Should I tart up my bike or trade it in?

[Cuchulain]

I've had my '09 XJ6n (25k mileage) for about a year and half and up until recently it was at 33bhp.

Whilst I was on my A2 period I never really considered getting a different bike but now that I can ride what I want the 'ooh shiney' has kicked in and my bike feels a bit meh.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great bike and it's much faster than I am at riding it but it's looking pretty tired with rust on the bolts, handlebars and exhaust.

So do I get a nice new full exhaust to replace the old stock one and some new bars and bolts or just trade it in for something a bit more special?

https://i62.tinypic.com/2pq2ee0.jpg
https://i61.tinypic.com/wh1phj.jpg
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CBT 15/6/2011 Theory Test Passed 6/2/2012 Module 1 Passed 11/6/2012
Module 2 Passed!!! 19/6/2012

[stevo as b4]

Unless your really happy with it and it does everything you want easily, then it's not worth keeping and spending a lot on money on it to de-value it.

Id say clean it up, and remove and polish/clean/paint any rusty fasteners, and then either sell it as a tidy std bike, or look to a dealer for a trade in on something second hand that you like the look of.

As for wanting something more special or a bit more exciting/capable or gruntier, then I'd just say don't bother with the cost of changing bikes to just make a small step, as you might be in the same position again in 12months or less.

Example of this might be: XJ6 to Suzuki GSR750 or FZ8 etc.
But go for something a bit more than you need or something that has character and feels more special and you might not want to change again for a long while and lose money doing it.

I guess trading from an XJ6 to a KTM superduke 990 would be just one example of what I mean in terms of getting a characterful ample bike that's likely to keep you interested longer.

[Dave500]

Clean it up shouldn't take more than a day and and then look about for something you fancy
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Bye bye Z hello Versys

[P.addy]

Get it clean looking, sell it and buy yourself something funky.

I've had most types of engine now and I've just plumped for a Street Triple. Never ridden one, however am using a Daytona 675 next week round a track so I'll get a taste of the 675 engine.

Perhaps a few dealer test rides are in order with a PX of your bike against theirs.

As above a Superduke 990.. its worlds apart from your XJ, I'd feel perhaps too great a step but sod it! Give one a go.

[clancy]

Clean it up and sell it, whenever you get that new bike feeling where you can't stop looking at new stuff you may as well change bike

Why be stuck with a bike your not 100% happy with when you would prefer another one, it will only make you hate your bike in the long run

And new toy feeling is awesome
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KLX 300r

[Cuchulain]

Any recomendations on a good product and method for cleaning up the rusty downpipes and bolts?
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CBT 15/6/2011 Theory Test Passed 6/2/2012 Module 1 Passed 11/6/2012
Module 2 Passed!!! 19/6/2012

[dodsi]

Blobs of black paint into the screws/bolts

Sandpaper (different grit levels) /polish /Elbow grease on exhaust providing its stainless.

[Ben90]

Looking at getting one of these after I get my license, all going well should be the end of the month

Location?
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Yamaha FZ6 S2

[Dave500]