SquidBusters Archive - Ninja 650R OK for noob?

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Ninja 650R OK for noob?
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Posted by: tedb

According to the Kawasaki website, the Ninja 650R makes a good beginner bike. I'll be taking my MSF class in May/June (I'm in Japan until then), and will start bike shopping after the class. I'm looking for a bike to grow into, but don't want to get in over my head to begin with. I've never ridden before. Opinions?

Other info about me: I've been driving for 17 yrs, 1 ticket 13 yrs ago (39 in a 25), 1 fender bender 7 yrs ago. I used to own a Type-R Integra ( a real one ), never got a ticket in it, and not because I was lucky. I don't get off on going 120 in a straight line. Good handling & acceleration are more important to me.

Posted by: natrona848

I think the 650 would be a great beginner bike for you after you pass your test. You could also add the following which might be a bit cheaper, EX500, SV650 or any older 600 (FZR for example) with bar risers on it. It could be a twin or an in-line four, that's all about personal preference. Please, make sure you can touch your feet well enough for the bike you pick and that you are comfortable on it.

Stay away from clip-on bikes at first, they won't help you to learn any when you start riding and they would probably hurt your curve. Also, a good rule of thumb is to stay under 80hp if you could for your first bike. This will help you to focus more on corner speed, lines, etc vs. going ballistic with the throttle.

Any of the bikes mentioned would be something to hold on to for a long time, even if you bought other bikes as time goes on.

Welcome to SB!

Posted by: BlackB12

Considering you're gonna drop and scratch, crack, ding your shiney new 650 about 10 times while learning, I woundn't want ANY new bike as a beginner bike. Other than that, I think you'd do fine on the 650. A GS500 remains my first choice as a beginner bike. They made it for years so they're out there and up until a few years ago they didn't have fairings which is better incase of a fall, less expensive parts to break.

Mike

Mike

Posted by: Maddjack

I think a used machine may be better as a learner biker due to the aforementioned ding factor,the 650 would be a good second bike(heck I want one)

Posted by: Falcn

I'm with Eric and Mike. The 650R would make a fine first bike, except for the fact that it is NEW, and you are also new to riding. Fairings and new riders equals $$$.

Start small, start used. EX500 or GS500e are some good recommendations.

Posted by: Red Raevyn

Aye, the 500's like the GS and Kawasaki's little Ninjas aren't "grow into" but you can turn one over so easily it's not like you'll lose money getting it.

If you really don't want to sell it and get a new bike once you've outgrown it, then hmm. Tough to pick with new bikes since all the 600's make so much bleeding power. An older 600 like an F2 CBR wouldn't be bad, though the older bikes are heavy. I love my SV650 and it is nice and light (nice and manageable for a novice) but it is a pretty torquey motor, maybe not the best... definitely doable though, and fun that will last.

Posted by: RookWV

Too bad you're so far away, I know of a GS500 for sale for much less than the 650.

Posted by: Steve

While I agree with everyone about not buying NEW because you are most likely going to drop it, I actually started on a brand new bike and it still looked great the day I sold it... Only time I dropped the bike was in my garage.

If you want a new bike and like the 650R, go for it. It is a great bike to learn on.

Posted by: RookWV

Just be sure to invest in the proper protective gear for yourself and the bike.

Posted by: Meg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

While I agree with everyone about not buying NEW because you are most likely going to drop it, I actually started on a brand new bike and it still looked great the day I sold it...

Ditto... I started on the same bike, and I actually never dropped my first bike. Odds are that you will drop it though

My second bike was dropped twice. Once at a stop sign, and the other time in the garage with very minimal damage.

Get something that you feel comfortable sitting on (if you're short, don't get a first bike that is too tall for you). That will add a degree of difficulty that you don't need... Try to stay away from twitchy throttle or heavily powered bikes. The guys here have recommended some good starter bikes!

Have fun and be careful!

Posted by: Steve

Yeah, the bike Meg and I started on is also a GOOD bit heavier than the 650R. That makes it MUCH easier to drop from a stand-still. You have a prayer of stopping a light bike from falling if you lean it too far while standing still. Good luck stoping a 500+ lb bike from going over...

Keep your head in check. That's the best fairing protection in the world. Don't try to keep up with more experienced riders whom you're out riding with. Don't ride at a pace you're not comfortable with. The disasterous falls are usually the ones that happen when you're riding over your head or don't have the experience to avoid when something unexpected situations happen (someone pulls out in front of you, come up on gravel, find a lawn chair in the middle of your lane at the exit of a blind corner, or whatever...) You ARE more likely to lay your bike on its side when you're just starting out. If you enter into this sport knowing that and still decide to buy a new bike, that's your perogative...

The same people who recommend starting on something other than a 650R here are the ones who complain that there aren't enough "small" bikes on the market in the US. The manufacturers aren't going to build and import more smaller bikes if no one buys them!

Posted by: Oxi-Rider

Take the MSP course. Actually, I would reccomend taking the course before spending $7000 on something you may not like once you try it.

Posted by: Falcn

Yeah I always tell people to take the class before buying a bike. Good point, Keith. Wow that's 2 good posts in one morning for you, did you eat your Wheaties today?

Posted by: tedb

As I mentioned, I will be taking the class before even considering purchasing ANY bike. I'll see how I feel after the class. As I have a good career, money isn't my primary motivating factor. I'm looking for a bike that will be usable for a newbie, and is something that will have a high fun factor once my skills improve. As I think anything that starts with GSX-R is a ridiculous choice for a newbie, I'm looking for something a bit more tame. Based on what I've read, this bike seems pretty good, but I'll reserve judgement until after my MSF class. Thanks for the info.

Posted by: natrona848

where's the 650r owners to lend their opinions???

Posted by: MilleRrrr

OK my standard Noob Schpeil (sp).

Get a bike that you are comfortable with.
Get what you want, but just realize that it will fall in the driveway, stopsign etc. it happens to the best of us, and even more so for the noob. I got a VFR750 for my first bike. Did I drop it yep. Did it cost me some money Big YES. You will be surprised how expensive plastic is.
The right hand makes it go fast. Use with caution.
Ride 5000 miles before you start pushing yourself, it will take you this long to get comfortable.
Ride below "YOUR" 80% level on the street. Don't try to ride at the Group's 80% level.
Take the MSF course.
Get Two books & Read & Practice Lee Parks Total Control, Keith Code Twist of the wrist.

Get Leather/ Full Face Helmet, Back protector in Jacket or better yet full back protector.

Have Fun.

Have More fun.

Bam - Your hooked.

Posted by: VonKujo

IMO, the 650R is ok for a starter bike. I agree with everyone saying start on a used bike, but... I did not start out on used bike. I purchased a new bike and droped it one block from the dealer. BUT that has been the only time I have droped one of my bikes in 9 years except for two weeks ago. So 9 years between drops is not bad.

If you have the cash to cover the plastics incase of a drop go for it. I am sure you will love that bike. I still prefer the SV650 but every has differant tastes.

Posted by: JohnC

Not having ridden the 650R, I don't know if it would make a good starter bike. I will say this, though - I don't think an SV650 is a good starter bike, and the 650R is supposed to be comparable.

I'd rather see someone pick an EX500 and then move up to the bigger machines than buy something that "will still be fun in a few years."

Posted by: paperairplane

The EX500 / 500R is a kawasaki. It is a parallel twin. It weighs less than 500#'s. It is dirt cheap and readily available. It will be easy to sell in a year and cheap to insure.

Next question: how big a fella are you? I started on a 500 Ninja and was very comfortable on it. I own a Katana 750 that I would have had a hard time handling as a first bike.

5'8" 200# 31 years old

When I started on street bikes I was only about 140#'s.

Find a GS or EX 500 locally for about $2000-2500, take the MSF, have fun this summer learning to ride. Late winter / early spring 2007 you will know better what you are looking for in a motorcycle, be it a 600RR, 1100 Shadow, or KLR650. If you still like the 650R, you should be able to find a used one with few miles or even a left over 2006 for way under list. Sell the 500 and go buy your first 'real' bike. Investment wise, new bikes are worse than new cars. Few exceptions, Bimmers, Gold Wings, and HD's.

I know in the past few years my thoughts have gone from absolutely knowing I wanted a GSXR750 to looking hard at Kawasaki Concours / ST1100, to deciding to keep my old katana. Once you own a bike for a few years, you will start to refine what you have it for - be it commuting, track days, long trips, bike night, etc.

Posted by: Bancho

Quote:

Originally Posted by paperairplane

Investment wise, new bikes are worse than new cars. Few exceptions, Bimmers, Gold Wings, and HD's.

Hi, this may be an odd place to make my first post but I had to chime in here. Investment wise it may *not* be such a bad idea to go for the Ninja 250R. The prices people are getting for those things used, and the speed at which they sell simply stuns me.

Posted by: Falcn

True - the Ninja 250 is never a bad investment - if you buy one used you almost always get your money back when you sell it.

oh and Welcome to SB!

Posted by: Lexy

Here's my two cents - take it for what it's worth. I'm a new rider, absolutely focused on safety and riding within my ability. Took the MSF class, read several books on riding, read the forums and learned from advanced riders.

I bought a 650R one week ago and absolutely love it.

The choice to go with a new 650R or any new bike has to be made on a rider by rider basis. Everyone thinks differently.

Good luck! -- Lexy

Posted by: motorradfahrer

My suggestion, FWIW, being a pretty new rider (6 months, 5k miles):

Get a first bike that's a pretty standard/upright/comfortable configuration, with a broad but not scary powerband, and minimal plastic parts to break if you drop it. Don't get a laid-back cruiser or a crouched-down crotch rocket. You won't know what kind of fun you want to have on it until you've got a bunch of time in the saddle and you won't be able to try different things if you buy one that's too specialized. On a cruiser you'll miss out on carving corners, on a crotch rocket you'll miss out on long tours.

I also think you'll be a lot better off at first on a more upright bike that puts your body in an easy position to stand a bit on the pegs and toss the bike around a little more easily in parking lots and such - less likely to drop it.

If you're worried about the hit from buying a brand new bike, find a barely used one with a dealer who will back it.

FWIW, my bike (1974 BMW r90/6) has been a really great first bike. It scared me the first few times I rode it, but I think anything would have. And compared to say the Monster 620 I test rode, mine was a MUCH better choice. I would have been pretty discouraged by the discomfort of riding that for any distance.

YMMV, $.02, etc.

Posted by: nrj2002

650r is great for a starter bike. Gf has one and she loves it. Since they're still pretty new, accessories are limited ie sliders etc. but this is a solid beautiful machine.

I took it out for a spin and was pretty impressed with the acceleration off the punch. You tend to think "starter bike" and "ninja" being in two different worlds, but it's a great fit. Considering I ride an 04 R1 and stunt on an 02 F4i, I was still pretty impressed with the handling and punch the reported 72 ponies can deliver.

Posted by: Falcn

No one needs more than 50 or 60 HP for real fun - 72 is pretty peppy with the right gearing and a light bike. The Monster 750S is pretty good at the get-up too with only 64HP. Both bikes have nice flat torque curves though.

Posted by: katrider

There are three of the new 650R Ninjas in my work parking garage, and each one has scrapes on the right side fairing! It's like a factory option or something...kinda funny really

Posted by: doublins

Quote:

Originally Posted by katrider

There are three of the new 650R Ninjas in my work parking garage, and each one has scrapes on the right side fairing! It's like a factory option or something...kinda funny really

There have been a LOT of people dropping this bike... probably because kawi tries to market is as a "beginner" bike, but realistically, it will do 0-80 faster than most SS 600s, and puts out just as much torque, yet earlier in the rev range.

In fact, due to the fact that the torque comes on early and strong, rather than requiring you to rev it out to get it, I submit that were it not for the ergonomics of the bike, it would be a WORSE bike than a 4-cyl 600 for a n00b.

For cornering control, seat height, body positioning, etc, yes it's fine for a n00b.

For throttle control, NO it's not fine for a n00b.

Disclaimer- the 650R is my first streetbike, I have 6800 drop-free miles, and I ride the balls off of it now. I ride every day and remember a few throttle "close calls" during my first month. I have never come close to laying it down from cornering or braking, but I accidently almost threw myself off of the seat a couple of times while learning clutch/throttle control. Still learning each day, of course, but now the bike it my b*sh and I own her azz

Posted by: Falcn

Good point about the torque being lower in the RPM range and higher than the SS bikes.

Posted by: HarleyJohn

Quote:

Originally Posted by doublins

For throttle control, NO it's not fine for a n00b.

I know this is an old thread, but I'm chiming in here. I think the above is the most intelligent comment that has been made concerning the 650R. I can't believe we are discussing whether a 650 is a good first bike. My dad had a '72 Yamaha XS650 that was a tire spinning fire breathing torque monster that I didn't get to ride until AFTER I'd mastered (read "crashed a few times") our CB175 and my SR250. I can't imagine how long it would take you to learn to be a proficient motorcylist on 650 vs the time it takes on something smaller. There is a reason the MSF class uses 125s and 250s instead of 650s, and that reason doesn't go away upon graduation from the MSF course.

Posted by: nrj2002

Actually, I tend to agree with the above statements.

This is an old thread but I too must add my $.02. The gf has laid the bike down twice...and it's been recently.

I've been riding next to her so I can see exactly what she's doing. It seems that the ergonomics definitely are beneficial to the noobs, but strongly second and third the notion that the throttle response is not.

Low end is extremely touchy and her problem is with the friction zone, especially on intersection "stop n go" corners. Either too much or too little at this point. I realize it takes practice, and the MSF was extremely helpful to her (having never ever been on a bike before her mom's 02 Intruder 800), but I'm wondering if the EX500 would have been a better choice.

We'll keep practicing though. I let her feel the throttle response on the F4 and that just plain scared her. Considering the 650r seems to be a bit more peppy, Houston...I think we may have a problem.

Posted by: Booman

My better 3/4 rides one. She had a Suzuki GS500F for all of a week before trading it in for the 650R. Had we known the 650R would have popped up, she would have waited. We lucked onto it...she had been calling around to dealerships within almost 100 miles, and no one could verify when they were getting any in, and most often we found that people had already left deposits for bikes that hadn't even shipped yet. Fortunately, the local dealership where I frequent knew we were looking for one, and we snatched it up. The GS was an ok bike, but was prone to lugging when the throttle was twisted. She hasn't had any problem with the 650R, although I noticed that some have said the throttle can be unforgiving. I harped on her to work on her clutch control while she was taking the MSF course, so maybe that helps, I dunno. Anyway, she absolutely loves it, and it's been a great starter bike for her.

Ultimately, it's all about personal preference. Her only beef is that the aftermarket goodies are lacking, but I expect that will change here very soon.

Just my two cents worth...

Posted by: Blindeye_03

I was so close to getting a 650R as my first bike, but I ended up getting a SV650...very similar bikes, but I ended up with the SV because it was cheaper, and I love the look of the naked bike better (and the gauge cluster). The 650R was a little more comfortable to sit on than the SV, and I was able to flat-foot the bike when I sat on it where as the SV has like .5"-1" higher seat.

Posted by: Falcn

Yeah, I really wish they would bring the naked version over here, but I guess they know that they wouldn't sell as many. They are having a hard time keeping the 650R in stock in most places from all that I hear over at the Ninja650 Board.

Hey CONGRATS ON YOUR FIRST BIKE!!

Posted by: Jason C

It's all been said. Just if you get a ride (new or used) with fairings, get frame sliders. And even if it don't have fairings, get frame sliders.