2007 Kawasakik ZX6

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JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,584
984
126
Originally posted by: Kelvrick

For walking around. Who cares about walking around. When you're wearing those boots, you should be on the bike. :cool: And I got mine for ~200 as well during a sale.

The tourmasters are perfect for around town, imho.

As for gloves... Get kangaroo. In fact, get as much kangaroo as possible, I love dead kangaroo. :evil:

Regarding leathers, as a slim guy, the euro manufacturers fit me better. Dainese and Spidi were my choice, although I wore a* jacket around town.

EDIT: As much as we can each argue how much something is better, gear is personal. Find what you like so you WEAR it!

EDIT2: Get a back brace as well. I really liked my Tpro.
http://www.motostrano.com/tpfobapr.html


I hear good things about Velocity gear as well. Pretty cheap for a level 2.
http://highvelocitygear.com/pr...pages/velo-shield.html

Agreed. I don't walk around much in my boots. When I ride I spend most of the time on the bike but it is nice to kick back and grab a bite to eat once you get to your destination before riding back and comfy boots are nice in that respect. Feel on the bike is what is most important though.

Thanks for the link to the back protector. I need to get one of those.
 

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
18,422
5
81
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: Kelvrick

For walking around. Who cares about walking around. When you're wearing those boots, you should be on the bike. :cool: And I got mine for ~200 as well during a sale.

The tourmasters are perfect for around town, imho.

As for gloves... Get kangaroo. In fact, get as much kangaroo as possible, I love dead kangaroo. :evil:

Regarding leathers, as a slim guy, the euro manufacturers fit me better. Dainese and Spidi were my choice, although I wore a* jacket around town.

EDIT: As much as we can each argue how much something is better, gear is personal. Find what you like so you WEAR it!

EDIT2: Get a back brace as well. I really liked my Tpro.
http://www.motostrano.com/tpfobapr.html


I hear good things about Velocity gear as well. Pretty cheap for a level 2.
http://highvelocitygear.com/pr...pages/velo-shield.html

Agreed. I don't walk around much in my boots. When I ride I spend most of the time on the bike but it is nice to kick back and grab a bite to eat once you get to your destination before riding back and comfy boots are nice in that respect. Feel on the bike is what is most important though.

Thanks for the link to the back protector. I need to get one of those.

:evil: I don't know how much my Tpro did, but I was wearing that, my tourmasters, a pair of tourmaster overpants, my A* spinner leather jacket, scorpion helmet and a pair of racer kangaroo gloves when this happened.

http://www.kelvrick.com/crash1.jpg
http://www.kelvrick.com/crash2.jpg
http://www.kelvrick.com/crash3.jpg
http://www.kelvrick.com/crash4.jpg
http://www.kelvrick.com/crash5.jpg

Woke up with some minor memory loss and a concussion, but otherwise only aches and pains. Got a couple of, "you were on this thing just 3 days ago?" responses when people saw me walking around.
 

StepUp

Senior member
May 12, 2004
651
0
76
Dude, I'm really hopeful that's just where the bike landed and not the road you were riding on :eek:
 
Dec 8, 2008
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Tagged.


Get real boots - not those half bootie things. You aren't going to be walking around much - I commute fairly often on my 1098 or TL and I just bring a pair of shoes with me to work.


Avoid Icon gear.


Is this your first bike?
 
Dec 8, 2008
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Originally posted by: StepUp
I personally prefer the look of the ZX. And the 07-08 > 09 IMO...

Edit:

I'm also wondering what everyone is wearing gear-wise.

Personally I wear textile jacket/pants, gloves and boots.

On the subject of boots can some one recommend good street riding boots. I wanna protect my feet, but dropping 400 on race boots for my 1st true sport bike seems silly until I have a lot of miles under my belt.

IMO the 05-06 was the best looking of the bunch. Although I had an 05 plasma blue 636 so mebbe I'm biased
 
Dec 8, 2008
506
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Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: kabob983
Originally posted by: StepUp
I personally prefer the look of the ZX. And the 07-08 > 09 IMO...

Then you have a very unique mind. Once again though, as a track rider the '07/08's in stock form are underpowered/overweight compared to the competition. The jumper adds a good amount of power, but the only way to overcome the weight problem is with aftermarket parts, and other bikes get similar drops in weight (although not to the same degree as the ZX), still making the 6R a porker.

It does have the best stock brakes and the best slipper clutch of the bunch.

Wasn't it a ZX6R that won the 2007 AMA? I'm sure it could be contributed to rider, but I'm just curious again as I'm just entering the realm of sport bikes though I have AutoX exp in my 300zx and drag racing exp in my old GTO, so I know that a underpowered machine in a good driver's hand can make a good difference.

the 6r is a great bike. There's nothing wrong with kawi's, imo, other than the tranny's in ~97-04 were pretty much junk.

Tracktime-wise all of the 600 supersports are so close that it's really up to the rider.


I will say that everyone and their brother has a cbr600 or gixxer 600 - I wouldn't own one just because of the stigma behind them. R6's are a bit too twitchy imho.


Getting rid of the 636 motor was the worst thing kawi did to the 6r :(
 
Dec 8, 2008
506
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Originally posted by: kabob983
Originally posted by: StepUp
I'd like to see where the jumper mod would void the warranty as well; the dealership I was looking to buy it from recommended I do it, and I doubt they'd recommend that if it were a warranty violating mod. Besides, it's only bridging two wires and would be easily reversible if it was indeed an issue.

Everything I've heard/read says it will. An ECU swap, probably not, but a direct modification to the wiring harness? Yeah.

ECU will probably log an irregularity if you use the mod, but that's just a wild guess.

With my 05 it most definitely did NOT void the warranty. Kawi is fairly well known for 'spreading info' on how to do the jumper mod. They've been doing it for awhile, and if it voided warranties then they'd stop doing it.

I'm not sure if it's the same, but with the 05/06's all that the jumper mod did was hold the exhaust valve open. By default, it would close the exhaust valve about 30% at high rpm's for no other reason than to curb noise levels. If you jumped it, it would switch to some other ecu mode which would keep the valve open from like 5k on.
 
Dec 8, 2008
506
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I don't care for JR gear. It's typically cheaply made, one step above icon, and this is a situation where extra $$$ on gear could mean the difference between walking again if you get into an accident.

I cannot stress enough to try this stuff on locally before buying. Newenough is good about sending you a couple different sizes and letting you ship back what doesn't fit. Gloves are the same way - finger lengths are different between brands, and some brands will fit some people MUCH better than others. I wouldn't get 'branded' gear. Chances are that your gear will outlast your bike, esp the jacket/pants/boots.

I personally have the exo-1000 and I like it a lot. I handled the 400 and 700, and IIRC the 700 was a good bit lighter than the 400.







It really sounds like this is your first bike. If so, please don't get a 600 supersport and screw up other motorcyclists statistics and insurance WHEN you drop it.
 

StepUp

Senior member
May 12, 2004
651
0
76
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.
 
Dec 8, 2008
506
0
0
Originally posted by: StepUp
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.

So what do you ride right now?


Every response you've given indicates this is your first bike.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,584
984
126
Originally posted by: Deviant Grasshopper
Originally posted by: StepUp
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.

So what do you ride right now?

Every response you've given indicates this is your first bike.

Agreed and I'd like to know this as well. 600cc Super Sport is a bad choice for a first time rider or anyone without at least a couple years riding experience and at least a few thousand miles.
 

Kabob

Lifer
Sep 5, 2004
15,248
0
76
Oh, this is his first bike? For some reason I assumed he had one.

Yeah, if this is your first bike steer clear of a 600cc supersport. Get an EX500 or and SV650 or GS500 or something that doesn't want to kill you.
 

StepUp

Senior member
May 12, 2004
651
0
76
Originally posted by: Deviant Grasshopper
Originally posted by: StepUp
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.

So what do you ride right now?


Every response you've given indicates this is your first bike.

2002 EX250. I got the bike as a commuter last year when gas went through the roof, but fell in love with the open road. Sorry I wasn't more forthcoming, I thought the "upgrade" portion in the OP would suffice. I sold the bike at the end of this riding season for what I paid.

However, it would be my 1st bike that I'd use other than commuting.

Edit:

I never took the MSF class so I do plan to take that as well. My bike experience was point A to point B on a tame bike. I am serious about getting into the sport, but I also have a relatively calm head on my shoulder.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,584
984
126
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: Deviant Grasshopper
Originally posted by: StepUp
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.

So what do you ride right now?


Every response you've given indicates this is your first bike.

2002 EX250. I got the bike as a commuter last year when gas went through the roof, but fell in love with the open road. Sorry I wasn't more forthcoming, I thought the "upgrade" portion in the OP would suffice. I sold the bike at the end of this riding season for what I paid.

However, it would be my 1st bike that I'd use other than commuting.

Edit:

I never took the MSF class so I do plan to take that as well. My bike experience was point A to point B on a tame bike. I am serious about getting into the sport, but I also have a relatively calm head on my shoulder.

How many miles do you have under your belt on the 250?

Personally, I wouldn't recommend a 600cc SS. Seriously, you're going from maybe 40hp to over 100hp on a bike that weighs maybe 50 more lbs. That's a huge jump and sport bikes aren't nearly as forgiving as your current machine.

How about a girly bike like the SV650? :D
 

StepUp

Senior member
May 12, 2004
651
0
76
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: Deviant Grasshopper
Originally posted by: StepUp
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.

So what do you ride right now?


Every response you've given indicates this is your first bike.

2002 EX250. I got the bike as a commuter last year when gas went through the roof, but fell in love with the open road. Sorry I wasn't more forthcoming, I thought the "upgrade" portion in the OP would suffice. I sold the bike at the end of this riding season for what I paid.

However, it would be my 1st bike that I'd use other than commuting.

Edit:

I never took the MSF class so I do plan to take that as well. My bike experience was point A to point B on a tame bike. I am serious about getting into the sport, but I also have a relatively calm head on my shoulder.

How many miles do you have under your belt on the 250?

Personally, I wouldn't recommend a 600cc SS. How about a girly bike like the SV650? :D

Roughly 4500. I know the SV650 is a great bike as well, but I do have my heart set on the ZX6R at this point.

Edit to your Edit:

Believe me I know how unforgiving the 600's can be. I have ridden friends' R6 and CBR and the 1st time was definitely a shock.

I'm not saying it's the most rational next step forward and understand there are additional factors working against me.
 

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
18,422
5
81
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: Deviant Grasshopper
Originally posted by: StepUp
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.

So what do you ride right now?


Every response you've given indicates this is your first bike.

2002 EX250. I got the bike as a commuter last year when gas went through the roof, but fell in love with the open road. Sorry I wasn't more forthcoming, I thought the "upgrade" portion in the OP would suffice. I sold the bike at the end of this riding season for what I paid.

However, it would be my 1st bike that I'd use other than commuting.

Edit:

I never took the MSF class so I do plan to take that as well. My bike experience was point A to point B on a tame bike. I am serious about getting into the sport, but I also have a relatively calm head on my shoulder.

How many miles do you have under your belt on the 250?

Personally, I wouldn't recommend a 600cc SS. How about a girly bike like the SV650? :D

Roughly 4500. I know the SV650 is a great bike as well, but I do have my heart set on the ZX6R at this point.

Edit to your Edit:

Believe me I know how unforgiving the 600's can be. I have ridden friends' R6 and CBR and the 1st time was definitely a shock.

I'm not saying it's the most rational next step forward and understand there are additional factors working against me.

I think another question is what kind of miles does the OP have. No MSF course (although I guess that doesn't mean much), but what about local track trips? Do you have a local group to ride with where you can develop control and skill?

Hmm, that sounds kind of bad if they were a bad influence on you. Ever been to trips on the hills/twisties/canyons? I know of some ex250 riders that could ride the pants off me when I'm on a supersport.
 
Dec 8, 2008
506
0
0
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: Deviant Grasshopper
Originally posted by: StepUp
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.

So what do you ride right now?


Every response you've given indicates this is your first bike.

2002 EX250. I got the bike as a commuter last year when gas went through the roof, but fell in love with the open road. Sorry I wasn't more forthcoming, I thought the "upgrade" portion in the OP would suffice. I sold the bike at the end of this riding season for what I paid.

However, it would be my 1st bike that I'd use other than commuting.

Edit:

I never took the MSF class so I do plan to take that as well. My bike experience was point A to point B on a tame bike. I am serious about getting into the sport, but I also have a relatively calm head on my shoulder.

How many miles do you have under your belt on the 250?

Personally, I wouldn't recommend a 600cc SS. How about a girly bike like the SV650? :D

Roughly 4500. I know the SV650 is a great bike as well, but I do have my heart set on the ZX6R at this point.

Edit to your Edit:

Believe me I know how unforgiving the 600's can be. I have ridden friends' R6 and CBR and the 1st time was definitely a shock.

I'm not saying it's the most rational next step forward and understand there are additional factors working against me.

Eh... It's a bit early imo, but if you really do have 4500 of riding that is at least 25% up in the mountains I think you'll do ok as long as you're extremely careful. Granted, I wouldn't recommend it, but it can be done.


Personally, if I were in your shoes I'd stay on the 250 until you have a good solid 10k miles under your belt - at least a year or so. It really does take awhile to truly pick up good throttle control, braking, and cornering without having to think about what you're doing. Or, start cruising craigslist and pick up an f4i or something. Ride the f4i for a few years and buy what you really want.

I've found that motorcyclists tend to cycle through bikes very quickly until they find what they really want. With every new bike it's "exactly what they always wanted" for about a year until something else comes along.

No matter what you do, good luck and ATGATT!


Take the MSF.
 
Dec 8, 2008
506
0
0
Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: Deviant Grasshopper
Originally posted by: StepUp
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.

So what do you ride right now?


Every response you've given indicates this is your first bike.

2002 EX250. I got the bike as a commuter last year when gas went through the roof, but fell in love with the open road. Sorry I wasn't more forthcoming, I thought the "upgrade" portion in the OP would suffice. I sold the bike at the end of this riding season for what I paid.

However, it would be my 1st bike that I'd use other than commuting.

Edit:

I never took the MSF class so I do plan to take that as well. My bike experience was point A to point B on a tame bike. I am serious about getting into the sport, but I also have a relatively calm head on my shoulder.

How many miles do you have under your belt on the 250?

Personally, I wouldn't recommend a 600cc SS. How about a girly bike like the SV650? :D

Roughly 4500. I know the SV650 is a great bike as well, but I do have my heart set on the ZX6R at this point.

Edit to your Edit:

Believe me I know how unforgiving the 600's can be. I have ridden friends' R6 and CBR and the 1st time was definitely a shock.

I'm not saying it's the most rational next step forward and understand there are additional factors working against me.

I think another question is what kind of miles does the OP have. No MSF course (although I guess that doesn't mean much), but what about local track trips? Do you have a local group to ride with where you can develop control and skill?

Hmm, that sounds kind of bad if they were a bad influence on you. Ever been to trips on the hills/twisties/canyons? I know of some ex250 riders that could ride the pants off me when I'm on a supersport.

Some of my best motorcycling memories are of outrunning friends in the twisties on a GS500. There's something insanely gratifying about late braking like a mofo, carrying all the speed through the turn, and doing it all so quick that a supersport can't keep up even in the straights.

 

StepUp

Senior member
May 12, 2004
651
0
76
Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: StepUp
Originally posted by: Deviant Grasshopper
Originally posted by: StepUp
Oh I've tried all the gear on already at a local cycle gear. I hear you about the branded gear, but I have worn branded gear in the past, and it's just a personal preference, but hey, to each their own. I've also worn Textile as opposed to leather in the past even thought I know that it isn't as safe. But getting gear that you will wear is better than having gear that goes unworn. There are a lot of squids where I work who giggle at me for even shopping for anything other than jacket/helmet. "Gauntlet" gloves? LOLOL is the typical response from the guys at work. Any they want me to join their "club"? I'll be the one LoL'ing tracking it up, canyon carving, and having a blast. They'll be tooling to a restaraunt on their stretched liter bikes.

So what do you ride right now?


Every response you've given indicates this is your first bike.

2002 EX250. I got the bike as a commuter last year when gas went through the roof, but fell in love with the open road. Sorry I wasn't more forthcoming, I thought the "upgrade" portion in the OP would suffice. I sold the bike at the end of this riding season for what I paid.

However, it would be my 1st bike that I'd use other than commuting.

Edit:

I never took the MSF class so I do plan to take that as well. My bike experience was point A to point B on a tame bike. I am serious about getting into the sport, but I also have a relatively calm head on my shoulder.

How many miles do you have under your belt on the 250?

Personally, I wouldn't recommend a 600cc SS. How about a girly bike like the SV650? :D

Roughly 4500. I know the SV650 is a great bike as well, but I do have my heart set on the ZX6R at this point.

Edit to your Edit:

Believe me I know how unforgiving the 600's can be. I have ridden friends' R6 and CBR and the 1st time was definitely a shock.

I'm not saying it's the most rational next step forward and understand there are additional factors working against me.

I think another question is what kind of miles does the OP have. No MSF course (although I guess that doesn't mean much), but what about local track trips? Do you have a local group to ride with where you can develop control and skill?

Hmm, that sounds kind of bad if they were a bad influence on you. Ever been to trips on the hills/twisties/canyons? I know of some ex250 riders that could ride the pants off me when I'm on a supersport.

The guys whose bikes I rode are not the same squids I mentioned earlier that I work with.

These guys are very responsible and would make good riding partners.
 
Dec 8, 2008
506
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JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,584
984
126
Definitely take the MSF. You'll pass it easily and you'll also learn of some things you've been doing wrong.

Plus it waives the DMV riding test and gets you a discount on your insurance.
 

StepUp

Senior member
May 12, 2004
651
0
76
I'm signed up for the MSF. The worst part of this waiting to see what is going to become of GM / my job. I work in Logistics for a supplier.
 

StepUp

Senior member
May 12, 2004
651
0
76
Well I'm gonna take the lady with me there on Saturday and talk to the sales woman again. If I can get it down to 6500 I think I'll bite. No dealer fees at this dealership either. There are 2 minor scratches on the bike so there should hopefully be a little wiggle room. This beautiful weather is destroying my soul.