650r next step up?

[messer00]

Originally Posted by Road Head

I'm a cruiser guy, mostly ride Harleys, but have over the 20 or so years of riding been on many different kinds of cruisers and sport bikes. My wife recently decided she wanted to ride, so I did some research and chose the 650r. Everyone kept saying how good of a beginner, intermediate or "girls" bike it was and she wouldn't out grow it to quickly.

I've been riding it to work consistently for a week and I'm extremely impressed. We even rode two up on a short 60 mile ride and my wife said she was comfortable (she's normally on the back of an Electra Glide) and I could not even tell she was back there, plenty of power. This is a bike for anyone beginner to experienced rider.

I'm 6'0" and 210lbs and this is the easiest most manageable bike I've ever been on. It has plenty of power in every gear. Its an outstanding commuter. It fits my style of riding perfectly. I typically put 200-300 miles per weekend on my bike and ride it everyday to work. In fact, I'm so impressed that I'm going to pick up a red '09 650r for myself.

I had an 07' 650R and I agree with you. It's the perfect bike. A new rider can learn on it and a more experienced rider can still enjoy it. Definately make sure you pick up a newer model. The fairing buzz on the older models is nasty and I've heard they finally fixed the problem with the latest version.

[Blankslate7x]

Originally Posted by messer00

Dave, you're killing me. ~ How does a 450 become too slow? Too slow for what !!!

My point is this... All young men think they are "mature" and are out to prove it to the world. And how do they do that? Buy riding bikes they shouldn't be riding and riding them too fast. A good friend of mine that's been riding for 30+ years recently rode my ZX-6R and said, "this bike WANTS to go fast."

I don't get why people are in such a hurry to upgrade their bikes? I understand that technology has improved over the years, but it wasn't very long ago that a 500 was considered a big bike and a 750 was a beast.

You guys know me, I've been around here for awhile, and I usually don't get so worked-up about any topic. I think it's because I just started riding with a young employee of mine that recently traded in his smaller Suzuki (I don't remember the model) for a 08' ZX-6R and now he's riding like a total f-ing squid. He will kill himself soon, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind. I've heard a hundred horror stories about this happening and now it's happening right before my eyes. It's a terrible feeling.

I think what it is...The whole upgrade issue is the same thing that's built into the males genes..Pride combined with impatience.

Nothing feels worse then spending all of your money, time and effort on a brand new "Good choice bike" (250) then to get passed by a group of guys on GSXRs laughing as you struggle on the highway.
Granted, like one of you said, every young guy thinks he's "Mature" but a small leak of immaturity in the wrong moment could cause a crash..It just depends on how expensive and how fast it will be.

As of now, im still ambivalent but not apathetic, obviously. So I'll ride for another season and see where my skills will mature. Nothing wrong with actually having some patience for once in my life =)

[Blankslate7x]

also, let me ask you this...
Considering im going to have this bike for at least one more season, think it's a good idea of putting a minor Slip on Exhaust on the bike?
I think who ever i sell it to, won't mind some extra parts. In the mean time i can have a meaner sounding bike.. I know, you can't polish a terd, but hey, i can at least make it sound louder.

[jbsmd]

I made the mistake of getting something I was not ready for. I really liked the Z but it was more than I could truly handle well. I've mainly rode cruisers over the last 40 yrs.I could ride the Z but I think a smaller bike would have been a smarter move. I wasn't planning on doing the twisties so I could ride it OK, but not well enough. I got it because I couldn't get a bigger bike for a good price.

[messer00]

Originally Posted by Blankslate7x

also, let me ask you this...
Considering im going to have this bike for at least one more season, think it's a good idea of putting a minor Slip on Exhaust on the bike?
I think who ever i sell it to, won't mind some extra parts. In the mean time i can have a meaner sounding bike.. I know, you can't polish a terd, but hey, i can at least make it sound louder.

Sure... They don't cost a lot of $$$ and they do look/sound nice. Just make sure you get something that doesn't require any further modifications or adjustments that could double or even triple the cost of what you are hoping to accomplish. I know it's hard to do when you want something else, but try to enjoy your 250 Ninja. It's a great bike and I think you'll look back later and realize that you made a good decision.

[GreenRocket]

"Nothing feels worse then spending all of your money, time and effort on a brand new "Good choice bike" (250) then to get passed by a group of guys on GSXRs laughing as you struggle on the highway."

????

You would have spent about $5,000 less on the new 250 and if you are struggling then you need a good riding class. I was following 2 squids on modded Gixxers down PCH, catching up to them at each and every stop light. I loved the fact that I spent thousands of dollars less than these guys!
I did spend more money on gear, as they only wore helmets, with no protective gear at all, but having the gear raises my comfort level.
I've yet to hear one laugh from anyone on a bike, but then I can't hear what someone on another bike is saying anyway, what with my bike revving above 8,000 rpm!

[Blankslate7x]

Originally Posted by GreenRocket

"Nothing feels worse then spending all of your money, time and effort on a brand new "Good choice bike" (250) then to get passed by a group of guys on GSXRs laughing as you struggle on the highway."

????

You would have spent about $5,000 less on the new 250 and if you are struggling then you need a good riding class. I was following 2 squids on modded Gixxers down PCH, catching up to them at each and every stop light. I loved the fact that I spent thousands of dollars less than these guys!
I did spend more money on gear, as they only wore helmets, with no protective gear at all, but having the gear raises my comfort level.
I've yet to hear one laugh from anyone on a bike, but then I can't hear what someone on another bike is saying anyway, what with my bike revving above 8,000 rpm!

No, i took the MSF class and am a very capable rider.. What i wrote was... They passed me ON THE HIGHWAY.. I don't care who you are.. there is no way a 250 is going to keep up with a GSXR on the highway with a rider who has the same skills as you do.
But i do know what you mean.. They pay upwards and beyond 10K for a bike that's basically a show off bike.. no one needs more then 600cc on any roads.

[Bubba68CS]

Originally Posted by Blankslate7x

No, i took the MSF class and am a very capable rider.. What i wrote was... They passed me ON THE HIGHWAY.. I don't care who you are.. there is no way a 250 is going to keep up with a GSXR on the highway with a rider who has the same skills as you do.
But i do know what you mean.. They pay upwards and beyond 10K for a bike that's basically a show off bike.. no one needs more then 600cc on any roads.

Actually, your 250 will do any speed limit you'll ever come across...so technically no one needs more than 250 cc on any road

But I'll go right on ahead and stick with my big comfy 1400

[tjdmobile]

after three seasons on my 2007 Ninja 250r, I moved up to the 2007 650r (got an amazing deal, low mile bike). The 650 has everything the 250 had (predictable, great gas mileage (I average 62-64), great looks, etc. It adds the ability to FINALLY feel secure at speeds over 60. Love my 250, but when I hit the freeway at 75, I was terrified and held on for dear life. On this new 650r, it's so much easier. Wind only has half the effect on me, and passing on the highway doesn't require a downshift.

I don't want the power and the insurance of a super-sport. I wanted something sporty, comfortable, and familiar (since I work on my own bikes). The 650r has fairing buzz at around 4000 rpm, so I don't stay there long (above or below it goes away).

I think the 650r is a great step in the progression. If a 600cc i4 is your ultimate goal, pick up the 650 used. It wont hurt so much when you go to sell it after a season.

TJD

[GreenRocket]

how was the change in the insurance? Do you have full coverage?

I wanted to upgrade to a new 2009 650R but my insurance would have gone from a reasonable $334 for full coverage & $500 deductible all the way up to over $1300 for one year!
Spending another $1000 each year killed the upgrade for me. I think my insurance company (Markel) doesn't like bikes bigger than 250cc's...
I really prefer new bikes, but it almost looks like I might have to get one that's several years old and just have basic coverage on it. I wouldn't do that with a new bike.

[tjdmobile]

Hmm Insurance barely took a hit. Went from $140 per year for the 250. $220 a year for both bikes.. 650 has full coverage with 250 deductible. I am a driver with zero accidents or speeding tickets, homeowner.

Check with Progressive Direct.

[Cally625]

Great thread......I'm actually in the same position myself, but a couple months and miles behind you. Although I've decided to go straight to a ZX6 or GSXR600 from the 250, rather than get a 500 or EX650 inbetween. Partly money (I can't afford to get another bike every couple years), and just wanting to have a more permanent bike that is my dream bike.

I've heard so many times about the speed issue, and that I (or anyone) who goes to a 600 will kill themselves. But I figure some responsible riders must be ok on them....seems like there are a lot here. And speed just won't be my issue. I have no interest in pushing more than 5-10 past the speed limit, and that won't change for any bike I'm on.

I think my biggest fear is from everyone building up the throttle response and that the first time I turn it it's going to throw me off or something.

But I'm a very responsible rider and mostly want a 600 for the lower gears and for more stability on the freeway. It gets tiring going through the gears so fast on the 250r.

I'm also thinking about the GSXR600 and like the idea of the power selector on it. I figured it might be a good transition to a 600, since you don't have to start off with all the power of the 600 right away. I think just for cost, my plan is to wait til the end of next season and then try to get a good deal on a new 2010.

[Blankslate7x]

Great idea man. That's sorta what i was looking at. It was between a 650r or a GSXR600. Both beautiful bikes and obviously the GSXR has more power and you have to be more careful. But it's a bike that you can have forever and be fine with, as you can on the 650r. It just all depends what your looking for overall. Best of luck and ride safe.

[sebastian1000]

Personally, I found the 650R a little lacking. I would go with the inline 4.

A bike does what you tell it to do. Don't ham-fist the throttle. If you are responsible you will be fine. If you have a bike that redline's at 15000+rpm's, keep her out of the power until you feel comfortable on it.

Putting around town can be done on pretty much any bike IMO. Stay safe and use good judgment.

[txspike]

This is just my personal experience and I don't presume to tell anyone what kind of bike is or is not good for them.

Except for a pull-start minibike when I was a kid, I had never ridden a motorcycle until May of this year. I took the MSF course and over those two days got proficient enough with the standard-issue MSF bike (125 cc?) to pass the riding exam and get my "M" endorsement.

The first bike I bought was a 650. When I first got on it I thought, wow, this bike is "big" and it took me a couple of weeks to feel confident handling it. I really got more comfortable when I started commuting to work on it.

But then, I started to become a little dissatisfied. It was really annoying that anytime I released the throttle at freeway speeds, a considerable amount of engine braking kicked in. The same thing happened in first at lower speeds. Not blaming the bike, it was working perfectly as it should have. I wanted more...substance.

I went into riding with the initial mindset "OK, I'm going to start out with a 650 and if I really like riding, I'll spend the coin to get something more substantial." I came to the conclusion that I did enjoy riding so, thought I, what do I upgrade to?

The only possible answer to that, for me, was a ZX-14. I sat on a ZX-6 at the dealership and didn't really think it was comfortable. I considered a ZX-10, but the seating / ride position feels a lot like the ZX-6. And, since most of my riding will be highway miles, I don't really need something that can tear up the canyons (though I would love to ride regularly on those sorts of roads, there just aren't any around here!). So, I wanted both comfort and power. The '14 happened to be just the bike.

So, after about 2 months on the 650 I upgraded to a '14. I LOVE it. I believe that it was the bike I was meant to be on from the outset. It's more challenging to navigate though, especially in tight quarters. I've put a couple thousand miles on it so far and it is a bike that I plan on keeping for years.

Have I ever, even once, came close to using all of the bikes capabilities? Heck no! And probably won't for years, if ever. But, aside from its footprint, this thing handles like a dream compared to the 650 and it only goes as fast as I tell it to. An amazing property of the throttle is that if you only twist it a little, it only goes a little faster. Twist it a lot, well, better hang on and make sure you have a clear path ahead. I have had 0 problems with "throttle control" or it going out of control because I gave it too much gas. I have not found it ultra-sensitive or difficult to manage.

I am very careful to ride within my abilities and always ride slower than I think I could easily go, especially in corners. I have a *lot* to learn. With that being said, I see no reason why it is not just as "safe" for me to continue learn while riding the '14 - the bike I really want to be on.

I think most people get into trouble on these and other supersports because they don't show the proper respect to the bike itself and realize their own limited abilities. If I had it all to do over again, I would buy the '14 as a first bike and would have saved myself the expense of buying the "starter". But that's just me...

[messer00]

Originally Posted by txspike

If I had it all to do over again, I would buy the '14 as a first bike and would have saved myself the expense of buying the "starter". But that's just me.

A ZX-14 as a first bike !!!

[Bubba68CS]

Originally Posted by messer00

A ZX-14 as a first bike !!!

Yeah, thats pretty much insane. No way in hell I'd recommend that to even the most careful person in the world.

[Blankslate7x]

I agree.. I think a 650 is prob as far as you'd want to go for a first bike.
I had two friends start on GSXR 600's.. I think they were nuts. Both dumped their bikes. I started on a 250r. I have near 5k miles on it, still not one accident.
Any more proof?

[sebastian1000]

Anyone familiar with the older 600's? You get the high RPM and attitude of an inline 4, it's older and cheaper, it will keep you very entertained, it can be a great learning bike for riding as well as maintenance, and if you dump her you are not out a large investment. For example, my old 600R was cheap, reliable, and still relatively quick. When I dumped it, it wasn't a big loss at all, and it got my in tune with the attitude of an inline 4. The 600R made 85chp...so while quicker than the 650R it wasn't a crazy step up. I can think of many older 600's that meet this criteria, maybe an old Yammie 600R or an Old Honda F2/F3. Maybe something to consider?

[A-J]

I'm probably the worst one to throw advice out there since I bought a 650R almost exactly 13 months after I bought my 250. The diffrerence being that I kept both, and I bought it cause I wanted it, not because I needed the upgrade. Truth be told, up until I wrecked my 250, she was my daily driver, and more often than not I would take my 250 on the weekend runs. Here's a good write up on the differences between the two bikes.

Ninja250 Riders Club :: View topic - A return to ex250