Decided what bike I'm getting (first bike)

[Uncle Bob]

You're going in circles my friend, this tells me that you aren't ready to make the decision.

Don't want to outgrow it or get bored ( Btw wafflehouse your MSF instructor should be fired for stating that somebody would get bored with a Katana it's an excellent all around motorcycle that is more bike than most can use to it's full potential ).

What is it you want to do with a motorcycle exactly, commute to work or school, long rides on highway, cruising backroads, carving the twisties, zipping around town or what ?.

Get yourself a used bike with 50hp max and ride that for a season then you'll know better what you want/need in terms of a bike.

[87gsxrnut]

( Btw wafflehouse your MSF instructor should be fired for stating that somebody would get bored with a Katana it's an excellent all around motorcycle that is more bike than most can use to it's full potential ).

I echo that sentiment.

- Nut

[red7eb]

Pug:

My $.02 for what it's worth, by what's been stated here so far.

I have yet to drop my bike (or anyone else's), but almost everyone else I know has dropped theirs at least once. **knocks on wood** I did have an "almost" once. So I guess it depends on how careful you are. I will say too, that everyone I know that did drop was either going less than 10mph, were standing still, or the bike was on the stand. It was always a stupid mistake that caused it.

As far as height and weight, although I have a gixxer, I have sat on a Katana. I'm only 5'6", and have no problem with the weight or height of either bike. However, I do have long legs, so that may be a factor, but you are still an inch taller than me. As for weight, outside of other sportbikes, I've also ridden 2 cruisers (albeit briefly as tryouts): a Yamaha V-Star (650cc), and a Suzuki Intruder (800cc). Again, no problems with the weight.

With you being a guy and most likely physically stronger than I am, the weights of the bikes you're considering should not be a problem for you, just your ground clearance possibly.

[pug]

From what I have read here and at Gixxer.com I have found that the SV650S is a Great starter bike. Little fairings to screw up, fuel-injected, water-cooled. Also it is 86 pounds ligher than the Katana.

So I think that will be the bike I am going with to learn on a few a few years, or something. Since I know "nothing" about bikes I have little doubt that I will get bored riding it because I believe I will just enjoy riding regardless what it is really. But I think the best buy / bet is the SV.

Also I would use this to go to work, when and if I start bartending. Also I would just use it for joy riding on the Parkway here in the mountains, etc.

[87gsxrnut]

You will love the SV650.

- Nut

[bhamon]

Originally Posted by pug

From what I have read here and at Gixxer.com I have found that the SV650S is a Great starter bike. Little fairings to screw up, fuel-injected, water-cooled. Also it is 86 pounds ligher than the Katana.

So I think that will be the bike I am going with to learn on a few a few years, or something. Since I know "nothing" about bikes I have little doubt that I will get bored riding it because I believe I will just enjoy riding regardless what it is really. But I think the best buy / bet is the SV.

Also I would use this to go to work, when and if I start bartending. Also I would just use it for joy riding on the Parkway here in the mountains, etc.

Bikes hold the value so well that you can always upgrade if you do get bored. I leared on an old 650 yamaha and I felt very comfortable because it was a bike I could man-handle if I needed to. If you feel in control, you will enjoy yourself more and will learn quicker.

[inspiron]

Originally Posted by red7eb

I have yet to drop my bike (or anyone else's), but almost everyone else I know has dropped theirs at least once. **knocks on wood** I did have an "almost" once. So I guess it depends on how careful you are. I will say too, that everyone I know that did drop was either going less than 10mph, were standing still, or the bike was on the stand. It was always a stupid mistake that caused it.

It took me almost 2 years before I dropped my first bike, and that was due to being too far ahead with my thoughts - I forgot to take off the disk lock, and dropped it as I was trying to pull out of the parking space. That few seconds of inattention cost me about $400...

I have also dropped my 1400 once (believe me, that's enough). I had been riding for about 2 hours with my driving instructor up and down a mountain, practicing curves and twisties. I was on the way home and thought that I'd stop at McD's for some icecream ... I pulled over to the side and stopped (don't remember why) and as I wanted to pull out again - too much turn with too little throttle *BANG*. Let me tell you - that MF'er is HEAVY (550 lbs). I now have a couple of scratches on the motor cover and on the right side exhaust, but that just makes it MY bike.

[wafflehouse]

what my instructor said wasnt as horrible as you seem to think

they reason it was said wasnt to put me on a gixxer infact a sv650 was suggested simply because the sv is lighter and more fun to corner on

since i took my course i have ridden both bikes and i would have to agree with my instructor

the sv feels more agile and willing to do what i want it to where the kat seems sluggish and as if it didnt want to lean like the sv did

i guess you guys have a point but after experiencing riding a katana i would agree with my instructor

-wafflehouse

[87gsxrnut]

Don't forget though, that there are a lot of factors in setting up a bike to get it to do what you want. Two of the exact same bike with different suspensions, tires etc will handle differently.

- Nut

[SuzukiGirl1]

Originally Posted by 87gsxrnut

You will love the SV650.

- Nut

I agree w/ Nut. You will LOVE the SV650 (S version if you want the fairing).

However, the SV is absolutely no slouch when it comes to power. I started on the GS500 and I'm glad that I did. When I got my SV, it was not too hard to increase the size, power, etc (although it definitely takes getting used to...my GS would never have accidentally popped a wheelie from a stop!) But, there is absolutely no way I would've felt comfortable starting on the SV.

For one, I dropped my GS twice (sitting still once and going 1 mph the other time) both while I was learning. I'm glad I got those "drops" out of the way on a bike that I didn't just spend $6K on and that didn't really matter if I scratched!

I don't like when people start talking about buying bigger bikes as their first bike because they are worried about outgrowing it too fast, getting bored, etc. I moved on to a larger/newer bike quickly, but never would've passed up the time and miles I spent on the GS!! The thing about the 500 is that it is an all-around it's a perfect "starter bike"...which means that by the time you're ready for a new bike, you most likely will not have any problem selling it to someone else as their "starter bike". (as I didn't...I never even advertised that I was selling it...sold it by word of mouth through friends)

Good luck w/ your search, try to keep all these things in mind...

[DragonGold]

I am in love with my Kat 600. Its my first bike as well, and I think its a good bike to begin with if your a responsible person. The bike is quick as hell..maybe not gixxer or rr quick, but its plenty powerful enough for my liking. I think it handles great after adjusting the suspension a tad. I have my rear set to 6, and my front set to 2, and for me that is the sweet spot. I'm 5'11", and approx 200 pounds.

So far I've added a Yoshimuro slip on, gel seat (highly recomend this!), and smoke colored windscreen. I have 2 cans of the factory color blue coming in this week, and I plan on painting the rear tail section the same color blue as the rest of the bike. I'll probably do the bottom a dar grey. And thanks to Katanamatt, I found that peeling all those gaudy stickers off, the bike becomes even more sporty looking.

[LayinLo]

Originally Posted by red7eb

As far as height and weight, although I have a gixxer, I have sat on a Katana. I'm only 5'6", and have no problem with the weight or height of either bike. However, I do have long legs, so that may be a factor, but you are still an inch taller than me.

5'6....long legs.......hmmmmmm

[red7eb]

[TheOneR1]

I have a gixxer 600 and the weight can make or break the bikes performance. I still have my 600, but I had to step up to the R1 because of 6'1 230lb. 5'6 is good for that bike, as long as you're not pushing 200lb.

[LayinLo]

Red, 200 lbs, nahhhh?


Even if she was, I still president of the fan club.

[FIVEINCH]

So my 6' 200lb build will keep me honest on my '04 G6?

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by FIVEINCH

So my 6' 200lb build will keep me honest on my '04 G6?

Yeah, you'd be lucky to keep up with Yugo...

[pug]

Well ALL has changed. I'm going to get the SV650 S Blue

[SuzukiGirl1]

Originally Posted by pug

Well ALL has changed. I'm going to get the SV650 S Blue

Whooooo-hoooooooooo!!!! Welcome to the SV club!! Good choice!!