July 24th, 2017, 10:07 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brad
Location: Nyc
Join Date: Jul 2017 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 21
|
Ninja 650 or Z650 Help me decide!
Hey everyone,
I want to upgrade from my 2012 ninja 250 to either the 2017 ninja 650r or the 2017 Z650. I also am leaning towards ABS for safety but was completely content with no abs on my 250 so if anyone has a solid reason to not get the ABS ill stay no ABS. Which model would you choose? I know they are really similar and essentially the same bike but theres enough differences for me to ask other riders. Personal info about my riding: Bike is used daily for work commute, about 100 miles or so a day if need be. New York highways mostly so lots of congestion I was comfortable on the 250 but definitely felt cramped on any tucking. vibration wise and comfort otherwise was fine. |
|
July 24th, 2017, 11:06 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Kerry
Location: Ventura, CA
Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja650 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '18, Apr '17, Apr '16
|
I know a couple of riders who have avoided crashing due to having ABS, so it's a handy feature to have if you can get it.
|
|
July 24th, 2017, 11:14 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Andrew
Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Join Date: Mar 2017 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 9
|
I had a Ninja 650 after my 250 and it was a wonderful bike. It's really a matter of preference between the Z and the Ninja, they are both basically the same bike with the same engine and riding position. For me it came down to the adjustable windscreen and aesthetics... being that you're going to be commuting on it I'd say you should go for the ninja. Oh and definitely go with the ABS, your life is worth the extra few dollars.
|
|
July 25th, 2017, 04:32 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: John
Location: Appleton, WI
Join Date: Apr 2015 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 (race), Ninja 1000 (road) Posts: 504
|
I'd also add the FZ07 to your list. In general, everyone considers it a better bike.
__________________________________________________
Ninja 300 - CCS Ultralight Thunderbike Racing I want to "like" your post but I can't due to forum rules. Sorry. |
|
July 25th, 2017, 06:18 AM | #5 |
Rev Limiter
Name: Jay
Location: WI
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16
|
I think you need to go to the dealer and sit on each and compare. See what feels best to you. Read some reviews.
The new 650 Ninja looks sharp, but may have a more aggressive position than you like. The Z is going to be roomier (I'm pretty sure), but will lack any amount of wind protection. That may or may not be an issue. Best is if they will let you test ride one. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
July 25th, 2017, 11:34 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brad
Location: Nyc
Join Date: Jul 2017 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 21
|
How bad would the difference with wind be from the 650r and z650 for highway riding. It can't be dangerous can it?
|
|
July 25th, 2017, 02:30 PM | #7 | |
Rev Limiter
Name: Jay
Location: WI
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16
|
Quote:
I've had sport bikes with fairings and without. Your helmet is still in the wind on the majority of sport bikes, but the fairings take some of the wind from your chest and legs. A big tank bag on a naked-bike (like the Z) helps reduce the wind on your chest quite a bit. It's most noticeable on the hwy of course, and hardy much difference in town. |
|
|
July 25th, 2017, 04:36 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brad
Location: Nyc
Join Date: Jul 2017 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 21
|
So as a commuter bike the z650 seems like the go To. Sat on it today and damn it's light.
Would you lean towards a z650 or 650r given all my information |
|
July 25th, 2017, 07:07 PM | #9 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: John
Location: Appleton, WI
Join Date: Apr 2015 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 (race), Ninja 1000 (road) Posts: 504
|
Quote:
Kawasaki Z650 vs. Suzuki SV650 vs. Yamaha FZ-07 - COMPARISON TEST Statements regarding the Z650:
Almost seems like I'm trying too hard to talk you out of a bike you have your heart set on. As for the Ninja 650, I had one and hated it. But to each his own. Every bike is perfect for somebody out there.
__________________________________________________
Ninja 300 - CCS Ultralight Thunderbike Racing I want to "like" your post but I can't due to forum rules. Sorry. |
|
|
July 25th, 2017, 07:12 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brad
Location: Nyc
Join Date: Jul 2017 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 21
|
No need for most power or I'd choose the Yamaha. Leaning on kawasaki for the abs option, and the fact it feels closest to my 250r. My sole reason for upgrade is to have just that little kick more for the highway. Really sucks you can't test ride anywhere near me. The fz07 or mt07 would be my choice if abs was available. The Suzuki for me I ruledon't out from the start, just not a fan really.
My goal is to ride the closest feeling to the 250r with more go and comfort |
|
July 26th, 2017, 06:16 AM | #11 |
Rev Limiter
Name: Jay
Location: WI
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16
|
As Zaph noted - the Z isn't exactly the class leader.
It may be fine for you, but do consider other options - especially if you want to buy new. I have a couple SV650s ('00 and '06), both nakeds, and like them a lot. The new 2017 SV doesn't thrill me, and I'd probably go with the FZ-07 if I were to replace the newer SV (which I'm not planning to do). If you ever plan to sell it (nobody buying a new bike ever plans to sell it...) the Z is going to be more difficult to sell and you will lose more. Check insurance to see if there is a significant cost difference in any of the models you are considering as well. The "nakeds" may be considerably less due to the lack of bodywork. One more thing - don't ever buy an Extended Warranty from a dealer as "peace of mind". Last futzed with by jkv45; July 26th, 2017 at 08:47 AM. |
|
July 26th, 2017, 08:07 AM | #12 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Sep '17, Dec '14
|
solid reason for not getting ABS: a lot easier to work on and overhaul your braking systems.
|
|
July 26th, 2017, 12:21 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: al
Location: NorCal
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): ex300, gave up looking for a 250 Posts: 435
|
Did you ever have a 300? There's $650 Kawasaki offer to "upgrade" to a 650.
I didn't get a chance to try the Z650. I got bumped (for some free swag). I did ride the Ninja 650 and wasn't impressed. The suspension felt soft even at regular speeds. I liked the SV650 and FZ-07. If it's just a tool for commuting, maybe insurance will be the determining factor. I wouldn't be surprised if the FZ-07 costs way more to insure. High fun / $$ vehicles always seem to attract the less responsible... Do they do demos at the IMS in NYC? Maybe you can test ride them then. |
|
July 29th, 2017, 12:20 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Tom
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250, 2019 Harley Ultra Classic, 2001 Suzuki SV650 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '16
|
Well which do you do more commute to work or drop the bike?
Commuting to and from work you will appreciate the fairing on the Ninja. Even though it isn't very big it does give you quite a bit of protection from the elements and wind blast. But if you drop the bike often that plastic breaks and is expensive to replace, so then you would want the Z650. |
|
July 29th, 2017, 12:43 PM | #15 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
|
My $0.02:
When I test-rode an FZ-07 last year I really liked it a lot. Not ridden the z650 or the current-generation Ninja 650. When I did test-ride a Ninja 650 in 2011 or thereabouts I found it to be a competent transportation appliance that didn't particularly excite me (but note that my daily ride is a supersport). The new one is probably rather different. Naked vs. faired... upright, naked bikes are all the rage right now. My first bike was a naked pseudo-cruiser (1982 Suzuki GS650GL). After a year or two I was looking at windshields.... The fact is that if you ride for extended periods on the highway on an upright naked bike, the wind blast gets pretty old. Yeah you can lean into it, but there's no fairing to hide behind. But this is a very personal thing. Given that you're doing the NYC commute, it's unlikely you're maintaining speed for very long anyway. The flip side is that no plastics means less weight, less to get trashed, easier access for maintenance.
__________________________________________________
I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
|
July 29th, 2017, 01:23 PM | #16 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: John
Location: Appleton, WI
Join Date: Apr 2015 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 (race), Ninja 1000 (road) Posts: 504
|
Quote:
To the OP: Look on craigslist at the value of used Ninja 650's. They are rock bottom because nobody wants them. That's got to tell you something. If you really want a Kawasaki 650, get a Versys. Much better suspension, seat and riding position. And get it used, they are cheap too.
__________________________________________________
Ninja 300 - CCS Ultralight Thunderbike Racing I want to "like" your post but I can't due to forum rules. Sorry. |
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
July 29th, 2017, 02:44 PM | #17 | |
Rev Limiter
Name: Jay
Location: WI
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16
|
Quote:
Then they think they can get that money back when they want to sell it... |
|
|
July 29th, 2017, 03:23 PM | #18 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: John
Location: Appleton, WI
Join Date: Apr 2015 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 (race), Ninja 1000 (road) Posts: 504
|
Quote:
Buying a new bike is almost never the right choice for anyone. Maybe a better deal for new old stock a dealer is tired of seeing around. Last year I bought my new old stock Ninja 1000 for half MSRP. Poor fools were trying to get $2 or $3K more for used models of the same year on craigslist.
__________________________________________________
Ninja 300 - CCS Ultralight Thunderbike Racing I want to "like" your post but I can't due to forum rules. Sorry. |
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 6th, 2017, 11:18 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: AJ
Location: Green Valley, IL
Join Date: May 2017 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Kawasaki Ninja 250r(SOLD) 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 250r full Muzzy(my pride and joy) Posts: 331
|
I tell you what the Z is a super nice looking bike but it would definitely be a "second bike" for me. Meaning I would have two. Not sure it's something I would want to ride 100mi a day. I drove my friends Grom for about 50mi today coincidentally and it is super fun. I cannot stress the word fun enough with this style of bike. Totally loved it but not sure I could make it a daily driver. The 650R might be my next bike as well. Have you test rode a newer R6? Yamaha has become a force to be reckoned with. I don't know that I would buy a brand new bike. Could you do something a couple years old? But nothing wrong with brand new obviously if that's what you want. Just wouldn't buy a 2017 Z. The Grom is a b***h for all these guys to sell as well. Seen tons of people buy them early May and already selling them but selling them way too expensive. A buyer doesn't care what YOU put into the bike. They'll pay what it's worth. If you've only got room for one bike I would go with the 650r all day. And hell yeah I would get ABS if I could. I've never owned a bike with ABS but obviously that's the way to go if you can. Good luck let us know what you decide!
__________________________________________________
"A car or truck will get you from point A to B. But a motorcycle, that is the point." -unknown |
|
August 9th, 2017, 09:38 PM | #20 |
The Asian Caucasian
Name: Abu Mishary Mohd Fairus
Location: Malaysia
Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Kawasaki Ninja 250 SE 2015 (sold); Honda ADV160 (current) Posts: 796
MOTM - Jan '17
|
I owned a Kawasaki ER-6n before. In terms of engine, i believe the new Ninja or Z 650 is reliable as the older models. As for daily rides, I supposed naked is a better option as you may encounter heavy traffics along the road to work. ABS is a good thing to have. As what Kerry (CaliGrrl) said; I also have known others which have not been in an accident due to having the ABS feature.
Keep us posted with what model you finally decide. Ride safe.
__________________________________________________
Losing someone is not painful. They are a part of us all this while and will always be with us. But missing them is. |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
[visordown.com] - New colours confirmed for Kawasaki Z650 and Ninja 650 | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | July 13th, 2017 04:02 AM |
[motorcycle.com] - Kawasaki Z650/Ninja 650 Exhaust And Fender Eliminator By Yoshimura | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | February 24th, 2017 05:30 PM |
[roadracingworld.com] - Kawasaki Updates Engine, Chassis, Styling Of Ninja 650/650 AB | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | November 13th, 2016 11:22 AM |
[motorcyclistonline] - Kawasaki’s New-For-2017 Ninja 650, Z650, Z900, Ninja 1000, and | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | November 13th, 2016 11:10 AM |
Ninja 650 vs Versys 650 vs Street Triple vs Hypermotard | Proteus | General Motorcycling Discussion | 33 | June 5th, 2015 09:11 AM |
|
|