Getting a Bigger Bike, What to Choose?

[jameZ]

I plan on getting a bigger bike before the summer begins , hopefully you guys can help me with my decision. I'm want something fast and sporty, yet versatile enough to take on extended road trips with comfort. Right now I am looking at an '09 Ninja 650r or an '08 Yamaha FZ6.

2009 Ninja 650r
650cc Parallel Twin
440 lbs Curb Weight
31.1" Seat Height
4.1 Gallon Gas Tank
$6,799 MSRP


2008 Yamaha FZ6
600cc Inline-4
410 lbs Curb Weight
31.3" Seat Height
5.1 Gallon Gas Tank
$6,999 MSRP



I have sat on both bikes(virtually identical riding position), but haven't been able to ride either. Anyone have any experience with either of these? Any good arguments for one or the other? Any recommendations on other bikes of similar nature? I had planned on upgrading to the Ninja 650r when I bought my 250, but since then I have ridden several different bikes and now I'm having a hard time deciding .

[darkknight49]

Well, i'd say it'd be worth riding before deciding. I like the new 650s but I also like the nekkid styling of the FZ6. A guy who works at school has one and it looks real nice

also, how long have you had the 250?

[kkim]

how about an FZ6R?

[jameZ]

Originally Posted by darkknight49

Well, i'd say it'd be worth riding before deciding. I like the new 650s but I also like the nekkid styling of the FZ6. A guy who works at school has one and it looks real nice

also, how long have you had the 250?

Thing is, none of the dealers in my area allow test rides on new bikes, and I haven't found any used ones around here.

[jameZ]

Originally Posted by kkim

how about an FZ6R?

I dunno what it is, but I'm not too keen on the looks of the FZ6R.

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by jameZ

Thing is, none of the dealers in my area allow test rides on new bikes, and I haven't found any used ones around here.

damn, that sucks. I'm partial to the FZ6 of the choices you have. Tho i like the CBR 600 and the Daytona 675

[jameZ]

Yeah both of those bikes are sick, but wouldn't be too comfy on a coast to coast ride.

[miks]

I'd say the kwaka, but thats only because I'm not so fond of naked bikes.

Dam, that Daytona looks bloody great!

[Verus Cidere]

From what I can tell from the 600-650 range bikes I've sat on, it's between Kawasaki and Suzuki comfort wise. The new Gixxers look sweet, but they're a little less comfortable, and a little more expensive. I've also found that the '07 ninja 600 is more comfortable than the '09. It's also a little bulkier though. As for riding them, I wouldn't know. I've only ridden 2 bikes: Mine, and the MSF ninjette I learned on, so I really have no idea.

[Sound Wave]

if it is between those two, i would definitely get the 650r. it looks a lot better than the yamaha. i was actually going to get the 650r as my first bike, but decided to start with the 250 instead... i figured better safe than sorry.

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by jameZ

Yeah both of those bikes are sick, but wouldn't be too comfy on a coast to coast ride.

yes, that would be an issue. I'm guessing price is an issue here?

[zeroth]

Nobody has thrown the Versys into the fray here. What gives? I think it's a sweet looking bike that has a bit of off-road capabilities thrown into the mix. I'd be interested in hearing what people think of that bike.

[jameZ]

yeah, I don't want to spend more than $7,000

[Nemy]

I haven't sat on an FZ6 yet, but I've heard great things about em. The two bikes you're considering are definitely two of the best for touring/commuting/sport.

I've done alot more research on the 650, as I was considering it myself, and the changes in 09 are the best - mainly considerable vibration dampening and a new front end. It's comfortable and more forgiving than a true SS. Plus I never liked the look of the FZ6 either.

But you just got your 09 Thinking of upgrading already? Besides, if you read the blogs and posts, the 250 is a decent touring bike itself...

[GreezMunky]

Originally Posted by darkknight49

damn, that sucks. I'm partial to the FZ6 of the choices you have. Tho i like the CBR 600 and the Daytona 675

That is my next bike.. Only in Neon Blue. I want to put at least 20k on my ninja though first before I even think of upgrading.

[ARc]

You might want to look into the SV650. That would be a great bike to upgrade to, and won't be too much of a step up. Between the ones you posted up though, I would go with the Kawi 650 because of the lower grunt that twins have. From what I've read with Yamaha, you need to be high up in revs to achieve real performance. Especially with an Inline4 engine.

[muffinman]

Daytona 675 = pure sex

Between those two, I'd pick the '09 650R... have you considered the GSX-R600? I think that's going to be my next bike... For a SS, it's supposed to have pretty good ergonomics (including low seat height), and it's not like the R6 where you have to be redlining to access power... can pick up a used one that fits your budget

[Sound Wave]

Originally Posted by darkknight49

how long have you had the 250?

+1

[NinjetteMan]

Turbo'd busa...

Actually I have had my eye on the Duc Monster 696. Sexy bike...
I have to keep talking myself out of it seeing as I only have 500 miles of total seat time on a motorcycle...

[jpnfrk]

Dunno about the Yamaha but one of my friends has a sexy red Kawi 650R and it's a beauty. I rode it for a couple of min and also was a passenger on it... awesomeness.

The guy that I brought my 250 from also has a Kawi 650R and all he did was compliment the bike.

That would make it 3 good opinions for the Kawi in one post!!

[jdesiano1]

Another shameful indulgent post. I got the 09 fz6r and love it. What is it that you dont like about it? Just curious.

[TrueFaith]

I almost got a Yamaha FZ6 instead of the 250R. It's a great all-around bike. After reading reviews of the new CBR600RR with ABS that actually works, however, I'd have to take a good look at that one. Anything that gives you an edge for safety should be checked out and it looks like they've finally found an ABS system that actually works the way it's supposed to.

[camaroz1985]

Originally Posted by zeroth

Nobody has thrown the Versys into the fray here. What gives? I think it's a sweet looking bike that has a bit of off-road capabilities thrown into the mix. I'd be interested in hearing what people think of that bike.

Originally Posted by jameZ

yeah, I don't want to spend more than $7,000

Buy used.

I love the Versys. It will definitely be my next/additional bike in a couple years.

Why are you looking to upgrade already. You have had your bike for all of a month or two right?

[jameZ]

I got my bike in January and now it has 1,360 miles on it. I chose the 250 to safely learn how to ride and build my confidence up, without worrying about the bike overwhelming me. Don't get me wrong, I really like it, I just want something with more power now. (insert Tim Allen grunt )

[jameZ]

Originally Posted by jdesiano1

Another shameful indulgent post. I got the 09 fz6r and love it. What is it that you dont like about it? Just curious.

It looks front heavy to me, kinda weird.

[Sound Wave]

Originally Posted by jameZ

It looks front heavy to me, kinda weird.

+1. it seems unbalanced. kind of like the wrestler in that bugs bunny show...

edit: oh this guy.

[00v_Lucky]

Have you considered the looks of a triumph speed triple or anything?

[00v_Lucky]

Originally Posted by darkknight49

damn, that sucks. I'm partial to the FZ6 of the choices you have. Tho i like the CBR 600 and the Daytona 675

this.

& how about the sv650, what do you not like about that? You'll probably see more used sv650s around.

[Viper-Byte]

James, IMO you have barely even broken in the bike and really 1300m is not all that much. I plan to keep my bike till I have atleast 25000km on it and I am confident that I am able to ride it to the best of its ability.

You however may feel differently and confident alread and if that is the case, good luck

That is just my

[mcteague]

Originally Posted by TrueFaith

I almost got a Yamaha FZ6 instead of the 250R. It's a great all-around bike. After reading reviews of the new CBR600RR with ABS that actually works, however, I'd have to take a good look at that one. Anything that gives you an edge for safety should be checked out and it looks like they've finally found an ABS system that actually works the way it's supposed to.

The 600RR with ABS would be my first choice if I wanted a supersport. However, I am wanting more comfort than the 250R affords so have been thinking about the Versys. The 650R looks better but for about $300 more you get much better suspension, more leg room and a trick looking swingarm. Plus, less plastic to replace in the event of a spill.

Tim

[Verus Cidere]

Originally Posted by jdesiano1

Another shameful indulgent post. I got the 09 fz6r and love it. What is it that you dont like about it? Just curious.

I actually don't think it's very front biased at all. I love the looks of this bike. My only beef with the new Yamaha is the seat height. I'm a little on the short side (5'5") and when I sat on one at my local Yamaha dealership I could only touch the very tips of my toes on the ground when standing it up. I like it MUCH better lowered (they had modded one of theirs). When it's lowered it's almost as easy to lift as my baby ninja!

[TrueFaith]

Originally Posted by mcteague

The 600RR with ABS would be my first choice if I wanted a supersport. However, I am wanting more comfort than the 250R affords so have been thinking about the Versys. The 650R looks better but for about $300 more you get much better suspension, more leg room and a trick looking swingarm. Plus, less plastic to replace in the event of a spill.

Tim

Well, you can't go wrong with a Versys. It was MotorCyclist's Bike of the Year for 2008 after all.

[CC Cowboy]

There are so any nice bikes to choose from. Here are two of my favorites right now;





Hopefully this will help some.

[mcteague]

Originally Posted by TrueFaith

Well, you can't go wrong with a Versys. It was MotorCyclist's Bike of the Year for 2008 after all.

Yeah, I go back and forth on this. One day I'm sure I'll stay with the 250R a while longer and the next think I want a Versys. Sitting on the V felt odd at first; very upright and wide bar. I finally found a dealer that offers test rides so I may take them up on that. If I can get a great, depression era deal, I may get one. The logical side of my brain says the Ninjette is tough to beat though.

Tim

[Strider]

jameZ ,
IMO I wouldn't go with the FZ6. I've ridden a friend's, and I found the bike lacking in comfort. Power it has, but not comfort. Yamaha makes a tough bike, but the FZ6 isn't one of my top choices. As to the Ninja, that I can't say, I haven't got to ride one yet, but I want to. Everyone I ride with on a regular basis has 250's.
But for the money, I'd just get the Versys ... seriously. I don't claim to be a well-versed tech savy rider, but I do have 25 years of experience on different bikes. The Versys is the bike I would choose if it were me doing the buying...
Just my opinion

[Sound Wave]

the versys does look good, but at 33.1 inches, that seat is way too high for me.

[hogfan83]

by pure looks alone so far yall have convinced me to get the triumph daytona 675 when i do end up getting a bigger bike....hope its as comfy as good lookin

[jameZ]

So I got to ride a 2007 GSX-R 600 today, holy crap that thing was fast. I rode it around some rural area roads for about 30 mins, it was quite fun. It's amazing how quick you can get up over 100 mph on those things. First open stretch I goosed it and looked down to see the speedo at 130 in third gear . (keep in mind this is a wide open country road in the desert that is West Texas) Man did my ninja feel slow on the way home after that .

I also rode a 2008 FZ6 day before yesterday through some twisties, that bike was pretty impressive. The handling on it was ridiculously good and the power delivery was silky smooth. I have to agree with Strider though, I was constantly shuffling around in the seat trying to get comfortable. I couldn't put my finger on what it was, but I didn't feel comfortable on that bike. I may have to give it another go. Another thing, the stated seat height is 31.3" but it felt much taller, I was tip-toeing at stoplights. The GSX-R has a seat height of 31.9" but I could flatfoot that bike. Doesn't make sense, maybe wider seats? As for the Versys, that bike is much too tall for me, I am only 5'6" .

[Alex]

Originally Posted by jameZ

First open stretch I goosed it and looked down to see the speedo at 130 in third gear . (keep in mind this is a wide open country road in the desert that is West Texas) Man did my ninja feel slow on the way home after that .

1300 miles of experience and doing 130 mph on an unfamiliar bike. You're a statistic waiting to happen. Buy whatever bike you can afford (or can finance), it really doesn't matter as it won't make it 6 months before it has a salvage title anyway.

[jameZ]

I was just trying to get an idea of the bike's acceleration on a straight open road....no need to put bad mojo on me Alex.