Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm thinkin' bout getting '07 Kawasaki ZZR600.....or should I get '07 Kawasaki Ninja 500?

I'm guessing that since I've never rode or owned a bike before, as I probably should get ninja 500 one.....

Thanks

M-O-S wrote: I'm guessing that since I've never rode or owned a bike before, as I probably should get ninja 500 one.....

Good guess.

The ninja 500 is a good first bike, it has decent power but is tame enough for a beginner to learn on. 600cc inline-4 sport bikes like the ZZR are very powerful and unforgiving and are poor choices for a first bike.

And take an MSF course.

Thank you

Yep, I've took time to read the TMW guide few days ago and still readin', and plus, ZZR one is kinda expensive for a beginner, anyway

MSF is definitely a must, reasonable enough. Thanks again.

Also you might want to consider getting a used bike instead of a brand new '07 for your first ride. Just in case you make a mistake and drop the bike which is common during the learning process...and also full coverage insurance on a brand new bike will probably be expensive, especially if you are under 21.

For instance you could get a used ninja 250 or 500, ride it for a couple of seasons, and probably sell it for close what you paid. Then for a second bike you can get that shiny new crotch rocket, when you have some solid experiance under your belt.

Ian522 wrote:Also you might want to consider getting a used bike instead of a brand new '07 for your first ride. Just in case you make a mistake and drop the bike which is common during the learning process...and also full coverage insurance on a brand new bike will probably be expensive, especially if you are under 21.

For instance you could get a used ninja 250 or 500, ride it for a couple of seasons, and probably sell it for close what you paid. Then for a second bike you can get that shiny new crotch rocket, when you have some solid experiance under your belt.

Yeah, I've thought about that.......got to pay for a professional mechanic to bring with me, too

Hm, if I (that's when I'm ready) get the new bike off of the dealership, and I'll be sure to ride slowly first and then advanced, and then, you know?

I wish to get the bike not just because most of [young?] riders probably think it's very cool to ride very fast, but you got to be careful, too....that's why I'm glad to be aware not to ride very fast. Just out of my thoughts...

Do you think

"1986 Honda 500cc (Interceptor)" is an ok choice?

Piston Displacement: 498cc
Stroke: 4
Cylinders: 4
Speeds: 6
Max. Horsepower: 66 HP / 11,500 rpm ( 12,000 redline )
Torque: 4.2 kg-m / 10,500 rpm (30.3 lbs-ft. )
Bore & Stroke: 60.0 x 44.0 mm ( 2.36 x 1.73 in. )
Dimensions: 2,070mm(L) x 760mm(W) x 1,175mm(H) ( 81.5 x 29.9 x 46.3 in. )
Seat Height: 800mm (31.5 in.)
Wheelbase: 1,420mm (55.9 in.)
Dry Weight: 184kg (406 lbs.)
Curb Weight: 201kg (443 lbs.)
Front Tire: 100/90-16
Rear Tire: 110/90-18

Long as it's in decent shape. Numbers don't look to bad. Might be just a touch powerful for a true neophyte.

Edit: Wikipedia says it's a V-4, parts might be hard to find.

Weren't there also cam problems with the V4s in that time period?

sigh... looks like I gotta dig up my old magazines again to get some more info since wikipedia doesn't go into too much depth.

M-O-S wrote:Do you think

"1986 Honda 500cc (Interceptor)" is an ok choice?

Piston Displacement: 498cc
Stroke: 4
Cylinders: 4
Speeds: 6
Max. Horsepower: 66 HP / 11,500 rpm ( 12,000 redline )
Torque: 4.2 kg-m / 10,500 rpm (30.3 lbs-ft. )
Bore & Stroke: 60.0 x 44.0 mm ( 2.36 x 1.73 in. )
Dimensions: 2,070mm(L) x 760mm(W) x 1,175mm(H) ( 81.5 x 29.9 x 46.3 in. )
Seat Height: 800mm (31.5 in.)
Wheelbase: 1,420mm (55.9 in.)
Dry Weight: 184kg (406 lbs.)
Curb Weight: 201kg (443 lbs.)
Front Tire: 100/90-16
Rear Tire: 110/90-18

Make sure you check insurance on that bike, I remember when I was looking at some different bikes the quote on that one was quite high for a new rider, not sure why exactly.

Insurance is a hit and miss thing. If there are a heap of people out there with one particular bike having accidents and putting in claims, then the price goes up for that bike, even though the bike isn't that great.