Buying a streetbike.. need advice!!!

[96SNAKE]

Ok, I've got the money and have been looking all over the place for the perfect bike for me. I think I've given up on the Ducati. I know the reliability issues aren't always right but I've heard enough now to stay away from them if I want a commuter bike that won't be a pita down the road.

The bike I've found is a 2001Ninja ZX9R for around $7000. It has 3300miles on it and is painted a custom yellow that just looks incredible. It is owned by an older guy who has to sell it for his daughter's medical bills.. He seems like the perfect person to buy a bike from and I get the feeling this is the bike for me but I know it is a risk to buy without seeing it up close.

I would have to have it shipped. Have any of you done this? I know there are places that will but at what cost? I figure the bike weighs about450lbs since they aren't the lightest bikes around.