[K-woppa]

Looking to move away from my big, heavy and hot sport tourer, I've been looking for a suitable low budget replacement. The most likely candidates I found were old Nighthawks and ex-500s, bikes that I owned a long time ago. In my area though, they aren't worth the money people are asking for them.
Then a few weeks ago I got a line on what I thought was a 1200 Bandit S that seemed like a great deal.
I went to look at it today, with an empty van and cash in hand. I was disappointed to see that it was a 600S, but it was in such remarkable condition for the price that I had to look it over.
Swinging a leg over it and settling into the saddle, it felt familiar. Then, I realized that it's basically an ex-500 with a better engine. He wanted $1,800 for it. I offered him $1,600 cash and he said yes. Now I realize it's just what I was looking for.

So here it is, one owner, garage kept, well maintained, with a Corbin saddle and Yoshi exhaust. The guy bought it new when he was 17 and kept it all these years. It looks practically new. Unreal.

 

[auburn]

wow!! one owner bike since he was 17, looks immaculate, corbin, what an awesome deal!

 

[K-woppa]

It's not perfect; the clutch slips at high rpm and it could use a carburetor cleaning and the Corbin has an area that has come unstitched. None of those issues come close to being a deal breaker.

 

[ducatiman]

'Grats! Def something to the downsizing thing, eh? Year? Miles?

 

[K-woppa]

Thanks! It's a '99. There have been many times I wished I had kept the ex-500 instead of moving to the Concours. This little bike promises to be a lot of fun, and it sounds nasty with the Yoshi pipe; not loud, just a nice bark.

 

[ducatiman]

I'd anticipate in your riding more, no? I immediately note a few positive traits.....screw and locknut valve adjusts...simple, no shims! And Mikuni (34mm?) CVK's? Simple to work on and tune yet quite effective runners.

Hey....mileage?

 

[K-woppa]

Yes, you hit the nail on the head. The Connie was difficult enough to manage, and so hot, that it became less and less fun to ride. I can already hear this bike saying "Come on, let's go!" Carbs are actually 32mm I believe, the same as the Concours. Do your rebuild kits work with those?
Mileage is 17k. It's riding on four year old Kendas, good enough for this season.

 

[ducatiman]

MY ERROR....carbs are, in fact, Keihin CVK32mm carbs. Yes, I could put together a carb kit.

 

[K-woppa]

Well, that sounds like a plan.