I found the Exup a valuable aid to low down power - others will disagree.Personally I would look out for one with a fully working Exup - says a lot about the bike.Whale
You pay your money, you take your choice..........Personally, I would also hold out for one with a working exup valve. At this time of year, you might be able to pick up a decent standard one for not a lot more cash than that. (By the time that you've bargained down from an asking price). I think £2k to £2.5k is the place that you'll find a lot of Gen1 bikes these days, depending on extras fitted and condition, unless they're minters.Good luck with your search.
Thanks for the advice guys, Im gona view the bike tomorrow and check the bike over, my budget is £1500 with £300 put aside for suspension upgrades ect. I dont really want to spend more than that, if this bike is no good I will probably go for a 600 Fazer or Thundercat. I will use this bike for touring, ride outs and track work. It will be my play bike, something I dont have to worry about.
Also I think she might of had her Exup welded up too
I will have a look tomorrow, take some close up photos and stick them on here. I dont know wether I am getting the wrong end of the stick when he says it been welded up, he might have meant they have aftermarket downpipes fitted. My options are limited due to price but I do believe in bargins, there are couple of 600s nearby with about 22,000mls on them for around the £1500 mark. As for the Thundercat, its near the top of the list, but for £1500 your looking at 30,000mls +, they are popular bikes and seem to hold there price. Milage doesn't bother me that much as long as the bike looks as if its been looked after. I have written a checklist for tomorrow so I dont forget what to look for as I get excited when looking at bikes.
If you've got £1800 to spend then there is a 2005 Black Gen 1 on ebay. £1750, fully Ivanised, heated grips, etc. Seller needs a quick sale to buy a van.