This NAKED BEAUTY followed me home . . . I had to say yes

[Ken Phenix]

Several months ago, not thinking I'd be in the market so soon, I began test riding various bikes, such as the FJR1300, 1200 & 1250 Bandits, R1200GS, GTR1000 Concours, Versys, SV650, V-Strom, etc. mentally recording their respective handling characteristics until one bike which was waaay out of the budget, up and pegged my little fun meter. The 1050 Tiger has torque by the ton and totally nimble road manners. But it wasn't until I rode that first Honda 919 that this balance of power and handling had a snowball's chance of converging with my squeaky tight budget. That's it! I had to have a 919.

Enter SearchTempest.com whereby I started watching listings and subsequent sales of dozens of 919's nationwide. While waiting for the old Bandit to sell, I documented a number of these Nipponese Rockets going for half the price of a comparable Tiger. So armed to the teeth with said data, I waited patiently - then the moment I found the Bandit a home and went immediately into a full fanatic all fired rush. One bike sold before I could get there and I drove 170 miles w/trailer to pick up another only to find a disturbing noise in the motor. Next on the list:  I made contact with the seller and due to the distance involved engaged in some pre-haggling over the phone. I left the following Sunday morning 9/11 at 4am and made the almost 5 hour trek to northern Louisiana. We jump started the bike (battery dead from sitting) I did the test ride, made my decision and then said, "Ok, on the phone you said you wanted $XXXX and I said I wanted to pay $XXXX so why don't we meet in the middle?" He said,"I was hoping you'd say that." And we shook hands.

I've ridden her to work almost every day and squeezed in a 300 miler with a few friends last Sunday and I gotta say this bike is even more awesome (he means it's super nimble & insanely FAST) than I could have imagined.  

AAaand here she is!! ;-)





I was quite sure I didn't like the looks of the aftermarket exhaust BUT it sounds sooo sweet.  The oem dual pipes came with the deal so I put them back on first thing. The Two Brothers pipe is listed on ebay.  I also secured a used windshield on ebay.



Now to rig this baby for touring. Let the farkling begin!  

[Explorer]

That's a nice looking ride

[JNUNZMAN]

BEAUUUUUUUUTIFUL!!!!!! BEST OF LUCK!!! RIDE THE WHEELS OFF OF HER!

[Wockman]

I used to have a 2002 model. Very underrated, great bikes and can usually be had at a bargain. One magazine article I read called it "Reliable as an anvil" and it was.  Mine was flat black with dual Yoshimura slip-ons, but that red sure is pretty. 


When you are changing the oil, before you unscrew the oil filter put tin foil across the pipes, it will save you from a smokey mess. 

[Ack535]

Those are great bikes. Good luck with the new ride!

[phaze5]

very nice good luck

[sammyseaman]

Dats puuuurty. Loves me some nekkids  

[Castaway]

Nice find!  I like the Two Bros pipe.

[chilipeppernorm]

That's a very nice bike, good luck with her. There's so many directions you can take with add-on's and modifications, keep us posted with pictures as you make changes.

[tjhess74]

a friend of mine has one, and it is certainly a sweet ride!!!  very good choice!  i agree about the exhaust, something about the tb pipe didnt quite 'fit in' right.

my friend got some nelson rigg nylon luggage for a good deal and can really pack alot of stuff in the saddlebags, tailbag, and tank bag.  

i love that color too!  

[phoenix]

really nice. I prefer the look with the 2 brothers pipe, although I bet it was loud.
Congrats on the find.

[Justin]

Sweet ride   - should bring many miles and many smiles  

[Computer Guy]

That is one beautiful bike!  Enjoy it.

[Ken Phenix]

Thanks guys. I go from an ear to ear grin just looking at her in the garage to a deep uncontrollable belly laugh with a twist of the right grip. I'll be keeping the UPS driver busy a while too. The windshield came first. The original front tire is a bit scalloped and the rear has upright wear - new tires are here and await mounting. Original chain came with an o-ring hanging out - new chain coming.  Wider bars ordered. I'll be adding the hard bags and aux HID's from the bandit as well as the wiring for my electrics. Can't wait to get 'er road trip worthy.    

[MisterSmooth]

Wow!  That bike looks new.    How many miles?

[stew71]

 

[Ken Phenix]

Wow!  That bike looks new.    How many miles?

8k. The po didn't ride it much and he kept it in his back bedroom - until the new kid came.  

If you're patient and search the web, you can find a low mileage 06 or 07 for under $4,000. That's gotta be one of the best used bike values out there.  

[samael_6978]

She's beautiful. I used to have 03 in flat grey (smoke). I put over 30k before I sold it  

[motormike]

That looks like a nice bike and would make a great second bike or around-town bike.

[ST-DocLizard1]

US "9er" people hang out here:http://wristtwisters.com/

Welcome aboard,


Doc