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Having read four or five test ride reviews and allot of other related material, I am coming around to the opinion that the Ninja 650R is a great beginner bike, not just a grey area bike.

I was suprised by the fact that the horsepower numbers are not that much better than the Ninja 500, wrapped up in a great looking package with an upright riding position.

Although I would normally recommend to strangers that they should buy bikes used, this bike should definately be considered by new riders who end up buying new.

For the record, here are the dyno numbers:
bhp: 60
torque: 40

While it isnt as friendly as say a GS500, I think people should consider this right along with the "acceptable" beginner bikes. The is especially true to the new people who enter the world of motorcycle dead set on getting a sexy sportbike as their first bike.

Any thoughts?

well im not very impressed w/ its looks... mostly bec i don't like those 1 piece seats.

this one is more like it... how much hp and torque does this one have?

There's a website that lists the specs of all the new 2006 bikes. Find it Here.

What's its engine size? It's obviously a zzr but which one?

Unless I'm looking in the wrong place TMW never has the torque/hp of any bike.

I'm looking under bike specs, btw.

Sevulturus wrote:There's a website that lists the specs of all the new 2006 bikes. Find it Here.

there's no hp and torque specs though...

i think it's safe to assume that it won't be that much diff from the euro version...

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/compare/4838/5128/

so i guess it's not for beginners since it has around 100hp, maybe more since it's considerably lighter than the euro version.

Hit the 7/11 guys, both CycleWorld and Motorcyclist review the new 650R this month. One of them even does a sidebar shootout with the SV.

Both conclude that it is a pretty good beginers bike, more friendly than the SV (already a pretty friendly bike) and only marginally down on power to it. A nice, little motor in a nice, friendly chassis.

But I am paraphrasing here, buy the mags and check them out yourself.

It is a completely different bike from the Euro version, the ZZR-600 that is. The 650 is a much better entry level bike.

Comparision:

Ninja 650: 60 bhp
ZZR-600: 98bhp

The US version of the ZZR is basically a 2002 Ninja ZX-6R with a better seat and higher handlebars.


I think, in the Ninja 650, we now have a relatively new rider friendly bike in a sexy sportbike package. Should this still be considered a "grey area" bike.

swatter555 wrote: ...... Should this still be considered a "grey area" bike.

That depends on who's 'grey matter' is processing this question.

I think it's fine as a starter bike. But then, I also think the SV is. Generally. If your 5'1" or have a 24" inseam or can't lift more than 6lbs or are scared of bikes or prefer cruisers or what have you, there's other choices out there. But there's no reason to NOT consider the 650R if you like the bike.

Sure there is, it's as expensive as hell.

or can't lift more than 6lbs

I can't lift 6 pounds

Shiv wrote: Sure there is, it's as expensive as hell.

That would be covered under "what have you".... or "what don't have you"....

Shiv wrote:I can't lift 6 pounds

Ha! Well I can.

Trouble is, my arm weighs 5.9 lbs. I can only lift it if I'm not holding anything heavier than a forkful of grub.