Dk.. what deals look the best 2 u?
If you know your way well around a bike or know somebody that could go with you, buy private by all means. If not go to a stealership with a good rep so even that if you don't get a warranty and something major goes bad, you can go back and threatened to raise hell if they don't fix it for free. Getting a bike with a few mods is tempting but..... If I see a bike with my mods i.e. flies out, full exhaust and power commander, etc I'm going to be extra careful cause those are the bike which get ridden close to the limit. My bike is in excellent condition but I'm just saying. The swingarm is what would get my attention the most because it would mean Drag races which are really stressful for the motor. That being said lots of guy keep the spare parts and put them back before they sell! What I like to see is stuff like givi bags, heli risers etc because it means the bike was mostly used for long cruise.
Most importantly, remember that right now, it is a buyer market, take your time, get the color you want and get a fair price. Like you said you can ride all year right? So time is on your side. What I wouldn't get is a 2011! The new 1 is coming out! Ok maybe if it's brand new at a leftover price. For an 06-07 in good condition no more than $6k. Again mods are cool but they are a seller loss. I'm not paying for somebody mods. If I'm, maybe 25 cents on the dollars at the most. Meaning a good 06 ZX14 with CT duals should be no more that $6500. That's why it is always better to take the parts off and sell them individually.
You should link up with Cooter it could help you find some good deals!
Good Luck Buddy
2006 Ebony Black ZX14, Flies gone, Power Commander V, Brock's CT-Single, Brock's Street/Race Map, Schintz Racing Flash, Brisk Racing Spark Plugs, BST Wheels with World Bearing Ceramic Bearings, Scott Rotary Steering damper, Ohlins KA544 shock, FPK Ohlins kit, Brembo GP4 RX Calipers, Brembo RCS 16, Brembo RCS 19 with no Drag Half Lever, Spielger Front and Rear Brake Lines, Braketech Axis Cobra Front Rotors, Galfer Rear Wave Rotor, Shorai LFX21A6 battery, Sato Racing frame sliders, Zero Gravity Racing Screen/MRA double bubble Racing Screen, Rizoma universal lux billet grip, Rizoma Next Fluid tanks, Rizoma Swing Arm Spools, Pro-Bolt tasty Nuts, Gilles rearsets, Sargeant seat, Geelong small tank protector, Geelong Hugger, Bike master magnetic oil drain plug, vortex gas cap, cox radiator guard, Xenon HI's and Low's.