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Even though bikes have superior stopping over cars, when you’re coming up to lights you should always be expecting them to change and adjust your speed accordingly so *if* they do you can stop safely. Going 45 around lights though is a little weird. Most lights are in high traffic areas where speeds are generally 30-35. Atleast in my area.

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I sat on the gsx650f at a dealership. All I can say is holy sh!t is that bike heavy compared to the sv and ninja 650. It is an in-line four. I’ve had my Ninja 650 at almost a 45º angle before and I was able to (with all my might, a good footing and a little prayer) bring her back up. If the same happened with the gsx650f it would have eaten the pavement for sure and if my leg didn’t move in time prolly hurt or break it. Think the gsx wet is around 500lbs.

[acidpope]

I have a Ninja 650 too. They handle very nicely. It was my first bike and I didn’t have any problem feeling comfortable leaning it and I had never ridden a motorcycle before.

[acidpope]

Getting the first person past a minefield is always the toughest. Once the path is clear though, others follow readily.

Biking is contagious because when most people think of it, they remember the fun they had when they were younger on their bikes. Mind you it’s different, but when they are leaning back and dreaming of cruising the roads on a motorcycle this doesn’t really enter their head.

Just remember, monkey see, monkey do. If they are using you as an example then gear up, ride safe and preach the BMM gospel. Happy riding.

[acidpope]

It just looks like a setup for his bike to pull a small trailer or something. Don’t think they’re intended specifically as training wheels. He prolly tours and pulls supplies behind his bike.

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Seen those on tv. I concur, the do look real fun.

[acidpope]

The ’09’s will be coming out soon for Ninja 500, and infact there is already a page for them up on the Kawa website with an msrp. Once those hit the dealerships any ’07’s will be even cheaper and you’ll prolly be able to haggle more.

[acidpope]

Kelly Blue book trade in value for that bike (in my zip), not factoring in the mods, is $2325. Retail value new is only $3415. Not sure how much those mods cost, but if the bike were *new* (which it clearly isn’t) those mods would be costing you $1085.

http://www.kbb.com/kbb/motorcycles/default.aspx

[acidpope]

When someone is saying a bike is a good beginner bike, they’re generally just saying there is a reasonable chance it can be used safely as a learning bike. This shouldn’t be misunderstood though as it will be a good beginner bike for you personally. Obviously there is a large list of factors involved. Weight, height, need, desired speed, desired torque, mpg, sound, look… the list goes on for a ways including intangible things nobody can give you an answer too, like your own confidence riding. Also keep in mind when 125cc thru 650cc (excluding 600cc in-line four engines) are all considered as a beginner bike somewhere or by someone that in itself is a large margin to go by. After all, how can a 650cc not be tougher to learn on than say a 250 or 125? It is. And that is what you need to look at. The easy things you can do yourself. You can find a bike that looks good, or feels good by simply going down and sitting on the bike. However this is prolly the least important thing when it comes to learning, since it has basically nothing to do with the actual learning process. If you’re looking for a bike to learn on, there is only one thing to remember. Smaller cc are going to be easier. However if you’re being influenced by other things then there really isn’t much anyone can give you, because you will end up buying the bike you want with any advice being pushed to the back burner. I did! Will I enjoy my bike? Sure, eventually. But if I had gotten a smaller one I know I’d be out there enjoying it more and spending less time practicing things I would have prolly already been past feeling comfortable with on a smaller bike.

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I haven’t seen Ninja 650’s with abs.

The 650 has a slightly more upright sitting position, but I’m sure with bar risers you can get the 500 to that same level.

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The thing I’ve found with dealerships, of pretty much any kind (car, motorcycle, gun etc), is there are two types of people in the store. People “in” the club and everyone else. The people who are “in” get treated like family and a free reach-around with every purchase. The everyone else get treated with mostly indifference, like you’re a total moron and in some cases, which can be all too common, borderline contempt (especially if you prove you’re a match for them in the info department). When you aren’t, it’s because someone is kissing your ass because they work on commission. When it comes to these places I’d suggest viewing them as business. You’re not there to make friends (there are plenty of better places to get those) and as long as the job gets done, good enough. Don’t be afraid to order them around. What’s going to happen? You have to find a new place? That was already in the cards, so light that bridge up if you have to.

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Well, better in the parking lot than on the road.

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The 250 cruisers get great mpg.

A free rider course that counts? Sheesh. Around my parts it’s near $270 and it takes weeks to get in. Kinda weird they provide a helmet though. GS500 has a comfy riding position.

[acidpope]

GS500f have a nice comfortable upright position like a sv650 or Ninja 650.

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Get a co-signer. Dealers will work with anyone. They’ll try to get you a loan any way possible (with or without a co-signer) with the local banks they work with. Don’t go through manufacturer credit though. If you’re ever late on even one payment it’s done, you’re interest will go up and F you in the A bigtime for the duration of the loan.

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