So, I went to the Kawi factory demo event here in Indy

Anteraan · August 24th, 2011, 01:40 PM

I absolutely had a blast. My previous "other motorcycle riding experiences" included an NT700 (hated it) a Fury (loved it, didn't want to take it back to the dealership), a Sabre (wrists didn't like it), and a Versys (didn't care for it).

At the event, I got to ride my first ever 600SS (ZX-6R) and first ever Sport Tourer (Connie). I also rode the 650R. I had hoped to ride the 650R first and work my way up the power/size ladder, but the bikes weren't available in that order, so I started with the ZX-6R.

ZX-6R - Off the 3 bikes I rode, this felt the most like my 250, but with more power. So much power, in fact, that I had no need to break 8K rpm, and I only saw third gear a few times in a 30+ minute ride. I know that's where it's just getting fun, but on our escorted group ride, I simply didn't get a chance to use it. The best part about riding it was the near-telepathic throttle response. With the 250, it takes a moment to kick in, but the 6R seemed like it had a direct link from my right wrist to the rear tire. Also, the suspension felt so much tighter, yet more compliant than the 250. I really learned the value of good suspension from riding this. Next up, the...

Concours - This thing doesn't realize that it's not a sportbike! It has no idea that it weighs 688 pounds wet, but don't tell it. I simply didn't believe a near 700 pound bike could feel this nimble and responsive. It just begs you to weave it back and forth in your lane - great combination of nimble and stable. I walked away from this ride with a new respect for sport-tourers, and a near-certainty that, when I get a stablemate for the 250, it will be a Connie, or perhaps a nicely treated Sprint ST. I was totally blown away by this ride. After lunch I rode the...

650R - To say the least, I was unimpressed. The ergos were way better than the Versys, but the engine still honks like a goose, and it roasted the ever-loving crap out of my right leg. The mirrors were garbage and useless below 9K rpm. I couldn't wait to get off the thing, to be honest - and this was the bike I had been most looking forward to riding.

In conclusion, I learned that I had no need to be afraid of a 600SS or a 1352-cc Sport Tourer. Both were really manageable to ride for this third-summer 250 rider. I never felt like I was in over my head, not in the slightest, especially on the Connie (which many people said to me, "That's a lot of bike"). I felt that the ZX-6R had the most potential to bite me, but it was quite docile (yet extremely willing) at the low revs I was using. Put me squarely in the "I'd love a 400 SS" category.

choneofakind · August 24th, 2011, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anteraan

Put me squarely in the "I'd love a 400 SS" category.

that's exactly how I feel about the supersports. I rather liked the fact that the 650R was identical in feeling to the 250, but the bigger bikes are SO solid and powerful. a 400 would be perfect

Clearlynotstefan · August 26th, 2011, 01:13 AM

Glad I'm not the only one that hates the 650r!

Ranor · August 26th, 2011, 02:13 AM

Wow great that you had the opportunity to try those bikes

. I seem to hear a lot about the 650R heating up the rider's legs excessively :S however I have not ridden the bike personally... yet... :P

LazinCajun · August 26th, 2011, 07:13 AM

Thanks for posting! I'm especially surprised that the Connie seemed so nimble. I'll have to try to find one to ride

August 24th, 2011, 01:40 PM	#1
Anteraan ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Indianapolis Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (Blue) Posts: 167	So, I went to the Kawi factory demo event here in Indy I absolutely had a blast. My previous "other motorcycle riding experiences" included an NT700 (hated it) a Fury (loved it, didn't want to take it back to the dealership), a Sabre (wrists didn't like it), and a Versys (didn't care for it). At the event, I got to ride my first ever 600SS (ZX-6R) and first ever Sport Tourer (Connie). I also rode the 650R. I had hoped to ride the 650R first and work my way up the power/size ladder, but the bikes weren't available in that order, so I started with the ZX-6R. ZX-6R - Off the 3 bikes I rode, this felt the most like my 250, but with more power. So much power, in fact, that I had no need to break 8K rpm, and I only saw third gear a few times in a 30+ minute ride. I know that's where it's just getting fun, but on our escorted group ride, I simply didn't get a chance to use it. The best part about riding it was the near-telepathic throttle response. With the 250, it takes a moment to kick in, but the 6R seemed like it had a direct link from my right wrist to the rear tire. Also, the suspension felt so much tighter, yet more compliant than the 250. I really learned the value of good suspension from riding this. Next up, the... Concours - This thing doesn't realize that it's not a sportbike! It has no idea that it weighs 688 pounds wet, but don't tell it. I simply didn't believe a near 700 pound bike could feel this nimble and responsive. It just begs you to weave it back and forth in your lane - great combination of nimble and stable. I walked away from this ride with a new respect for sport-tourers, and a near-certainty that, when I get a stablemate for the 250, it will be a Connie, or perhaps a nicely treated Sprint ST. I was totally blown away by this ride. After lunch I rode the... 650R - To say the least, I was unimpressed. The ergos were way better than the Versys, but the engine still honks like a goose, and it roasted the ever-loving crap out of my right leg. The mirrors were garbage and useless below 9K rpm. I couldn't wait to get off the thing, to be honest - and this was the bike I had been most looking forward to riding. In conclusion, I learned that I had no need to be afraid of a 600SS or a 1352-cc Sport Tourer. Both were really manageable to ride for this third-summer 250 rider. I never felt like I was in over my head, not in the slightest, especially on the Connie (which many people said to me, "That's a lot of bike"). I felt that the ZX-6R had the most potential to bite me, but it was quite docile (yet extremely willing) at the low revs I was using. Put me squarely in the "I'd love a 400 SS" category.

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August 26th, 2011, 01:13 AM	#3
Clearlynotstefan ninjette.org member Name: Stefan Location: Riverhead, Long Island, New York Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Ninja 250, Totally black. Gsxr 600 Red. Posts: 179	Glad I'm not the only one that hates the 650r!

August 26th, 2011, 02:13 AM	#4
Ranor ninjette.org member Name: Ian Location: Gozo, Malta Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R Pearl White EFI Posts: 86	Wow great that you had the opportunity to try those bikes . I seem to hear a lot about the 650R heating up the rider's legs excessively :S however I have not ridden the bike personally... yet... :P

August 26th, 2011, 07:13 AM	#5
LazinCajun ninjette.org guru Name: Anon Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488	Thanks for posting! I'm especially surprised that the Connie seemed so nimble. I'll have to try to find one to ride