Some bike clarifications

[Ulala]

Hi all,

I've browsed your forum and have a few newb questions. I take my MSF class next week and I'm looking to purchase a (used, if possible) bike before summer starts. I'm most interested in the following:

Kawasaki Ninja 250R or "Ninjette"
Kawasaki Ninja 500R

and also Suzuki's GS500F, and SV650.

I've read that each of these can be good beginner bikes. I'm not normally the risk taking type, I'm generally conservative when it comes to such things, I'm 5'8" and about 140lbs and just looking for something to get around town in and have some fun with. Not really planning on much freeway driving as I'll still have a car for moving stuff, etc. I have a little dirt bike experience, but I hear that doesn't mean much when it comes to street exp.

Now anyway, my main questions are about the Suzuki SV650 vs. the SV650S is the main difference the look? Also, is the ABS version of the bike worth shelling out more for? Aside from a lower price, is there any reason why you'd recommend the Kawasaki over the Suzukis? (I'm more drawn to the Suzuki models for some reason)

I'm afraid as I'm not made of money, price will be a big factor of which bike I end up choosing in the end, but I appreciate your helping me choose regardless!

Thanks again guys for answering these questions! Much appreciated.

[Tab B.]

Every one of those bikes is a good choice for what you intend. Don't forget to look at the New 650 Kawasaki {Twin}. It is intended for the same market as the SV650. The SV650s has a sport fairing and lower bars. The larger bikes will have what could be called "longer legs". They should be a bit nicer for longer rides compared to the smaller bikes. Likewise with the power. If you intend to move up the size scale as time goes on, the larger bikes will take longer to out grow. I'm a Suzuki guy, but you can't really go wrong with any make today. Check them all out, and let your budget, and your butt help you decide.

[inspiron]

Suzuki SV650 is a naked bike. The "S" has a half-shell, and is a bit more "sporty", meaning that the rider position is a bit more leaned over than with the naked version.

Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha are all pretty much equal when it comes to quality and reliability. You won't notice much difference in that area.

As for ABS, IMO, yes, it's worth the extra coin. First, when it comes to a panic situation (the only time you really use the ABS), the ABS may mean the difference between a scare-the-poop-out-of-you and a crash. Plus, the ABS increases the re-sale value of the bike.

[Clint]

+1 to inspiron. Every report in motorcycle forums regarding ABS has been positive. It's the very definition of a lifesaver. Get it if you can.

[Ulala]

Ah, very good. Thanks for the info, I'll let you know what I end up with!

[Kassc]

I just bought an '07 Suzuki GS500F. Because of Wyoming's requirement of having your birth certificate to get a liscense, (grumbling), I only got to ride it one day before coming back out to the missle field where I work. I did however manage to put 240 miles on it that day. Since I am breaking it in still I had to keep the RPM's low, but I can say I had a blast all day. The power was decent, but I could tell once I am able to rev it up to its 11k RPM limit that it will be alot faster. I chose the GS500F over the Ninja 500 because of looks, and over the SV650 because of comfort with the seat, (I'm 5'6 and the SV was a little to tall). Its a great bike to start out on, and hopefully once I can fully explore its power range, I wont feel that I will need to upgrade anytime soon.