Buying my second bike: used Interceptor vs new Versys

[Xitomatl]

So I've got a classic "which one should I get" dilemma, and am seeking input, advice, comments, whatever.  Here is some background:  I learned to ride on a Ninja 250, sold it, and am ready to get something bigger and better.  I am trying to strike that elusive balance between thrills, styling, comfort, durability, affordability, and practicality.  A tall order, and nothing hits them all right on the head.  

I intend to use the bike mostly around town here in Des Moines, Iowa, a few multi-hour interstate trips to other cities, and would love to also ride back out to Olympia, Washington this summer (2,200 miles).  I've narrowed it down to two main bikes that I'm considering: a used VFR 800 Interceptor, and a new 2009 Kawasaki Versys.

I'm 6'2" & 160lbs.  I do care about comfort.  I tested the Versys and was very comfortable, at least back and arms wise.  Haven't ridden an Interceptor and would like input as to how comfortable they are for longer rides.

Details:  Versys: '09 closeout, $6,600 after all dealer fees, taxes, plates and everything.  Then I was thinking I'd fork over the cash for Happy Trails aluminum luggage, another $800, so $7400 total.

OR from craigslist, asking $7100, a 2004 Interceptor in matte black (), only 3200 miles, adult owned, fully loaded with ABS and matching Honda hard luggage (sides and top case).  That bike is in absolutely perfect as-new condition.  Also it was not assembled until 2006, a leftover from some Honda warehouse.   http://desmoines.craigslist.org/mcy/1626315444.html

OR from craigslist, asking $4800, a 2002 Interceptor in red, 25k miles, black Honda side luggage, "well cared for."  http://desmoines.craigslist.org/mcy/1660380062.html

So what do y'all think?  I'm not a fan of soft luggage, and prefer the look of aluminum or factory OEM hard luggage.  I know that Kawasakis are known for durability, but the Versys is, at the end of the day, a budget bike, while the Honda is not.  Does anyone know which is more expensive to maintain?  Do Interceptors "run forever" like Honda's cars?  Or is there another bike I should be looking into as well?  My spending limit probably around the $7-8K range.

Any opinions or facts would be very helpful.  I'm hoping to buy next week.  Also, what do you think of the prices the sellers are asking?  Normally a 2004 VFR wouldn't go for so much, but it's in such great condition with such low miles...

[UHOH]

don't know anybody who has an Interceptor who doesn't like it big time.
Also, for me, the ABS would be a factor.

does sounds like a fun year for you, either way ...

[still kickin]

My first thought is the rider selling the like new 2004 is $2K over fair market value. Because he has not ridden his bike does not make it worth that much more. Some folks will take awhile to adjust the selling price. Also for you-try not to fall in love with a bike. They can see it in your eyes.

Now I have been looking for the perfect bike for the last 10 years. Have owned a bunch. I would buy used for sure. Look for a bike that has been farkled the way you want it. Let others spend the money and maintain their bikes well. You are in a very good position right now. Having cash in hand during a buyers market is strong.

The VFR is a fantastic bike. You will need to add a aftermarket seat and helibars. Perfect. Try and find one that has had the valve adjustment done. Serious money.

Look at the Yamaha first generation FZ1. Bullet proof and great comfort. Some great values out there.
If you decide on the Versys, look for a loaded 08 or used 09. They are out there. Don't Hurry. Good luck.

[veefer800canuck]

You can get a brand-new zero-mile 2007 VFR800 from a dealer for $6995

There were some in PA last I checked.


http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A2684&_nkw=vfr800&_dmpt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=3&_sc=1

[R Doug]

Between the two, I like the Versys.  But that's me.  It's really down to what you're looking for.  With the Honda, you're going to get better build quality (the VFR has the best build quality of any Big 4 machines IMHO), excellent wind management, and a super smooth experience.  With the Versys, you're going to get more relaxed ergos, a neat raspy parallel twin, and a very versatile bike.  

[Xitomatl]

Hey, thanks a lot for your responses guys.  I really appreciate the input.

My first thought is the rider selling the like new 2004 is $2K over fair market value. Because he has not ridden his bike does not make it worth that much more.    .......   The VFR is a fantastic bike. You will need to add a aftermarket seat and helibars. Perfect. Try and find one that has had the valve adjustment done. Serious money  ......   Look at the Yamaha first generation FZ1. Bullet proof and great comfort.

Re: the FZ1, what's wrong with 2nd gen?  First gen is carbureted, which I, perhaps wrongly, have always thought of as inferior to EFI.  Also, I tested an FZ6 yesterday and was amazed at how smooth it ran.  I liked it a lot.  It felt like it was driven by a nuclear powered sewing machine.  Is the FZ1 that smooth?

Re: helibars & valve adjustments:  how often are the valves supposed to be checked/adjusted in a VFR?  

The black '04 has a 1" riser.  Are helibars better than risers?  

Re: the price on the '04, I tend to agree.  The thing is, though, that the guy spent $1800 on all that factory luggage, plus he opted for the ABS.  He said he turned down an offer of $6700... maybe I should wait a little while and then offer him $6800?  The problem is that as I tack on the miles to it, it will depreciate quickly to the normal value of an '04 VFR.  Maybe I can sell the top case for a chunk of change, since it is in as-new condition.  

You can get a brand-new zero-mile 2007 VFR800 from a dealer for $6995

Yeah, I saw that, but they're all far enough away I'd have to fly to it ($200?), plus there are often dealer fees that add up (~$300?), plus that price is for one with no luggage ($800?) and no ABS.  So then it's a good $8,300 or so in the end.  But I hear ya, it would be brand new a newer model year, so it wouldn't depreciate on me as fast this used '04 would.  

Don't Hurry. Good luck.

Thanks!  I'll try to be patient... it'd be lot easier if the sun would go away...

[Windblown]

Opposite sides of the same coin.   Both are compromise bikes (which I like BTW). One is more a commuter / hooligan bike. The other more a comfy sport bike.  

Gutsy lightweights bikes with ample low end torque are sooo much fun around town and in the tight twisties.  I often walk by two other bikes and hop on my DR-Z to go to work and the Versys by all accounts is just as fun and more powerful.  A Versys may replace the DR-Z one day. I really don't make use of the DR-Zs off-road attributes and the Versys would be fine for two-track and gravel roads, and better for long days in the saddle.

[still kickin]

The second generation FZ1 had a bad problem with surging. The first gen with the right mods is as smooth as glass. Power and comfort. Great forum.
VFR should have valves done every 16K according to Honda. Risers only raise the bars. Helibars raise up and back. Closer to the rider.
If the seller turned down 6700 for his bike, he must have brain damage. Must be riding without a helmet. But you know he is trying to sell you on his asking price. If you pay 7K, you will loose 2K on the way home. Maybe you can work a deal without the luggage. Let him sell that himself. You give him $5200.
I think you should look hard at the FZ6 and the 650R. Later

[Jetpilot5]

You may not need the risers and seat on the VFR.  I'm 6'2" also and was fine for five years and 41,000 miles on my stock 99 VFR.  It's possible you'll want to make those changes but if you get the VFR I'd ride it a while first, then decide.

[jfurf]

Have you looked at used Versyses? (What IS the plural form of Versys? This bugs me.  )

There have been a few low-mileage Versyses for sale in the $5k range. And it's even less of a squid bike than the VFR, so you can figure it was probably not thrashed.

Personally I really like the Versys. They look great in person and are just funky.  

[Xitomatl]

So I went and looked at / rode the black VFR, and absolutely fell in love.  I tried to hide it.  The bike is PERFECT.  It is literally in brand-spanking-new condition.  However, it looks like my credit union is deciding for me:  they won't loan me the money for the VFR because they think it's overpriced.  They simply go to the NADA website, and whatever the value NADA says it is, that's the limit that they'll loan for the bike.  The NADA value does not take into consideration mileage, luggage, accessories, or how absolutely pristine the bike is.  However, I can go get a discounted close-out 2009 Versys from a dealer, have them order the aluminum luggage, tack that onto the price, and borrow from the credit union for up to the list cost ($7100).

So, thanks for your input everyone, but it looks like the more powerful financial sector is in control of my decision making process.

[Windblown]

You might not feel this way now but they did you a favor of sorts. Paying more than NADA for any bike right now is pretty dang impulsive. (Not that I haven't been guilty of it myself, LOL)

Most used bikes are going for well under NADA. If you fell in love with the VFR you simply need to shop for the right one at the right price. Besides, taking the first year depreciation hit of a new bike and fnancing it is double jeapordy.  

[still kickin]

We were all young and crazy once Keep this in mind. The Versys is changing its body style for 2010. Which means that the people in charge of marketing have listened to the comments about"the ugly stick" Just like the V-Strom, it is a great bike but a little homely. You should be able to negotiate a better price from the dealer. OR you could find a super clean used one and save a bunch. Some how I don't think that will happen. I think the smaller engine of the Versys will be much better for your second bike. Ride safe.

[UHOH]

 absolutely fell in love.  I tried to hide it.  The bike is PERFECT.  It is literally
 in brand-spanking-new condition.  However, it looks like my credit union is deciding for me

I'll be the spoiler - instead go with your emotions.  
Tell the owner what the credit union said and see if he will meet you part way ...
 add some cash to get the loan down to what is available.
money comes and goes, but you only live once ...