Total Motorcycle Community Forums

i read all the "stay away from 600cc bikes" posts already, but when i went to the stealership to really look at bikes, the 250 and 500 kawi's were not very comfortable to sit on and insurance is really high on them. the guy (up-sold me) to a yamaha fz6. it was a lot more comfortable and dint seem to be too big. i know its a lot of money but it would be a nice ride? how about some oppinions? i havent bought it yet, and i havent even looked at the (hopefully less expensive) competition to the fz6. i am leanign more towards a "nakedbike" (i think thats what its called?)

The FZ6 runs around 100 bhp i belive... So no, it's not even a grey area bike, much less good for beginers.

No matter what the dealer tells you, the insurance should NOT be higher on a 250 or 500 compared to an FZ6.

Do yourself a favor and start on something smaller, move up when you are ready for it. Not when your salesman is ready for a bigger comission.

The Kaw 250 and 500 are pretty well established learner bikes. If you think insurance is high on them, what do you think it would be on an FZ6 with about twice the horses of the EX500? If insurance is really a factor, you should check with an agent.

Overall, the FZ6 accellerates like a sportbike, but the brakes and suspension are definitely not sportbike quality. Being a standard guy, I liked the riding position and it's a fun ride. The throttle response is peaky like a sportbike, but the engine is detuned a little (but not much) to give it a broader powerband.

As for it's competition, that will be the Honda 599 and the Suz SV650. Don't hold out much hope for their being less expensive.

I ride one of the less expensive, less powerful competitor's bikes, and I wouldn't even really recomend the one that I have for starting on. I might to certain people (dirtbike history etc). But even now after 7500 km, I still find that the bike can get away from me a little. The pothole I didn't notice will spike the revs when my wrist bounces and all that.

Honestly I was comfortable on my bike, and I was comfortable on the ninja 500 and the ninja 250. It's just a different kind of comfortable. I suggest a second look at those bikes.

Hey Sev,

Did Honda lower their price on the 599? Last time I checked (probably '05), the 599 was the most expensive of the bunch in the middleweight/standard class. IIRC the SV650 was the low end, the 599 was the high end, and the FZ6 fell right about in the middle.

OK, a quick check on the net and I answered my own question.

MSRP for '06

SV650 - $5,949
FZ6 - $6,799
599 - $7,399

Looks like the SV is actually a pretty good bargain in that group.

one of the motorcycle magazines stated that the higher price for the 599 was due to them being made in Italy.euro--dollar exchange rate.

thanks for all the input, i was soooo overwhelmed when i went in. they had a 250 that had just been traded with only 400 miles on it. they want $2200 for it. its a 2k5 model. it felt kinda small to sit on. are there any "naked" bikes that are more comperable to a 250/500? (besides a 250 wit the plastic removed)

flynrider wrote:Hey Sev,

Did Honda lower their price on the 599? Last time I checked (probably '05), the 599 was the most expensive of the bunch in the middleweight/standard class. IIRC the SV650 was the low end, the 599 was the high end, and the FZ6 fell right about in the middle.

OK, a quick check on the net and I answered my own question.

MSRP for '06

SV650 - $5,949
FZ6 - $6,799
599 - $7,399

Looks like the SV is actually a pretty good bargain in that group.

HandsomeRyan wrote:thanks for all the input, i was soooo overwhelmed when i went in. they had a 250 that had just been traded with only 400 miles on it. they want $2200 for it. its a 2k5 model. it felt kinda small to sit on. are there any "naked" bikes that are more comperable to a 250/500? (besides a 250 wit the plastic removed)

well the suzuki GS500F isn't naked, but it is also a good choice. $2200 on a new 2k5 isnt a bad deal at all. This country has an issue with importing naked bikes, so sadly a lot of them are a lot bigger.

Just remember, this is your first bike, not your last. I'd get the ninja 250 then sell it for what you got it for after a season if you want to move up. You are much more likely to become more comfortable and a better rider quicker with a bike that is easier to ride.

I started on a 250 and sold it after a year, but I am still very glad that I started on it.