There is a $500 difference. I will be using the bike primarily for a short commute to class (1-2 miles) and miscellaneous paved road travel; occasional off-road riding.

The only real differences as far as mechanics is the Kawasaki has Dual Overhead Cams and is Liquid Cooled. It is also a 6-speed as opposed to 5-speed.

Would the extra $500 for these differences be worth it? How much diffrence will DOHC and liquid cooled make?