[Trip]

I know there isn't a lot out about the 650r, but it is suppose to be a match to a SV650. I was just wanting to know any guesses about how the katana and the new ninja or SV650 might matchup against each other and if these three would be good beginner bikes.

 

[DAN DUBEAU]

All three would be great beginner bikes. There are so many factors to consider but i suggest you try the search button, as this topic has been discussed in great detail before, and you might find all the answers to your questions there.

 

[Trip]

tried, can't find anything comparing a sv650 and a kat, ninja is too new for much of anything. I was just looking for a brief overview. I am looking for something that is going to be comfortable riding and tall because I am not a short guy and don't want a small bike. I would like one that can handle real well because I live near mountains and will be on curvy roads. Speed is not an issue right now, but I would like it to be there when I pick up my skills. I would also rather the look of the kat and ninja over the sv.

 

[ShanMan14]

I've got an SV650 and it's great for the twisties. Good thing because it's not fast.

:welcome:

 

[Gas Man]

As I said in the other thread!

:welcome:

About anything will do better than a Kat! :lol:

Seriously, it looks like this Kaw will do alot better than a Kat that has really limited current technology on it!

Now the new Kaw vs a SV650.... not sure!

 

[bumblebee]

The SV handles well in corners and has mucho low end torque...It makes a good starter bike...is more forgiving to beginner mistakes than a ninja or CBR. It will also go 135 + so the speed is there when you want it. 99birdv6 started on an SV and now has moved up to 600RR and he will tell you he is glad he started on the SV.

 

[Trip]

Thanks for the responses guys, I am leaning to the ninja 650r. Just wish they were out already so I could get an idea of the size.

 

[jl_rotary]

my first bike was a katana and it was a great beginner bike for myself. the only thing i disliked was that is was heavy and after i started getting comfortable riding i couldnt keep up with my buddies riding R6 and GSXR. the SV650, i think they would be a great beginner bike also, but have never rode one. i would very much like to though. i heard great things about these bikes and their handling. dont know much about the kawi 650R. modern technology does make a tremedous difference.

 

[Trip]

Well I went to the Kawasaki dealership and sat on a 500r and I dwarfed it. Way too small, the reason this is bad is because the 650r is 2 inches lower seat height wise (30 inches for the 500 and 28 for the 650) and the seat is skinnier. It would almost be like riding a pocket rocket for me. Looks like I am just going to have to go check out the SV650s and the kat. I am older, so I am not looking for something to run over 100 all that often on, I just want a decent looking bike that has some good performance. I am not too impressed with either the kat or the sv650 as far as looking nice though.

 

[Gas Man]

Might want to check out some of the Yam FZ6 or FZ1

 

[JK_DILLA]

having owned an katana 600 and a SV650... hand down the Sv. The katana will cruise along and punch a big hole in the air but its heavy. And not agile. And for a beginner, alot of work. The SV is easy to control, light and the motor is alot of fun. Much more so than the Kat. Plus, when you step up, SV's are easy to make a competitive track bike and tons of aftermarket parts are available. THe ZX650R is an unknown quantity at this point, so if you can, wait for some people to get riding impressions.


hmmm, from tennessee are we?

 

[Trip]

Actually I am from Plaquemines Parish, LA. Moved to Knoxville to go to college at UT. So born a tiger became a vol, that was weird to watch that game.

 

[JK_DILLA]

Actually I am from Plaquemines Parish, LA. Moved to Knoxville to go to college at UT. So born a tiger became a vol, that was weird to watch that game.

i dont know what to sympathise with you more... being a vol fan, or losing plaquemines parish to katrina. kidding kidding.... yeah the game hurt. nobody i knew could talk about it till thursday they were so mad.

if i havent before :welcome:

 

[R1up0n1]

Well I went to the Kawasaki dealership and sat on a 500r and I dwarfed it. Way too small, the reason this is bad is because the 650r is 2 inches lower seat height wise (30 inches for the 500 and 28 for the 650) and the seat is skinnier. It would almost be like riding a pocket rocket for me. Looks like I am just going to have to go check out the SV650s and the kat. I am older, so I am not looking for something to run over 100 all that often on, I just want a decent looking bike that has some good performance. I am not too impressed with either the kat or the sv650 as far as looking nice though.

I started out on the SV also...which it's a awesome bike to start out on. I pushed mine to the max it I have to say it was awesome while it lasted. There is also tons of aftermarket parts for the SV.
I noticed you don't care for the styling to much...Look into the S model which will give you all the fairings.

 

[Trip]

Yeah, that is one I want to check out. I think I will have to go check out the FZ6 too. Seems I learned to ride during the downtime of the market though. No one really has any bikes and are all waiting for the 06s to arrive later this month. Kinda stinks cause i am missing all the good riding weather.

 

[JK_DILLA]

Yeah, that is one I want to check out. I think I will have to go check out the FZ6 too. Seems I learned to ride during the downtime of the market though. No one really has any bikes and are all waiting for the 06s to arrive later this month. Kinda stinks cause i am missing all the good riding weather.

get something used mabye. or a deal on a 05.

 

[Gas Man]

Nah, just go to a dealer that you like and let them track one down for ya! If they want your sale they will help ya!

 

[R1up0n1]

Nah, just go to a dealer that you like and let them track one down for ya! If they want your sale they will help ya!

if it's a closeout model like a 05 they won't go thru that trouble. A lot of motorcycle dealers aren't too helpful when it comes to price. :disapp:

 

[Trip]

I know a guy that was going to give a great deal on an 05 suzuki or kawasaki, but he is already out of everything I wanted. Just got to keep my hopes up.

 

[Trip]

Hey JK, how comfortable is the ride when you compare to the Kat to the SV650? Also, which one is bigger? The SV doesn't look like a very good bike to have a passenger on, what is your take about that?