Advice for a bike upgrade

moarmoto

moarmoto

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Hello everyone,

I got my M2 last spring and really enjoyed riding my brother's 1984 Honda Magna V30 (500 CC). I had a blast, just riding without thinking about destination and ending up in random places. I don't know whether this is a lot or not, but I rode about 6000 km last summer.

Even though I enjoyed this still beutiful machine, I've been thinking about getting a newer bike that suits more of what I've always wanted.

I have a few bikes in mind (all 2008 or newer):

Suzuki GSXR-600
Suzuki GSXR-750
Honda CBR600
Kawasaki Ninja 650 (EX650)
Kawasaki ER-6N

To briefly describe about me, I'm about 5'8", in mid 20's, consider myself a very responsible driver/rider, haven't had any speeding tickets since I passed my license at the age of 16.

I've been reading reviews, looking ads, etc. and I'm really loving the look of GSXRs or ER-6N. I'm posting this to ask for any advice you guys can give me to this pretty new rider, things such as if going to 750 is too much, if there are any problems with the bikes in above list, what's the bike you personally would get, etc.

Thanks for your inputs in advance!
 
I would be looking at insurance quotes before you decide. Since you didnt' seem to mention finances.
 
I am actually waiting for response from my current insurance provider. For reference, for the bike I have, I'm paying about $1100 a year. Lucky for me though, I have a pretty decent job so as long as insurance isn't crazy high, I'm ok with it.
 
6000km experience is most likely good enough for you to be able to handle any of the bikes you listed with a moderate amount of safety (aka with your experience you won't grab a fistful of throttle the first time you get on it etc).

gsxr 750 is going to have the most power, thus you will change gears less etc.

ninja 650 is going to have the best ergonomics (along with the er6n) with a fairing for wind protection. Essentially they are the same bike though.

I've heard the cbr 600 is the most comfortable 600cc supersport, but it is all personal preferance (and 600cc SS bikes are not known for being comfortable to begin with).

What kind of riding would you like to do?

Ride onramps and post up in the city for short rides, or go up north and ride twisty roads for a little, maybe the gsxr 600 or cbr 600
Want a bit more power, not have to change gears as much, gsxr 750 it is.
want to tour a bit, and be comfortable on your way up to the twisties? ninja 650
Want a commuter bike that still will be super comfortable, but with less wind protection, then the er6n.

you can't go wrong with any of the bikes you mentioned, personal preference is key. Find out when demo days are and go ride them yourself!!
 
I agree regarding the insurance. It's not unheard of to end up with insurance rates that could see you paying for your bike over again, in just 2 years. Depending upon your insurer engine size and bike type can effect your rates. One additional bike that you might want to add to your list, is the Kawasaki Versys 650. It has the same engine as the ER-6n and Ninja 650R, but somewhat ironically has a better grade of front suspension. I also found that several insurers didn't black list or surcharge it, like they did those other two bikes.
 
Rob MacLennan said:
It has the same engine as the ER-6n and Ninja 650R, but somewhat ironically has a better grade of front suspension. I also found that several insurers didn't black list or surcharge it, like they did those other two bikes.
Click to expand...

Whoa whoa, the er-6n and 650r got surcharged?
 
A Supersport 600/750 is a lot of bike compared to what you are currently riding. These bikes will get you in trouble very quickly if you aren't careful with the throttle. To be honest with you 6000 km/s of riding is not very much. Have you ridden in all types of weather and road/traffic conditions? If not, then perhaps another season of saddle time with your Honda could prove useful. But only You know that for sure. Happy Riding in 2012.
 
Deimos said:
Whoa whoa, the er-6n and 650r got surcharged?
Click to expand...

Actually specifically The Co-operators, a company I had been with for more than 20 years with my car, and roughly the same period of time with my motorcycle, refused to insure either the ER or the Ninja 650R. They considered them both to be sportbikes. They would, however, continue to insure my '00 VFR800 or a new one, if I had bought one, or the Versys. Someone, at The Co-operators, really needs to buy a vowel when it comes to motorcycles. I discontinued all of my business with them.
 
moarmoto said:
I have a few bikes in mind (all 2008 or newer):

Suzuki GSXR-600
Suzuki GSXR-750
Honda CBR600
Kawasaki Ninja 650 (EX650)
Kawasaki ER-6N
Click to expand...

How'd you get at this list? You're spanning a wide spectrum of motorcycles here, from the least ergonomical supersports to semi-naked uprights; from 150hp down to 70hp.

You should narrow down the type of bike you wanna be riding first, and then decide which model to get. GSXR750 will give you the most grunt while the ER6N and 650 will give you all-day riding comfort, although with less than half the power.
 
The Road Warrior said:
Simple decision, a GSXR750.
Click to expand...
I have a 2010 Gsxr 750 and for a supersport it is the most comfortable bike I have had so far.

going from a 600 to a 750 it was about 350 dollars more (for me) a year.

You won't regret it as it's an awesome ride but they aren't cheap to buy. However, I would recommend you to seat on a bunch of them, do your research then decide
 
GSXRs, to me, have always been the most comfortable and well-rounded supersports for street use. The power delivery has a nice fat midrange, the transmissions are buttery smooth, and the ergonomics aren't a complete torture rack. The seats are nice and plush too compared to the likes of Honda etc.

The 750 sits nicely between the 6 and 1k. You don't need to wind it out like a sewing machine to get the power out of it. For someone who really wants to ride a supersport on the street, the GSXR750 is probably the best bang for buck, and you wouldn't get bored of it for a long time.
 
The Road Warrior said:
Simple decision, a GSXR750.
Click to expand...

ZX600 said:
I have a 2010 Gsxr 750 and for a supersport it is the most comfortable bike I have had so far.

going from a 600 to a 750 it was about 350 dollars more (for me) a year.

You won't regret it as it's an awesome ride but they aren't cheap to buy. However, I would recommend you to seat on a bunch of them, do your research then decide
Click to expand...

mmmnaked said:
GSXRs, to me, have always been the most comfortable and well-rounded supersports for street use. The power delivery has a nice fat midrange, the transmissions are buttery smooth, and the ergonomics aren't a complete torture rack. The seats are nice and plush too compared to the likes of Honda etc.

The 750 sits nicely between the 6 and 1k. You don't need to wind it out like a sewing machine to get the power out of it. For someone who really wants to ride a supersport on the street, the GSXR750 is probably the best bang for buck, and you wouldn't get bored of it for a long time.
Click to expand...
I'm going to say the 750, but that's only because I'm biased. :)
On a side note, don't be intimidated by the power.
It's my first bike and I've had no mishaps on it whatsoever.
It's all about respect for the machine.
Good luck with your decision, either way, you'll be having tons of fun!
 
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wearelopey said:
6000km experience is most likely good enough for you to be able to handle any of the bikes you listed with a moderate amount of safety (aka with your experience you won't grab a fistful of throttle the first time you get on it etc).

gsxr 750 is going to have the most power, thus you will change gears less etc.

ninja 650 is going to have the best ergonomics (along with the er6n) with a fairing for wind protection. Essentially they are the same bike though.

I've heard the cbr 600 is the most comfortable 600cc supersport, but it is all personal preferance (and 600cc SS bikes are not known for being comfortable to begin with).

What kind of riding would you like to do?

Ride onramps and post up in the city for short rides, or go up north and ride twisty roads for a little, maybe the gsxr 600 or cbr 600
Want a bit more power, not have to change gears as much, gsxr 750 it is.
want to tour a bit, and be comfortable on your way up to the twisties? ninja 650
Want a commuter bike that still will be super comfortable, but with less wind protection, then the er6n.

you can't go wrong with any of the bikes you mentioned, personal preference is key. Find out when demo days are and go ride them yourself!!
Click to expand...

I will be doing a lot of commuting from work on it and would like to take it out of the city on the weekends, also doing a fair bit of city riding. I think I'm leaning towards either Ninja650 or ER6N. Although, the looks of the GSXRs are just simply jaw-dropping for me. Pardon my newbness, but is there a big difference in having fairing (ER6N vs. Ninja 650)? Personally I like the naked look of the bikes, but I could always take off the fairing in the end, even it if means getting another instrument panel?

mmmnaked said:
How'd you get at this list? You're spanning a wide spectrum of motorcycles here, from the least ergonomical supersports to semi-naked uprights; from 150hp down to 70hp.

You should narrow down the type of bike you wanna be riding first, and then decide which model to get. GSXR750 will give you the most grunt while the ER6N and 650 will give you all-day riding comfort, although with less than half the power.
Click to expand...

To be honest, it basically came down to looks. I haven't been on that many bikes so don't know too much about how uncomfortable the SS can get. The 84 magna did get somewhat uncomfortable if I ride it for the whole day, but I'd imagine that's normal?

As wearelopey pointed out, I should try on different bikes if possible and go from there.

Thanks for great advice guys. Now I just hope the insurance people send me something soon :D
 
moarmoto said:
Personally I like the naked look of the bikes, but I could always take off the fairing in the end, even it if means getting another instrument panel?
Click to expand...

If that's the case, you should take a good and hard look at Yamaha FZ8 or Fazer 8. Fantastic bikes, and much better than 600 Ninja toys you are wasting your time looking at.
 
moarmoto said:
I will be doing a lot of commuting from work on it and would like to take it out of the city on the weekends, also doing a fair bit of city riding. I think I'm leaning towards either Ninja650 or ER6N. Although, the looks of the GSXRs are just simply jaw-dropping for me. Pardon my newbness, but is there a big difference in having fairing (ER6N vs. Ninja 650)? Personally I like the naked look of the bikes, but I could always take off the fairing in the end, even it if means getting another instrument panel?
Click to expand...

They're virtually the same bike, save for the fairing. I know from looking through the parts lists that the forks on the two bikes are different, at least on the years before the 2012 model year, but you wouldn't know it to look at the two bikes side by side. The difference in the forks is 1/2 a degree in rake (ninja 650R = 24.5, ER-6N = 25)
 
You should get a used Amazonas for sure.

Amazonas-motorcycle.jpg
 
I think you just wanna have something a little more modern and fresh and don't neccessarily need more power. It's really up to you. A lot of folks will tell you how much they love their SS, 600/750.



I'd say give yourself this riding season to really check things out. Ask to join some local riders for a ride. Get a better feel for what suits you. Check out the demo rides. And just be patient. Something will call your name. It will be the right bike for the right price and the right time.
 
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