ifiddles
Well-known member
what about a versys 650 or an er-6 n or even a v-strom?
Thinking of upgrading...thoughts and suggestions anyone?
- Thread starter mimico_polak
- Start date
Size-wise, the V-Strom is a tank compared to a CBR125 or even a Ninja 250R. I started out with a 250R last March, upgraded to a Ninja 650R this May, and wound up trading it in for a V-Strom DL650 in early November. I absolutely love my V-Strom, but I do sometimes miss the Ninjas; the 250R for its unbeatable flickability and forgiving nature, and the 650R for its faster acceleration and sportier look.
The V-Strom is not a pretty bike (maybe the 2012 one is a little more-so, but I hate its headlights lol...) but it is definitely an awesome bike for longer trips/touring style riding.
If the OP is a taller rider, and wants a nice touring bike, the V-Strom may be a consideration; otherwise I would stick to the smaller sportbikes, such as the Ninja 250/400/650, or any similar bike.
Hey guys,
I did look at the bigger touring bikes, but unfortunately at 5'7...I might be tip toeing a little bit! I've sat on the VStrom and I'm definitely to short to ride that thing, however I haven't gotten near a Versys and never even heard of the ER-6 but will add that to bikes to research a bit more.
I did look at the bigger touring bikes, but unfortunately at 5'7...I might be tip toeing a little bit! I've sat on the VStrom and I'm definitely to short to ride that thing, however I haven't gotten near a Versys and never even heard of the ER-6 but will add that to bikes to research a bit more.
Yup, you'd definitely have some issues with the V-Strom then.
That said, you can get most bikes lowered to a degree, including the V-Strom.The ER-6N (the N for Naked) is actually the naked version of the Ninja 650R (which is also known as the ER-6F, for Full-Fairing.) It's a very interesting looking bike, as its front half is considerably different from the Ninja's. I actually really wanted one prior to getting the 650R.
The Versys, I'm not quite sure how to describe. It's kind of like Kawasaki's own V-Strom I suppose.. it's somewhat based on the Ninja 650/ER-6N, as well as the KLR650. That being the case, it's also a bit of a taller bike, and meant more for pavement riding than it is any offroading. It's kind of like Suzuki's V-Strom is to the SV650 -- same/similar motor, but bigger and torquier in the lower RPM's, geared more for touring than speed/racing.
TekNinja81...that ER-6N looks awesome! I've never seen it before so I'll def look into it as it's quite interesting! One of the first things I need to do is talk to State Farm to see what my insurance premium will be...I know when I bought the 125 the price for GS500/VULCAN500 was approximately 1100-1200/year...which isn't huge but still a big jump from the $600 I'm paying now! Is that bike classified as a sport?
I'm not fully aware of how they classify the bikes as some of the 600s (vstrom/klr/hornet) are classified as standard bikes so they don't have the huge insurance premiums on them.
I'm not fully aware of how they classify the bikes as some of the 600s (vstrom/klr/hornet) are classified as standard bikes so they don't have the huge insurance premiums on them.
Starting carbed bikes isn't that bad. Just let them idle while you get your gear on and take it easy for a bit while they warm up.
The hardest bike to start that I have owned was an injected BMW K75. When the temp got below -10, you would have to pull all the plugs and heat them with a torch to get it to fire. I got pretty quick at it after a while, in the winter I would always carry an allen key, sparkplug socket and microtorch under the seat.
I am pretty sure statefarm rates only on displacement not class of bikes. This makes an R6 cheaper than an sv650 with statefarm and it is why statefarm gets most of the SS business in Ontario. It seems like a dumb system to me, but is works out for the SS riders looking for marginally affordable insurance. I wouldn't be surprised if other companys beats statefarms pricing for 650's.
I was originally with TD/Primmum when I got the 250R, and they screwed me around. I was quoted about $2,400 with my M1 and no course, but it was to drop to $1,660 once I got my M2 and course cert. Did that, called and got that rate (supposedly), but when I got my renewal papers this year, they had bumped it back up to around $2,400, which is ridiculous.
They claimed that the $1,660 was pro-rated for the last few months of the year (I'd gotten my M2 in May) and impossibly low for a sport-bike, that the cheapest possible would still be over $2,000. Pricks. I called up Jevco, and they gave me *better* coverage, with lower deductibles, for $1,099.
When I ugpraded to the Ninja 650R with them, my rate went up to $1,400 which is still quite fair. With the V-Strom, I will be dropped down to the range of $850 next year -- I believe partially due to it being more of a touring and less a sport bike, but also because it is a used '05, versus the Ninjas which were both 2010 models and brand new.
So definitely scout around. When I called SF when I first got the 250R, the agent I spoke with claimed they only insure bikes when paired with auto insurance on a car. This is not true of all SF agents, apparently, but I find the total non-standardism of insurance to be a joke...
Oh, note that with Jevco (probably other insurance co's as well) you get discounts after you've been insured for a full season even if it's not with them.. also, at the age of 25 and 30 they drop the rate a bit.
They claimed that the $1,660 was pro-rated for the last few months of the year (I'd gotten my M2 in May) and impossibly low for a sport-bike, that the cheapest possible would still be over $2,000. Pricks. I called up Jevco, and they gave me *better* coverage, with lower deductibles, for $1,099.
When I ugpraded to the Ninja 650R with them, my rate went up to $1,400 which is still quite fair. With the V-Strom, I will be dropped down to the range of $850 next year -- I believe partially due to it being more of a touring and less a sport bike, but also because it is a used '05, versus the Ninjas which were both 2010 models and brand new.
So definitely scout around. When I called SF when I first got the 250R, the agent I spoke with claimed they only insure bikes when paired with auto insurance on a car. This is not true of all SF agents, apparently, but I find the total non-standardism of insurance to be a joke...
Oh, note that with Jevco (probably other insurance co's as well) you get discounts after you've been insured for a full season even if it's not with them.. also, at the age of 25 and 30 they drop the rate a bit.
Yes, Jevco may be the way to go, most people choose it for non SS. None of the bikes you're looking at are classified super sport so you're good.
I'm paying $580 a year, one way, for a SV650. First year I paid around $800. I'm 32 though, clean record.
As mentioned above, State Farrm is mostly used by people who ride SS bikes as SF goes by CCs only.
ER-6N is a neat looking bike but consider that fully faired motorcycles are more comfortable at highway speeds with less wind hitting your body and head.
Depends what you need it for.
I'm paying $580 a year, one way, for a SV650. First year I paid around $800. I'm 32 though, clean record.
As mentioned above, State Farrm is mostly used by people who ride SS bikes as SF goes by CCs only.
ER-6N is a neat looking bike but consider that fully faired motorcycles are more comfortable at highway speeds with less wind hitting your body and head.
Depends what you need it for.
.backtobikes
Active member
I recently picked up a BMW R1100 and comparing it to other bikes I've ridden, it is a blast. Big twins have incredible torque.
The R1100 is 500 lbs. I would definitely avoid anything heavier.
I found sport touring fit my needs for comfort and fun, not to mention practicality. The boxer twins are a solid bike. My brother has put more miles on motorcycles than anyone I know, and has toured all over North America, and spent time at the track. He's had many bikes, including a variety of high end Honda and Kawasaki bikes plus a GSXR 1000. He contends his BMW R1100 is by far his favourite. Very comfortable and great handling machines. I'm very glad he convinced me to try one.
The R1100 is 500 lbs. I would definitely avoid anything heavier.
I found sport touring fit my needs for comfort and fun, not to mention practicality. The boxer twins are a solid bike. My brother has put more miles on motorcycles than anyone I know, and has toured all over North America, and spent time at the track. He's had many bikes, including a variety of high end Honda and Kawasaki bikes plus a GSXR 1000. He contends his BMW R1100 is by far his favourite. Very comfortable and great handling machines. I'm very glad he convinced me to try one.
I'm quite sure the R1100 is going to be a little too big at the moment...as well as insurance may be more than I'm willing to pay! LoL
Seems like there's a lot of options out there and one of my first concerns is calling my agent to see the price difference.
For commuting and the occassional highway jaunt it looks like the 250s are enough, although there's always the concern of outgrowing the bike quickly. I've narrowed the bigger bikes to the Hornet 599 and the gs500 as those are bikes I really like, and the 250 Honda is closer to the top of my list for the smaller displacement bike. If it wasn't for age, I'd look into the 89 CB1 as that's a sweet looking bike too but I'm concerned mechanically I don't have enough know-how to deal with break downs.
Thank you all for the great suggestions, and I hope to see you all in the spring back on the road again!
Seems like there's a lot of options out there and one of my first concerns is calling my agent to see the price difference.
For commuting and the occassional highway jaunt it looks like the 250s are enough, although there's always the concern of outgrowing the bike quickly. I've narrowed the bigger bikes to the Hornet 599 and the gs500 as those are bikes I really like, and the 250 Honda is closer to the top of my list for the smaller displacement bike. If it wasn't for age, I'd look into the 89 CB1 as that's a sweet looking bike too but I'm concerned mechanically I don't have enough know-how to deal with break downs.
Thank you all for the great suggestions, and I hope to see you all in the spring back on the road again!
I would skip the 250 AND the 500. You already learned the basics. Why get anther beginner bike!? Both the Hornet and the SV are cool choices. Can't really go wrong with either. Yeah, the Hornet is Carbed, which is the only drawback but I think I'd still pick the Hornet as the #1 choice and the SV at #2. If insurance is that much of a concern than MAYBE get the GS but that would be the only reason.
I think the newer Hornets are fuel injected, which makes it an even sweeter deal
peterventure
Well-known member
Also, have a 2010 GS500F and found it exceeded my expectations. Too bad 2010 was it's last year. Wonder what Suzuki will replace it with?
QUOTE=jcarboni;1702873]I have the GS500F and I love it .
Cheap on insurance[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=jcarboni;1702873]I have the GS500F and I love it .
Cheap on insurance[/QUOTE]
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Wow guys! Thanks for the additional info...I'm def swinging towards the 500's+ now as everywhere I read the cbr250 is a nice bike...but will make me wanting more quickly! LoL
So I have a question about another bike now...does anyone have thoughts on the Buell Blast 500?? I know 3 people that have/had one at some point and they've all spoken very fondly of this bike...however my concern is that Buell is no longer in business so what's maintenance/working on it like? Parts issue?
Thanks again!
So I have a question about another bike now...does anyone have thoughts on the Buell Blast 500?? I know 3 people that have/had one at some point and they've all spoken very fondly of this bike...however my concern is that Buell is no longer in business so what's maintenance/working on it like? Parts issue?
Thanks again!
Skip this bike, it's a single cylinder beginner bike. Will be slower than a Ninja 500 or GS500. Buell made some nice bikes but this one was pretty much designed as a cheap learning tool.
