For further reference, I bought my 03 XB9R a few months ago for $3500. It had 22K miles on it. No engine or tranny issues that I know of to this date and I've put about 300 miles on it. It did end up needing a new voltage regulator and battery. It still needs tires but not desperately. It had a light drop in the past - probably while parked and idling because the evidence is barely noticeable. The headlight assembly needed to be replaced but it was functional. I'm going to change the belt too because the previous owner knew little about the history and only had it about a year. The belt is just for peace of mind.... it looks normal. Everything else I've done has been cosmetic or a desired upgrade. All that considered (and the fact that the bike was relatively close to home) I don't think I got a bad deal, but I would say I know it was no bargain either. Unless you got this bike for almost nothing, for the cost of the bike and the cost of the repair work, you'd be better taking that money and getting one that doesn't have major problems. If he would sell it to you for no more than $1000, it MIGHT be worth it. I doubt he will get anything close to the 3 grand he's asking.