December 29th, 2011, 11:32 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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Am I weird? Also what I want in my next bike
Basically everyone talks about how fun the ninjette is to ride, unfortunately I wouldn't know. However one of the most common things I've heard is the constant need to shift makes it fun. On my 500, although nearly twice as powerful with slightly longer gearing, I still need to shift quite a bit. Usually average 40mph, in 4th gear, at 4000 rpms, convenient right? But having to shift so much sort of annoys me, like I feel if I had say a 600 with much longer gearing and I could cruise in 2nd gear rather than 4th I'd be happier, yet I can't be 100% sure because I haven't ridden a 600+ yet. Solutions I can think of would be to change the sprocket sizes, which I'm not interested in because longer gearing would make the bike less quick and its not ridiculously powerful to begin with (but it is no slouch!) or just starting off in 2nd gear rather than 1st, but thats sort of a hassle with the positive neutral finder and honestly the massive 30lb/ft of torque the 500 has isn't quite enough to take off in 2nd without a lot of clutch slippage. I guess my question is does anyone else prefer longer gearing and shifting less? Specifically those of you who've upgraded to a 600+ supersport. Which sort of correlates to what I've learned so far on what I want in my next bike, I like the 6-7k rpm kick my bike has and the pull through the top end, but the pull feels way too short having to shift at 10k, and I really like the feeling of nice low down power that say a cruiser or like an sv650/1000 would have but I honestly like the top end power a lot more, it's more fun to wind an engine out IMO at least on a bike.
Now seating position, on long 200+ mile rides my bike is perfectly comfortable EXCEPT my hips get a bit sore, I think lower rear sets would cure this, however just from sitting on various supersports I really like the aggressive feel that they have. Not sure on model years but, CBR600RR was definitely the most comfortable, ZX-6R (09+) and the new '12 gixxer 600/750 are tied and I was actually pleasantly surprised I could flat foot the 750. R6 is a no no for me. Now the way supersports feel is probably different to me because my body is conditioned to being somewhat leaned over on my own bike. Just looking for some tips or pointers and if anyone was/is in the same boat as me, only been riding for 4 months and 3500 miles and I'm honestly really happy with my bike, its not upgrade time yet. Also not 100% sure if this fits in riding skills.. seemed like a good idea at the time though. |
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December 30th, 2011, 12:40 AM | #2 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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I'm a new rider myself, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. From your post however, it seems like all you want is a bike that can rev high and provide nice torque throughout the entire powerband. I think any supersport 600cc + can give you exactly that, just don't expect to use 4, 5, or 6th gear if you like revving super high. I have 3.5 months of riding experience on the new gen ninja and all I can say is that shifting keeps you on your toes. It takes much more coordination and concentration and for a new rider especially, it has the potential to solidify good riding habits. I love revving high through all the gears because its so much fun, and this is part of the reason why I think I'll be sticking with this bike for a while.
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December 30th, 2011, 01:24 AM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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Yeah I understand how you could become complacent with not shifting a lot, and I don't wanna seem lazy lol I just think it would be nice to not HAVE to shift. That's one thing I envy about the 250 is that you can really wind it out in the city and not be doing insane speeds, Probably what gets you to 35mph on a 250 gets you to 60 on my bike and much much faster on anything bigger. The downfall to that is that when you really need power, on the 250 it might not be there the way you like it (although I understand the 250 is in most cases definitely enough power). Guess I'm gonna have to test ride some 600s to see how they feel, probably similar powerband wise to my bike, just with more overall power which I think is what I'm looking for. The 500 still keeps me happy though, plenty of power for all situations, even does just fine two up
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December 30th, 2011, 01:29 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE, '15 CRF110F, '13 TT-R50E Posts: Too much.
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Get a busa. Leave it in 3rd.
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December 30th, 2011, 01:40 AM | #5 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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Quote:
Yeah, that's a good idea. Riding two-up is where the ninjette fails. Its 249cc engine just doesn't have enough to perform like you would want it to. I've had a couple passengers on my bike and its okay, but its not comfortable and it definitely feels top heavy. It does however, ride quite smoothly and gently (two-up) because the combined weight of both people dull any consequences one might have while using the clutch and throttle. |
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December 30th, 2011, 02:51 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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Lol but busas are almost as ugly as scooters. Dunno if you're just poking at me or trying to imply that I shouldn't be lazy LOL I like shifting, but for city commute which I do a lot it'd just be easier to not have to shift as much, Still love banging it through the gears in the twisties. And on nice long empty straights.....
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December 30th, 2011, 02:52 AM | #8 |
Ninjette wanabe :D
Name: Ruslan
Location: San Jose
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): white 300 :D Posts: A lot.
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Just get a harley :P
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December 30th, 2011, 02:59 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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Hahahaha I've ridden my moms harley. Torque is an amazing thing, scraping the floorboards when I'm not even trying to lean isn't! Maybe a zx-14. Extend the swing arm and sell my helmet, buy new flip flops and wifebeaters with the money.
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December 30th, 2011, 03:22 AM | #10 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
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you need to figure out what you are really after in a bike. do you use it to get places? to carry things? simply as a toy? if its a toy how do you play with it? do you push it or is it more a casual toy? it sounds you want to go long distance on it, and want lots of power... but still kinda nimble? it sounds like you want a sport-touring bike...
it sounds like you want a gold wing.
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December 30th, 2011, 06:46 AM | #11 |
Milkshake Drinker
Name: Skippii
Location: Richmond, Va
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Orange DRZ400-S, 2005 Ninja 250 & Custom Thundercunt Dirt Chopper Posts: A lot.
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I suggest a Ducati.
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December 30th, 2011, 07:58 AM | #12 | |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Quote:
Imma going to stay serious on this thread. I do not feel the need to shift “constantly” to make the 250 a fun ride. In fact, I run 80% of my route (55miles) in 3rd or in 4th if I feel like going a bit faster. Sure there are some straights where I have to shift, but once in the hard twisties, a smooth throttle roll from 7k to redline, rinse and repeat on the next corner. With short distances between corners on my normal route, your route may not be as twisty as mine though as that plays a large factor. If so, then a longer gears will be a welcome change. I normally run 15/47 on the ninja on both street and track, but will sometimes swap to stock gearing on the really tight stuff. Also, for the 2up riding on the 250, I did find myself shifting more while 2up but not a lot more. Mostly on the sweepers, all in all I just ride my route in 3rd instead of 4th. Sure it don’t really have the power I would like for 2up, but one can still rail 55mph down your favorite set of corners 2up. Full disclosure on my 250 2up setup. I am 180lbs and my passenger is 180lbs. 1. Heavier fork oil 2. 4th position rear shock setting (preload) 3. Stock gearing 4. Shimmed carbs 5. Heavy handed on the brakes 6. A well trained passenger 7. Big balls Everything else is bone stock and have no issue keeping up with the group as long as they are not going well above the posted speed limit. Now, how all that compares to the same route on an 06 R6. It’s like fire and forget. Put the bike in 3rd and leave it. Plenty of pulling power at the low end and a surge of power at the upper end (post 6k rpm). Although the R6 is a little doggish in the low end, I still do not feel the need to shift all the time. Compared to the 250 the R6 has a very aggressive ergo and I couldn’t see riding for long periods of time without breaks. This is even more true for me 2up. For me, it’s the knees that get sore, not the hips. It’s a compromise between ground clearance and comfort. Like you, when I was newer I went through a stage where I thought I needed more power. But what I needed or really wanted was to learn how to go faster. And I learned that by getting education, experience and track time. [I don’t recommend you do this] And how that relates to shifting, it’s hella fun to come into a 90 degree corner pretty hot downshift from 5th to 3rd and feather the rear brake a bit to feel what happens to the rear tire and how it affects your turning. [/I don’t recommend you do this] When I ride I try to find the rhythm of the road and match that with my riding style. You will know when you get it right, you will shift less, smooth everything out, your focus will relax and narrow and it will feel a bit slow. YEP! I said it will feel slow but if you look down at the speedo it will show otherwise.
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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December 30th, 2011, 10:53 AM | #13 | ||
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
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Quote:
Quote:
sixth gear at 7500 rpm, the speed with 14/45 is 59 mph, and the speed with 15/47 is 60.5 mph http://faq.ninja250.org/speed/ |
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December 30th, 2011, 11:24 AM | #14 | |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Quote:
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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December 30th, 2011, 03:35 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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Definitely not getting a goldwing. Or anything of that sort lol.. too big. My commute to one school is basically all freeway at 60-80 depending on traffic and to the other school is like a 5 minute city ride, everywhere I go around town is usually within 15 minutes. Come spring and summer time however I plan to be doing longer distance rides as well, with lots of two up. My bike is a great all arounder and can handle all of that, but some other bikes may be able to handle it better. Not a fan of the Ninja 650R and its hardly an upgrade from the 500, + I want a 4 banger, so maybe like an FZ6(R)? At the same time I still want to try out the more aggressive seating position of 600 supersports, however for long periods of time they may not be comfortable and probably won't be too comfy for the passenger either. And I'm not too worried about power, I definitely would like to have 100+ horsepower to play around with but I don't need it by any means.
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December 30th, 2011, 03:44 PM | #16 |
Ninjette wanabe :D
Name: Ruslan
Location: San Jose
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): white 300 :D Posts: A lot.
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Do you want a upgrade so people think your cooler then you are. :P
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December 30th, 2011, 05:54 PM | #17 |
#squid
Name: nickypoo
Location: Five Guys
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jul '16
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Get the new ZX-14. It beat the busa
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December 31st, 2011, 03:12 AM | #18 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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Hmm I'm gonna get a gixxer 1000 for the image, cuz gixxers are the cooliest and then ill never have to shift ill just ride 6th all the way to 190
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December 31st, 2011, 10:49 AM | #19 |
#squid
Name: nickypoo
Location: Five Guys
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jul '16
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Zx-10r?
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December 31st, 2011, 01:59 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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NOO DA GIXXER BE DA BEST YO.
In all seriousness though, I think a 600cc supersports gonna be what I'm looking at. Probably some not-super-sports as well. FZ6 anyone? Also like the F4i. As much as I don't like l1terbikes, if I came across a cbr954rr for a good price in good condition, I think I'd get it. Something about that bike just really attracts me to it.. |
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January 4th, 2012, 10:36 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Randy
Location: Ofallon, Mo
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ducati 1098 and 04 Ninja 250 race bikes Posts: 60
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Hey what about a good old Kawasaki ZX7R? They are a great bike. You get the Kawasaki power so you don't shift as much. Kinda a slug in the steering department but stable as hell!!!
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January 5th, 2012, 04:28 AM | #22 |
User Title Free Since '12
Name: Floyd
Location: Barbados
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 13
MOTM - Feb '12
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"Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake |
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January 5th, 2012, 04:29 PM | #23 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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January 5th, 2012, 04:33 PM | #24 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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January 5th, 2012, 05:54 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jason
Location: Austin TX
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09Ninja250, Ducati Monster 800ie, Harley FXSTS,Rebel 250,CR144,KX85,RM85L Posts: 142
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+1 love my monster.
Also love passing guys on my harley floorboards draggin, apes flyin high. sucks to drag the primary cover though. pops the rear tire off the ground too easy. But ninja 250 is really one very fun bike. Bought one for my kid to race and had a ton of fun on it. Thinking about racing endurance on it with him. You don't need a big liter bike to have fun.
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January 9th, 2012, 06:10 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: john
Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812
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apples and oranges
You're comparing a 500 parallel twin to a 600 IN LINE FOUR. I don't shift my 500 as much as my 250 either but you seem to be staying in the bottom half of the tach. when the 250 AND 500 live in the upper half, thats where the revving comes in and gets to to your sweet spot to cruise at. You rev a 600 gxsr and you'll break your front teeth on take-off and that's all, if your lucky. Happy Trails on the 500, Love mine.
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January 10th, 2012, 01:32 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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Lol I love my 500. Even more now that I've got it back from two weeks of the poor girl being in the shop ): I think I might've reversed what I want, I've been hitting 5th gear instead of 4th gear in the city lately so I'm at 4k instead of 5k at 45mph. Also gives me a little more leniency with engine braking and if I'm being lazy the 5>4 shift is smooth and non upsetting without using the clutch
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January 10th, 2012, 04:32 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: john
Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812
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For me it was having the 250 in the shop so I became an exclusively 500 rider for a bit (I left the 250 for a month past "it's done" call). We arrived at same determination via different routes but know now that the 500 is trully "our" style bike. Happy Trails on her bro.
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January 17th, 2012, 01:45 PM | #30 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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January 18th, 2012, 08:04 AM | #31 |
CBR250R Traitor
Name: Jon
Location: Greater Philadelphia Area
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924
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I just have to chime in with, I love shifting....makes my commute less boring. Otherwise I'd just take my boring automatic car. What I love about 250s is that I can easily redline most of the gears, and actually use all of them instead of having a bike where I can't even use most of my gears unless I want to be speeding. I just find shifting to be easy, fun, and give me more control over my ride. I rode a ZX-14, and I found the total lack of shifting boring as hell and the excessive speed a bit too much for my taste, going fast in a straight is great and all, but it just doesn't do it for me....yay second gear, and I'm already over the limit..
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January 18th, 2012, 11:20 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org member
Name: J
Location: J-ville, NC
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 2fiddy Posts: 93
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I would strongly advise against a standard super sport 600 if you're going for useable power. I've had lots of past bikes, and ridden quite a few.
Low end grunt, with screaming top end: My ZX-10r. My 250: No power anywhere, but still very fun to ride. A 600: 250 power (Below 10k RPMs), with nitrous power once you get past 10k RPMs. The illusion of power is a lot greater, because it's so weak on the low end that the high end feels intense. Very impractical power band for modest city/back road cruising. You got to keep them singing to keep the power on tap. Sounds to me like a v-twin would be more up your alley. Check out the Honda SuperHawk. Cheap bike, very, very fun to ride. Logged about 20k miles on mine, all up and down the East Coast. |
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January 18th, 2012, 11:45 AM | #33 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Andy
Location: Indianapolis
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 771
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January 18th, 2012, 12:41 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mo
Location: KS
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 02 zx-12r, 13 zx-10r abs Posts: 245
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get a new Honda VFR1200 with the DCT auto-trans option. Gives you the best of both worlds
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January 18th, 2012, 04:19 PM | #35 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
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Quote:
A 600 is a relatively mild mannered tame machine down low, and if it weren't for the seating position, they would be great around town if kept below about 6k. But once you get used to that top end, anything below 6k seems completely gutless. RPM's are an SS's best friend. It's all relative |
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January 18th, 2012, 10:28 PM | #36 |
Ninjette wanabe :D
Name: Ruslan
Location: San Jose
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): white 300 :D Posts: A lot.
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Just ride the bus lazy arse :P
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January 27th, 2012, 05:49 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Murphey
Location: Eastern Washington
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.
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First and foremost I think what I really need is a billion dollars so I can buy every bike ever.
More realistically, a 600 is like my 500... doubled. Nice tame little bike if kept under 6k, then the power hits at 7k, but it doesn't HIT like a 600 would. I recall seeing a dyno chart of a gsxr 600 vs the ninja 500 and the idle-7k rpms was nearly identical, slightly more power on the gixxer, then at 7k both bikes started to make their power, but the 500 topped out at 50hp at 9k, vs the gsxr hitting ~100 at probably 11k. That doesn't account for torque, which I'm sure the 600 would produce more of at any given rpm, but thats really what I want. I love my bike to death but its depressing being able to rush up to 80mph like a bat out of hell then start to lose pull to 100 and then past 105-110 its just dead, it took FOREVER at WOT in 6th gear to hit 120. The good thing is it keeps me somewhat in line lol, and honestly is more power than I'll ever need and I don't have some sort of high speed need where 120 just isn't fast enough but still.. Also most 600s have a much larger aftermarket and are better looking. AHHH I DONT KNOW WHAT I WANT!!! Definitely want to stay in the sport bike category though, and I have plenty of time to think about my next bike, and test out what I like. Also for the record, the R6 is the only 600 I find extremely uncomfortable, though I've never ridden any so I don't know how that would be |
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