wishful thinkin.....

[DCRIDR500]

With >200 miles on the baby ninja, I know that I'm a long way from havin to answer this ?, but here goes...As far as a second bike goes, I'd like to pick up either a 650R or a F4i. Been readin on these boards and others that as 600 go, these are tame enough (tame being relative) to make the jump after a year or so on the two-fiddy. the 650 - like the SV - v-twin has most of its grunt in the low-mid range. And even if the cbr is an I4, the curve is managable and not too peaky, again from what I've read.I could get a better deal on a used cbr compared to the newer 650. Asthetically, I like them both for different reasons.

I've ruled out the GS500 (don't want another starter bike) or the SV (throttle - from what I've read - is too twitchy). So, thoughts? Thanks

[Anthonyd5189]

Depends on what you're looking for in your 2nd bike. If you wanna be more upright and more casual riding, go with the 650R. If you want a more sporty bike, go with the F4i.

You will be fine on either bike though.

[RayOSV]

You're right in that 200 miles is nothing. That's a long day ride in the twisties.

The 650r is a parallel twin, not a v-twin, so it's power curve will be more flat like your 250 (just more of it). The f4i isn't really a "tame" inline 4. It was Honda's super sport bike just a few years ago. Don't count out the sv650 now. After a few thousand miles of varied riding on your 250, you'll probably be ready for any of the three bikes above. They all have different character.

[bush]

The SV's throttle isn't really twitchy. It just delivers its power in a more linear fashion, as opposed to the "rip your arms from the sockets" kick in the ass you get in the high revs on an I4.

SVs are great track bikes too.

[phail]

The F4i will stomp a SV or 650r in straight line acceleration. The f4i is hardly any slower than the new crop of 600SS. That aspect doesnt matter much to me though, there are always slow guys riding 1000s who will blow past you once a straight opens up regardless if you're on a 600ss, a twin, a 500, whatever.

Want some great advice? Go ride every single type of bike you're looking at when the time comes for a new addition to the stable

[TemplarForGod]

Originally Posted by phail

The F4i will stomp a SV or 650r in straight line acceleration. The f4i is hardly any slower than the new crop of 600SS. That aspect doesnt matter much to me though, there are always slow guys riding 1000s who will blow past you once a straight opens up regardless if you're on a 600ss, a twin, a 500, whatever.

Want some great advice? Go ride every single type of bike you're looking at when the time comes for a new addition to the stable

+1 theres always going to be a faster bike to scream past you on the highway.

But ANYONE can be faster in a strait line if their bike is faster. Riding in the twisties is where you're potential exceeds the bikes.

Of those bikes you mentioned I would nix the 650r its the lesser of all the twins in my opinion, it lacks the grunt that the twin should be. If you want an I4 I vote for the f4i, everything you need in speed and cheaper than the rr. If u want a twin get the SV!

[Goin Ape Nutz]

May be if you ride up to the local dealer(s) on your current bike and ask to sit on/test ride the bikes you are considering they might let you?

[donkeyman]

I did exactly what you are thinking of doing. Though I didn't start on the 250, I started on the Ninja 500 and then jumped to the SV. The difference was still significant and sometimes scarry.

If you want more information on that experience, I have submitted a full article about this to the site below. I think the SV is the place to go before you hit the 4cyl's.

[DCRIDR500]

Originally Posted by Goin Ape Nutz

May be if you ride up to the local dealer(s) on your current bike and ask to sit on/test ride the bikes you are considering they might let you?

Always thought it was some kinda bullshit hassle to get a test ride @ the dealers - even private sellers won't let ya turn the bike over without cash in hand

[TemplarForGod]

some dealers have certain 'test ride days'

[bumblebee]

The F4i is not a starter bike and it is not a tame bike. Don't let the banana seat fool you...it will still run an 11 second 1/4 mile, and is pushing over 90 HP. If you think it is a stepping stone bike for a beginner, you will quickly find out how wrong you are.

[DCRIDR500]

Did some more readin - what about the new suzuki bandi...I mean GSX-F 650 or the hyosung 650? Are these more along the lines of the SV or CBR, power delivery-wise?