650r

sm0kediver · June 25th, 2009, 06:13 PM

In my search for a bike that's more comfortable on long hauls, I have looked at all kinds of bikes. I stopped in a Kawi dealer the other day and looked at the 650R. The reviews are good, but the handle bars were terrible. Very dual sport like. I come from a dual sport background, but I don't know if I could handle those bars on a sport bike.

Anyway... Does anyone have any experience with the 650R on long trips? Any opinions on comfort?

Snake · June 25th, 2009, 06:20 PM

Try going to kawi forums and you can post with some 650R riders there. They should be able to tell you first hand. Were sure gonna miss you.

sombo · June 25th, 2009, 07:49 PM

Alot of the 650r riders have changed out the handle bars for similar reasons.

addy126 · June 25th, 2009, 08:28 PM

Not to be "mutanous" but did you try the Yamaha Fizzer 600? (FZR6)... I loved the way it seated, the eronomics were very friendly, adjustable seat, not bad pillion area for passenger with nice grab bar. Only downside is the graphics on the yellow (but passable) and found the one I was on (2009) started peeling on the handlebars, which concerned me about other surface applications. The N-650 is still my no. 1.. yet that FZR6 is a nice little machine as well. If only they put the 250 handlebar applications into the 650... would be perfect.

Flashmonkey · June 25th, 2009, 09:05 PM

SV650 perhaps? I've been poking around the internet on info for the 650r as well and often times its put up against the SV....and most of the time the SV is the clear favorite.

backinthesaddleagain · June 25th, 2009, 09:35 PM

that yammie is sweet. i dont think the graphics were necessary. blue seems to have the least graphics. could always remove them i guess.

Nemy · June 25th, 2009, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmonkey

SV650 perhaps? I've been poking around the internet on info for the 650r as well and often times its put up against the SV....and most of the time the SV is the clear favorite.

+1. Except for the looks department

Though the Kawi 650 went through a number of mods in 09 to make the ride smoother and more comfortable...

sombo · June 26th, 2009, 12:14 AM

Personally I plan on my next bike being the Suzuki GSX650F. It's a sweet looking bike and has tons of great reviews. I'm thinking of that one because I'm more interested in more of a sport/touring configuration and that's what it has. Also found these wicked 'beetle bags' from Corbin that are such a match that it looks like Suzuki made them.

Corbin beetle bags.

Nickds7 · June 26th, 2009, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sombo

Personally I plan on my next bike being the Suzuki GSX650F. It's a sweet looking bike and has tons of great reviews. I'm thinking of that one because I'm more interested in more of a sport/touring configuration and that's what it has. Also found these wicked 'beetle bags' from Corbin that are such a match that it looks like Suzuki made them.

Corbin beetle bags.

I also kinda like the gsx650f but it looks kinda awkward, but still looks pretty good. It seems like it is missing something, I don't know.

HKr1 · June 26th, 2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by addy126

Not to be "mutanous" but did you try the Yamaha Fizzer 600? (FZR6)... I loved the way it seated, the eronomics were very friendly, adjustable seat, not bad pillion area for passenger with nice grab bar. Only downside is the graphics on the yellow (but passable) and found the one I was on (2009) started peeling on the handlebars, which concerned me about other surface applications. The N-650 is still my no. 1.. yet that FZR6 is a nice little machine as well. If only they put the 250 handlebar applications into the 650... would be perfect.

That new fz6r does seem really nice! I like the yellow one, it's color & graphics match my current helmet

Broom · June 26th, 2009, 08:26 AM

i rode my brothers 650 around for a couple of hours a couple of years ago. it was pretty good from what i remember. handlebars were my biggest issue. i think he's got clipons on it now, but i haven't ridden it since then.

he really likes the bike though and is talking about converting it over to a race bike.

sombo · June 26th, 2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickds7

I also kinda like the gsx650f but it looks kinda awkward, but still looks pretty good. It seems like it is missing something, I don't know.

Did you look at it with those Corbin beetle bags on? I think that the bike looks like a sport-tourer that's just missing the hard luggage. The Corbin beetle bags are hard luggage that complete the sport-tourer look. I would post a picture of the bags but can't seem to get a picture to post.

Nickds7 · June 26th, 2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sombo

Did you look at it with those Corbin beetle bags on? I think that the bike looks like a sport-tourer that's just missing the hard luggage. The Corbin beetle bags are hard luggage that complete the sport-tourer look. I would post a picture of the bags but can't seem to get a picture to post.

Ok that makes sense. I could see how that would fill out the look. I wouldn't mind a bike with some hard luggage.

sharky nrk · June 27th, 2009, 05:49 PM

spent 500 or so miles on a 650R. It is a very good bike for an all arounder. the bars would definately need to be replaced - but its a pretty easy thing to do and not too expensive. there are several options out there that keep a little easier ergos than clip ons - i would really think about getting a 650R for a commuter

tc3jg · July 4th, 2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HKr1

That new fz6r does seem really nice! I like the yellow one, it's color & graphics match my current helmet

My friend just got this bike and its nice and the seating position isnt as straight up as the 650r but the handlebars are still somewhat High. It is a pretty smooth ride.. BUT LET ME TELL YOU that thing HEATS UP YOUR lower body very well when your not in motion at a stop light you can feel the heat from the motor, but it looks better than the 650 imho and mostly because of the split seat deal. Although Im not to fond of the single headlight I like the eye type look of two.

elars · July 4th, 2009, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sm0kediver

In my search for a bike that's more comfortable on long hauls, I have looked at all kinds of bikes. I stopped in a Kawi dealer the other day and looked at the 650R. The reviews are good, but the handle bars were terrible. Very dual sport like. I come from a dual sport background, but I don't know if I could handle those bars on a sport bike.

Anyway... Does anyone have any experience with the 650R on long trips? Any opinions on comfort?

You don't like the Huffy bars?!

Search youtube for "AtlasRider". He went cross country on his 650R. Get the Sport Bars 2.0 and never look back. Clip-ons are just too much effort.

June 25th, 2009, 06:13 PM	#1
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	650r In my search for a bike that's more comfortable on long hauls, I have looked at all kinds of bikes. I stopped in a Kawi dealer the other day and looked at the 650R. The reviews are good, but the handle bars were terrible. Very dual sport like. I come from a dual sport background, but I don't know if I could handle those bars on a sport bike. Anyway... Does anyone have any experience with the 650R on long trips? Any opinions on comfort?

June 26th, 2009, 08:26 AM	#11
Broom Track Junkie Name: Jon Location: Dallas Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Track Bike, DR350 commuter, KDX220 woods bike Posts: 602	i rode my brothers 650 around for a couple of hours a couple of years ago. it was pretty good from what i remember. handlebars were my biggest issue. i think he's got clipons on it now, but i haven't ridden it since then. he really likes the bike though and is talking about converting it over to a race bike. __________________________________________________ Las Escobas -- Track Bikes Save Lives JonBroom.com

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June 25th, 2009, 06:20 PM	#2
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Try going to kawi forums and you can post with some 650R riders there. They should be able to tell you first hand. Were sure gonna miss you.

June 25th, 2009, 07:49 PM	#3
sombo Newb..... on a steeek! :D Name: Mike Location: Windermere, FL Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.	Alot of the 650r riders have changed out the handle bars for similar reasons.

June 25th, 2009, 08:28 PM	#4
addy126 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: addy126 Location: Tx Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Kawasaki N-250 + '09 Vulcan 900 Classic Lt Posts: A lot.	Not to be "mutanous" but did you try the Yamaha Fizzer 600? (FZR6)... I loved the way it seated, the eronomics were very friendly, adjustable seat, not bad pillion area for passenger with nice grab bar. Only downside is the graphics on the yellow (but passable) and found the one I was on (2009) started peeling on the handlebars, which concerned me about other surface applications. The N-650 is still my no. 1.. yet that FZR6 is a nice little machine as well. If only they put the 250 handlebar applications into the 650... would be perfect.

June 25th, 2009, 09:05 PM	#5
Flashmonkey Professional belly dancer Name: James Location: Toronto Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.	SV650 perhaps? I've been poking around the internet on info for the 650r as well and often times its put up against the SV....and most of the time the SV is the clear favorite.

June 25th, 2009, 09:35 PM	#6
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	that yammie is sweet. i dont think the graphics were necessary. blue seems to have the least graphics. could always remove them i guess.

June 26th, 2009, 12:14 AM	#8
sombo Newb..... on a steeek! :D Name: Mike Location: Windermere, FL Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.	Personally I plan on my next bike being the Suzuki GSX650F. It's a sweet looking bike and has tons of great reviews. I'm thinking of that one because I'm more interested in more of a sport/touring configuration and that's what it has. Also found these wicked 'beetle bags' from Corbin that are such a match that it looks like Suzuki made them. Corbin beetle bags.

June 27th, 2009, 05:49 PM	#14
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	spent 500 or so miles on a 650R. It is a very good bike for an all arounder. the bars would definately need to be replaced - but its a pretty easy thing to do and not too expensive. there are several options out there that keep a little easier ergos than clip ons - i would really think about getting a 650R for a commuter