The way I look at it, "afford" doesn't mean you have enough cash to buy it. It means you're not depriving yourself of something else by buying it. If it's either the second bite or your trailer quality riding gear and insurance, you can't afford the second bike yet. That's what I meant by it. You might regret having only the one bike. You'll never regret having two, especially if you still ride on the streets. That's one of the best things you'll ever buy.
that does make a difference yes because people see 04/05's for cheap and get them. technically speaking you can get the same bike from 06-23 with some cosmetic and weight improvements only from 11+
You have a pretty even split for answers. I'd go with the 600 for parts availability and as a known entity for setup.
I've taken on a couple large projects for 2024 that will require travel basically every other weekend between March and November, mostly to the track. Plus I was hoping that some race classes would form for it so I could retire my tired CBR600RR, but nothing so far and I realized that the best race bike is the one you already have. So it's basically brand new and looking for a new home. Great bike, but I just don't have the time to ride it and it's taking up space in the garage.
There's also the new Triumph Daytona 660 that was just announced. Slightly more power than the parallel twin competition, and not having to listen to the obnoxiously boring sewing machine sound of a parallel twin all the time. Roughly the same price as the twins too, I think, though I haven't looked lately.
SoCal, $10,500 OBO, no flashed ECU, Dunlop Q5s, Zero Gravity windscreen, Graves tank grips, driven paddock spools. With 13 miles on the bike I got a massive nail in the rear tire, I figured I was going to replace the stock tires anyways and threw on the Q5s. Jokes on me, never ended up riding the bike enough to make it matter. https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2023-Kawasaki-NINJA+ZX-4RR+KRT+EDITION+ABS-5030119951
The homies on here get the discount, happy to part ways for $9,500. Yep, but this way you avoid the ADM, prep, fees, and taxes.
If you can find one available at a dealership. Likely near $2k more out the door, at most dealerships. This ^ Very fair price, from my perspective.