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Looking for a motorcycle...

P

pclstyle

Platinum Member
So, just got my motorcycle license and now i'm in the market for a new bike. Nothing against pre-owned, but from what i've seen- it's more worthwhile just to pick up a new one, since most used bikes go for only marginally less.

Looking for any kind of recommendations between 5k-7k, no 250cc scooters, and i'm not a hog person - tend to like the sportier bikes. it wouldn't be a daily driver, just a weekend getaway type of deal.

bikes i've tried so far:
SUZUKI GSX600
SUZUKI GS500F
KAWASAKI NINJA 500R
KAWASAKI NINJA 650R
KAWASAKI NINJA 250R

250 was a little underpowered for my taste, i loved the way the gs500f and the 500r felt, loved the 650r even more but it's pushing the upper end of my price range and i'm not so sure about it for a first bike.

my knowledge-base of bikes is severely limited; i test completely on word-of-mouth, so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. also, i AM interested in deals on pre-owned as well, so any kinds of heads-up on specific dealers, annual sales, etc would be fantastic. thanks in advance!
 
Originally posted by: Alone
GS500F or the 500R.
Click to expand...

If you absolutely have to have a bigger bike, QFT this.

IMO, just buy a Ninja 250 and then sell it next spring for almost no loss in value to another new rider.

Edit - Reviewed your info, price range, etc. Don't forget to factor in the cost of insurance.

1. Buy the 250, get used to riding it, save the money for next year.
2. Buy a preowned GS500/500R.

Either way, buy proper gear. If I see you in a wifebeater, shorts, and flip-flops I'm going to tankslap you. :evil:

- M4H
 
I'd say go with the GS500F because its a comfortable bike & not too big, plus it has a decent fairing & enough power to drive on the highway for short trips without making you feel vulnerable... just be sure to have a set of fairing protection bars mounted at the dealer to minimize the damage when you drop it!

Also be sure not to skimp on the protective gear like a quality helmet, jacket, pants, boots & gloves ... most importantly be sure to wear it!
 
You're looking for a crotch rocket then. I was gonna say a Harley Sporster 883. I'm looking at one of these to help save gas during the warm months when I commute.
 
I have got some nice gear for sale, barely used...what size are you? I have a helmet, jacket and some gloves...save you a bunch of money...the accessories add up...i just sold my bike and the riding pants with armor...shoot me a PM if interested. I have pix of it all.

JC
 
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: Alone
GS500F or the 500R.
Click to expand...

If you absolutely have to have a bigger bike, QFT this.

IMO, just buy a Ninja 250 and then sell it next spring for almost no loss in value to another new rider.

Edit - Reviewed your info, price range, etc. Don't forget to factor in the cost of insurance.

1. Buy the 250, get used to riding it, save the money for next year.
2. Buy a preowned GS500/500R.

Either way, buy proper gear. If I see you in a wifebeater, shorts, and flip-flops I'm going to tankslap you. :evil:

- M4H
Click to expand...

Damn good advice....follow it

I've ridden for years, but I like the older GS 'zukes...I've had a 650, 550, 1000, 1100, and a 750.
 
In your price range I would look for a used version of all of the bikes you listed. You should also add the Suzuki SV650 or SV650S to that list.

It is never "worthwhile" to buy new on any bike unless they are impossible to find used. Bikes take a heavy depreciation (unless it's a Harley or insanely popular) in the first 1-2 years. For example a new 500R will run you about 5K out the door with taxes and fees. You will be lucky to get $3500 for it 1-2 years later. You are MUCH better off being the second owner of that 500R when the original buyer decides he/she wants to trade up.

Since you are new to riding, you will be much happier not having to worry about dropping a brand new bike. I know from personal experience how much it sucks to tip over that first time and scratch up a brand new bike. You see I bought my 500R new (couldn't find used). Suffered the pain of a 2mph tip over while learning, and suffered the pain of depreciation when I sold it for my next bike.

Your first bike shouldn't be your last. The key is to get something that is right for you, so that you can get some miles under your belt and allow your tastes to evolve. Then you will know exactly the type of bike to look for for your next bike.
 
I'd go for the 250, just because it's so cheap (sub 2K used) and it won't kill your back after 30 mintures of riding.

What your height and how much do you weigh?
 
My first bike was a 2001 500R, and I definitely enjoyed it. I think I ended up getting it for $2500 back in 2002, and then sold it the following year for $2000 to a friend. I luckily never dumped it, and I feel that with its compromise between power and civility, it helped me to become a better rider (i.e., by not killing myself) before picking up my current GSXR.

Edit: I should add that I'm 5'10-11", and at the time, weighed ~165lbs. I rode the 500R for hours at a time without it ever being uncomfortable, which is much more than I can say for the GSXR.
 
I'll throw Kawasaki ZZR600 into the mix. I was riding my brother's last night and it's a blast.
 
Originally posted by: Alone
Why anyone would recommend a 650CC bike for a beginner is beyond me.
Click to expand...

It depends on the bike, not the CCs

The SV650 and Ninja 650R are twins. Both make @70hp and are nothing like the 4cyl 600cc Supersport crotch rockets that are race bikes with lights. The Harley 883 makes only about 60hp which is less than the two 650s despite the fact it is 200cc larger in displacement.

I would rank the SV650 and Ninja 650R at the extreme end of the beginner bike choices, but they are not death traps like the 600cc and 1000cc Super Sports.
 
Buy my 2006 250R 😛

It's a great beginner bike and will save you on gas and insurance. I get 70 MPG and only pay $200 a year for full coverage. As far as power goes, it's not the fastest off the line or at the top end, but in between where you spend most of your time it's fine, and the lightness of the bike will enable you to keep pace with bigger bikes on the twisties. I'm far from a beginner and I bought a small bike because they are so easy to handle in traffic and in town.


If you must have more power the 500R is a good upgrade for a beginner, but stay away from more powerful bikes til you've had a bit of experience in all weather conditions. Too much power in a bike can get you in a lot of trouble fast, even if your riding responsibly. Of course, if you're planning long trips on the weekend, a heavier bike would give a more comfortable ride. I got my 250 knowing I would not be taking it on all day rides very often, especially on windy days. Small, light bikes in strong winds take a lot of energy and concentration to ride.

As far as getting the best deal goes, buying used will save you some bucks, especially if you can wait til fall when they are going for cheap. If you decide to buy new, there are many dealers that sell for WAY below MSRP. There are some on Ebay, and many advertise in the auto trader magazines. Even if there is not one in your area, give a local dealer a call and they will usually come down considerably on their price if you hardball them. They know those dealers are out there, you just have to convince them you'll make the drive to get it if they don't cave in.

Probably most importantly, take M4H's advice on the gear. NEVER wear shorts. Flip-flops shouldn't even need a warning. If you're dumb enough to wear them on a bike you are too stupid to be on the road period. Flip-flops are worse than riding barefoot, and riding barefoot is pretty damn stupid.
 
Originally posted by: ValValline
Originally posted by: Alone
Why anyone would recommend a 650CC bike for a beginner is beyond me.
Click to expand...

It depends on the bike, not the CCs

The SV650 and Ninja 650R are twins. Both make @70hp and are nothing like the 4cyl 600cc Supersport crotch rockets that are race bikes with lights. The Harley 883 makes only about 60hp which is less than the two 650s despite the fact it is 200cc larger in displacement.

I would rank the SV650 and Ninja 650R at the extreme end of the beginner bike choices, but they are not death traps like the 600cc and 1000cc Super Sports.
Click to expand...

I'll bet that 883 makes its power at a lot lower revs than the others, not to mention the torque its going to have at the lower revs. I think all of those would be okay for beginners that have a bit of natural ability, but might be pusing it for some. I wasn't aware the SV650 had quite that much power though (that is the Bandit isn't it?).
 
Originally posted by: Captante
I'd say go with the GS500F because its a comfortable bike & not too big, plus it has a decent fairing & enough power to drive on the highway for short trips without making you feel vulnerable... just be sure to have a set of fairing protection bars mounted at the dealer to minimize the damage when you drop it!

Also be sure not to skimp on the protective gear like a quality helmet, jacket, pants, boots & gloves ... most importantly be sure to wear it!
Click to expand...

I'd certainly hope that any 500cc bike could drive on the highway just fine😉

Just grab a 250 ninja used, ride it for 6 months or so, and then sell it for about the same price and get a bigger bike. You can live with 250cc for a while.

And remember: Helmet. Jacket. Gloves. Boots. Pants/overpants. ALL the gear, ALL the time.
 
Originally posted by: Thorny
I'll bet that 883 makes its power at a lot lower revs than the others, not to mention the torque its going to have at the lower revs. I think all of those would be okay for beginners that have a bit of natural ability, but might be pusing it for some. I wasn't aware the SV650 had quite that much power though (that is the Bandit isn't it?).
Click to expand...

No the Bandit was based on the old air-cooled GS/Katana 4cyl 600 and 1200 machines.

The SV is it's own model line, that launched in 1999. 650cc V-Twin. Reminds me of the old Honda Hawk GT from the late '80s. The SV is the perfect blend of torque and power for the street. I couldn't be happier with my '04

 
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