Older VFR vs. Newer Ninja 500?

Message

dankatz · #1 Unread post by **dankatz** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 11:22 pm

Getting back into motorcycling after an 8 years' break. Test rode a 2006 Ninja 500 yesterday and liked it a lot. Mostly looking for a commuter bike and some weekend rides - not heavy duty touring. My friend is selling a 94 VFR with some really nice Givi bags. Not sure what I should go for. I think the VFR overall is a better bike, but it is much older, heavier and maybe just a better touring bike. I am worried about the age difference. I used to have a 650cc standard before and the Ninja is even stronger than that bike. What are your thoughts? Do you think I will outgrow the Ninja?
Dani

Veda · #2 Unread post by **Veda** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 12:55 am

How do you feel about your mechanical skills? I would think a '94 is going to be needing more work than an '06.

dankatz · #3 Unread post by **dankatz** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 1:08 am

That's a good point and well taken. I am neither too mechanically inclined (I could probably change oil and that's about it), not have a lot of time to deal with it.
I suppose I will stick to newer bike, 2000+
Thanks,
Dani

dankatz · #4 Unread post by **dankatz** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 10:33 am

Good point. I decided to go for the '06 inja 500.
Thanks!
Dani

Septimus · #5 Unread post by **Septimus** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 4:18 am

Welcome to the ranks of the proud, the grumpy, the bristling-at-650s!

Be sure to check out ex-500.com. The 500 is a great bike to become mechanically inclined on even if it's just for basic stuff like doing your own oil changes.

jstark47 · #6 Unread post by **jstark47** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 1:59 pm

Dani- that seems to be kind of an apples and oranges comparison. VFR is around 100 hp, Ninja is half that... maybe. VFR is a midweight sport-tourer, Ninja is kind of a dressed up standard. If you've any concern about being rusty after 8 years off, I think you've made the right decision to start with the Ninja. Good luck

dankatz · #7 Unread post by **dankatz** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 5:41 pm

Update: Got the Ninja. Love it.
Pros: Great fuel economy (52-63mpg) and excellent range with a large tank, excellent power for my needs. Light enough. Good riding position. So far very reliable - ridden it 650 miles or so. Like the lime green classic kawa color.
Cons: a little buzzy at higher speed. I wish I had a fuel light or gauge or clock (mounted a formotion clock on it now)
Can't go wrong with this bike. Easy and forgiving for a beginner yet powerful enough.
Dani