05-20-2012, 01:17 PM

Suzuki Bandit 1200
Kawasaki ZRX1100/1200
Honda CB919 Hornet
Triumph Speed Triple 955
Kawasaki ZX11D(late 93'-01')
Kawasaki GPz1100(95'-97' version)

Vote4Missy · 05-22-2012, 01:42 PM

so do any of these bikes you guys have listed run on 87 octane and get 45+ mpg, I plan on doing lots of cross country trips during the summer months and like I said I am young so I can handle a slightly sporty seating position for long miles, after all I put 8k miles on my ninja last year during a 2 week trip going coast to coast and back

heck, I would stick with my bike if I could just find a way to get 17" wheels on it lol

ZrexRich · 05-22-2012, 03:24 PM

The Kawasaki ZRX1100/ZX11/GPz1100 I listed all share the same basic motor. All three take regular unleaded fuel. I suppose if you're just crusing and stay out of w.o.t. you'll be at/near 45mpg. As for forum support, the ZRXOA is a great resource for parts/help.

RedKat600 · 05-22-2012, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by ZrexRich

The Kawasaki ZRX1100/ZX11/GPz1100 I listed all share the same basic motor. All three take regular unleaded fuel. I suppose if you're just crusing and stay out of w.o.t. you'll be at/near 45mpg.

That is SOOOOO not fun. Why buy that bike if you're not gonna have fun?

ieatstaples · 05-22-2012, 04:19 PM

i've got an '05 sv650 ~7k miles i'm gettin rdy to sell but its an N model which probably isnt what youre looking for in terms of cross country travel.

Vote4Missy · 06-15-2012, 07:04 AM

so I went to a kawi/Honda dealership and I think I found the bike that is the best modern replacement for my zx600c, the ninja 650r, the seating position is the exact same and it produces more torque across the board. only downside is that its a twin, but I guess for someone who is not serious into racing that will do.

now to find one for semi cheap, I wouldn't mind one with some fairing damage.
were can I find slightly damaged bikes?

Wyckedan · 06-15-2012, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Vote4Missy

so I went to a kawi/Honda dealership and I think I found the bike that is the best modern replacement for my zx600c, the ninja 650r, the seating position is the exact same and it produces more torque across the board. only downside is that its a twin, but I guess for someone who is not serious into racing that will do.

now to find one for semi cheap, I wouldn't mind one with some fairing damage.
were can I find slightly damaged bikes?

Twins are actually better for street riding because of the low rpm torque. Good choice. Keep your eyes peeled on CL, the summer is a sellers market because everyone wants a bike when it's nice out.

take risks · 06-15-2012, 07:40 AM

[QUOTE=Vote4Missy;2788053]...only downside is that its a twin...[QUOTE]

Twins are really fun. The powerband is way more accessible for everyday use. It does become personal preference at some point, but twins will put a smile on your face.

Sv650 is a fun bike with more in the wrist then your current ride.

Happy hunting!!!

This is a twin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVKLl-ZBUwg

Vote4Missy · 06-15-2012, 07:46 AM

so my question is where can I find bikes that have been layed down but are still drivable, because that would be closer to my pricerange. I am looking to take my girlfriend down to cali and then vegas and back at the end of July and we both have minimum wage jobs and I would prefer to take a newer bike than my beat up zx600c, plus it would be nice if my family didn't see how beat up the ninja is after I got it from my dad in mint condition

Mic · 06-15-2012, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by Vote4Missy

only downside is that its a twin, but I guess for someone who is not serious into racing that will do.

Eh, what?


05-19-2012, 05:45 PM	#1
Vote4Missy Permit Joined: Mar 2012 From: sumner, wa I Ride: Ninja 600r	buying new bike advice So I currently own a 97 ninja zx600c that runs great with busted fairings on both sides, I love the bike but I might want to upgrade now that I have a job. my price range would be 3k or lower from craigslist etc. pros of my bike that I would like to see on my upgrade. > 45+ mpg > REGULAR fuel > comfortable seating for me and my GF for long rides. Cons of my bike that make me want to upgrade, but if someone could find ways around these things I would stick with my bike. > 16" wheels, I cant find decent tires that easily > no frame sliders available > no hard case touring bags available > no sportier suspention upgrades available > lack of forum support for my model bike > to new to be a classic, to old to have parts availible. So I am looking for ideas, should I spend the money to replace all my fairing and or repair them and make my bike like new and upgrade it, or is there a better bike to fit my needs for around $3k? PS, I am young so I enjoy a sportier bike __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-19-2012, 06:03 PM	#2
courier11sec Moto2 Contender Joined: Sep 2008 From: where they don't have lawns. I Ride: Red bike, Brown truck, various collections of junk held together poorly.	So 3 grand or 3 grand and whatever you get for your bike? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-19-2012, 07:02 PM	#3
Vote4Missy Permit Joined: Mar 2012 From: sumner, wa I Ride: Ninja 600r	3 grand total, I think I will only be able to get about 1k for the bike I have now, it runs perfect but is really beat up. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-19-2012, 07:05 PM	#4
Wyckedan Streetfighter Joined: Feb 2010 From: Seattle, Wa I Ride: An 06 R6 with OPRT	Never heard of a zx600c, and a Google search shows what looks like an ex500. Get rid of it, and get yourself an SV650. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-19-2012, 07:12 PM	#5
UhOh Superbiker Joined: Apr 2006 From: Tri-Cities, WA I Ride: Hither, Thither and Yon ... mostly day rides	SV650, FZ6, Bandit 1200. If you're serious about 2-up you'll look at the latter. luck on shopping. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-19-2012, 07:16 PM	#6
kippen Pit Crew Joined: May 2006 From: Seattle Washington I Ride: SV650S	I had a zx600c for a long time. I loved it. For 3k (plus whatever you may get from your bike), you should look for a 2003 or newer (fuel injected) SV650, specifically an SV650S. Everything that you want is available. Upgrading the suspension is the only thing that is a bit difficult. But the SV is in your price range and has all the other characteristics you want. Check out this forum: http://www.svrider.com/forum/ __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-19-2012, 07:59 PM	#8
ww73 Endorsed Joined: Jan 2007 From: Sammamish, WA I Ride: 03 ZZR 600, 05 BMW K1200S, 07 MV Agusta F4-1000R	wanna buy mine? 03 Kawi ZZR600 Sport Tourer __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-19-2012, 10:14 PM	#9
kmannth Chicken Strips Joined: Jun 2008 From: Portland Oregon I Ride: 2002 Aprilia RSV Mille R	You can buy a lot of bike for 3k go search craigs. YZF600r Ninja 600's zx6r 1998-2002 / zzr600 should be doable. Maybe one of the 650 twins SV or Ninja 650. Something with a Triumph 995i. 1998-2002 are probably in your price range. A nice sprint or older 995i Dayton or early Speed Triple. Honda vtr1000 If you want hard bags gen 1 Kawi Concourse and the Triumph Sprint are your best bets. There is nothing wrong with your bike it is just a very early design, I had a zx600b for a summer a log time ago. Things have come a long ways. There are a ton a great bikes from the last 15 years that fit your price range $3k and will get you onto a more modern platform. Have Fun! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-20-2012, 10:29 AM	#10
johnnyooze Chicken Strips Joined: May 2006 From: The Ham I Ride: 02 CBR 600 F4i WRECKED 88 CBR 600 Hurricane	Ya 3K total isnt a whole lot to work with. Keep an eye out on bikes with salvage titles. I bought an 02 CBR 600 for 3K with a salvage last year, but it was my riding buddys so i knew it was straight. Also, you could get a small personal loan to supplement your cash. Ive been craigslisting for the last couple of weeks for bikes and it seems like 4K-4500 is the baseline for modern jap bikes. Good luck! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-20-2012, 01:17 PM	#11
ZrexRich Chicken Strips Joined: Sep 2007 From: Oak Grove, Oregon I Ride: Wheelies ;-)	Suzuki Bandit 1200 Kawasaki ZRX1100/1200 Honda CB919 Hornet Triumph Speed Triple 955 Kawasaki ZX11D(late 93'-01') Kawasaki GPz1100(95'-97' version) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-22-2012, 01:42 PM	#12
Vote4Missy Permit Joined: Mar 2012 From: sumner, wa I Ride: Ninja 600r	so do any of these bikes you guys have listed run on 87 octane and get 45+ mpg, I plan on doing lots of cross country trips during the summer months and like I said I am young so I can handle a slightly sporty seating position for long miles, after all I put 8k miles on my ninja last year during a 2 week trip going coast to coast and back heck, I would stick with my bike if I could just find a way to get 17" wheels on it lol __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-22-2012, 03:24 PM	#13
ZrexRich Chicken Strips Joined: Sep 2007 From: Oak Grove, Oregon I Ride: Wheelies ;-)	The Kawasaki ZRX1100/ZX11/GPz1100 I listed all share the same basic motor. All three take regular unleaded fuel. I suppose if you're just crusing and stay out of w.o.t. you'll be at/near 45mpg. As for forum support, the ZRXOA is a great resource for parts/help. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by ZrexRich; 05-22-2012 at 03:29 PM..


05-22-2012, 04:19 PM	#15
ieatstaples Permit Joined: Aug 2010 From: Wilsonville, OR I Ride: an '06 sv650s & I tinker on an '02 :D	i've got an '05 sv650 ~7k miles i'm gettin rdy to sell but its an N model which probably isnt what youre looking for in terms of cross country travel. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-15-2012, 07:04 AM	#16
Vote4Missy Permit Joined: Mar 2012 From: sumner, wa I Ride: Ninja 600r	so I went to a kawi/Honda dealership and I think I found the bike that is the best modern replacement for my zx600c, the ninja 650r, the seating position is the exact same and it produces more torque across the board. only downside is that its a twin, but I guess for someone who is not serious into racing that will do. now to find one for semi cheap, I wouldn't mind one with some fairing damage. were can I find slightly damaged bikes? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-15-2012, 07:46 AM	#19
Vote4Missy Permit Joined: Mar 2012 From: sumner, wa I Ride: Ninja 600r	so my question is where can I find bikes that have been layed down but are still drivable, because that would be closer to my pricerange. I am looking to take my girlfriend down to cali and then vegas and back at the end of July and we both have minimum wage jobs and I would prefer to take a newer bike than my beat up zx600c, plus it would be nice if my family didn't see how beat up the ninja is after I got it from my dad in mint condition __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode