- This topic has 3 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 9 months ago by briderdt.
First bike.. so many choices
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July 26, 2009 at 11:01 pm #3201optionfaParticipant
Let me just start off by saying how much websites like this have helped me in my search for a first motorcycle!
After reading many helpful posts I decided to make one of my own and hopefully get some good feedback on my research so far…
As a 22 year old hopeful rider hailing from Ontario Canada I just recently got my M1 license and will be doing the motorcycle safety course in 2 weeks. With steep Ontario insurance rates, and being aware that a 600 cc super sport is not the bike for me I have been doing a considerable amount of research on potential first bikes.
First thing that caught my eye was, not surprisingly, the 08/09 ninja 250rs. This bike looks incredible, cheap on insurance and sticker price, and from what I have been reading the most popular beginner bike out there.
My only concern is, being a 6’1″ 190 lb guy this bike seems like it could be a little small. I sat on one at the local Kawi dealer and my knees rested above the seam of the gas tank which seemed like it could feel a bit cramped on longer rides, also the seat position was a bit too upright for my liking.
I still really like the ninja despite its smaller size… and the fact that I can probably sell it for close to the original sticker price a year or two down the road makes it even more appealing.Then there’s the ex500 ninja, I haven’t looked into this bike nearly as much as the 250r because in all honesty it doesn’t look all that great even the newer models.
The 500 would probably fit me a bit better than the 250… but I haven’t actually gotten a chance to sit on one, also I would opt for a used 2000 + so I would save probably $2000 over a new 250r.Finally, the sv650… This bike seems like it could be the best of the three, I wouldn’t have any issues fitting on it, low insurance rate, and it looks great when it has the fairing kit on it.
The only problem with the SV, it’s very tough to find one around the Toronto area I haven’t seen too many used listings around.So that’s pretty much where I stand right now, torn between three potential bikes. Any sort of feedback to help me decide or helpful advice is appreciated.
Cheers.
July 27, 2009 at 2:22 pm #20984AParticipantWith you frame of 6’1″, 190 lb. seems to me you shouldn’t have problem with reaching the ground while sitting on the seat for most motocycles.
Not sure if you are going to buy new or used moto, but used SV650 is hard to beat, if you’re looking to buy new, you could try a Suzuki Gladius.
July 28, 2009 at 9:09 pm #21016optionfaParticipantI would love it if I could find a second gen sv650s for around my budget of 5,000, but they seem to hold their value so well it’s hard to find one below 6,000 in the toronto area.
I recently found out about the ninja 650r.. which I believe is comparable to the SV in performance and insurance prices. The 650r, tho harder to find, goes for about 5k for an 06 which is not bad plus it looks great :p. From what I understand the 650r is a Vtwin similar to the SV, with even slightly less bhp, is there a reason why this bike isn’t mentioned on this site as a recommended first bike?
July 29, 2009 at 2:14 pm #21038briderdtParticipant…but anything ’06 or earlier on the SV650s should go for well under $5K. I bought my ’05 last October at KBB value for $4500. Unless you’re dead-set on going through a dealer, you should be able to find a SV650s to fit your budget no problem…
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