Time for an Upgrade?

[newrider13]

I’ve put about 3,500 miles on the Ninja 500 that I bought in September 2011; with the majority (3,000) of the miles since June. I like the Ninja and would have no problem using it next season to reach my goal of 8,000 – 10,000 miles. However early morning commuting into working in October and November (and I imagine in April) involved warming the bike up for 10+ minutes each morning and I would think that could be avoided with a fuel injected bike. Also I’m hoping that one of the below bikes would have a stock rear suspension better able to handle my weight (about 260) than the Ninja did.

I am considering upgrading to:

Ninja 650
SV650
FZ6R
GSX650F

I was able to test the Ninja 650 during the Kawasaki Demo Day in Mansfield and found it to be a significantly better ride than my 500.

I like the availability of ABS in the SV650, and while I prefer the look of the faired version I’m not sure if the clip-ons would suit me.

[01xj]

I like the SV or the Ninja. I owned an FZ6 and while it is rock solid reliable, it's just a bit "blah".

[OreoGaborio]

10 minutes to warm up? Check the t-stat.

That said, new bikes are fun. Do what ya wanna do.

[dankatz]

I was in the exact same predicament as you in early 2008. I bought a used 2006 Ninja 500 in 2007, rode it for about 3500 miles including the very cold winter. I have to say that I would start the bike with the choke and then head home to put my gear on. When I was done putting all the gear on including helmet and gloves I would come outside, probably more like 4-5 minutes tops. That should be plenty for it to warm up even in the 25-30 degree weather.

In any case, I upgrade to a Yamaha FZ6 (new) in 2008. I owned that bike for 2.5 years and 11.5k miles. I loved it. Much much better than the Ninja in many ways. Stocks suspension is better than all of the bikes you mentioned with possibly the exception of the FZ6R. It handled two up with a heavy trunk no problem (over 300lbs). I liked that it has a center stand like my Ninja 500 for winter storage and for easy maintenance. It also had a fuel gauge, a huge gas tank, great seat and grab handles for the passenger and very good looks. Consider the 2007+ FZ6 on your list as well.

[nhbubba]

Fuel injection is nice.

The clipons on the SV650S are a bit much for me too. At least not for a primary/daily rider. I found the Ninja 650r ergos fantastic when I sat on one in the showroom recently. Seems like a really good bike for the money.

[csmutty]

I have had 2 of the bikes you are considering, a SV650 and a FZ6.

The SV650 was a great all around bike that really didn't have any faults. Like Bubba mentioned though, the stock clipons were uncomfortable for normal street riding.

The FZ6 with it's upright bars and smooth engine was an awesome machine. I found it to be much more enjoyable in terms of the motor, suspension, and brakes.

Both of the bikes I had were pretty much completely stock by the way.

[Nny]

I had a 09 Ninja 650 for about a year. This was the 5th bike in line that I have owned and I managed to put about 12.5k miles in the time that I had it before trading it in for my R6. The 650 is a great comuter. Upright position, plenty of low end torque for the street, fuel injected, still only using 87 gas, really just an all around great bike. If I ever get "done" with track days I will probably go back to a ninja 650.
I did 2 mods to it in the time I had it.
First I swapped out the seat because with an upright position I wanted a better seat. Bought a Corbin and it made a world of difference. Second was sport bars. Personally I wasnt too much of a fan. The ergos of the bike just didnt flow with that kind of riding position for street to me. Certainly not as natural as it feels on my R6.
I think a 650 is a really good step from a 500. If you are ready for it I say go for it.

Eh... really miss that bike actually. I remember letting it warm up and while standing next to it getting my gear on I could feel the thump of the exhuast from the ground... Anyone want to give me thier Ninja 650? I cant afford it but I can assure you I will really appreciate it. Wont that be payment enough? My appreciation? Anyone?

[jwm2k3]

Ya the Ninja5 is like that....I worked at the dealer for a bunch of years and we sold hundreds of them. Its 1986 technology... They always took FOREVER to warm up...and I mean have somewhat acceptable throttle response when I say warm up.

The Ninja650 is a way more modern, refined motorcycle. If you like the company amd the brand go with the Ninja650. The SV is a bit different engine configuration than the 2 Ninjas...

Im quite sure youd be pleased with the Ninja650.

[newrider13]

10 minutes to warm up? Check the t-stat.

That said, new bikes are fun. Do what ya wanna do.

Maybe 10 minutes is a bit overstated, but if the bike isn't sufficiently warm on 40-45 degree mornings then it really bogs down under 4-5k RPMs.

[Pigman]

Get a Busa........

[soofle616]

Any of the bikes you listed will have a better rear suspension than the ninja did. That said, as a fellow big dude, none of them will have a suspension that is meant for someone your size. Most bikes are built for 180 lb riders give or take so ultimately you'll have to upgrade the springs at a minimum to get the best possible setup.

[nhbubba]

I am north of 200 lbs as well. Replacing the rear shock on my DL650 (which is vaguely SV650 like) is on my short list. I've been told it will be one of the best upgrades "ever".

[OneCheekRider]

I bought an 07 FZ6 for next to nothing and with the intent on commuting with it. Freaking love the thing and ride it everywhere I can now

[nhbubba]

For the purposes of my little fantasies, can you clarify "next to nothing"?!? Are we talking $1k, $5k, ...

Wonder how an FZ6 would do track days...

[maxim_X]

I was fighting the thought of buying an SV. But now I drink the SV koolaid. They are nice for beginners as well as being a capable track weapon for experts. Great bike all around!

[Rossco]

For the purposes of my little fantasies, can you clarify "next to nothing"?!? Are we talking $1k, $5k, ...

Wonder how an FZ6 would do track days...

You can pick up a well used FZ for $2500-$3000.

[csmutty]

For the purposes of my little fantasies, can you clarify "next to nothing"?!? Are we talking $1k, $5k, .i..

Wonder how an FZ6 would do track days...

I've done track days on my fz6. For your size you would have to do suspension. Otherwise it was great. Especially in the rain.

[mzdagrl]

He is looking at the FZ6R, not the FZ6. I believe there are enough differences about them to make it difficult to call them the same bike (but haven't riddena n R so don't know for sure....just know the seat heights are very different). Rob does trackdays on his FZ6 and is currently casually shopping for a track bike (anyone got one cheap?). He says the riding position is not ideal for a technical track like Loudon. I agree, I hate riding it in the twisties - feels like a dirtbike (not my thing). If you mostly highway commute, it would be fine, but to use his words: "It's an ok overall bike - overall, it does everything OK, but it does nothing great"

An SV at OEM spec will have to get basically a new suspension for you. I bottomed mine out straight off the showroom at a whopping 130lbs. After a fork upgrade and stiffening the rear, Rob still has trouble at 240.

[newrider13]

I would also consider the FZ6, but I was under the impression (perhaps mistakenly) FZ6R is tuned for more useable power-band than the FZ6 and as a result makes a better commuter.

I've got a 45 mile commute (all highway) into Boston, so one requirement is for a bike handles that aspect well.

[csmutty]

Power on the fz6 was fine. No complaints here.

[soofle616]

Power on the fz6 was fine. No complaints here.

You're all of 90lbs, your opinion of power really isn't relevant to normal sized people. And even less to big guys

[csmutty]

You're all of 90lbs, your opinion of power really isn't relevant to normal sized people. And even less to big guys

I also shifted the thing at 3k and it was still more than enough power.

[newrider13]

I had the opportunity to look at a GSX650F. The bike appears to have a comfortable riding postion and would meet some of my needs, although it does appear to be on the large side and is wider than I anticipated.

At the time the weather didnt allow for a test ride, but I hope to do so this weekend.

[dankatz]

I had the opportunity to look at a GSX650F. The bike appears to have a comfortable riding postion and would meet some of my needs, although it does appear to be on the large side and is wider than I anticipated.

At the time the weather didnt allow for a test ride, but I hope to do so this weekend.

This is an excellent all around bike. The engine is the best asset - smooth and torquie for an in line 4. Also, the ergonomics are comfortable, instruments are complete and is big enough to tour on. It's weight is one of the negatives, but once moving, you don't feel it as much. I was deciding between the FZ6 and the GSX650 at the time I bought the FZ6 and can tell you both have their strengths and weaknesses. It is a very good and relatively inexpensive choice. Sort of like "poor man's" VFR in the same sense that a GTI is the poor Man's BMW...still a terrific car by itself

[jasnmar]

What is this board coming to?

OP - Get a 'busa. Nothing else is vaguely adequate.

On a serious note, bikes are generally sprung for someone who weighs in between 150-170. Those of us that are gravitationally challenged do generally need some suspension help. As far as warm up time... yea, fuel injection will help (as I'm learning having just bought a non FI bike).

Otherwise listen to posts above and ignore anyone that says 'busa

Good luck!