YAMT (motorcycle thread) Now with final decision!

[zixxer]

Originally posted by: MazerRackham

Originally posted by: armatron

Originally posted by: MazerRackham
Not to hijack, but what do you guys think is the better bike for $5000 new, the Ninja 500R or the Suzuki sv650...?

Or should I buy a used 600? This will be my first bike but I've ridden a bit before...

even ridden a bit... the sv650 is too big of a bike for a street beginner. it is a wheelie machine.



The two, by far, best bikes for a beginner is the ninja 500 and suzuki gs500.

ninja 500 is faster. in some opinions it looks better.

the gs500 handles better, stops better, is easier to work on, is cheaper, and in some opinions looks better.





I went with the gs500... and don't regret it at all. IMHO you should by a first bike that fits you. They are all VERY easy to sell and break even.

Hey thanks!! I didn't even realize that the GS500F existed. Looks way better than the Ninja 500 IMHO, and the price is right. I still need to sign up for the MST course, but I'll probably spring for a first bike pretty soon.

keep in mind.. those fairings are $$$$... and plan on dropping it at least once (while parking, and learning how to maneuver a 'bigger' bike..) you may consider going with a 1989-2003 gs500.. they are all identical... the 2001-2003 has different carbs and a little different bodywork, in 2004 they started putting fairings on them

 

[MazerRackham]

keep in mind.. those fairings are $$$$... and plan on dropping it at least once (while parking, and learning how to maneuver a 'bigger' bike..) you may consider going with a 1989-2003 gs500.. they are all identical... the 2001-2003 has different carbs and a little different bodywork, in 2004 they started putting fairings on them

Ah yeah, good point on teh faining cost... but I also want decent fairing for some wind deflection. I'd get a naked bike but I'm afraid I'll freeze to death.

If I get this bike, part of what I'll be using it for is to save miles (and time) going to an off-site location for my work that is 75 miles further. So I'd be riding a lot in the morning and late evening, and I'll freeze to death without fairing.

Or will it not be much better than a naked bike? I have no idea on real-world differences...

 

[malbojah]

Originally posted by: MazerRackham

keep in mind.. those fairings are $$$$... and plan on dropping it at least once (while parking, and learning how to maneuver a 'bigger' bike..) you may consider going with a 1989-2003 gs500.. they are all identical... the 2001-2003 has different carbs and a little different bodywork, in 2004 they started putting fairings on them

Ah yeah, good point on teh faining cost... but I also want decent fairing for some wind deflection. I'd get a naked bike but I'm afraid I'll freeze to death.

If I get this bike, part of what I'll be using it for is to save miles (and time) going to an off-site location for my work that is 75 miles further. So I'd be riding a lot in the morning and late evening, and I'll freeze to death without fairing.

Or will it not be much better than a naked bike? I have no idea on real-world differences...

Just do what I did, my Sabre being a naked bike: Just get a jacket that has a good liner in it. And if it's really cold out, some Tourmaster Cortech Pants (taken out in 30 degree temps with no problems.)

 

[czech09]

I'm about to buy a bike as well, no way that's worth anywhere near that much a guy with an 04 250R is selling it for $2200 locally and I think that's kinda pricey as I'd prob only have the bike for a few months, as it will be replaced with a nice R6... ]

Edit: Take the MSF course first and get your license if you already haven't done so...