Thinking of buying a new bike - advice appreciated

[Glory Hunter]

Hi guys,

I've got that little buzzing sound in the back of my head, you know the one - it starts as a little hum and you think it may just be tinnitus or something, then you go onto the internet to see if you can diagnose the problem, then you see a bike you like and it becomes a roaring sound which begins to dominate every waking thought.

Well, I've realised that mine is caused by the thought of owning a new Kawasaki Versys - in short, I've got the bike horn...

So, I went to the dealer today and looked at the bikes in store and here in lies the dilemma: I've been on the Kawasaki website and the 2009 range has a new model in matt Diablo Black - very sexy - the problem is that my dealer has a blue model in stock which is offered at a knock down price.

So, what should I do? My heart is screaming wait for the black, you know it's what you really want, my wallet is screaming think of the money you could save....

I realise us bikers are a passionate bunch, is this a situation where the heart should be listened too?

Also, as far as the dealer price is concerned, how much is reasonable to haggle? I don't wanna get laughed out of the shop but reckon 10-15% is a fair guide (even though the 2008 model already has £500 off list).

Finally, what should I be looking for as a trade in on my current bike? It's a 2000 Honda CB500 in red, I'd describe it's condition as 'weathered' and it has a very sparse service history as I do a lot of the work myself. One final problem is that the front mudguard has lost about 1/3 of it's paint due to jet-washing / wind. I've seen similar condition bikes online for £1,000, should I expect to get this? Would I get significantly more if I replaced the mudguard (if so, does anyone know where I could get one?).

Any help greatly appreciated...
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2003 Suzuki VanVan - Sold
2000 Honda CB500 - written off by a spoilt brat with no manners
2005 Yamaha XT660 - I'm in lurve....

[Robchester]

What is it that attracts you about the Versys? Have you test ridden one?

[Glory Hunter]

TBH, the first time I saw it I thought it was about the ugliest bike I'd ever seen, but then it grew on me.

Also, I'm looking for a bike that suits me as a rider, I'm tall (and sitting on it today it felt like a perfect fit) and I want someting that won't give me cramp (or shake my eyes out) after 50 miles.

I don't like sports bikes and I'm no longer interested in nakeds as they're too uncomfortable at high speeds.

The bikes I've been considering are:

Versys, BMW F650, Aprilia Pegaso, KTM Adventure and V-Strom.

I've read a lot of reviews and the Versys gets nothing but top marks so it's definitely got me thinking - so far I've only ridden the KTM though.

Also, here's a picture of the 2009 model, what's not to like...?

https://www.kawasaki.co.uk/Objects/w428h321_00000340E4BA7997.jpg%20
____________________
2003 Suzuki VanVan - Sold
2000 Honda CB500 - written off by a spoilt brat with no manners
2005 Yamaha XT660 - I'm in lurve....

[rotax81]

the bike has a reduced price already, i doubt you will get any more knocked off as simply showing an interest in it will have the salesman sticking to his guns.
the colour of a bike has never bothered me as long as its acceptable.
any colour will grow on you.

also would be better selling your bike privately as it is with a good clean in my opinion. forget tarting it.
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ZX636C6F road. ZX636C1H track. ZX7R redundant. ZX0.5R minimoto as ornament.
Audi A4 Avant 1.9TDi and VW Transporter 2.5TDi 888 Special (no mot and tax lol)

[Glory Hunter]

I see your point re the colour, but I really, really, want it in black though!

A private sale for the CB could be an option though, I may look into that...
____________________
2003 Suzuki VanVan - Sold
2000 Honda CB500 - written off by a spoilt brat with no manners
2005 Yamaha XT660 - I'm in lurve....

[alec_h]

[Skudd]

The Varadero comes in Black. and it is the type of bike you are looking for.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[Mac_Black]

Buy the current model at the knockdown price and get it sprayed in the '09 black scheme for the win.

[krebsy]

Go to the show room, whistle through your teeth "plumber style" and say, "Well, if it was in black...."

See if they can source one for the same price or for £100 quid more...

K.
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What's my New Year's resolution?

1280 x 1024.

[Glory Hunter]

[Glory Hunter]