Thanks hotdog.
New GSXR 750 is 14k, wouldn't trade my XS straight across for that ever.
Not to mention the Gixxer couldn't be any less charismatic if it tried.
Can't think of any stock bike I'd buy. That's why I'm building the XS.
When it's finished and I park it at the curb, I'll bet I get far more people interested than all the CBR's, GSXr's and billet barge Harley's put together. There's some value in seeing the old guy enjoying his memories, looking at your bike.
The only thing besides this XS that I thought about was building/buying a supermotard, but then your stuck with a 450 or maybe a bored 450. I've ridden them, they are lots of fun but only around town. The engines are just too small. Hypermotard Ducati is close, but the bike is too big and heavy to be real fun. Also expensive when dropped.
The XS has good torque, light weight (now), low to the ground. They love to wheelie, skinny tires should be able to slide. Can take it to the flat track and slide it around the track with my buddies. Name me one new bike, even for 16k that could be that versatile and be that much fun?
I've ridden Hayabusas, CBR1000R's etc. Bikes are a blast at 80mph and up...way up. But you die when you F***up at those speeds, not to mention around here they take away your toys for 10 days if your 25 mph over the limit. Its just a ticket and fine for wheelying and sliding around corners, I can pay that and keep my bike.
It's about fun. It's not about max HP or 200mph straights. I'm almost 50 now. I want to go out and listen to the engine, blast up and down the backroads and come back with a mile wide grin on my face.
Find me a 300 lb 750 with torque, low to the ground with good brakes and suspension, one your not afraid to break loose or drop on the ground and I'll buy it.