Buying a bike for Dad

kaffe

kaffe

kaffe

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My old man's been going on about getting a bike for as long as I remember, but has never got round to it. I though it would cheer him up if I got him one (he's been a bit down lately).

He's pretty much drools over Kawasaki Ninjas. But I don't know the foggiest about bikes and was wondering if this

Kawasaki-Ninja-ZX-7R.jpg


is worth £1850 or if I'm being ripped off or if it's too good to be true etc (saw a poster this morning with one for sale). Has 13000 miles with a few scratches, but purely cosmetic damage.

If this is a dumb idea please advise!!!
 
Id say thats a decent price if its clean enough and no signs of crash damage. Just make sure you give it a through ones over, those age of Kwaks dont crash well, look for damage around where the headstok meets the frame. The slightest head on will cause the frame bend which will need straightening on a jig.

Great bike, pretty heavy and not hugley powerfull by todays standard but a fantastic looking bike I think. Bet it sounds nice with that hindle on it as well.
 
The name "Ninja" covers a whole range of Kawasaki sports bikes from 250cc up to 1400cc, was he particularly interested in the ZX7?

In terms of value, £1850 is not excessive if it's in good condition, but the ZX7R was the heaviest bike in it's class by quite a large margin which will make it hard work through the twisty bits, and they are quite thirsty.

If you shop around similar money could pick up a 636 ZX6R which is also a "Ninja" but is lighter, handles better and is just as quick, if not quicker. Unless he specifically wants this bike, that's were I would be spending my money. It's a buyers market at the moment, bikes don't seem to be selling well so if you have a wad of cash and are prepared to look around a bit you can likely get a good deal.
 
I thought it might do. I'm not sure what he wants exactly, but he's rather fond of heavier ones (thinks it'll make him a real man :P)

I'll probably carry on looking, it's just something I happened to stumble upon and it's relatively close to me. A showroom has also just opened up the road from me so I'll see if they've got any. It'll have to be used. No way in hell I could afford him a new one, as much as I'd love to.
 
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ZX9R is the best value Ninja - if he likes heavier bikes then a B model, otherwise a C onwards.

Fantastic bikes and also remarkably comfy, and cheaper than the 7, which is starting to get cult status and priced accordingly. Can get a really nice 9 for £1500 or less.
 
Agreed. I'd be definitely after a 9R if I were you.

636's are great bikes but my B1 is so uncomfortable and its not much fun riding it on the road slapping your knackers off the tank over every bump. I'm 6ft and find it very cramped but I've just bought an early Fireblade for knocking about on and its a superb bike. If you're set on a Ninja though, get the 9R. :)
 
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