2005 Ninja ZX-6R as a first bike?
 

It needs plastics, but assuming all else is true, it seems like a hell of a deal.

<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/01011201041201160720080506f46d4528322a8ce0d7004394 .jpg"> <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/01150601160601040220080506cd753fd22dfe0b04eb00af35 .jpg">

<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/0115060102070116022008050612b8a460b877b67f290017e5 .jpg"> <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/01150101020001040120080506ca8d066e5363a72d530050e9 .jpg"><ul><li><a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/mcy/670278727.html">http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/mcy/670278727.html</a></li></ul>

For you?
 

Agree that its a great deal for an 05 ZX6, assuming the only thing wrong is the missing front fairing.

But, I dont think its the best first bike to get..
Also, can you register salvage titles in NY?

Would make an awesome track bike tho.. I wouldn't be surprised if its already sold. I'd jump on that as a dedicated track ride if our wedding wasn't coming up in 3mos....

Good question about registering salvage titles in NY.
 

I'll have to find out. It's probably sold already anyways.

Be aware that the headlight assy and upper cowl is $1075 and change...
 

...after tax, so you'd have to add that cost. As far as registering a salvage title...it's VERY difficult in NY. You have to jump through too many hoops and the red-tape and cost outweigh the deal. I work at a motorcyle dealership, so I'll try and get some more info for you if you'd like.

On the subject of a 110hp sportbike as a first bike...I wouldn't recommend it. I know the cool-factor is really high with sportbikes, but as a first bike they're lacking. 600s are very high strung and really have to be wrung out to achieve their potential. It varies from rider to rider, but it usually takes a few years to get even close to the skill level needed to ride it how it was designed to be. Most young riders come in here and buy GSX-R600s and R6s and end up wrecking them within the summer or losing interest because the bike is too much for them and they scare themselves more often than they have fun.

That said, buy whatever you're comfortable with. If your ego won't let you ride a Ninja 250R (don't worry, mine wouldn't in the beginning, either) then let me direct you to a Kawi Ninja 500R or a Suzuki GS500F, Kawi Ninja 650R, Suz SV650, etc. All the non-race replica bikes in the 500-650cc range still have enough power to not be boring, can achieve speeds of 120mph (not that you need it just starting out), have more upright ergos, are more comfortable, and are generally much more pleasant (read FUN) to ride. When you're scraping the pegs through the corners on an SV650 and have it pinned in 3rd gear coming out of the apex passing kids on 600s...THEN you should step up to a 600cc sportbike. When your ability exceeds your machine is when you upgrade. Plus, your ability will be far above the kids so you'll be easily outperforming them. Hopefully, they'll take notice of how much fun you're having while they're just frustrating themselves.

Good info, thanks.
 

I was only interested in that bike b/c of the price. I'm really not all that interested in getting a crotch rocket anyways.

I've been looking at the SV650 a lot, but what I REALLY want is a Ducati Monster. I'm not sure if that is a good choice as a first bike. I don't want to spend more than $4k. I like the naked sport bikes a lot.

Ducatis are great bikes...
 

...but even Monsters have lots of powah! Also, when you call your insurance company and say "Ducati", they **** bricks.

The SV650 is an absolutely GREAT choice. You can usually find used ones in really good condition for around $3500-$4000...easily. Plus, twins sound great with pipes =)

Also forgot to mention...
 

...that the aftermarket for SV parts is insanely huge. Depending on how much you love the bike, there are thousands of bits you can mod it with. Fork kits with new springs/rates/adjustment can be had that will almost (if not actually equal or perfrom even better) bring an SV to a stock 600s level of handling. A lot of people have whole front end kits off of GSX-R600s that they transplant on to SVs...plug-and-play style. You're not going to accelerate, or have the top-end, like a GSX-R...but you'd be able to piss them off on the twisties for a LOT less money ; )

For the SV650, would you look for pre 2003 or post, or either one?
 

I'm looking at 2 on CL.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/mcy/669236774.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/mcy/670159544.html

I like the ones like these, w/o the headlight fairing and winshield. I also like the black frames on the 2003+ S models, but those have the front fairing and headlight. Right?

For the price range a 2003-2004 would be perfect...
 

Ideally, you should look for a 2003 because that's the first year they switched over to fuel-injection. The carb bikes were still great bikes, but the FI is much more convenient for cold starts and is less tempermental.

Of the two you're looking at, the '03 is priced decently...especially for down in the city. Check if it needs new tires and look at the chain and sprockets. Worn sprockets will be noticeable. That 2000 is WAY over-priced. Definite skip. I included Kelley Blue Books value on the 03 SV650.

Oh, and yes, all the "S" models have upper fairings as opposed to the single headlight. They also have clip-on bars instead of the traditional handlebar which makes you lean forward more in to a "sport" position. The non-S models are more comfy and upright. I agree with you, too...the non-S models look a lot cooler, IMO. I'm partial to the "street-fighter" look on anything that's not sportbike.<ul><li><a href="http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles/PricingReport.aspx?VehicleId=79270&amp;VehicleClas s=Motorcycle&amp;PriceType=Retail&amp;Manufacturer Id=48&amp;YearId=2003">http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles/PricingReport.aspx?VehicleId=79270&a

Here's a 2006 S
 

Looks pretty good. I could always take off the front fairing and throw on a single headlight, right?

This a deal?<ul><li><a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/mcy/662964072.html">http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/mcy/662964072.html</a></li></ul>