June 1st, 2015, 11:00 AM | #1 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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Ninja 650 vs Versys 650 vs Street Triple vs Hypermotard
This may seem like a bit of an odd comparison, but these are the bikes I'm considering for my next ride. They all fit the bill for something with more power than the 250 but not crazy, upright riding position, and ABS. Riding is mainly commuting and fun weekend rides, with some aspirations of future track days and possible light touring.
I know that the real answer is to sit on and ride all of them and pick whichever feels the best, but I like daydreaming and talking about my next bike quite a bit. I'm just looking for opinions to add to my own thoughts/research. Ninja 650 Pros: I think it's one of the best-looking Ninjas, looks comfy and capable as a daily ride. Cons: I've heard more than a few people call it "appliance-like" Versys 650 LT Pros: Comes with hard saddlebags, longer suspension travel. Cons: Tall. I sat on one at IMS and while not a KLR650 it's much taller than I'm used to. Street Triple: Pros: Everything I've read has nothing but good things to say about this bike. Cons: Just as pricey as the Ducati but not as sexy Hypermotard: Pros: Looks like a ton of fun and awesome to look at Cons: Expensive, and might be a bit too much of a step up from the 250.
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June 1st, 2015, 11:59 AM | #2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jay
Location: CT
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My opinion really means nothing since i havent ridden any of them, but if they were my only options then i would lean toward the Ninja650 or the Street triple. I think i may end up with the 650 though to get fairings since this is a do it all bike for you. I dont think i would use a motard for everything like you want, the street surely is the most powerful of them all, and the verseys i just think is the odd one out.
The option not on your list is the Ninja 1000 (surprise, i think my bikes awesome), and they can be had for good prices since they havent caught on amazingly. The only concern would be track duty due to how upright it is, but compared to the other ones your looking at sans the triumph they are all the same in that department.
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Current - 2015 30th Anniversary Ninja 636 ABS - 1969 Honda 305 Scrambler Previously - 2011 Ninja 1000, 2008 Ducati 848, 2011 Ninja 250 SE |
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June 1st, 2015, 12:15 PM | #3 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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I have actually been looking at the 1000 as well, I had ruled it out as it seems like a big jump in power. If I did that I'd probably keep the 250 as a track bike.
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June 1st, 2015, 12:19 PM | #4 |
Nerd
Name: Chris
Location: Tujunga
Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ducati Hyperstrada Posts: 672
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Ok. I've ridden the hypermotard. I currently have 27,000 miles on my motard, all by me.
It is hands down the most amazing bike ive ever ridden. It is A LOT more power than a 250. It makes you do bad things. If you don't have good self restraint and common sense, that bike is not for you! a 15,000 mile valve adjustment service runs you about $1200. So it is on the expensive side. I have the 2013 821cc model. It's a crazy bike!
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June 1st, 2015, 12:35 PM | #5 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jay
Location: CT
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Quote:
But....check insurance of all of them too to see how that weighs in.
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Current - 2015 30th Anniversary Ninja 636 ABS - 1969 Honda 305 Scrambler Previously - 2011 Ninja 1000, 2008 Ducati 848, 2011 Ninja 250 SE |
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June 1st, 2015, 01:09 PM | #6 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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@krolinked I've read a few of your threads, which is part of what got me really interested in it. It seems awesome, but I don't know if I'm quite ready for something so maniacal.
@Bigballsofpaint How does the weight/size feel coming from the 250? Obviously it's bigger and heavier, but how much of a difference does it feel like?
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June 1st, 2015, 01:20 PM | #7 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jay
Location: CT
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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Current - 2015 30th Anniversary Ninja 636 ABS - 1969 Honda 305 Scrambler Previously - 2011 Ninja 1000, 2008 Ducati 848, 2011 Ninja 250 SE |
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June 1st, 2015, 02:25 PM | #8 |
dirty boy
Name: Joe
Location: Johnstown, PA
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '14
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soo looking at what you said, primarily commuting, some weekend riding, maybe track, maybe touring.
I don't see the motard or the street triple being the best for track and or touring, would be fun for commuting and weekends as long as you are not pounding the highway miles. That leaves the 650 and the Versys. I know nothing of the versys, is it suitable for the track? Is it going to do what you want for that weekend ride? The 650, as much as i rag on it (mainly for looks, just not my thing) i'm sure it is a solid bike all around, nice torque curve, still sporty, good for commuting, trackable, fun on the weekends. Touring?... i could think of worse bikes so i think u could make it work but IDK never ridden one. Any other bikes in consideration?
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June 1st, 2015, 02:30 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jay
Location: CT
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.
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^ Thats why i recommended the 650, its a love or hate thing with looks for people, and he loves the way it looks.
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Current - 2015 30th Anniversary Ninja 636 ABS - 1969 Honda 305 Scrambler Previously - 2011 Ninja 1000, 2008 Ducati 848, 2011 Ninja 250 SE |
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June 1st, 2015, 02:34 PM | #10 | |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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Quote:
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June 1st, 2015, 02:40 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jay
Location: CT
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.
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Dont go, youll never want to stop.....if any portion of you plans on going to the track then keeping the 250 as a track bike will make life much easier on you.
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Current - 2015 30th Anniversary Ninja 636 ABS - 1969 Honda 305 Scrambler Previously - 2011 Ninja 1000, 2008 Ducati 848, 2011 Ninja 250 SE |
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June 1st, 2015, 06:06 PM | #12 | |
dirty boy
Name: Joe
Location: Johnstown, PA
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '14
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Quote:
I don't know too many other more upright seating position bikes. What about the FZ6? that is a small sport IL4 i think it is more upright? Is the new 650 cbr more of an upright position? i can't remember
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I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once. |
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June 1st, 2015, 06:21 PM | #13 | |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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Quote:
I haven't looked at the CBR's, I'll see what they have over in Hondaland.
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June 1st, 2015, 07:03 PM | #14 | ||||
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
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Quote:
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Great bike. I rode it a tiny bit tonight. I want one now. Quote:
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He rode 2400 miles that week on our trip. Smiling the whole time, said it's a keeper. I got back and put my ninja up for Sale!
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'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
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June 1st, 2015, 09:40 PM | #15 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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The more I'm thinking about this the more I'm leaning towards the Ninja 1000.
ABS, Traction Control, power modes, looks comfy for a passenger, remote preload adjustment, and the option to add the quick-release saddlebags. Seems like an all-around better version of the Ninja 650 and more manageable power-wise than the Hypermotard. I really want to like the Versys, but I'm just not in love with the looks of it.
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June 2nd, 2015, 06:27 AM | #16 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jay
Location: CT
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Kawasakis website usually has a list of demo bikes in the area fyi.
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Current - 2015 30th Anniversary Ninja 636 ABS - 1969 Honda 305 Scrambler Previously - 2011 Ninja 1000, 2008 Ducati 848, 2011 Ninja 250 SE |
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June 2nd, 2015, 06:49 AM | #17 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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I'll have to run the insurance rates.
I can never seem to find any info on the demo days?
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June 2nd, 2015, 06:59 AM | #18 |
Ms. Personality
Name: CB
Location: Murvill, TN
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.
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I've had a Hypermotard S and currently have a Street Triple R. They are not even in the same category and they are both lightyears different than the other two.
You're comparing apples to oranges to strawberries to bananas. Ride them all and see which one you like best. |
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June 2nd, 2015, 10:57 AM | #19 | |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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Quote:
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June 2nd, 2015, 11:17 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
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Get the Street Triple. I've read so many good things about that bike I nearly bought one myself before I got my FZ07. I still might get one someday.
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June 2nd, 2015, 04:59 PM | #21 | |
Ms. Personality
Name: CB
Location: Murvill, TN
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
The STR is confidence inspiring. It feels larger and longer. You can ride it with a lazy attitude or flog it for all it's worth. The power is linear and gives no surprises. You just keep going and going. I can get more technical if you prefer. |
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June 3rd, 2015, 09:33 AM | #22 | |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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Quote:
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June 3rd, 2015, 09:38 AM | #23 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
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Quote:
I went straight from the 250 to the ducati.....OMFG...that was a shock
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'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
June 3rd, 2015, 09:41 AM | #24 |
Ms. Personality
Name: CB
Location: Murvill, TN
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.
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June 3rd, 2015, 09:51 AM | #25 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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Definitely doesn't sound like the best next step for me as an all-around bike. Probably a next-next step.
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June 3rd, 2015, 10:59 AM | #26 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
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it took me about 5 minutes to get comfortable with it,then I had a blast!~
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'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
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June 3rd, 2015, 11:06 AM | #27 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Poul
Location: Seattle
Join Date: Jan 2015 Motorcycle(s): 1999 Triumph Legend "Arwen", 2006 Ninja 650 "Matsuo Hotaru". 2010 Ninja 250 "Firefly" - sold. Posts: 338
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I'd go with Stripple - the best motorcycle I've ever tested, gentle but powerful, handles even better than Ninjette, especially R. Ninja 650 is meh, to be honest. Versys is very top heavy, I suspect it's for people who like to pretend they'll go on forest road one day, but never actually do.
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Screw the inscrutable, eff the ineffable. |
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June 3rd, 2015, 12:05 PM | #28 | |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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June 3rd, 2015, 01:55 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alex
Location: Salt Lake City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2011 250R SE (sold 5/8/13) Posts: 128
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I went from my Ninja to a Street Triple R and I've never regretted it. The Ninja 650 was another I was considering at the same time, but the fact that it was another twin was what put me off. As someone else said, these bikes are all very different so I am not sure it's a straight comparison.
The Triple has a very linear power curve so doesn't surprise you too often, and I love the upright riding position. I've taken it to the track 3 times with the Triumph dealer, and it does well - our local dealer does Ducati, BMW and Triumph - so the majority of the bikes are some form of sport bike - those are all in a different class than the STR, but the STR is not a million miles behind. I have a friend that had the last model Versys and he liked it well enough, but he didn't love it - a lack of soul is what he mentioned (he likes off the wall bikes though - he now has a Ural sidecar rig, and a Buell Ulysses). If it was me choosing it would be between the Triumph and the Ducati. And then I'd end up buying an S1000R, just because. |
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June 3rd, 2015, 06:50 PM | #30 |
Ms. Personality
Name: CB
Location: Murvill, TN
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.
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A bike is a very personal thing, however if I were making the decision for you you'd be getting a Street Triple R.
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June 3rd, 2015, 09:10 PM | #31 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Napoleon
Location: Philadelphia
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Street Triple R Posts: 86
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One test ride with the Street Triple, and that's all she wrote for me. Ended up buying a new 2014 ST3R after a several months of searching for used. The motor is incredible, torque whenever you need it, but screams like a I4 when you give it the beans. Previously had a Honda F4i (which I loved, and would still have if my neighbor had not totaled it) and a Suzuki SV650 (appliance like, reliable but felt like a tractor after test riding the ST3R), after my Ninja 250. The ST3 is my daily commuter, and with slight mods can be a tourer or track rat (so I've read).
I've ridden a Versys, but it was too tall for me. Very upright position, comfy ride, but I was on one tippy toe at every stoplight (5'9" on a good day, with a shorter than normal inseam). |
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June 3rd, 2015, 09:22 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Napoleon
Location: Philadelphia
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Street Triple R Posts: 86
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Also, have you considered the new Honda 500s? They really do seem like a good step up from the Ninja 250/300. Fit and finish is impressive, from what I saw at the dealer. Between the 3 models, seems like you could find one that you prefer.
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June 5th, 2015, 09:00 AM | #33 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Toly
Location: NY
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): KTM 390 Duke Posts: 428
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Honda 500 is good; Fz07 is better; Triple is best
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June 5th, 2015, 09:11 AM | #34 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
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The Hondas look nice, but they just don't really move me at all.
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