2006 ZX-6R or Ninja 650R, New bike?

[ledhed]

I'm shopping for a new Bike, and I've narrowed it down to 2. The zx-6r or the Ninja 650R. I currently own a 2003 Ninja 500R, but have decided to get something a bit more modern.

My requirements are UnderTail Exhaust, Fuel Injection, Fuel Light/Gauge, and a power increase (a gear indicator would also be nice).

I've sat on the zx-6r (but never ridden) and the riding position is very different than my 500R. I haven't sat on the 650R yet, but it looks to have a very similar riding position to my 500R. I only commute about 40min (20 each way) so the riding position isn't going to be that critical, just a matter of getting use to it.

My first question, is on Power. My 500R has approx 55HP. The 650R has approx. 72HP and the ZX-6R has approx. 125HP. (Engine HP, not at wheels)

1) Is the 20HP increase from the 500R to the 650R going to be very noticeable?
2) Is moving to a bike with more than Double the HP insane? (500R to zx-6r)

Also, will there be a big difference in Insurance rates from the 500R to the 650R or the zx-6r?

Thanks,

-LedHed

[kais3rboy]

It's a question of control I guess, as long as you can control yourself from rolling on the throtle then the 6R wopuld be good. If not, the new ninja looks cool, and you def will feel the difference. If it was up to me, I'd get get the 6R.

[Jon Mueller]

Originally Posted by ledhed

I'm shopping for a new Bike, and I've narrowed it down to 2. The zx-6r or the Ninja 650R. I currently own a 2003 Ninja 500R, but have decided to get something a bit more modern.

My requirements are UnderTail Exhaust, Fuel Injection, Fuel Light/Gauge, and a power increase (a gear indicator would also be nice).

I've sat on the zx-6r (but never ridden) and the riding position is very different than my 500R. I haven't sat on the 650R yet, but it looks to have a very similar riding position to my 500R. I only commute about 40min (20 each way) so the riding position isn't going to be that critical, just a matter of getting use to it.

My first question, is on Power. My 500R has approx 55HP. The 650R has approx. 72HP and the ZX-6R has approx. 125HP. (Engine HP, not at wheels)

1) Is the 20HP increase from the 500R to the 650R going to be very noticeable?
2) Is moving to a bike with more than Double the HP insane? (500R to zx-6r)

Also, will there be a big difference in Insurance rates from the 500R to the 650R or the zx-6r?

Thanks,

-LedHed

I dont believe the 650 R has a undertail exhaust, its a more modern looking one that is shorter (smaller for weight issues too I think) and comes out ride by your right foot.

[Nugget210]

lets take a minutes to think with our member. The 636 will def pick up more chicks...

thats my vote

[ledhed]

I'm a fairly responsible rider, though I do get on it from time to time, on the open back roads. That said I don't think the Power on the 6R is scary, but maybe a bit excessive for what I use the bike for. Then again I'm curious and want to ride one to know what it feels like. The hardest part in this decision is the fact that I've never ridden either bike, nor have I ever ridden a modern 600 sportbike.

My other consideration is that I've only had the 500R for 6 months and I'm wanting something with more power. So if I get the 650R will I want more power again in 6 months? Same goes for the 6R, will I want more power if I get this bike (god I hope not)?

[ledhed]

You are right, the exhause isn't undertail. I more or less wanted an exhaust that was out of the way, UnderTail or UnderBike is fine.

[Tod]

I personally think that underbike exhaust is really cool looking.

Wonder how it sounds.

[Jon Mueller]

Originally Posted by ledhed

I'm a fairly responsible rider, though I do get on it from time to time, on the open back roads. That said I don't think the Power on the 6R is scary, but maybe a bit excessive for what I use the bike for. Then again I'm curious and want to ride one to know what it feels like. The hardest part in this decision is the fact that I've never ridden either bike, nor have I ever ridden a modern 600 sportbike.

My other consideration is that I've only had the 500R for 6 months and I'm wanting something with more power. So if I get the 650R will I want more power again in 6 months? Same goes for the 6R, will I want more power if I get this bike (god I hope not)?

How do you know if its scary if you have never ridden one. I have ridden them, and there really not that bad, you should be fine, but will get you in trouble alot quicker then that 500 will that for sure, so make sure you at least take it easy for now. I would say if your not in it for total speed and complete power you are going to be just fine with a 636, but who knows if your like me I want a liter bike now after my, now current SV 650S.

[kais3rboy]

If you want more power than 125Hp in 6 months then I'd suggest getting the 10R... Generally, the difference in the bikes you are looking it at is on the top end, at speed (cruising) it should be the same, Now every now and again, we all get the urge to twist the throttle. From what you described of your riding style, you want the 6R.

[ledhed]

Originally Posted by Jon Mueller

How do you know if its scary if you have never ridden one. I have ridden them, and there really not that bad, you should be fine, but will get you in trouble alot quicker then that 500 will that for sure, so make sure you at least take it easy for now. I would say if your not in it for total speed and complete power you are going to be just fine with a 636, but who knows if your like me I want a liter bike now after my, now current SV 650S.

I was considering the SV650S, and everything I read says it dominates 600s around town. I'm assuming this is because of the V-Twins low end torque. The 650R has the same torque, but I'm sure it comes higher up because its a Parallel Twin.

How long before you got board of the SV650?

I really don't want to jump from bike to bike every year or so. Or does this happen to everyone?

-LedHed

[irishcarbomb]

get the 6r, for your riding you wont need a liter bike. if you're bored with the 500 i would think you'd get bored with the 650r.

[ledhed]

Well, Insurance did me in!

ZX-6R = $1980 per year
Ninja 650R = $745 per year

Anyone know where to get Cheap Insurance in California?


-LedHed

[Nugget210]

check out how much it is without full coverage

[ledhed]

I did, but I'm gonna be financing it. So Full coverage is required.

ZX-6R without Comp/Collision = $323

[irishcarbomb]

Originally Posted by ledhed

I did, but I'm gonna be financing it. So Full coverage is required.

ZX-6R without Comp/Collision = $323

nope...if you finance with kawi, they dont require any insurance on anything under $10k. basically they give you a Good Times credit card with the amount of the bike on it, and say to pay it off in 4yrs it'll be so much per month...thats part of the reason i went kawi, not to mention how sexy the 6r is

i regret to say i dont have any coverage on mine...full would run me around $6k a year, and just theft/comp would be about $1500, and paying $40k a year for school kinda puts a damper on that

[Jon Mueller]

Originally Posted by ledhed

I was considering the SV650S, and everything I read says it dominates 600s around town. I'm assuming this is because of the V-Twins low end torque. The 650R has the same torque, but I'm sure it comes higher up because its a Parallel Twin.

How long before you got board of the SV650?

I really don't want to jump from bike to bike every year or so. Or does this happen to everyone?

-LedHed

If you can't afford the insurance of the 636 then I personally would go with the SV 650S or Naked. My thinking behind all of this is that the SV is a tried and true bike, it has been around for what 7 years I think, and it only keeps getting better, and the insurance on it is really good, at least for me it is, but then again I just got a quote for a 1000RR and it was still the same about 144.00 every six months for full coverage 1 Million dollar policy, funny, when you never have caused an accident or had a ticket in 10 years you dont have to pay ****, Im also going on 30 in Feb. if that matters.

[NinjaGirl]

Originally Posted by ledhed

I was considering the SV650S, and everything I read says it dominates 600s around town. I'm assuming this is because of the V-Twins low end torque. The 650R has the same torque, but I'm sure it comes higher up because its a Parallel Twin.

How long before you got board of the SV650?

I really don't want to jump from bike to bike every year or so. Or does this happen to everyone?

-LedHed

Kawasaki Baby!!

[camneely8]

Get the 650R. Then tell me how it is cause I am interested in it

[kais3rboy]

OUCH!!

yah, get the 650 - for insurance's sake... Jeez over a G for insurance, that's crazy.... This is why I still have old bikes....

[viper94bite]

have you considered the zzr600. the new ones look much better then the pre 05 models and insurance is cheap. I went from a 800cc suzuki marauder with about 43 horsepower and 45 dollars a month for full coverage insurance. To my current zzr1200 with right around 160hp and about 48 dollars a month for full coverage. But anyways back to the zzr600. I believe they put out right around 100hp so they are nothing to laugh at and they are very good bikes. just my 2cents.