Looks like Kawasaki has realized the popularity of this great little bike, and the MSRP for the US model has gone from $3499 to $3999 for 2009.

No surprise there. The value of used ones has risen this year too. I'm tempted to buy a 2009. I don't know why. I'd keep my old one. Maybe I'm just greedy :p

There are a few dealers who cranked the price up when the 2008 models got scarce. In my case--got the last one in the state--I had no choice in colour--got Lime Green--which I like. The bike was, however set up as a "special" with Monster Energy graphics (which easily came off with a hair dryer) That , of course brought the MSRP up to $3700. It was still a good deal. I did leave some of the decals on the lower fairing.

I've seen some local dealerships with price tags as high as $4499.

One told me that the out-the-door price was $5699 on the last one. People are actually paying those prices to have an '09!

I'll sell them my slightly used '08 for MSRP! LOL!