The Ninja 650R deserves a serious look as a beginner bike.

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flynrider · Wed Feb 22, 2006 2:49 pm

There's a highway in southwestern WY that is pretty red (I think it's US 89). The high plains there are lousy with prarie dogs. You can't go 1/2 mile without one running in front of you. Consequently, the road is soaked in prarie dog blood from them getting run over by cars. An additional hazard are the buzzards standing on the road, feasting on roadkill. They don't like to move until the last second, so you get a few of those carcasses too. On the whole, the carnage is incredible. Getting to see it up close (and slalom between little corpses) on a bike is not pleasant.

Wed Feb 22, 2006 2:54 pm

Back on topic... Just read motorcyclist's review on the Ninja 650R. From what i read, they said the SV650S was a better bike, but the Ninja was a better bike for simply riding (beginers included). Still don't know which one I'd want though. The SV650S (according to the review) just jumps away from the Ninja in the twisties, but the motor on the Ninja is silky smooth compared to the SV and much more street friendly. The Ninja is also lighter and they said dealt with dodging SUV's easier, ecspecially for a newer rider.

#23 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:56 pm

I just read the same review (I think). They also showed the dyno's and while the SV650 has more HP at the top end, the Ninja 650 has a fairly flat spot around 5000rpm and a heavy pick up just after that, with a drop off.

That and the side b side review just gave the whole damn bag to the Suzuki, better handling, power, pickup, suspension, and weight.

Fri Mar 10, 2006 8:01 pm

Sevulturus wrote:I just read the same review (I think). They also showed the dyno's and while the SV650 has more HP at the top end, the Ninja 650 has a fairly flat spot around 5000rpm and a heavy pick up just after that, with a drop off.

That and the side b side review just gave the whole damn bag to the Suzuki, better handling, power, pickup, suspension, and weight.

Yeah, i noticed that. BUT the Ninja is definatly more beginer friendly than the oft recomended SV650 for those riders who HAVE to have power/just came off the dirt. I for one would be torn between the two if i had the funds for a new(er) bike. Though being somewhat sensible, the ninja would be it -- unless it was either 1) madly uncomfortable or 2) found a GREAT deal on the SV. Though truth be told, i think a VStrom would suit me better than the two, but they're bit more pricey.

jmillheiser · Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:18 am

I will already say that the ninja 650R is way more comfy than even the naked SV. Much more upright riding posture.

calebep · #26 Unread post by **calebep** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 3:58 pm

"Rider" did a review of the 650R this month as well. They also did a comparison of the 600 "beginner bikes" as well. They said power wise the 650R was below most of them.

DivideOverflow · Thu Mar 16, 2006 4:26 pm

My money would still go to the 650R. It is very comfortable, and in my opinion more attractive than the SV650. So for an every day rider, I would have no qualms with picking the ninja.

But since I dont have boatloads of extra cash, I picked up my nice used interceptor instead! It kind of reminds me of the 650R, with just a slightly more aggressive seating position. I do think the price on the ninja is a bit steep for what it is, but I guess kawasaki thinks people will pay it, and they do have to meet their quotas. If it was a grand cheaper, that would be a different story