I blame ALL of you. . .

[Baggey22]

I blame everyone that went on the ride yesterday (September 26th).

I'm seriously thinking about a new bike. My EX-500 has been wonderful to me but it's time to upgrade. I put 4000 miles on it this season and whenever I was riding with other people it just lacked the pick up and go.
I need some opinions.
I like my Kawasaki and I was thinking of either getting a ZX6r or an EX-650R. There are a few of each periodically on CraigsList that I've seen that I like.
I like the ZX6r because it's powerful, but I don't think the ride will be very comfortable. It will also handle very well in the turns which I like doing.
The EX-650R will also have plenty of power, and it looks like the ride will be more comfortable. I'm unsure of how this bike will handle turns, I doubt it'll be at the same caliber as the ZX6r but I don't need to be buying leathers anytime soon.

Thoughts? Anyone have experience with either of these bikes.
Btw I'm like 5'10" maybe 150lbs, so I don't need something huge.

[The Snowman]

Another addict. Bikes are like drugs.

[OreoGaborio]

Keep it & turn it into a race bike

The 650R is plenty capable with the right tweaking. There's a couple of guys up at the track that can seriously rip on em.

[DuncanMoto]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.167 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Link/6.3.1.20.0)

650r is a great bike.

[Uncle Snake]

You need to be buying leathers either way.

[NobodySpecific]

You need to be buying leathers either way.

Have you checked out the Triumph Street Triple (or Street Triple R)? The R would give you the performance and comfort that would make that bike last a really long time. And leathers have nothing to do with skill level. Your ass can go sliding down the road at any time (take yesterday for example) and leather gives you the absolute best chance of walking away with the fewest injuries possible.

[OreoGaborio]

And leathers have nothing to do with skill level. Your ass can go sliding down the road at any time (take yesterday for example) and leather gives you the absolute best chance of walking away with the fewest injuries possible.

Indeed. Fast guys aren't the only ones that get into accidents.... just look at Chuck!

[SVenpointsixtwo]

Get the ZX6R and 'fighter it out! Dirtbike bars will make your seating position WAY more comfortable, and that thing will have the power and handling to let you really rip corners the way you want to. Not that the 650R isn't a good bike but I think the fully faired ones are pretty fugly.

[FAST GSXR750]

If you want comfort buy a Gold Wing, Otherwise GSXR 750

[markbvt]

Also consider the ER6n (basically a naked 650R) and the Versys (similar, but a bit taller, more upright, and more comfortable -- this is the way to go if you even suspect you might get into touring or long-distance riding).

Any of these bikes will handle extremely well, and they all have more than enough power for street riding.

That said, Keith's suggestion of a Triumph Street Triple is an excellent one. Terrific bike.

An SV650 or Ducati Monster would be a great choice as well.

--mark

[OreoGaborio]

Gladius, too.

[finao]

I think this is what you need....

http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...tale-910s.html

[MotoFreak]

Also consider the ER6n (basically a naked 650R) and the Versys (similar, but a bit taller, more upright, and more comfortable -- this is the way to go if you even suspect you might get into touring or long-distance riding).

Any of these bikes will handle extremely well, and they all have more than enough power for street riding.

That said, Keith's suggestion of a Triumph Street Triple is an excellent one. Terrific bike.

An SV650 or Ducati Monster would be a great choice as well.

--mark

I agree...and RSM has some very very good deals on the 650R and ER6N...gorgeous, great handling and riding bikes.
And who wouldn't want a Street Triple (or a MV Brutale, )

[DaveZX6r]

My buddy has a 650r and its a great bike very comfortable and very neutral handling. I don't think you'll have a problem with it. Its also fuel injected and gets him around 50+ miles regularly. If you want a little more sport but not too much uncomfort you can take a look at the 05 up zzr600 it is pretty much the zx6r from 01-03? Really nice bike but its carbed so theres that to think about. But otherwise I think you'll be set for quite awhile with it.

Talk to Danz19383*** whatever, he had one that he put alot of miles on this season. And E30Addict has a 650r that he's ridden the snot out of. Talk to both of them.

[Doc]

I blame everyone that went on the ride yesterday (September 26th).

I'm seriously thinking about a new bike. My EX-500 has been wonderful to me but it's time to upgrade. I put 4000 miles on it this season and whenever I was riding with other people it just lacked the pick up and go.
I need some opinions.
I like my Kawasaki and I was thinking of either getting a ZX6r or an EX-650R. There are a few of each periodically on CraigsList that I've seen that I like.
I like the ZX6r because it's powerful, but I don't think the ride will be very comfortable. It will also handle very well in the turns which I like doing.
The EX-650R will also have plenty of power, and it looks like the ride will be more comfortable. I'm unsure of how this bike will handle turns, I doubt it'll be at the same caliber as the ZX6r but I don't need to be buying leathers anytime soon.

Thoughts? Anyone have experience with either of these bikes.
Btw I'm like 5'10" maybe 150lbs, so I don't need something huge.

Before you go out and buy a new bike for the "pick up and go" spend some money and take the EX to the track. Get with someone that knows how to ride one and learn a little more. Much cheaper than a new bike.

"I'd rather ride a slow bike fast then a fast bike slow."

Then again I here there is a SV650 for sale soon in your area or I could find you a Hawk GT... :

[drop]

Keep it & turn it into a race bike

not everyone needs an excuse to be slow.

[Baggey22]

I do like the ER6n. I was looking at those months ago at a Kawasaki dealership near my house when I was buying a tank bag.
When I say the "pick up and go" I mean on straight aways, like yesterday on the ride I was hard pressed to keep up when everyone would rip down the straights. Handling wise I love my 500. It's just the acceleration the 500 lacks.
I think what it's gonna come down to is actually trying a ZX6r or 650r or ER6n and get the one I like.
As far as leathers I've been looking into riding pants like what Doc had yesterday.

[Uncle Snake]

I do like the ER6n. I was looking at those months ago at a Kawasaki dealership near my house when I was buying a tank bag.
When I say the "pick up and go" I mean on straight aways, like yesterday on the ride I was hard pressed to keep up when everyone would rip down the straights. Handling wise I love my 500. It's just the acceleration the 500 lacks.
I think what it's gonna come down to is actually trying a ZX6r or 650r or ER6n and get the one I like.
As far as leathers I've been looking into riding pants like what Doc had yesterday.

I wonder if the leader of your ride yesterday is familiar with "The Pace"? In my opinion it is the way faster street rides should be conducted. Regards, Jake

[brendanp]

If you want comfort buy a Gold Wing, Otherwise GSXR 750

I second that!

[Pittenger5]

If they leave you on the straight, just catch back up in the corners. Bam, problem solved.

[G21forme]

Gladius?

Let me guess...it's a fucking 10?

zx6r ftw.. I love my 636 and have no problems doing 400+ miles in a day but I agree on the trackday as you will learn a lot and have a helluva good time.

[Baggey22]

I just looked on Road Side Marine's web site and they have a ZX6r, 650r, and ER6n (all 2009 on sale). So I think I'm gonna scoot over there soon and do some sit testing.

[drinkingmymilk]

Have you checked out the Triumph Street Triple (or Street Triple R)? The R would give you the performance and comfort that would make that bike last a really long time. And leathers have nothing to do with skill level. Your ass can go sliding down the road at any time (take yesterday for example) and leather gives you the absolute best chance of walking away with the fewest injuries possible.

All around it was the bike of the year.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...ear-88656.html

I love mine... So does every one who has taken it for a rip.

[NobodySpecific]

I just looked on Road Side Marine's web site and they have a ZX6r, 650r, and ER6n (all 2009 on sale). So I think I'm gonna scoot over there soon and do some sit testing.

While you are in the area, take a trip over to Frank's (Rt 15 in Essex) and check out the Street Triple. I was there last week and they had an R in stock. They might even let you take it for a test ride (though they only ever seem to be able to offer me a ride on the Speed Triple for some reason). You might be pleasantly surprised.

[Baggey22]

I personally am not 100% keen on the front end of the Triumph. It sounds like a wonderful bike, but not my style.
Another thing with getting a more powerful bike is for my g/f. She likes riding, and having a little bit more power would just make life a little better for doing our favorite ride (going up and down the Smuggler's Notch/Stowe notch)