New rider, Ninja 650 alright? - Page 2

92NinjaZX6 · 08-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deilide

Wow, I didn't expect this many replies honestly lol. Thanks for all the information and advice. Honestly I wasn't expecting such a heavy one sided opinion towards the 650R, but that makes me feel much more confident in getting that as my starter and probably only bike for a few years. I'll be taking the MSF course on Monday and it ends Wednesday, but I've already gone into the dealer and put money down on the last Lime green 650R they had on the floor, so I'll pick it up after I get the license on Wednesday.

Again, thanks, and when I get the bike/license and the gear to ride it I'll take a few pictures, I hear that's the thing to do here.

Ohh awesome, post pictures when you get a chance, ive neevr seen a green 650R, ive only seen them in red and black.

Deilide · 08-03-2008

Oh really? I would have thought that the green ones would be the most common color to be seen, being the staple of Kawasaki and all, but maybe not. That's good, I didn't want to be just another one of the crowd

bennice · 08-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by adcoleman

I agree with every point but I would counter that one thing that makes the 250 a better starter bike is the lower price and greater availability of used ones, the 250 has been around for 20 years while the 650 has only been in production since '06.

If this were a "normal" year - like last year, I'd agree with that. But seeing as though there are virtually NO 250's available for market price of any year the 250 is not generally available (at least around here). But when people are asking $3k and up for older 250's, '08's are over $4k and '06 650R's can be had in the mid $4k's there's no reason to consider the smaller bike at this point. Insurance (for me) isn't significantly more expensive on the 650R either (again, for me).

Once the madness stops the 250 will again be the best bike economically. But that is the only place where that bike wins the "best starter bike made by Kawi" category.

And like I've said a million times before - I LOVE the 250 platform, and would like to own another one again someday, so don't take this as a bash to that model.

bennice · 08-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deilide

Wow, I didn't expect this many replies honestly lol. Thanks for all the information and advice. Honestly I wasn't expecting such a heavy one sided opinion towards the 650R, but that makes me feel much more confident in getting that as my starter and probably only bike for a few years. I'll be taking the MSF course on Monday and it ends Wednesday, but I've already gone into the dealer and put money down on the last Lime green 650R they had on the floor, so I'll pick it up after I get the license on Wednesday.

Again, thanks, and when I get the bike/license and the gear to ride it I'll take a few pictures, I hear that's the thing to do here.

Congrats on the potential purchase! I've seen the green up close and personal and it is a sweet looking bike - bout time Kawi offered it in the flagship color!

Good luck with your MSF course. Have fun out there!

Plato · 08-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by adcoleman

I agree with every point but I would counter that one thing that makes the 250 a better starter bike is the lower price and greater availability of used ones, the 250 has been around for 20 years while the 650 has only been in production since '06.

That is a good point to consider. I bought a used 250 for a second bike (my other bike is a big ole' Nad) simply because I could get it for around $2k and had that cash on hand. And a used bike is often nice to start on, because you will most likely have a few "driveway drops" starting out, plus the 250 is so light I could probably catch it further down and get the save (don't try that with a Nomad

) Its a great little commute and I even do 100 mile day trips on it quite often -that 60+mpg can tempt a guy to go exploring

Now granted if I was only going with 1 bike and was looking for new -which would be my choice with such a recent model as the 650r, then in that case I don't think I'd be happy with the 250. And it is true that anyone over 6' is gonna be cramped up on a 250 -I'm 5' 8" and its a good fit for me.

zx6ridah · 08-03-2008

You'll be fine on the 650! If you can handle the Yamaha 450, there's not much difference. Before I got my zx6r, I was so nervous that if I touched the clutch wrong I'd be in the air and "flat on my back." An hour after I purchased my bike I was already clutch and power-up wheeling it. Don't get me wrong, I've had quite a bit of experience on dirt bikes....but I think that motorcycles are easier to ride. I already want to upgrade to the zx10r...lol! You won't be able to pull that 650 up unless you REALLY want to bro. Good luck and have fun riding!

Deilide · 08-03-2008

Thanks again for all the input, it's really helped a lot! Taking the MSF course tomorrow (I'm actually getting pretty nervous, I hear it's not too bad, but well, nervous anyways) and then getting the bike after I (hopefully) pass lol.

Carl722 · 08-05-2008

I am 5'4" and wish I weighed in at 155 lbs. I have been running 2 to 4 miles at a time a few times a week. I run as much as 6 miles sometimes.

Anyhow I woud not fault you for buying a new 650R. If you are very conscious of your actions on it it will be a great first bike. But once you get the 650R you won't want to mess with the 250R. I have the 500R and it is a great bike for a beginner or an experienced rider and I hear the 650R is the same. I bought the 500R new over the 650R new because it was a 2007 closeout in May and $4,000 vs the 6,400 on the 2008 650R to me was a no brainer. The 650R looks much better but my main concern was saving gas in my truck and being as cheap as possible on a new bike. Main goal was under $100 a month with credit union financing.

Ronin47 · 08-05-2008

Currently commuting on a 650R now after a 12 year hiatus, so it feels like being a newbie rider again. I'm a heavier rider at 5'10" 212 lbs, but the bike doesn't seem to have any problem with it. I like the upright stance for the comfort and a FOV similar to what an SUV would have. Comes in real handy when you're stuck in that crawling parking lot we call the 60 with people zipping in and out of the gaps.

I used to ride an EX500 myself and always thought it was the best starter bike. But after riding around in my 650R, I think newbie riders (or re-riders like myself) would be just fine in it. The extra displacement doesn't really give that much "oomph" that would make it get away from you. Besides, if you're silly you can get yourself hurt in a 80cc bike anyway. Also, the 650R has an easy "friction zone" to negotiate...something that new riders probably worry about most. It only took me a ride around the block to figure it out. Overall, it's a very forgiving bike.

I think the only thing I don't like about it is I'm refueling every 3-4 days. My commute from Queen Creek to Tempe is 50 miles round trip. So I go through that 4.x gallon tank pretty fast...

Kangy · 08-05-2008

What dealership are you going to? I just bought a new 650 from Kelly's a few months ago. You should be fine on the 650 you sound like you have the right mindset at least. Just be aware that it does have a lot more potential to get you in trouble with the throttle than a 250 would. I rode a 250 for a while from Queen Creek to Mesa for work on the US 60 and well it was pushing it (hence the upsize to the 650)
I work about 1 mile from Kelly's if that is where your picking up your new 650 let me know. Also PM me if your ever interested on going for a 650 ride

Deilide · 08-05-2008

Kangy and Ronin, thanks a lot for the advice, we should all definitely go on a ride sometime!

I just got approved for the financing for the LAST green 650r they had at Kelly's Kawasaki, I live about 3 blocks from it, near Extension and Broadway, so it's pretty convenient.

I also just finished up my second day at T.E.A.M. Arizona taking the MSF course with a buddy, tomorrow's the last day and test, hope we pass lol.

Should be picking up the bike early next week, I'm VERY excited lol, since the financing was up in the air and I didn't know if I would be able to get it or not. I won't be riding it more then just up and down my rural street that has absolutely no traffic 90% of the time until my next paycheck when I'll be buying a helmet, jacket and hopefully pants if those 2 aren't too expensive. I already have gloves and a pair of boots, not riding boots, but boots nonetheless that I've been using for the MSF course.

Another reason I'm happy that I'm going with the 650 is because my commute to work is about 15 -20 minutes (not very long for this area)but I take the 60 to the 10 and get off at 32nd street, so I'd like to be able to keep up with traffic/pass effectively. Although I work the graveyard shift from 9pm to 5am monday through friday, so I probably won't be seeing a TON of traffic on that nasty 60.

ervins · 08-05-2008

Thank God you got a 650R. Congrats on it! Enjoy the ride! Ride safe and smart!

Carl722 · 08-05-2008

Do yourself a favor and get the helmet before you ride. Even a 25 mph fall on a neighborhood street could incapacitate you if not kill you, especially being a new rider and developing your riding skills. Ask the dealer to include a helment with the bike even if it is an open face helment.

Deilide · 08-05-2008

Yeah, I was thinking about it before you posted, I'm getting a helmet and jacket before I even buy the bike now, I just don't want to take any chances, the only thing I'll have to wait on for next paycheck is the pants, thanks for the advice.

Edit: Thanks Ervins, I sure will!

Edit2: I also figured I'd pay the little bit of extra money for Kelly's to put on Frame Sliders before I pick it up, being new and first bike and all, it couldn't hurt right?

Carl722 · 08-05-2008

Motorcycle Superstore - Motorcycle Accessories and Motorcycle Gear

I bought my jacket and boots from them. I got the Cortech GX sport series 2 from them and it has a winter liner also. I realize you may not need the winter liner but cool nights in the desert in the winter may feel good. I bought the helmet a couple days after the bike I already had a helmet from previous bike but it was 12 years old and decided it would be better to get a new one. My old helmet was a good helmet when I bought it but after 12 years the Styrofoam gets really hard.

adcoleman · 08-05-2008

Check out newenough.com, great bargain basement deals and arguably the best customer service around.

Deilide · 08-06-2008

Will do, any suggestions on a certain helmet? I prefer the flat black helmets for some reason, and Icon has a Rubatone one that I was looking at, but it's a tad expensive.

And I was looking at a mesh type jacket, textile what have you, it gets pretty hot down here, something that breathes well.

Edit: These are some of the jackets/helmets I was looking at from newenough.com for reasonable prices.

Jackets:
Icon TiMax 2 Mesh Jacket‏ (Noticed it has no shoulder armor, not sure I want something that's not offering full protection)
Icon ARC Leather/Textile Jacket‏ (might be too hot for here in AZ during the summers)
Joe Rocket Kawasaki Branded Gear Replica Mesh Jacket (Might make me look like a "poser" with all those decals lol)

Helmets:
Icon Airframe Solid Rubatone Helmet‏
Icon Domain 2 Solid Rubatone Helmet‏

I just really like the way those jackets and helmets look, I love the flat black on helmets for some reason, any thoughts on the jackets/helmets? I'm leaning dowards the TiMax 2 Mesh jacket and the Domain 2 solid rubatone helmet.

Edit2: I also had a question about the stock tires that come on the 650R, I've heard that brand new tires are really slick/slippery, and me being a new rider this wouldn't be a good thing. Is there something I should do to "break in" the tires? Or just be very careful for.....I really have no idea how long lol.

92NinjaZX6 · 08-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deilide

Will do, any suggestions on a certain helmet? I prefer the flat black helmets for some reason, and Icon has a Rubatone one that I was looking at, but it's a tad expensive.

And I was looking at a mesh type jacket, textile what have you, it gets pretty hot down here, something that breathes well.

It boils down to, "how much is your head worth?" I went with a comfortable Shoei RF-1000, very good helmet, not terribly expensive. I paid $262 for mine online.

Carl722 · 08-06-2008

I have a Scorpion EXO-700 and I paid $176 at the dealer. I got the silver one though. I thought black may get too hot on the head. Price is a matter but look for Snell approved helment not just DOT. The Scorpion was Snell approved.
Scorpion EXO-700 Solid Helmet - Motorcycle Superstore

Deilide · 08-06-2008

Oo flat black, that thing looks pretty sexy too, I'll have to go look at one. Thanks for the suggestion Carl.

08-05-2008	#29 (permalink)
Ronin47 Sun Baked Commuter BTK Intermediate Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 156	Currently commuting on a 650R now after a 12 year hiatus, so it feels like being a newbie rider again. I'm a heavier rider at 5'10" 212 lbs, but the bike doesn't seem to have any problem with it. I like the upright stance for the comfort and a FOV similar to what an SUV would have. Comes in real handy when you're stuck in that crawling parking lot we call the 60 with people zipping in and out of the gaps. I used to ride an EX500 myself and always thought it was the best starter bike. But after riding around in my 650R, I think newbie riders (or re-riders like myself) would be just fine in it. The extra displacement doesn't really give that much "oomph" that would make it get away from you. Besides, if you're silly you can get yourself hurt in a 80cc bike anyway. Also, the 650R has an easy "friction zone" to negotiate...something that new riders probably worry about most. It only took me a ride around the block to figure it out. Overall, it's a very forgiving bike. I think the only thing I don't like about it is I'm refueling every 3-4 days. My commute from Queen Creek to Tempe is 50 miles round trip. So I go through that 4.x gallon tank pretty fast... __________________ 2008 Ninja EX650R 1996 Ninja EX500 (RIP) Go Green on 2 Wheels!

08-05-2008	#30 (permalink)
Kangy SCUBA Rider BTK Beginner Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 87	What dealership are you going to? I just bought a new 650 from Kelly's a few months ago. You should be fine on the 650 you sound like you have the right mindset at least. Just be aware that it does have a lot more potential to get you in trouble with the throttle than a 250 would. I rode a 250 for a while from Queen Creek to Mesa for work on the US 60 and well it was pushing it (hence the upsize to the 650) I work about 1 mile from Kelly's if that is where your picking up your new 650 let me know. Also PM me if your ever interested on going for a 650 ride __________________ Submersion SCUBA 08 Ninja 650R - Red - R&G Sliders 72 Honda CB100 - Restoration Project

08-05-2008	#31 (permalink)
Deilide 2008 Lime Ninja 650R Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 17	Kangy and Ronin, thanks a lot for the advice, we should all definitely go on a ride sometime! I just got approved for the financing for the LAST green 650r they had at Kelly's Kawasaki, I live about 3 blocks from it, near Extension and Broadway, so it's pretty convenient. I also just finished up my second day at T.E.A.M. Arizona taking the MSF course with a buddy, tomorrow's the last day and test, hope we pass lol. Should be picking up the bike early next week, I'm VERY excited lol, since the financing was up in the air and I didn't know if I would be able to get it or not. I won't be riding it more then just up and down my rural street that has absolutely no traffic 90% of the time until my next paycheck when I'll be buying a helmet, jacket and hopefully pants if those 2 aren't too expensive. I already have gloves and a pair of boots, not riding boots, but boots nonetheless that I've been using for the MSF course. Another reason I'm happy that I'm going with the 650 is because my commute to work is about 15 -20 minutes (not very long for this area)but I take the 60 to the 10 and get off at 32nd street, so I'd like to be able to keep up with traffic/pass effectively. Although I work the graveyard shift from 9pm to 5am monday through friday, so I probably won't be seeing a TON of traffic on that nasty 60. Last edited by Deilide : 08-05-2008 at 08:40 PM.

08-05-2008	#32 (permalink)
ervins MOM Sept 2006 Forum Supporter Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Castro Valley, CA Posts: 11,826	Thank God you got a 650R. Congrats on it! Enjoy the ride! Ride safe and smart! __________________ Black 2006 ZX-10R http://cache.www.gametracker.com/ser...0/b_560x95.png

08-05-2008	#34 (permalink)
Deilide 2008 Lime Ninja 650R Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 17	Yeah, I was thinking about it before you posted, I'm getting a helmet and jacket before I even buy the bike now, I just don't want to take any chances, the only thing I'll have to wait on for next paycheck is the pants, thanks for the advice. Edit: Thanks Ervins, I sure will! Edit2: I also figured I'd pay the little bit of extra money for Kelly's to put on Frame Sliders before I pick it up, being new and first bike and all, it couldn't hurt right? Last edited by Deilide : 08-05-2008 at 08:56 PM.

08-03-2008	#22 (permalink)
Deilide 2008 Lime Ninja 650R Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 17	Oh really? I would have thought that the green ones would be the most common color to be seen, being the staple of Kawasaki and all, but maybe not. That's good, I didn't want to be just another one of the crowd

08-03-2008	#26 (permalink)
zx6ridah Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Flint, MI Posts: 2	You'll be fine on the 650! If you can handle the Yamaha 450, there's not much difference. Before I got my zx6r, I was so nervous that if I touched the clutch wrong I'd be in the air and "flat on my back." An hour after I purchased my bike I was already clutch and power-up wheeling it. Don't get me wrong, I've had quite a bit of experience on dirt bikes....but I think that motorcycles are easier to ride. I already want to upgrade to the zx10r...lol! You won't be able to pull that 650 up unless you REALLY want to bro. Good luck and have fun riding!

08-03-2008	#27 (permalink)
Deilide 2008 Lime Ninja 650R Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 17	Thanks again for all the input, it's really helped a lot! Taking the MSF course tomorrow (I'm actually getting pretty nervous, I hear it's not too bad, but well, nervous anyways) and then getting the bike after I (hopefully) pass lol.

08-05-2008	#28 (permalink)
Carl722 Top Gear Full Throttle BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Warminster, PA Posts: 314	I am 5'4" and wish I weighed in at 155 lbs. I have been running 2 to 4 miles at a time a few times a week. I run as much as 6 miles sometimes. Anyhow I woud not fault you for buying a new 650R. If you are very conscious of your actions on it it will be a great first bike. But once you get the 650R you won't want to mess with the 250R. I have the 500R and it is a great bike for a beginner or an experienced rider and I hear the 650R is the same. I bought the 500R new over the 650R new because it was a 2007 closeout in May and $4,000 vs the 6,400 on the 2008 650R to me was a no brainer. The 650R looks much better but my main concern was saving gas in my truck and being as cheap as possible on a new bike. Main goal was under $100 a month with credit union financing.

08-05-2008	#33 (permalink)
Carl722 Top Gear Full Throttle BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Warminster, PA Posts: 314	Do yourself a favor and get the helmet before you ride. Even a 25 mph fall on a neighborhood street could incapacitate you if not kill you, especially being a new rider and developing your riding skills. Ask the dealer to include a helment with the bike even if it is an open face helment.

08-05-2008	#35 (permalink)
Carl722 Top Gear Full Throttle BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Warminster, PA Posts: 314	Motorcycle Superstore - Motorcycle Accessories and Motorcycle Gear I bought my jacket and boots from them. I got the Cortech GX sport series 2 from them and it has a winter liner also. I realize you may not need the winter liner but cool nights in the desert in the winter may feel good. I bought the helmet a couple days after the bike I already had a helmet from previous bike but it was 12 years old and decided it would be better to get a new one. My old helmet was a good helmet when I bought it but after 12 years the Styrofoam gets really hard.

08-05-2008	#36 (permalink)
adcoleman Turtle Wax Taster BTK Intermediate Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 188	Check out newenough.com, great bargain basement deals and arguably the best customer service around.

08-06-2008	#37 (permalink)
Deilide 2008 Lime Ninja 650R Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 17	Will do, any suggestions on a certain helmet? I prefer the flat black helmets for some reason, and Icon has a Rubatone one that I was looking at, but it's a tad expensive. And I was looking at a mesh type jacket, textile what have you, it gets pretty hot down here, something that breathes well. Edit: These are some of the jackets/helmets I was looking at from newenough.com for reasonable prices. Jackets: Icon TiMax 2 Mesh Jacket‏ (Noticed it has no shoulder armor, not sure I want something that's not offering full protection) Icon ARC Leather/Textile Jacket‏ (might be too hot for here in AZ during the summers) Joe Rocket Kawasaki Branded Gear Replica Mesh Jacket (Might make me look like a "poser" with all those decals lol) Helmets: Icon Airframe Solid Rubatone Helmet‏ Icon Domain 2 Solid Rubatone Helmet‏ I just really like the way those jackets and helmets look, I love the flat black on helmets for some reason, any thoughts on the jackets/helmets? I'm leaning dowards the TiMax 2 Mesh jacket and the Domain 2 solid rubatone helmet. Edit2: I also had a question about the stock tires that come on the 650R, I've heard that brand new tires are really slick/slippery, and me being a new rider this wouldn't be a good thing. Is there something I should do to "break in" the tires? Or just be very careful for.....I really have no idea how long lol. Last edited by Deilide : 08-06-2008 at 02:09 AM.

08-06-2008	#39 (permalink)
Carl722 Top Gear Full Throttle BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Warminster, PA Posts: 314	I have a Scorpion EXO-700 and I paid $176 at the dealer. I got the silver one though. I thought black may get too hot on the head. Price is a matter but look for Snell approved helment not just DOT. The Scorpion was Snell approved. Scorpion EXO-700 Solid Helmet - Motorcycle Superstore Last edited by Carl722 : 08-06-2008 at 07:02 AM.

08-06-2008	#40 (permalink)
Deilide 2008 Lime Ninja 650R Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 17	Oo flat black, that thing looks pretty sexy too, I'll have to go look at one. Thanks for the suggestion Carl.