Ninja 650R for a beginner?

[Doward]

Hey guys, new here, and have never ridden a motorcycle before...

I've really been looking into getting a Ninja 500R for my first bike (I was just really really comfy on it). I'm going to take my MSF course next semester, and then work on getting an actual motorcycle for myself, basically for around-town duties, with weekend trips down 441 to Wildwood (55-65mph)

I had looked into a 250R, but I was not comfortable on it, it was way too small for me (at least, it felt like it, I know it can still haul me around with minimal effort).

A lot of people have been trying to get me to go with a SV650, but I really don't like the way it looks, and it just felt 'bigger' to me.

I'm trying to find something comfortable, stable, (relatively) easy to learn on, and something under $7k.

I know a lot of people are going to scream 'Buy used!' but I have a small problem - I really, badly, want a 650R, in Black. The combo of the red frame, with black fairings, is just... very appealing to me

Now, being that is a V-Twin 650, this isn't in the same class as the high strung 600 supersports, correct? I respect the power/weight ratio of motorcycles (maybe not totally, until I've actually ridden one myself) but I'm thinking that if the 650R is not a huge step over the 500R, then I'd like to go that route.

I'm wondering if I'm correct on my thinking of the 650R twin cylinder not being as bad as the 600R supersport bikes? Thoughts? Comments? All are appreciated!

[Lion_Lady]

YOu can still get that 650R, but just DO NOT get it as your first bike. Too much power for a brand newbie.

There is great sense in buying used. You do NOT have to have the bike's entire history, it only needs to fit you fairly well, be in the neighborhood of 250- 500 ccs and not too heavy, AND able to pass a basic safety inspection so its safe to ride.

You only need this bike for 3-6 months while you work out the kinks and develop the muscle memory for riding. After you've got the basics down, you can go and talk to the dealer about that new Ninja, but then again, by that time you may find you like something else better.

The thing is, that until you take the MSF and learn to ride, you have NO IDEA what you really do not know about riding. Once you get out there, you may well find that you hate the idea of riding a sport bike and really really like cruisers. And until you get out there you can't know which.

There's a story on my other board about just that. A guy who had his heart set on a Vstar, and once he took the MSF he realized that he wanted the vstar because all his friends ride cruisers...

after the MSF, he discovered he loves riding twisties and a sportbike is more his style.

Buying the new vstar woulda been a costly mistake.

P

PS Here's a link to the discussion: http://forum.motorcycle-usa.com/default ... 04#m228104

[Sev]

Kawasaki has been advertising it as a secong bike (one to move up to) or an expert bike.

[NCRonB]

The Ninja 500R is a great bike; for starting and for years of fun for many. You can get a relatively recent model for half of $7k. Remember to set aside some money for gear if you care about your skin. It can get costly.

From what I've read, the 500R has ~50hp, the 650R about ~70hp, and a "600 sportbike" in the 100+hp range. Those are just ballpark numbers, so don't quote me on them. The 500R with its measly 50hp will go when you push it, but you have to do it on purpose. If you get something with much more kick, you'll find it easier to pay for your mistakes.

That 650R is a nice looking bike. I have it on my radar for a second bike, but I'm thoroughly enjoying my 500R right now and would like to see more owner reviews of the 650R and perhaps wait for there to be a few used ones around.

Welcome, by the way, to motorcycling and the forums! It's loads of fun; take it slow and make it last.

[Sev]

50 hp is not measly, and you shouldn't pretend that it is. There are cars that have trouble generating this kind of oomph.

[swatter555]

Just for a more balanced take on this, Ill chime in.

LionLady really hits the nail on its head, but I will add my own spin to it. You really cant go wrong with picking up a beater for a first bike. You wont be worried about dropping it as much, and your really just learning how to not kill yourself for the first few months.

The Ninja650R would be an ok beginner bike, just like the SV650S, as far as power and handling goes. The big minus in my opinion, for beginners, is the full fairing. While the full fairing looks sweet, a newb is pretty likely to smash it up a little.

Some say 72hp is too much to learn on(SV650,Ninja 650), but I cant agree with that as a rule. Far more trouble for a newb will be the top heavy nature of sportbikes, not the relatively mild powerband. If a person can control themselves and has a reasonable amount of maturity, these two bikes would be fine to learn on.

Having said that- If I were you, Id pick up a cheap beater to learn on for a few months, dont even consider financing a bike yet. Learn on the beater, drop the beater, learn the basics on it. After a few months, get yourself a beautiful full faired bike that you wont worry nearly as much about dropping.

If you just must get a Ninja650, make sure and get frame sliders installed before you ride it for the first time.

[NCRonB]

It was a semi-sarcastic, relative-to-the-others "measly". Sorry if it didn't come out that way. I didn't mean to imply that it was weak; quite the contrary. For what many consider to be a fairly small bike, it's no slouch. Frankly, I can't imagine starting out with more; just too much else to focus on.

[Sev]

Maybe you missed what I said.

Suzuki markets the SV as a starter bike, because it is.

Kawasaki martets their 650ninja as a second bike, because it is not a starter bike.

Just because two engines have the same displacement does not mean that the bikes are both suitable for learning on.

[NCRonB]

I thought Kawasaki was advertising the 650R as a bike for everyone. Their website info on the bike says things like "at home with both novices and experienced riders" and "creating a new category for Kawasaki where every rider, new, old, male, female, experienced or novice can find a reason to park this one in the garage."

[Itzamna]

Now, being that is a V-Twin 650, this isn't in the same class as the high strung 600 supersports, correct?

It's a parallel Twin, not a V-Twin, big difference.

Maybe you missed what I said.

Suzuki markets the SV as a starter bike, because it is.

Kawasaki martets their 650ninja as a second bike, because it is not a starter bike.

Just because two engines have the same displacement does not mean that the bikes are both suitable for learning on.
_________________
I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least, I do.

Ummm, isn't 72 hp about the same as the SV650. This isn't a supersport by any means.

Can't offer my opinion on whether or not it's a good first bike. I wouldn't start on one for what it's worth.