I'm a little tired of having to fix things on the 700 instead of just riding it. A few things i've just put off till later. I've even considered joining AAA in case i'm stranded somewhere. Recently dealers were selling brand new 650 2014 Ninjas for $5998. I read a few forums and it looks like they have no common issues and are pretty much repair free for 50k +. Then I listened to a youtube video and instantly had a problem with the sound. It sounded like it a couple of thumpers, imagine that. I sat on one today and didn't like the narrow seat, low seat height and the handlebars were just "wrong". I'd love a new vfr800 but not only can't I afford it, i can't stand the idea of the Vtech engine. To me, it's nothing more than fancy gadgetry to comply with the EPA. Just my opinion, no insult intended. Now i'm thinking with the money I save by 'not' buying a Ninja I can make the Interceptor more reliable and maybe even pay to have someone else work on it.
Find yourself a nice 5 Gen and split the difference, so to speak. I love my 6 Gen, it's a great commuter/tourer but my 5 Gen is my "go to" bike for play time. Or just keep putting money into your 700...your choice, but I vote 5 Gen!
What kind of problems are you having with the 700? Normal 30yr old bike stuff? Whats your mileage? That's a good price for the 650 Ninja, my local dealers are all MSRP and don't like to deal. I've sat on the 650 a couple times and thought it was very comfy, it's very upright. It had true handle bars right? Not clip on type? Maybe they were just rotated too low? Whoever did the setup didn't get it right? The 650 is a parallel twin and I think they are around 70hp. Your Vf700 has 81hp, do you really want a less powerful bike? Sit on the 2015 Z1000 if they have one. I know its a crazy strange looking bike but...I sat on one a few hours ago and they feel GOOD! I sat on a Ninja 1000, the Z1000 and a ZX-10R anniversary. The ZX10 feels like a rocket ship on two wheels, but I couldn't take the lay down seating position, the Ninja 1000 was about the same.....but the Z1000 felt great. Then I jumped on my VF700 and rode home and it feel pretty darn good too.
The tach started fluctuating at freeway speeds a week ago. It hasn't happened since I've ridden it again. Last weekend doing 70, I couldn't roll it on in 5th gear, climbed very slowly. Not sure if it's related. I really like OOTV's suggestion about getting a 5th gen. Problem is, they're rare as hens teeth. A few in Cali, one in Vegas (all yellow, I could do yellow) None in the Seattle area.
5th gear doing 70 is around 5-6K rpm right? You should be able to pull from 5K no problem. Fluttering tack could be spark unit huh, that would for sure effect performance if you have a cylinder cutting out or not firing. Whats your mileage on the orangesicle?
Supposedly it has just under 12k. The PO made repairs after a low side. I don't know if it's the original speedo. Wouldn't put it past him.
Assuming the best, that it's never been down and well maintained, I think their $6K price is a fair starting point. If I bought a 6G it would be this '07 bike but I'd knock the price down for no-ABS and no included luggage, and offer $4900 but I'd settle for $5500. For $7k you can get this bike with ABS, luggage and the same or less mileage. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/4858881139.html http://chico.craigslist.org/mcy/4889055721.html No ABS but has luggage: http://goldcountry.craigslist.org/mcd/4888172851.html
Did you check out all the pics in this ad? If it comes with who's in the last pic, it puts a new meaning to the term extra baggage! or air bags
Well, if you buy that as being his little sister, I have an awesome 5 Gen with all the bells and whistles, fully upgraded suspension and only $1,500.00! :wink:
Love the looks of that bike. The RWB is so smooth looking. The pics are good too...I missed the last pic the first time...thanks for the reminder...I went back to the ad FAST!
