Hello! A new rider from Socal says hi.

[r00]

Hey all! I've been lurking for a little while, and just registered a couple days ago, reading all manners of great topics here. I do have a question, which I haven't found the answer to yet, but maybe some of you can help..

Is there a huge difference between a 650cc cruiser and a 650cc sportbike? I would assume that the sportbike is faster since it's a lighter, but am I incorrect in my judgement?

I'm a new rider, and am looking at an SV650 or smaller, probably a GS500 if I can find one used, but would I get in over my head with a cruiser that was 650? For a first bike, I don't really care which style, as I'll probably change bikes in a year or so, so I'm just interested in the power differences between the same displacement cruiser or sportbike. FYI, turning 30 later this year, 5'11", 178lbs, if that gives any help!

Interesting note, two of my friends that took the MSF with me, one got a HD 1200 Sportster, the other a Ducati Monster 695, as their first bikes. Overkill? I'm too paranoid (rightly so) that I'd spill either of those two, so I'm getting a used ride for my first bike. I took the HD1200 out for a spin around the block, and it's got a lot of power for me. Does the cruiser have to compensate for its weight by having a greater engine displacement, or is that just bollocks?

[Ext1jdh]

Good choice with the 500, in my opinion. a 650 cruiser is significantly more forgiving than a sportbike.

[robertc729]

[wookie]

Big difference, homes. 500 will be good.

There is a big difference between 650-cc cruiser vs a 650-cc sportbike, depending on what kind of 650-cc sport bike you're talking about.

I am going to start by assuming you're talking about a V-twin sportbike, like a Ducati or Suzuki SV650(naked or S).

In this case, I am going to say the power difference between the cruiser and the sportbike would be marginal.

However, the sportbike, in general, will feel faster (hell, it might actually be faster) because it's lighter than the cruiser (unless you have a cruiser made of lightweight metals). It would also be more agile and nimble. The problem is that for the uninitiated, it will feel less stable (it's actually less stable) because you sit higher up (higher CG). For newbies, the stability issue might be a turn off, or you just stick with it, you will get over it in about 600 to 1000 miles.

If on the other hand, you're looking at the race replica 600-cc (mostly I-4 engined) bikes, then the performance difference will be like night and day, because these bikes normally have at least 30 to 40% more HP than the V-twin 650cc bikes (mostly available at illegal speeds). Those bikes are also at least 50 to 100 lb lighter than their V-twin counterparts.

For a first bike, you want a cheap bike so that when you drop it in one of those inevitable parking lot slow maneuvers, it won't hurt your wallet as much (or if you don't mind the minor dent/scratches, it won't hurt you at all). So that would pretty much rule out the new HD or the new Monster 695, unless you make a 6-figure annual income.

I think the GS500 will be a good starter. My local dealer has one. I can pass on the information to you if interested.

If anyone tries to convince you that you need a 600-cc race replica bike because a 650 V-twin sportbike would not be powerful enough, consider the following: I am 36 years old, 185 lb in weight (with gear, it'd be more like 210 lb), 5ft 9 in. On my stock SV650S (no upgrades to suspensions or engine), in the Santa Monica canyon roads, I have no problem keeping up or passing folks riding much more powerful bikes like R1, Gixxer 1k, etc.

I live in the San Gabriel valley, only about 40 miles away. So if you'd like to discuss this in person, just PM me.

[blackie1491]

Starting out on a smaller bike is the way to go. If you read the threads here you will see lots of reasons.

It will give you the opportunity to learn and hone your skills before moving
up to a larger bikes. A 600 cc RR Sportbike has a top speed in the 170-185 MPH
range, where as a cruiser like a C50 (805 cc) will top out at 110 MPH.

Be smart, ride safe and enjoy.

[PhotoJoe]

Santa Monica 'eh!? A 500 is overkill for the traffic you have there. I don't mean just Santa Monica Blvd, but the 405 is no faster. The 500 is small, agile, cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to insure, fast enough for the Midnight to 2 am run when the 405 is not bumper to bumper, and is big enough that if you choose to go West to the end, then North, you'll enjoy the ride just fine. Besides, get your feet wet with the 500, then upgrade as your skills progress.

I am speaking like a pro, however, I'm not. I've taken the MSF in Santa Clarita and will buy a bike sometime soon...I hope. I've hung out here long enough to learn all the right answers. Having taken the MSF, I would highly recommend it. Ask your friends. I'm sure they'll agree. Besides, then you don't have to take the skills test to get your endorsement.

Good luck. Ask lots of questions...and listen to the answers. There is a wealth of knowledge here, and they're all looking out for us Noobs well being. Let us know what you decide.

Just some thoughts from the local craigslist:

2005 Suzuki GSX 600 Katana

"The God Father" 300mm rear tire custom chopper (Just kidding!)

2003 Suzuki Bandit 600

1985 Honda Nighthawk cb650sc

[r00]

Thanks for the welcome fellas!

Thanks PhotoJoe, I've been looking at the LA Craiglist ads ever since I finished the MSF course and got my M1 three weeks ago! I just haven't found one that I like yet. It's not that I'm picky (ok, maybe I am), but I've been looking for a sub 650cc bike under $2500 in the West LA area (purely for picking it up in person). Originally I was looking at the SV650, then I read here about the GS500, which I hadn't heard of, and thought, that might be better (less hit on the wallet)! I'm just not interested in spending mucho bucks on my first bike, when I'm still just learning. The money I saved has gone into better gear. Wookie, thanks for the heads up, expect a PM shortly.

[PhotoJoe]

You may want to call the 2 dealers down in Marina del Rey. They are right next door to each other and check on their used inventory. I was there about a month ago and if I remember correcly (at my age, odds are NOT good of that!) the Yamaha dealer had a 500 of some sort. Call 'em up and check on their inventory.

Sorry about the whole MSF thing...I missed the "with me" part of your 2 friends taking the course. Guess that was an important tidbit!

[Atlas68]

Welcome to the forum Aruna. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. All the best in finding a suitable bike.

[SNAFU]

Aruna!

[parabians]

Hey, r00,

parabians

[r00]

Hey all! Just a quick update. I went to the Suzuki dealer in Marina Del Rey, and they have a '99 GS500 and and a '96 Bandit 600 for roughly the same price, the Bandit being 200 dollars cheaper at $2399, IIRC. I'll be test riding both of them on Tuesday, as they're parked way in the back, and they were about to close when I got there today. Any tips or recommendations on these two? I'm off to search the archives for differences!

[Blade]

I check the KBB on the Bandit and trade in is $1700 and retail in good condition is $2525.00. Just a suggestion, I would offer them 2K OTD on the Bandit 600. If it is in the back like you say, you might even start a little lower, because it sounds like they may be having trouble moving it.

[PhotoJoe]

I may have to run down there and sit on the Bandit. Haven't had the chance yet and would love to compare it to the SV. I did NOT say run down there and buy it out from under you, but would love to see it. Not quite ready to buy.

Hopefully my referral led you to them, and hopefully it helps. Good luck and have fun on the test ride!

[r00]

I went for a test ride yesterday on both the 99 Suzuki GS500E and the 96 Suzuki Bandit 600 S. I was incorrect in my pricing, the 500 is $2399 (kbb dealer tradein:1355) and the 600 is $2599 (kbb dealer tradein:1700, per your post, Blade) They don't want to budge on the prices. I enjoyed both bikes, the 600 has a bit more pep, and it's a little sportier. Go sit on it PhotoJoe, it's pretty nice. If I get either of these bikes, that's a grand markup for just the dealer..

I did have a problem though, it seems that while on the 500, I was constantly stalling it out from a standstill. I couldn't figure it out.. I guess I'm still getting used to feathering the clutch while applying throttle. On the 600 I didn't have that problem at all (I did test ride it right after the 500 though). Do you think it's a beginners error?

I'm going to wait until the end of the week and see what else is out there before I commit. Thanks for all the beginners help!

[allan4169]

If I am correct in that the GS500 is a twin and the GSF Bandit 600 is a four cylinder then that would explain what happened. There would be a lot of difference in flywheel inertia. The 600 would have an easier time of letting out the clutch without too much extra throttle than the 500 twin would. For that reason I would take the 600. Ignore the fact that I have a 1200 Bandit S. Now that motor has loads of low down torque. I can let out the clutch without any extra throttle. The 600 would carry a passenger easier than the 500 twin. Whichever you buy, have a blast.

[shmedly]

Welcome!

I'm a little prejudice but I think a Suzuki M50 is a great starter bike for the money, especially if you want to give that special someone a ride. I've had mine for a year and have over 15K on it. No problems and it handles great.

I love SoCal. When I was younger I used to live at Point Mugu and rode in the canyons and desert a lot. Great country for bikes.

Have fun and ride safe!

[r00]

Welp.. Picked up the GS500E today.. Awesome. It's very nice. I found that I have to really shift quite a bit while in traffic! Not that I mind.. I also solved my stalling at a stop problem! I was letting the clutch feather out, but at soon as it caught I let it go.. Once I figured that out, it's all good. Can't wait to go canyoning with some pals!

[PhotoJoe]

Congrats r00! Soooooo....the Bandit is still there? Hmmmm. What condition is it in? Ah, nevermind! I don't even want to know.

[r00]

Yeppers, the Bandit is still there. Condition is ok, but it's got some gaudy sticker on the front of the visor, and it's red (not that red is a problem, I just didn't want a red bike). Good luck with your search!