600 to 650
ive found a honda shadow 650 for $2300 (i forgot to look at the mileage and years and such, i was a little in awe) i was wondering if that might be too much power for somebody brand new though. ive read that the 650 is a lot more forgiving to newbies than say a 600 which ive heard would be a bad idea for a beginner. if somebody could break down the difference between the 650 and the 600 id greatly appreciate it
600 usually refers to a
600 usually refers to a sportbike with peaky, high-output, high-revving inline-4 (4 clinders) engine, latest and greatest racing component, extreme riding position and sensitive (touchy) controls. Great for the race track, not as good for general street riding, and not new rider friendly. Expensive to insure, expensive to repair when dropped.
650 usually refers to a cruiser (like the Shadow) or a standard (like a SV650 or Ninja 650R) with torquey twin engine (2 cylinders), and more relaxed street-oriented riding position. Generally easier to handle for a new rider. Usually cheaper to insure compared to a 600cc sportbike.
Before you jump on that deal
Before you jump on that deal I would read the thread in this forum titled "Suzuki S40 or Honda Shadow VLX ?" as the VLX is the 650 you mentioned.
If the engines were in cars...
...a 600 would be the equivalent of a turbo-charged 4cyl engine as found in a Subaru WRX or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: small displacement, but with sudden, full-on power delivery when the rpms get high enough. Designed for racing, where rpms are always high, they require some finese and concentration to modulate around town where rpms vary much more. It's easy to apply too much throttle and get overwhelmed with the quickness of the power delivery.
A 650 is more like a V6 engine...power comes on smoothly and builds in a linear fashion right from the start. Doesn't have the high-rpm punch of the turbo 4, but the power it does provide is more usable and manageable in the everyday world, and more forgiving of mistakes. You have to almost consciously push it to lose control of the power.
So to move to motorcycles...imagine either engine, but in an inherently unstable platform that can fall over, slide out from under you, take off w/o you, etc.
One size doesn't fit all of course, but the reason why 600s aren't usually recommended for new riders is the same why it's considered questionable to give a brand new driver the keys to an Evo.
awesome thats exactly what i
awesome thats exactly what i was wondering about! thanks alot guys