Found my next bike....

[SpyderGirl]

So I went to the AMA Superbike races at Sears Point today and had a BLAST! It was my first motorcycle race and the last time I went to a race was in Indy to the 500 like 12 years ago or something.

ANYWAY, they were doing demo rides at the Kawasaki tent and I hopped on a lime green 650R. We did a 25 mile test ride at speed (hit about 70MPH) and boy was it SMOOOTH!!! I love it!!

The hubby test rode a Concours 14 and he said it was the most comfortable ride EVER!! He was a little weary about the 1400cc bike at first as he has never ridden anything larger than a 250 before (well he did ride my Vulcan 800 around the block once, but that doesn't really count).

So I do believe my next bike will be the 650R. Very nice!

[NICUNinja]

I just purchased a brand new 2008 green 650r, she is a beaut...I can't wait to ride it. I pick it up on Tuesday.

[Sound Wave]

Originally Posted by NICUNinja

I just purchased a brand new 2008 green 650r, she is a beaut...I can't wait to ride it. I pick it up on Tuesday.

you are moving on to the 650 already? seems like you just posted your "first ride" thread. (edit: hey that was like 2 months ago)

they grow up so fast... lol. congrats on the new ride. the 650s are really nice. almost got one, but decided to get the 250 instead.

[SpyderGirl]

The one I rode was lime green. And I didn't think it felt any bigger than my 250. I'm probably looking at a couple years before I move up. I have the Spyder to fill my power needs.... it's a 1 litre.

[Elfling]

Funny, I was already discussing the 650R with my BF- I can tell I'm going to want a bigger bike shortly. It really felt about the same as the Ninja to me as well, it's under an inch higher and while I can't remember how much heavier it is, it was pretty close in balance when I sat on it at the dealership.

[Strider]

Well, my next bike will be a 2010 250 ... I love the 250 to much to leave it behind.

But when I decide to upgrade, the 650R will be the bike of choice

[kkim]

um... for me there is no "next" bike.

you guys (and gals) are leaving behind a great platform for a whole new set of problems. Bigger (heavier, more complex to set up correctly, more power, etc.) is not better. Learn to ride the 250 to it's fullest before even considering "upgrading".

[tjkamper]

I really like the 650r I was looking at a lot of bikes when I got my 250. I hadn't ridden in about 5 years and I was scared away from the 600's by the price. I love my 250 and I honestly don't think I will ever get rid of it, but I am already saving so in about two years I can get a 600cc bike.

[Elfling]

Originally Posted by kkim

um... for me there is no "next" bike.

you guys (and gals) are leaving behind a great platform for a whole new set of problems. Bigger (heavier, more complex to set up correctly, more power, etc.) is not better. Learn to ride the 250 to it's fullest before even considering "upgrading".

Not denying I've got a lot to learn, don't get me wrong. However, bigger isn't bad either Very much prefer the ride/sound of a larger engine in the end, just personal preference. Same with cars.

[Viper-Byte]

My next bike I believe will be a ZX6R, I prefer the look of this over the 650R, it is close though.
But that will not be for a year and a half at least (license conditions) I have got 13000kms on my Ninja, and will probably have triple this by the time I can upgrade.

[Daeldren]

Here is me hoping Buell puts a rotax engine in the XB9 lightning eventually

[Grn99Kawi]

I like the 650R.. but to me it sounds a lot like the 250... It is a sweet looking bike with what appears to be a great riding position, but I think a ZX6R will be my next bike... I love the 4cyl sound. I'm already wishing that my Ninja had just a few more ponies for passing power... but I'm not planning on moving on anytime soon..

[SpyderGirl]

+1 to the Rotax. That's what I have in the Spyder.

As for the thinking of an upgrade, my only reason for considering something bigger is because it's very difficult for me to get around without getting on the freeway which is littered with hills and very fast moving traffic. The 250 is adequate, but I think I'd feel more comfortable on something just a bit more powerful. I'd choose the 500 but I don't like the way it looks.

The 650 is only about 70lbs heavier and less than a half inch taller. I felt totally comfortable and in control of the bike and the weight within the first half of the 25 mile ride. Am I ready to move to the next level now? No. Do I wish I got the 650 first? Nah, I like the 250 just fine. Do I think it may be necessary for me to upgrade in the future if I want to venture out some more? Most likely, yes.

We actually opted not to take the 250s to Sears Point on Saturday as it was a lot of freeway (and a bridge) to get there and just would not have been very comfortable on such a long trip. We took the Spyder instead.

I also was thinking about the ZX6R as a possibility on my next bike, but wasn't seriously considering it. I was also looking at a 2 -3 year time span so I can really get comfortable and enjoy my baby.

[Daeldren]

Im kind of wanting something a bit crazy down the road, a proper hooligan style bike with loads of torque, tight wheelbase, low seat height and tons of attitude. Ducati Hypermotard, KTM Superduke, or a Buell. I like the Triumph street triple but I want something a little crazy like a V-Twin. I would definitely get another sport-bike down the road but they just aren't as fun on the street.

[addy126]

I'm tossed between the Kawi N-650 (beauty) and the Yamaha Fizzer (interestly comfortable seating) just introduced this year. Will finish out 2009 on the 2009 N-250 and see how easing into the new style sportbike this 250 is goes. Will see if there are any "bugz" in the Kaw-N-650 and the Fizzer 600 and make a decision to upgrade for the 2010 season. My 2007 N-250 handled quite differently to the 2009 so I'm gonna camp out in this one for the remainder of the year.

[Snake]

I think I will stick with my bike for quite a while.

[SteveL]

Originally Posted by SpyderGirl

So I went to the AMA Superbike races at Sears Point today and had a BLAST! It was my first motorcycle race and the last time I went to a race was in Indy to the 500 like 12 years ago or something.

ANYWAY, they were doing demo rides at the Kawasaki tent and I hopped on a lime green 650R. We did a 25 mile test ride at speed (hit about 70MPH) and boy was it SMOOOTH!!! I love it!!

The hubby test rode a Concours 14 and he said it was the most comfortable ride EVER!! He was a little weary about the 1400cc bike at first as he has never ridden anything larger than a 250 before (well he did ride my Vulcan 800 around the block once, but that doesn't really count).

So I do believe my next bike will be the 650R. Very nice!

I rode the ER6F or 650R as you call it at the Kawasaki open day it has a better gear box than the 250R but the motor has a lot more vibration, it’s not as forgiving either if you let the revs drop too much in a bend the take up is harsh and would need watching on a wet road. Even though it has twin disks I did not think the breaks were that good for a 130 mph bike, at 70 mph you never got near the fun zone I think you should get used to riding the 250 at 80/90 mph for sustained distances before you start looking at 70+ bhp

Steve

[SpyderGirl]

Originally Posted by SteveL

I rode the ER6F or 650R as you call it at the Kawasaki open day it has a better gear box than the 250R but the motor has a lot more vibration, it’s not as forgiving either if you let the revs drop too much in a bend the take up is harsh and would need watching on a wet road. Even though it has twin disks I did not think the breaks were that good for a 130 mph bike, at 70 mph you never got near the fun zone I think you should get used to riding the 250 at 80/90 mph for sustained distances before you start looking at 70+ bhp

Steve

I plan on it. I have commuted 80 miles round trip at freeway speeds on her already. Not bad.... but not great. Don't worry, I'm not stupid. I'm not going to be one of those that gets the big bike after only a few months. I actually have been riding for over 3 years now.

[Elfling]

Originally Posted by SpyderGirl

I plan on it. I have commuted 80 miles round trip at freeway speeds on her already. Not bad.... but not great. Don't worry, I'm not stupid. I'm not going to be one of those that gets the big bike after only a few months. I actually have been riding for over 3 years now.

Very good responses from you in this thread, I support them 110%.

[Elfling]

Originally Posted by SteveL

I rode the ER6F or 650R as you call it at the Kawasaki open day it has a better gear box than the 250R but the motor has a lot more vibration, it’s not as forgiving either if you let the revs drop too much in a bend the take up is harsh and would need watching on a wet road. Even though it has twin disks I did not think the breaks were that good for a 130 mph bike, at 70 mph you never got near the fun zone I think you should get used to riding the 250 at 80/90 mph for sustained distances before you start looking at 70+ bhp

Steve

Since you can't hit 80/90 mph legally on any road in the USA, it's kind of a moot point.

And before anyone pulls the old "keeping up with traffic" bit yeah, I understand, but I drive interstates regularly for work in my car and I *never* hit 80. I can't even recall the last time I hit 75. I just don't drive like that.

[SpyderGirl]

Originally Posted by Elfling

Since you can't hit 80/90 mph legally on any road in the USA, it's kind of a moot point.

Who's talking about legality? LOL!! I ride at around 70MPH on the freeway out here... speed limit is 65. I usually hang out in one of the middle lanes, never on the right (unless exiting) or on the left (cuz I can't really go fast enough to pass anyway). I also ride at that speed because my hubby can't really go any faster on his Rebel and we almost always ride together.

[Elfling]

Appearances of legality, anyways!

[SpyderGirl]

Originally Posted by Elfling

Appearances of legality, anyways!

Is that where you hit the brakes when you see a cop?

[Elfling]

*wide eyes* Why NO officer, I have NO idea why you pulled me over!

[backinthesaddleagain]

That new Yammie FZ does look nice. Good review of it in one of the mags.

[SpyderGirl]

Originally Posted by Elfling

*wide eyes* Why NO officer, I have NO idea why you pulled me over!

Sounds like you've had some experience with this. I know I have. I'm a cop magnet.

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

That new Yammie FZ does look nice. Good review of it in one of the mags.

I've not looked at that one yet, I'll have to check it out. I've owned two Kawis which I've been happy with so I'm still looking at sticking with them. The hubby wants the Vulcan 900... of course he's also looking at the new 800 from BMW. He wants a water-cooled bike. I don't blame him.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Saw some blow out pricing on leftover Yam FZ1 and KTM Super Dukes. The Duke is a little to over the top in styling for me and the plastic isn't the best look on a road bike, but big savings.

[SpyderGirl]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

Saw some blow out pricing on leftover Yam FZ1 and KTM Super Dukes. The Duke is a little to over the top in styling for me and the plastic isn't the best look on a road bike, but big savings.

I saw a couple of those KTMs at the Superbike races over the weekend, I also was not impressed in the styling and I thought they looked "cheap". My opinion though.

[Sailariel]

Originally Posted by kkim

um... for me there is no "next" bike.

you guys (and gals) are leaving behind a great platform for a whole new set of problems. Bigger (heavier, more complex to set up correctly, more power, etc.) is not better. Learn to ride the 250 to it's fullest before even considering "upgrading".

I was tempted today at the dealer. He was going to give me what I paid for the 250 toward a 650R or Yamaha FZ6R. I tried out the 650R and it felt unrefined compared to the 250. At 60MPH the bike felt wooden--most of the roads where I live are posted 50 and 55 MPH. They are also not the smoothest--so at 60 to 65, the bike lacked that higher RPM feel and whine the 250 has. He did not have an FZ6R as a demo--since he only had one yellow one in stock. I did sit on it, and it felt good. What impressed me was that the mirrors really worked. I think that the FZ6R is the only sportbike made with stock functiual mirrors. I think that I`ll have the dealer fix the problem on my 250 and return it to me in good order. It`s all the bike I`ll ever need--besides with all the good stuff I did to her, it has turned out to be the perfect bike. Will post pictures of the bike when I get it back in a few days. I put on a ZG Windscreen, mounted my fog lights low on the fork, and designed my own graphics, which a local Sign/Decal shop set up on his computer (Hint; EX 250R done in the same letter style as "Ninja" Looks great.")