[gitchy42]

Hey Everybody,

I’ve been running round to some local dealerships the last couple of days, probably gonna hit a couple more tomorrow. This is what I’ve looked at sat on so far:

Suzuki Gladius
Suzuki GS500F
Kawasaki ER-6N
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Ducati Monster 696
Ducati Monster 695
Kymco Quannon 150

I’ve also been looking at the older Suzuki SV650, and the used guy at the Ducati dealership suggested the Monster 620. Actually the used bike salesman at the Ducati dealership so far has been the only salesperson that has suggested planning ahead, starting smaller and working your way up to the ‘dream bike’; I was surprised and impressed by this.

I have to go about 15 miles to work, and even though it is possible to get from home to work without taking freeway, there are places in the drive where the freeway is the easiest. Unfortunately it is a 65 mph zone for most of it, so I need a bike that can do 70 without breaking a sweat. Also, I’m about 6′ and 210.

So far the one’s that have felt the best were the Kawi ER-6N and the Ducati Monster 696. Obvious problem with those is that they are fairly big, brand new bikes. The GS500F felt tight, the Ninja 650 felt ok. The Gladius’ seat was slanted forward, which could be good at speed, but felt weird when still. The Monster 695 felt ok, the Ninja 250 felt a little tight, but not small like I expected.

I test rode the Quannon, seems like a fun little scoot, but not enough bike for what I need; though it felt pretty good under me, but it felt small. The best part of the Quannon however, is that I can get it NEW for under $3K.

The guy at the Ducati store said that they get the 620 in every once in a while, I was planning on checking in every once in a while to see if they’ve got one in. But, what do ya’ll think about that? Can anyone suggest something else to try out?

I have picked up a 707 Vendetta II helmet and a pair of Alpinestar SP2 gloves. I also have a Fieldsheer Corsair jacket on order from Cycle Gear. Still trying to figure out what pants and boots to get, right now it is just jeans and work boots. Thoughts?

Thanks, happy riding,
Nate

[Gary856]

Are you a brand new rider or have experience? A bike is a very personal choice, so I don’t think anyone knows better than you on what you want. From your list, I’d take any Suzuki or Kawasaki for their low cost and reliability, and skip the Ducati for a first bike. Kymco shouldn’t even be on the same list; if you want a scooter then you should do a separate scooter comparison.

I own several bikes and I still have a long list of bikes I’d like to own, but when I first started last year, I just zeroed in on the GS500 and called it good. I’m 6′, 170 lb, the GS500 feels a little small physically now, but I still feel it’s the perfect beginner bike.

[IBA270]

It’s got slightly less HP than an SV 650 with a slightly lower seat. Maintenance is minimal (more than an SV though) and there’s tons of aftermarket. The 696 starts to be a bit much bike however…I think they have north of 80 HP. While that’s not a screamer, that’s quite a bit more than the 60hp of the other bikes you’re looking at. PM with questions on Duc’s if you’d like…

[IBA270]

It’s got slightly less HP than an SV 650 with a slightly lower seat. Maintenance is minimal (more than an SV though) and there’s tons of aftermarket. The 696 starts to be a bit much bike however…I think they have north of 80 HP. While that’s not a screamer, that’s quite a bit more than the 60hp of the other bikes you’re looking at. PM with questions on Duc’s if you’d like…

[CBBaron]

Any of the bikes you tried except probably the 150 will do freeway speeds without a problem. I’m your size and ride an `06 Ninja 250R. I’ve been on the freeway several times and took it up to about 80MPH without a problem. The little bike likes to rev so it seems a little stressed at first until you realize that you are just starting to get into the meat of the powerband in 6th at freeway speeds.

Personally I’d consider a used bike for your first to save money. That way its easier to upgrade towards your “dream bike”.

Craig

[gitchy42]

OK, so I wasn’t intending to buy tonight, but I was at a dealership, and they had a nice bike for a decent price, talked them down a few hundred, and now I am the proud owner of a 2007 SV650. Now I realize that this is a lot of bike, and will give it the respect it deserves. I also picked up a pair of alpinestar tech 2 boots. I’ll be posting some photos on Sunday probably, as I am gone all weekend and I don’t even get to enjoy my new ‘toy’ :’-(

I really appreciate the advice/comments/feedback that I have gotten from everyone.

Gary, thanks for suggesting getting a Japanese bike over a Ducati. Really when I went to the Duc dealership I was just window shopping, and after talking with the salesman found out that I actually could afford one, but the ones that they had were too much bike and service intervals are a lot closer together from what I understand. Also, you are right on with the title of your post, there were WAY too many bikes in my sights. Although, FYI, the Kymco Quannon is a little (itty bitty) sport bike. It looks really cool, but like I said, felt tiny under me.

Allen, I’ll probably be picking your brain on Duc’s. Those are some sweet looking bikes, and they feel awesome sitting on them. I think in a couple years I may be moving up.

Craig, thanks for the info on the Ninja 250R, had I not gone to the dealership that I did today I probably would have gotten a used 08 250 that the place here in town has. Also, dead-on for buying used, I was looking mainly at used bikes, but you gotta try on the brand-new out-of-the-box items every now and then

Now, I just have to wait for that jacket from Cycle Gear to come in. They supposedly ordered it for me Monday….haven’t heard back yet.

Thanks Again!
Nate

[pixiedust]

Hope you love your new ride! I have a Monster 695, it’s my first bike, but I was lucky enough to find it “gently used” with only 200 miles on it! It was a steal.

[briderdt]

Now get yourself on over to svrider.com and REALLY drink the Kool-Aid!

[IBA270]

Excellent choice! I really like the SV’s quite a lot. Whenver I’m in my friends shop in Dallas, and obviously new riders are looking at supersports, I like to show them the SV’s and talk about the advantages and the “liveability” of them over the inline 4’s. I think you’re really going to like it. I expect you’ll own it for a long time. When ever you think it’s time to move up, get a Penske, Works or Ohlins shock and Race Tech Gold Valves for the forks…it’ll be like getting a brand new bike!

[owlie]

Congrats on the new bike! Post up some pictures so we can oohh and ahhh over it.

[madjak30]

After the last couple of days riding 250cc machines, you would have been dissapointed riding them…I out weigh you by quit a bit, but I found them under powered over about 35mph. I will let you know how my GS500 feels when I ride it…I just passed my exam today and I will have the GS registered tomorrow…have fun and be careful…watch for the idiots cutting you off from side streets…had some real excitement today because of them…no incidents, but a few close calls for my class mates at the MSF class…

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