suzuki Sv650 V.S kawa ninja 650r

[Zippy36_Lookingyourway]

what are the main differences between these bikes? I looked up on them a bit and saw the SV was a little bit lighter is it enough to feel the difference? i also think its a little cheaper. Wich one do you all feel would be a better begginer bike, or would they be about the same? also is the listed weight of the sv (363) without the fairing? if not what do you think the weight would be with it on?

thanks for all the help.

[Sev]

There are a ton of posted reviews out there. Try googling it.

From what I recall the SV650 comes out ahead in nearly every category except aesthetics.

[Dragonhawk]

what are the main differences between these bikes? I looked up on them a bit and saw the SV was a little bit lighter is it enough to feel the difference? i also think its a little cheaper. Wich one do you all feel would be a better begginer bike, or would they be about the same? also is the listed weight of the sv (363) without the fairing? if not what do you think the weight would be with it on?

The SV650 is my second bike. I am SO glad I didn't get one as my first bike. Instead, I prudently put 16,000 miles on a Ninja 250 first. The Suzuki is incredibly powerful. I would have killed myself on this thing if it was my first bike.

Buy whatever you want. Have fun.

[Ian522]

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_P ... cleID=3250

[Nalian]

From a July 06 issue of Sport Rider comparing the 599/FZ6/SV650/Ninja 650r:

.....................,"1/4 mile.................60-80...................80-100

599...............11.65 at 117............4.75s...................6.26s
650r..............12.03 at 109............4.69s..................4.68s
SV650...........11.92 at 111............4.83s..................5.18s
FZ6................11.35 at 120............5.06s..................5.21sz"

quoted comments on the four bikes.

"599
+ Great engine with smooth power deliver
+ Low seat height and tiny feel
- Way overpriced
- Suspension is soft for even light riders
X Sharp styling is a hit"

"650r
+ Comfortable ergos with good wind protection
+ Budget chassis is surprisingly solid
- Different handlebar would improve front end feel
- Down on power to SV
X Strongest overall package for both new and experienced riders"

"SV650
+ Torquey engine has great top-end too
+ Great chassis and best suspension
- Abrupt throttle response
- Odd handlebar bend hurts steering
X Still the best bike to learn performance riding on"

"FZ6
+ R6 engine has strong top end hit
+ Good suspension and brakes
- Horrible throttle response
- Buzzy engine has no bottom end
X Engine and chassis are a mismatched package"

Just to add some more numbers, the May issue of Motorcycle Consumer news did a comparison between the FZ6, the SV650 and the Ninja 650r. Here are their numbers:

FZ6:
Measured top speed: 140.7mph
0-1/4 mile: 11.70 sec. @ 114.19 mph
0-60 mph: 3.65 sec.
0-100 mph: 9.05 sec.
60-0 mph: 114.9'
Power to Weight Ratio: 1:5.42
Speed @ 65 mph indicated: 62.0

SV650s:
Measured top speed: 131.3 mph
0-1/4 mile: 12.05 sec. @ 108.32 mph
0-60 mph: 3.80 sec
0-100 mph: 10.51 sec
60-0 mph: 119.24'
Power to Weight Ratio: 1:6.38
Speed @ 65 mph indicated: 60.2

Ninja 650r:
Measured top speed: 129.2 mph
0-1/4 mile: 12.11 sec. @ 107.30 mph
0-60 mph: 3.84 sec
0-100 mph: 10.95 sec
60-0 mph: 128.1'
Power to Weight Ratio: 1:6.93
Speed @ 65 mph indicated: 60.1

The end result most of them give is go with whichever bike fits you best - they're pretty close as you can see from the numbers. I don't think anyone's butt can really feel the difference in the .0 anything second range.

As far as which one comes out ahead - it depends on which articles you read.

[Zippy36_Lookingyourway]

Thanks for the numbers and links, lots of info very helpfull

[safety-boy]

Ninja 500-R for the beginner. More primitive, but reliable as all h3ll. I have put close to 12,000 miles on mine in just over a year. Replaced the brakes, replaced the rear tire. Nothing else needed (oil and gas, of course).

I am not a fan of the 650-R, as I find it uncomfortable with its high handlebars. Don't like Sukzuki in general - also, if the Suzi is a single cylinder, you will not be happy.

--Dave

[flw]

Ninja 500-R for the beginner. More primitive, but reliable as all h3ll. I have put close to 12,000 miles on mine in just over a year. Replaced the brakes, replaced the rear tire. Nothing else needed (oil and gas, of course).

I am not a fan of the 650-R, as I find it uncomfortable with its high handlebars. Don't like Sukzuki in general - also, if the Suzi is a single cylinder, you will not be happy.

--Dave

Do you not agree with the sticky post on sport bikes and no 500's and up for first bikes? A 1/4 inch throttle turn at the wrong time can kill you, which is not true on a 500cc crusier due to power bands and generally what the bike is made for.

Also he has not stated either way what his expeince is, if he did, I missed it. So I'll assume he has none to little. So its a used Ninja 250 with a couple of scatches on it. It will cost much less and you won't be kicking yourself when you drop your bike. Chances are you are like most of us and have or will drop it at some point. So learn on a semi-beat'en bike with the intent on dumping it in 1 to 2 full riding years.

Then spend you hard earned money on a much nicer bike when the chances are less that you'll drop it and you'll be a safer rider in general.

[Nibblet99]

If you want to learn the absolute most, yes I'd say start at 125/250cc and work up. but in general, most 500s are tuned to give enough power for Woohoo moments, but not Oh "poo poo" moments. There are of course, exceptions.

[Fast Eddy B]

Do you not agree with the sticky post on sport bikes and no 500's and up for first bikes? A 1/4 inch throttle turn at the wrong time can kill you, which is not true on a 500cc crusier due to power bands and generally what the bike is made for.

I don't agree. The CBR600F was brilliant after UK certification. It pulled and pulled, but didn't punish with squirrelly handling. Maybe I knew my limits?

A quarter turn? Maybe, but who measures...

And I did AGATT (All The Gears, including second gear, All The Time)