2000 ZX6R: Fix Up or Save Up!?

[andyram87]

I love my bike but she's giving me so many problems. I’m currently the third owner so from the start you know I’m bound to have some maintenance problems. I’m currently a student so $$$ is my main issue concerning repairs—but I am only months away from graduating. I have a FT job pretty much secured so $ will soon pose a smaller issue...but I want to get back to some twisities and soon! I haven’t ridden in about 3 weeks and it’s killing me. The current delay is my chain; it’s super loose. I’ve been researching some options because the second owner did a 520 conversion (so if you have any recommendations on that, fire away).

Here's what I have to work with:

2000 Kawasaki ZX6R
31,000 Miles

Problems:
-Left Headlamp electronics are fried (still works though)
-Previous owner dropped her on the Right side (fairings all scratched)
-During said fall, right fairing-slider broke off
-Paint is chipping on the underside of the Left fairing
-Needs a new 520 Chain (and sprockets? They're Vector - Aluminum)
-Yoshi slip-on is..."slipping off" (I did an ok job replacing the rivets)
-The exhaust smells too rich in gas sometimes
-Front brake squeals (new brake pads needed?)

Minor Issues Already Handled:
-Replaced Battery
-New Tires
-New Rider seat
-Bought New Air Filter (yet to replace)
-New Clutch Cable (old one frayed)

The bike is a custom red and so are the rims, but when I bought her from the second owner, the rims were literally black with years of suit and grime. I took this as an indicator of the rest of the components on the bike but she is simply my first bike. I’m looking to newer bikes (most likely the 2008/2009 ZX6R) but want to ride now! The chain is my main concern as of right now, but given these problems should I repair her now or save up for a semi-new to new bike once I graduate!?

Thanks!