go down from Ninja 650R to Ninja 500R?

[tortus]

Hey all,

I wrecked my 650R a couple weeks back (the "we wrecked tonight" thread details it well), and in the end they ultimately decided to total my bike.

The cost of this wreck is definitely adding up, copays, deductibles, the payout on the bike not quite equaling what I paid for it, etc etc. Now granted I can suck all that up and deal with it and just get another 650R, that's definitely an option and probably what I will do.

But the thought of saving $1500 or so on a 500R or even more if I find one used is appealing.

Anyone got good time on both bikes? Would I regret that step? 60hp instead of 71hp, doesn't seem like it'd be a huge change as far as power goes. Both are quite light and I assume the 500 would be about as nimble as the 650 is. There's no doubt the 650 is the better looking bike, but I still enjoy the 500's old school stylings.

I also considered a Ninja 250. My Dad, who's ridden for about 30 years now, says I'd hate it after being on a 650.

[NorthernPete]

I sat on both bikes at the dealership over the week end, I found the ergos quite different. If I were to pick one on feel, itd be the 650.

[tortus]

I'm also considering the Suzuki SV650S, and the Suzuki GS500F, which are pretty much Suzuki's equivalents to the kawa 650 and 500.

Interestingly, the Yamaha FZ6 appears to be very similar to the SV650S and the 650R, yet if I were to get an FZ6 my insurance would skyrocket. Don't get that at all.

[jonnythan]

I'm also considering the Suzuki SV650S, and the Suzuki GS500F, which are pretty much Suzuki's equivalents to the kawa 650 and 500.

Interestingly, the Yamaha FZ6 appears to be very similar to the SV650S and the 650R, yet if I were to get an FZ6 my insurance would skyrocket. Don't get that at all.

FZ6 has 100 HP.

GS500F has 50 and the SV650S has 70.

[DivideOverflow]

You would probably hate the 500 compared to the 650. It is a much less refined bike. The 650 is actually lighter than the 500, and I'd vote for fuel injection any day of the week.

If you are just thinking of saving $1500, I would just wait an extra couple months and save an extra $1500 and then get the 650. You will likely regret getting the 500 instead.

If you do decide on a 500, get a used one! Then it will be a much greater savings than $1500.. I've seen them here for $3k for a couple year old one.

[gsJack]

Go sit on the 500 and 650 Ninjas in a showroom and see how they feel to you as far as ergos go, they all have more than enough performance for a good spirited ride. I put my last 120k miles on a couple GS500s and the 650R feels just like the GS to me. The 500R is not as comfortable but that's probably the one I'd get.

Nice as it would be to ride, the 650R is just home mechanic unfriendly. No centerstand and doesn't look like one could be added without a new exhaust system. Also it has shim under bucket valve adjustment, just can't see tearing down an engine to tune it up. The Ninja 500 has a centerstand and screw adjustable valves.

The FZ6 has closer to 90 HP than 100, the Ninja 500 has about 50 HP, and the GS500 does it with 40 HP as measured at the rear wheel compared to the approx 65 HP of your 650R.

I've recorded the data from all the published road tests over the years for the GS500 and where the info came from a comparo, I included the EX500 (Ninja) data too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/ ... 0tests.jpg

Here's an interesting read from a Busa guy that did 700 miles on a Ninja 250:

http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread ... =ninja+250

[DivideOverflow]

Go sit on the 500 and 650 Ninjas in a showroom and see how they feel to you as far as ergos go, they all have more than enough performance for a good spirited ride. I put my last 120k miles on a couple GS500s and the 650R feels just like the GS to me. The 500R is not as comfortable but that's probably the one I'd get.

Nice as it would be to ride, the 650R is just home mechanic unfriendly. No centerstand and doesn't look like one could be added without a new exhaust system. Also it has shim under bucket valve adjustment, just can't see tearing down an engine to tune it up.

The FZ6 has closer to 90 HP than 100, the Ninja 500 has about 50 HP, and the GS500 does it with 40 HP as measured at the rear wheel compared to the approx 65 HP of your 650R.

I've recorded the data from all the published road tests over the years for the GS500 and where the info came from a comparo, I included the EX500 (Ninja) data too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/ ... 0tests.jpg

Here's an interesting read from a Busa guy that did 700 miles on a Ninja 250:

http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread ... =ninja+250

I agree with most of what you said, but having been on all of those bikes, I would chose the Ninja 500 last. I would pick the GS500F looong before picking a ninja 500.

Also, with the busa guy... maybe it was that he was coming from a busa and never went around corners anyway, but the main reason I wouldn't recommend the 250 after something like the 650r is that the suspension will feel like absolute garbage. The Ninja 250 has a suspension made for a 110lb rider. When I rode one, it wallowed, bottomed out, and I didn't feel nearly as safe as I do on bikes that don't have suspension components made from crushed soda cans. Don't get me wrong, great beginner bike, or a bike for a small person... but going from a 650R to a 500R or a 250R, you will have a definite difference while riding! Sitting on them is one thing, but how they handle on the road is a completely different animal. Granted, the 500 isn't as bad as the 250, but neither feel as well planted as the 650.

My 2 cents. (or is it 4 cents now that I've posted twice?)

[tortus]

There are no ninja 500s anywhere near me. I've called all the dealers, and even craigslist has none. All the dealers said the same thing: ever since the 650R came out, they've decided to stop carrying the 500. Can't really blame them.

You make good points about the 500 being more home mechanic friendly. I didn't even consider that aspect.

I'm going to go look at a GS500 and SV650 tomorrow. But all in all I think I will probably just stick with the Ninja 650. I already know I love the bike and I'm comfortable with the financial numbers on it.

I do like the idea that for a bit more I can get the SV650 with ABS.

And honestly, time is an issue. This isn't a car that I'll drive 365 days a year. I've only got so much summer and I don't want to waste it. If I come down to two bikes I'm pretty much even on, availability will be what wins out. That doesn't bode well for the ninja 500.

As for that pashnit writeup, that's what started this whole mess! I sent that to my buddy, he got the itch to get a 250, and while he was getting his 250 i got the itch to get a 650!

[Nalian]

Nice as it would be to ride, the 650R is just home mechanic unfriendly. No centerstand and doesn't look like one could be added without a new exhaust system.

Rearstands are pretty cheap rather than replacing the exhaust for home maintenance. Most of the basics on the 650r are pretty easy too.

Tortus - personally I'd go with another 650 or an SV650, etc. I don't think you'd like the 250 either. I ride Veda's every so often and everytime I do it just feels wrong.

[storysunfolding]

I ride Veda's every so often and everytime I do it just feels wrong.

Insane pocketbike action!

No, it's just what the seating position feels like to me. To each their own.