First bike... Ninja 500, Ninja 650, or SV650. Any advice or input?

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One of the posters commented on the more upright seating position of the 650R which is correct compared to the SV, it is definetely more upright with the stock bars. I can't comment on power delivery as I'm using the 400R but I've put on sport bars and love the feel and the short wheelbase on the bike. One of my friends has a '10 SV which I should actually compare with him now that I have the aftermarket bars. The banana seat on the 650r is subjective from my experience, some like it while some hate it, but the Corbin aftermarket seat is apparently quite nice (although leather, keep that in mind if you plan on riding in the rain). I might just get a cowl or something done to the stock seat instead. The exhaust on the SV really turned me off, I liked the looks of the Ninja better with the underbody exhaust. Just my two cents.
 
ReactionRED... Thanks for the info, and I agree with you about the howitzer looking exhaust on the SV lol. The underslung, stubby exhaust on the Ninja 650 looks way better. I am actually looking at the non S version of the SV. This version has an almost identical seating position to the Ninja 650, and the foot pegs are as tucked back. I sat on one at one of the local dealers before it sold, and it was REALLY comfortable. Kind of wish I had snatched it up now lol.
 
I didn't even think to include my height and weight in my original post. Not sure how relevant it is. But just in case, I am 5'10" and 200lbs. Maybe it would make a difference on the 500?
 
Crom said:
I didn't even think to include my height and weight in my original post. Not sure how relevant it is. But just in case, I am 5'10" and 200lbs. Maybe it would make a difference on the 500?
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Once you hit the 500cc+ mark, I don't think a single rider's weight plays too much of a factor, unless you start racing.
 
Crom said:
I didn't even think to include my height and weight in my original post. Not sure how relevant it is. But just in case, I am 5'10" and 200lbs. Maybe it would make a difference on the 500?
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I was 186lb (5'11") when I bought my GS500 2 years ago and I had no problems riding it at all. I am 167lb now, and I did feel the difference, bike was easier to maneuver and slightly faster on acceleration. So there is a difference, but not major.
 
I have the GS500 and I have no issues with the power. I've been on many group rides and been able to keep up no problem on the highways. (now that I'm comfortable staying close to the rider in front of me...) I've done more than 5000kms on my bike this season and I'm not bored at all and every day I go out I get more comfortable with my bike and push it and my self a little more every time.

My friend just recently got a Ninja 650 and it was a bit scary for her at first but she took it easy and on her 3rd trip out was able to go all the way to Tobermory with us. The main thing I like about this bike is that it is fuel injected!!! Love that you don't have to wait to warm up the bike. Also, it looks awesome.
 
ReactionRED said:
One of the posters commented on the more upright seating position of the 650R which is correct compared to the SV, it is definetely more upright with the stock bars. I can't comment on power delivery as I'm using the 400R but I've put on sport bars and love the feel and the short wheelbase on the bike. One of my friends has a '10 SV which I should actually compare with him now that I have the aftermarket bars. The banana seat on the 650r is subjective from my experience, some like it while some hate it, but the Corbin aftermarket seat is apparently quite nice (although leather, keep that in mind if you plan on riding in the rain). I might just get a cowl or something done to the stock seat instead. The exhaust on the SV really turned me off, I liked the looks of the Ninja better with the underbody exhaust. Just my two cents.
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Is your buddy's SV the S or naked? Naked has handlebars and the S has clip ons.
 
A couple seasons of ninja 500 and nowhere near bored of the power. When it comes to keeping up in group rides, my ability plays a factor far more than the power of my bike.

If you have the extra money for insurance, go for the 650, but 500 if plenty.

You can lead a bunch of super sports on a CBR 125, if you are a good rider.
 
i would say the sv. i have the s model, amazing bike, has a lot of torque, and plenty of power to keep you smiling for years. top speed is 240km which is more then enough
 
I really like the seating position of the naked, having sat on both. The S just felt a bit weird to me, and felt like my shoulders and upper back would get cramped after riding for a while. My lower back has it's days too.

Anyone here not like the S model at first, but found after riding one for a while it really grew on them? I'm open to the possibility. Though the naked was just so damn comfy lol.

How long can you S riders boot around on your bike before you start getting stiff/tired shoulders/back?
 
I took out he sv650s twice this last weekend at a demo ride. After the first morning ride, I just had to sign up for it again! This was the bike I was thinking of going for and needed to try it out. Well worth getting up early, now I know I like it. I can see getting tired after 2-3+ hours on it though. ***One thing I kinda HATE, it vibrates so much, hands got numb after the ride but that is an easy fix.

Powerband is up to about 7000 / 7500 then it just dies (not literally), it is a vtwin so great pull at 6000 rpm, its a torque bike, perfect bike for city riding and good enough for other things too. Go for it!....
 
Crom said:
How long can you S riders boot around on your bike before you start getting stiff/tired shoulders/back?
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S500K said:
I can see getting tired after 2-3+ hours on it though. ***One thing I kinda HATE, it vibrates so much, hands got numb after the ride but that is an easy fix.
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Sounds about right.

I've done Niagara to Montreal on a saturday, ride all night with a friend in Montreal.
Sunday ride from Montreal to Ottawa and back through back roads.
Take a break on monday, helped my father move stuff from his old house to new house all day.
Tuesday ride from Montreal to Niagara.

Wednesday, thursday, friday...didn't even think of riding cause my hand was still vibrating in my sleep hahaha.

There are a dozen remedies out there that range from free (sand in the handlebars) to lots of $$ (specialty products). I have yet to try any cause it doesn't bother me that much anymore.
The harder you grip the handles or the more weight you put on the handlebars, the faster your hand will go numb. This was a great incentive for me to learn to squeeze the bike with my legs at all times. Worked out great. Now my hand starts to go numb when I ride a little lazy on long boring stretches of roads.
 
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mjavor said:
A couple seasons of ninja 500 and nowhere near bored of the power. When it comes to keeping up in group rides, my ability plays a factor far more than the power of my bike.

If you have the extra money for insurance, go for the 650, but 500 if plenty.

You can lead a bunch of super sports on a CBR 125, if you are a good rider.
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+1

The are many great deals to be had if you're willing to look. There are currently a few for sale on Kijiji in and around Toronto. That being said, insurance is fairly reasonable since most insurance companies either consider it a standard or a sport tourer. Very few put into the SS category.

As for the styling, sure It's a little outdated but it's inline with other sport tourers of the time. I actually don't mind the styling at all. It also helps that mine is black! The engine design has been around for a long time but it's very reliable and there is a huge quantity of parts online, salvage yards, etc. The community of owners is also fairly large so there are many people that can help you with the maintenance, repairs, etc.

The 500R is fairly competent as a 2up bike. I ride 2up quite a bit and have had no problems. In fact I did a weekend recently trip from the T.O. area to London 2up with full saddle bags. Again, no issue with merging or passing. I find the bike quite comfortable overall.

Lastly, can you keep with larger bikes? That depends more on you than the bike. In good hands this bike will more than keep up with some of the larger bikes. I've had the bike for a little over 2 years and I still haven't fully explored the extremes of the bike. This bike is a fantastic tool for developing your skills. It is said that "it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than it's to ride a fast bike slow".

Am I bored of it? Not at all. Could I ride a larger cc bike? Sure. Do I need to or want to right now? No. But that's just me.

OP - Cheers and good luck with whatever decision you make. All the other choices you've mentioned are also fantastic bikes in the own rights.
 
Crom maybe I missed it but if this is your first bike - what is your licence situation as unless you are very well heeled the insurance s going to be a huge factor in your choice.
If you could fill us in on age and riding experience it would help you and us.
 
Lots of great info here so far... thanks guys.

MacDoc... I just passed my safety course the week before last, and will be submitting my paperwork for my M2 in about 2 weeks. Early thirties, with no riding experience other than the course I took.

Before I even considered riding, I called my insurance. It's State Farm so they base the price on the size of the engine. For a Ninja 500 I'm looking at $65/month, and a Ninja 650 would cost $82/month. Apparently it comes down after your first year.
 
Crom said:
I don't see how I could EVER get bored of a 650. I have never ridden a 650 of course, but from from the videos I have seen, it's a wicked fast bike, more so than I would ever be able to use. If I did buy a 650, I would never go any bigger. The 500 I am not sure of. Some people say they get bored, some say their 500 is still their fun, go to back after owning nicer bikes. It's a bit confusing though, as the Ninja 500 is listed as having 59hp, versus the 65hp-72hp of the two 650s. Doesn't seem like much of a difference. More torque of course.

mmmnaked... can you explain what it was about the power delivery that makes you strongly recommend it over the 500? Unfortunately I don't think I'll have a chance to try either before I buy, as most people don't allow test drives.
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I started on an SV650 in 2009, and I absolutely LOVE it.

I decided to get the SV as my first bike for several reasons:

1) I find buying/selling vehicles a hassle, so with this I wouldn't get bored quickly; I'm in my 3rd season now, and still entertained by this bike.
2) I loved the idea of low-end torque: which is perfect for city riding.
3) I was initially more comfortable on a motorcycle than I anticipated, which I discovered during my RTI M2 course. I guess it was a combination of lots of bicycling experience (balance), driving stick and tracking my car (understanding power/weight transfer) and just overall comfort on two-wheels.
4) I knew ahead of time that I wouldn't be a super aggressive rider: some guys buy their first bikes knowing that they'll eventually want a SS. I dont really have that aspiration, as I simply enjoy the freedom of being on two wheels altogether.
5) Fuel injection = easier maintenance
6) I just so happened to find TWO of the EXACT bike I was looking for: 2004+ Naked, Blue SV... they were both extremely low km's, so I bought from the more flexible seller.

All that being said, I'm now aiming at upgrading to a naked Yamaha FZ8 as I believe a bigger motor will be better on the highway, and the suspension is definitely better, but since they're so expensive it might be another few years before I do so.
 
Crom said:
I really like the seating position of the naked, having sat on both. The S just felt a bit weird to me, and felt like my shoulders and upper back would get cramped after riding for a while. My lower back has it's days too.

Anyone here not like the S model at first, but found after riding one for a while it really grew on them? I'm open to the possibility. Though the naked was just so damn comfy lol.

How long can you S riders boot around on your bike before you start getting stiff/tired shoulders/back?
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My K3 (subframe is about 2" higher than the other Gen2s) is very comfortable compared to my previous SS bikes. For long distance rides, I'll normally take a stretch break every couple hours. 1000-1500km a day isn't a problem.

When starting out, it takes some time to get used to clip ons. To avoid cramps the adjusted angle of the levers and your ability to hold your weight up with your core muscles plays a huge part in long-ride comfort.
 
S500K said:
Powerband is up to about 7000 / 7500 then it just dies (not literally), it is a vtwin so great pull at 6000 rpm, its a torque bike, perfect bike for city riding and good enough for other things too. Go for it!....
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That's weird, mine pulls hardest from 7000-10000 and then the drop off is noticeable. Works well for roll-on passing in 6th (~120km/h is around 6000).
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