New Guy with no bike

norm60 · 04-01-2008, 10:28 PM

So my buddy just introduced me to the bike world and we went "bike shopping" today. He and the guy at the dealership suggested the Kawasaki ninja 650R as a good beginner bike for me. Im not the smallest person in the world at 6 6, 300(yea i play college ball). They both agreed that it was a little bigger but a good start. It's an '06 and they will let me wal out of the dealership with it or 6,600. Sound like a deal?

CMantis · 04-01-2008, 10:32 PM

The 650R is way on the large end of the spectrum for a first bike. It isn't quite as powerful as a SS though. If I were you I would buy used for your first bike. Not only will you save a bunch of money but it won't hurt so much when you drop it (even if from a stand still it is still bound to happen eventually).

norm60 · 04-01-2008, 10:38 PM

The only reason I was lookin new instead of used was the warrenty. Most if not all the used ones I found had non transferable warrenties.

Liquids · 04-01-2008, 10:42 PM

even though it's 650cc, it's a parallel twin and OK for a first bike. It's making about 60hp where 600cc I4's are making well over 100. The thing that's going to bite you though, is the suspension. Whatever you get, you may want to figure new springs into the price. I would also recommend starting off with something used. If something breaks, you learn to fix it. IT will save you lots of money in the long run and it's part of the fun.

TJ213 · 04-01-2008, 10:48 PM

Is that price OTD?

btw, I PM'd someone who knows a good bit about that bike, and he should be able to give you a pretty good answer from personal experience.

norm60 · 04-01-2008, 10:51 PM

by OTD im guessing you mean out the door...and yea it was 6,600 out the door.

norm60 · 04-01-2008, 10:52 PM

i was lookin at the 250R but it was too small

Liquids · 04-01-2008, 11:03 PM

I'd say look for a 99-02 SV650

mjfan12 · 04-01-2008, 11:13 PM

is it ok for you to get a bike if you play college sports? wont the coach or whatever be pissed if you get hurt?

norm60 · 04-02-2008, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjfan12

is it ok for you to get a bike if you play college sports? wont the coach or whatever be pissed if you get hurt?

nah hes cool about it...its d3 anyways...lol

VermillionX · 04-02-2008, 12:24 AM

I would say go for that one or look into the SV650s since you are bigger than most people. Either one I think would be fine.

tobu · 04-02-2008, 07:00 AM

One nice thing about the ninja 650r is that the ergos are probably a little better (more upright) for you than the sv650s since you are so tall. Additionally, if you go to a ninja 650 website, most riders complain that the stock 650r is oversprung, which might make it just right for your weight.

See if you fit on a 500 or a dual sport though. Like others have said, the 650 is on the outer edge of what should be a starter bike.

bush · 04-02-2008, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norm60

The only reason I was lookin new instead of used was the warrenty. Most if not all the used ones I found had non transferable warrenties.

Don't worry about a warranty, Japanese sportbikes are probably some of the most reliable vehicles on the face of the planet. Change the oil regularly and take care of the bike and you'll have no need for a warranty.

Buy small, buy used.

DaleCaliente · 04-02-2008, 07:58 AM

OK I am 6'6'' and have a 650R - It fits fine. Mine was 6,200 OTD on a brand new 2007 - Back in NOvember. So 6,600 on an 06 is not cool.

Try to get $6,000 on that. The 07 is 71 Horsepower, while the 06 is 65. A little difference to consider. Id go for the 07 leftover....fuck an 06 for that price - its too much.

I personally bought new and havent had a problem, however, that may not be for everyone. You are a big football player, so dropping the bike at standstill probably wouldnt be a problem for you.

I got a 5 yr extended warranty for $500 from RPM one. Fully transferrable and better than the Kawi warranty.

Here is a nice article about the 650R vs. the SV650. I like the looks of the Ninja better, and sat on both. Felt more comfy on the ninja, but in my opinion, you cant go wrong w/ either bike.

Good luck and PM me with any questions at all.

2006 Ninja 650R vs Suzuki SV650 - MotorcycleUSA.com

binx_19 · 04-02-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norm60

So my buddy just introduced me to the bike world and we went "bike shopping" today. He and the guy at the dealership suggested the Kawasaki ninja 650R as a good beginner bike for me. Im not the smallest person in the world at 6 6, 300(yea i play college ball). They both agreed that it was a little bigger but a good start. It's an '06 and they will let me wal out of the dealership with it or 6,600. Sound like a deal?

what does your coach think of you getting a bike?