Thanks everyone for the knowledgeable replies. The more I think about this, the more I think that I might wait... and get a new 800 or maybe a very well cared for 900 instead. But I'll ask the dealer about the bike's history. I think that the price will be negotiable.

I agree with Gomura's opinion about sport bikes...it's more about the sophistication and handling of the bike for me than about sheer horsepower.

Tarrant