SV650 vs Ninja 650

kobsak12 · 08-15-2007, 01:45 AM

Hi All,

I got my first bike: "Kawasaki Ninja 250" 3 years ago, rode it for about a year (commuted ~ 6 months), and sold it. I have not been riding for the last ~ 2 years.

I am planning to get a new bike these days. I would consider myself reasonably cautious, and beginner-to-intermediate (closer to beginner) in terms of skills.

I want to get a brand new bike, and something that is at least 600cc (definitely don't want a 500cc), and my main criteria is the beginner friendliness of the bike. Basically, the bike should be beginner-friendly, forgiving (not as harsh as some sports bikes), relatively easy to handle (turns, etc), and hence less dangerous.

In this sense, would you recommend getting a sv650? Ninja 650? or something else? Anything that I should be watching out?

Any help is appreciated...

RayOSV · 08-15-2007, 05:53 PM

Why not an ex500 or a gs500? About double the power of your 250, but your choice.

The Ninja 650 (parallel twin engine) and the SV650 (v-twin engine) seem to approach a similar market from different directions. The Ninja is like a grown-up Ninja 500 with a little bigger engine and quite a few improvements. The SV is an entry-level (not necessarily beginner rider) bike with character and lots of potential (I know my bias shows). The aftermarket support for the SV makes for lots of amateur racers around the country.

Either 650 is a better choice for you than a 600cc ss bike (gsx-r, zx-r, cbr, R6) IMO.

And welcome to SBN!!