Decisions decisions...

Forum Sponsor
EC2010 said:
Didn't you recently survive the Ironbutt on the 250? what are you complaining about? :D

Alright, now being serious. Don't rule out the Ninja 650. I did the switch from 250 to 650 and couldn't be happier. No need to get a Corbin seat (stock is cushy enough). I've 2-up'd and it's really comfortable for both. The adjustable windscreen really works. The riding position is comfortable and I can keep riding at highway speed until the tank runs dry before I take a break (and that's with a no-drag knapsack). If you are looking for luggage, GIVI makes the top case and side cases for it, or you can go with tailbag/saddlebags. The Ninja 650 behaves like a 250 in terms of maneuverability, it handles like a "bigger & heavier" 250 and even easier with slow speed stuff. Don't let the "sport-touring" fool you - it packs a punch at high speed that can also get you into trouble with HTA172 easily, not that you'll be doing that sort of stuff when you go on long touring rides. My only complaint is its 16L tank... wish it's 18L.

Check out the new bikes coming out for 2013. Lots of choices. I got my eyes on the CBR 500 (with ABS), but probably ended up riding the 650 for another full season.

It'll be cool to see another 650 with the World's Toughest Rider license plate on the road. Hit me up with any questions you may have.
Click to expand...

I presume this was a 2012 or 2013 model? 2013 is available with ABS as well, btw.
 
alvin545 said:
I test rode the NC700S and did not like it. The bike handled well, but the motor had a very low rev range and I kept hitting redline. I get that the motor is tuned towards more useable power down low and also higher fuel economy, but I just wasn't used to that style of riding (still owned the Ninja 250 at that time and was used to revving it a lot).
Click to expand...

Yeah I don't get this bike really. From looking at the fuel economy numbers it doesn't actually do much better than some people get on a 650R. The 650R has more torque, I believe, and a much higher rev limit. Plus it's lighter if I remember correctly. Looks better too, IMO. That storage compartment on the 700 could be very useful, though. I'd probably get a 650R or SV650 before the NC700.
 
mimico_polak said:
I've seen run into it a few times in my research but it seems like a fairly aggressive riding position. The only bike I'm looking at new is the CB500 series as all the other ones are priced within my budget as used bikes. But I will dig into this one a bit more to learn more. Thanks for the suggestion.

There was a really sweet one posted for sale here on GTAM a few months ago but I think it's sold by now. Price seemed very fair as well for what the bike is.
Click to expand...

Its not that aggressive of a riding position - and if you found it to be I would suggest HELI Bars - simple fix

good luck
 
Riceburner said:
Don't listen to him...he doesn't even own one.




















...anymore. :p
gap02.jpg


I'd say upgrade to a bigger bike if you plan on any 2up touring.
Click to expand...
hahahahahhaah
 
mimico_polak said:
Has anyone driven the NC700S? I've been doing some more research on the bikes mentioned but this bike keeps coming up as a viable option as well. Only issue at the moment is price, but it is a bike I'm interested in hearing more opinions about. MacDoc here has ridden it and didn't like it, but most of the reviews that I read online are very positive for this bike.

Anyone on here ridden the 700S/X? I'd like some real world experiences and thoughts about this bike. There's absolutely zero of them online for sale as used, but that could be because they entered the market late last year, or sucked, or the owners love them. I checked the 700 forums but that's like checking the 250 forums, the bike can do no wrong! LoL
Click to expand...

Cycle World mag tested this bike in their latest issue against the Versys, V-strom and the GS. It has about half the hp of the other bikes and it's short geared. I guess it would be good for beginners or something. V-strom won, but Versys is the most fun to ride :)
 
Last edited:
Actually the cb500x does look very interesting so I can't wait to see it at the show next week. Also I just saw a F800s which looks nice and is priced not too outrageously. Thoughts?

Edit: also one of my concerns on BMW is repair costs...are these things reliable? There's a nice '02 with 36k on it but I know that BMW cars are not cheap to fix when things go wrong.
 
Last edited:
Just had an interesting offer to buy a buddy's bike. 1997 Virago 535 and use that for very light touring with the gf.

What do you guys think? I'd keep the CBR250 and store the Virago at the cottage to use for some quick cruising. Storage is the pain in the *** though but I think I can make it work.
 
mimico_polak said:
Just had an interesting offer to buy a buddy's bike. 1997 Virago 535 and use that for very light touring with the gf.

What do you guys think? I'd keep the CBR250 and store the Virago at the cottage to use for some quick cruising. Storage is the pain in the *** though but I think I can make it work.
Click to expand...

Insurance on a second bike you would rarely ride....
 
Ya insurance put a stop to that. Range of $800-1400 just for the second bike. Definitely not worth it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom