New Bike!! how sweet it is

[GloStreetDawg]

First and foremost I want to thank everyone in this forum with sharing their experiences and great advice. This morning I mysteriously pulled into the parking lot of a motorcycle dealership and bought a bike! I ended up getting the Ninja 650R. The reasons being 1) it felt very comfortable sitting on it 2) Read an article which quotes "designed with the intent of being one of the most user-friendly units in todays marketplace. 3) I wanted something that I wouldnt outgrow in a year. 4) Insurance is reasonable at $ 500 a year.

Since my insurance is not effective until 7/6, I was only able to ride it a few yards away from my residence. It sure felt alot different than the beat up 250 nighthawk they had at the MSF course Although I am very fond of that bike I was able to lean on it very nicely on curves during the course. If anyone has any advice on making this transition please do comment. I think that if the 2007 Ninja 500 were available I wouldve probably gotten that one, for the reason that its bullet proof, it felt just as comfy as the 650R, plus it comes in yellow! I saw a pic of it the other day...it looks sweeet!

[VermilionX]

congrats!

PICS NOW!!!

[VP]

Man I'm so jealous...you got the bike I want...well, it might be my second bike in a few months. I want that silver one...sat on it a couple of weeks ago, and it felt sweet. I'm curious what the 2007's look like and what features they come with...hopefully a clock. I currently have a 500R, and am really enjoying it. Once you finally get to ride it, you must give us your thoughts about it. The 650R has fuel injection, where the 500R is still carborated...thus it has a petcock and chock. I hope this isn't your first bike...typically it's said to stay away from 600cc sport bikes for your first. Just be careful, and take it easy...big difference from a 250 nighthawk and a 650 Ninja. Take it easy on the trottle...enjoy, and remember to tell us all about your first ride.

Good luck.

[VermilionX]

actually, the ninja 650R is ok as a beginner bike. kawasaki even markets it as good for both novice and experienced riders alike.

it puts out less power than the SV650, another gray area beginner bike.

VP, if you're planning to move up... i suggest getting a 600 RR bike IF you like sportbikes.

[jmillheiser]

im still kinda of the fence as to what to go with after the bandit. Im thinking possibly the daytona 675, SV1000, or some kind of 600RR. Now that I have tried both twin cylinder and 4 cylinder sportbikes I think im leaning mostly towards the triumph. I like the top end rush of the 4 cylinder but also like the torque of the twin, the strong mid/top of the triple sounds about perfect to me

not to mention that the daytona looks and sounds cool as hell

[VP]

I do like sport bikes...and I like crusiers too...but they are kinda heavy and less manuverable.

I'm currently looking at the Honda Interceptor, Honda CBR600, Yamaha R6, and the Kawi Ninja 650R...I know, these are all very different bikes. I don't want anything too aggressive...don't want accidental wheelies...don't want my back in traction after a two hour ride, prefer the foot pegs to be in the near standard position like the Ninja 500R...and I'm looking for fuel injection...an inline four would be a bonus, but I'm still trying to find out more info on that...if I would really need a four cyclinder engine...like I said, I don't want to be popping off wheelies when I hit a small bump on the road.

[Ninja Geoff]

after 1600+ miles on my 650R i think i can say, you got a GREAT bike. Saddle sore is held off at least 100 miles. There IS a corbin seat that's REALLY nice, BUT it's $700+. They give some bullshit about the costs of oil for the foam and "poo poo".

But anyway. This bike LOVES the corners. That smaller 160 tire on the rear makes it REALLY easy to turn into corners. The bike has tons of usable power after 3k rpms. In town, 2nd gear is a good gear to stay in. Oh, did i mention, it's 44 lb-ft of torque kicks in at 7k rpm and peak hp (about 65) at around 9k rpm? At first, watch that tachometer, it LOVES to rev right to the redline, 11k rpm (heh trust me). The tires are decent tires, though not the most agressive, they do hold the road rather well. They're classified as "sport touring tires". Bridgestone BT020's, front and rear.

At highway speeds, it's fairly stable. You do notice the wind, and the passing 18 wheelers, though it's not THAT bad.

Anywho, the power is enough to keep you happy, but not enough to get away from you without trying a bit.

[jmillheiser]

im suprised the SV650 has not been mentioned.

Accidental wheelies are normally not an issue on 600s unless your REALLY hamfisted. I can wail on my 600 bandit as hard as I want in first gear and the front wont come up.

if you want sporty but comfortable look into a standard or sport tourer.

[jmillheiser]

after 1600+ miles on my 650R i think i can say, you got a GREAT bike. Saddle sore is held off at least 100 miles. There IS a corbin seat that's REALLY nice, BUT it's $700+. They give some bullshit about the costs of oil for the foam and "poo poo".

sounds like the ninja 650s seat isn't that great. I have done 400mi in a day with my bandit and my butt never once got sore (with the stock seat), feet were another story.

I did find the ninja 650 to be pretty comfy sitting on it in the showroom, though it might be a little too upright for long distances.

I found the bolt upright seating position of my CX500 put a lot of strain on my lower back. The slightly leaned forward position of the bandit is much more comfortable to me as it keeps the weight on my legs instead of my lower back.

[bok]

i don't believe it until i see pics...just kidding, congratz