Kawa dealer

[VTRider]

Hey all,
Went to a Kawa dealer earlier today to sit on a few bikes and found I could flat foot everyone of them with sneakers (not that I'll be wearing sneakers). Heh, even the ZX1400....

Anyway, I asked him what would be a good starter bike for someone who just finished the MSF course and endorsement test last year (perfect score btw). He actually took hold of my shoulders and pointed me away from the ZX line-up and brought me to where the 250s and 650Rs were.

He said 250 would probably not be the best choice for me (unless I took it for a year and gave it to my GF) but he said the 650R would probably be a good match. Plenty of power, comfortable, good MPG and confidence inspiring riding position.

I asked him what he thought about the 500 series and he said he didn't even have any in because after they got the new 650Rs no one wanted to even look at a 500.

Anyway, just thought I'd share my experience with everyone. Whats funny is that I had gone to another Kawa dealer awhile ago and asked the same question, they said a ZX6R would be a good first bike for someone my size.

I asked the guy at this dealer and he said a lot of people come to his because he is a lot "nicer" and seems to be more knowledgeable about bikes in general and he's said he has heard horror stories about the other place.

At least some dealers are somewhat morally straight.

SIDENOTE - Has anyone ridden a ZZR600? Little brother to ZX6R I guess. Heard it's similar in riding comfort/ergos etc. to a VFR 800(READ not HP)

Thanks,
Jeff - Sorry for long winded posts

[tortus]

I asked him what he thought about the 500 series and he said he didn't even have any in because after they got the new 650Rs no one wanted to even look at a 500.

I believe that. Another $1000 or so gets you a much more sexy and better bike.

[Zippy36_Lookingyourway]

I had a very similar situation happen to me at a kawa dealership. I was looking around getting the feel for some bikes and asked the guy what kind of starter bikes would be best and he lead me right to the ninja 250 and 500's . some people are nice afterall.

[Damian]

It sounds like that dealer steered you straight. Post the name of the dealer in case someone else in your area is looking!

[VTRider]

It was the St. Albans Kawasaki Dealer in Vermont. Was called GREEN MOUNTAIN POWERSPORTS KAWASAKI...

[Scoutmedic]

The difference just within a dealership can be crazy. When I was looking in my local Zuk place, my salesman pretty much listened to what I was saying and let me make my own decision. Another tried to talk me into a larger bike. And a third didn't seem to want to talk to me at all.

I love hearing about the good experiences. Definitely lets people know who to look for.

[RideYourRide]

SIDENOTE - Has anyone ridden a ZZR600? Little brother to ZX6R I guess. Heard it's similar in riding comfort/ergos etc. to a VFR 800(READ not HP)

I think it's based on the previous generation ZX6R. A quick google search says it will go down the 1/4 mile in 11.5ish, making it nearly as quick as a VFR800 or Bandit1200 (close enough so it won't much matter on the street). It's a pretty clear step up from a 650R performance wise.

I think I would look for something more in the middle like the 650R before going and geting yourself what amounts to a 5 year old supersport with new badges on it.

Vermont is outstanding. My mom's side of the family lives up there, we used to visit all the time. Where in Vermont are you?

[VTRider]

Thanks RideyourRide,
I have yet to get a first bike so I'm just dreaming about a second one.

I am from pretty far north, about 20 minutes north of Burlington and about 30ish minutes south of Canada. The lucky part about where I live is that there are many beautiful roads throughout northern VT (if you can find the paved ones) that aren't too far away.