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GS500F or Ninja 500r ?
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Posted: 10/16/05
08:06 PM
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Im sixteen and I just finished my M2 course (which is basically a safety course to get the second part of the graduated license in Canada) and I've been riding a Kawasaki KL250 and a Yamaha XT225 (both dual-sports) for about half a year and I've been thinking about possible second bikes. I've gotten very comfortable with the 250's and im thinking of going to the next level. Any experiences with either of these bikes? I wanna know which one is more reliable or well built because i HATE when bikes don't start right when im ready to go for a ride sunday morning! Im also considering an SV650 but im a little worried it will be a little too much as im only used to the power of a 250.
Thanks.
Kyle
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jewfzr
User
| Posts: 61
| Joined: 05/02
Posted: 10/16/05
10:34 PM
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Ahh, finally a young man with some common sense. congrats on the course. They are both really realiable bikes. The Kaw is a bit more bike but both are bullet proof. Their basic designs have been around longer than you have been alive. Either one is a great choice. I would personally prefer the kawasaki.
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Posted: 10/17/05
06:12 AM
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I'd lean toward the Ninja as well. Has a litle more power and slightly better components. Also, I prefer the liquid cooling.
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Posted: 10/17/05
07:59 PM
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do you guys think the sv650 would be too much bike at this time for me?
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jewfzr
User
| Posts: 61
| Joined: 05/02
Posted: 10/17/05
10:42 PM
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That may even be a better choice, It's not a monster and it's something you probably would not get bored with. There are a few bikes in the basic class out there honda 599, Kawasaki has a twin that looks really interesting due to arrive in 06. As far as your question I think an SV is probably a really solid choice.
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zxrider
New User
| Posts: 10
| Joined: 10/05
Posted: 10/19/05
11:16 AM
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I think all of your choices are good ones. Between the GS 500 vs the Kawi 500R, I'd go with the Ninja, for much of the same reasons as posted by others here.
I don't think that the SV650 would be out of the question at all. It should also make for a great "beginner" ride. Kawasaki's all new Ninja 650R for 2006 could also be something you might want to have a look at.
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Sarah
New User
| Posts: 40
| Joined: 09/05
Posted: 10/19/05
12:20 PM
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If I were you, I wouldn't go with Ninja, I'm not all that crazy about mine and planning on trading it up next season. Of course, it would be a lot easier if you could test drive...
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Posted: 10/19/05
05:59 PM
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Quote:
If I were you, I wouldn't go with Ninja, I'm not all that crazy about mine and planning on trading it up next season. Of course, it would be a lot easier if you could test drive...
What exactly don't you like about the 500 Ninja? I've put about 1000 miles on my wifes this Summer, at it is a hoot. It is smooth, fairly quick, handles ok, brakes well, good gas mileage.... There are certainly things that I'd like to change or at least upgraged, but for $5k new you get a fairly capable bike. The new 650 Ninja seems to have addressed some of the things that I'd fix/upgrade on the 500. But it is or will be $1300 more....
Chris
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Sarah
New User
| Posts: 40
| Joined: 09/05
Posted: 10/20/05
10:01 AM
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I guess if I was to buy another bike, I would get something fuel injected. It's just not that smooth of a ride, you feel every little thing and it runs a little lower. It's just not the bike for me. Plus, I know I'll be ready to step up to something bigger by next season.
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ZX10r
New User
| Posts: 1
| Joined: 11/99
Posted: 10/21/05
08:59 AM
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Or maybe a 06 650 Ninja?
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Sarah
New User
| Posts: 40
| Joined: 09/05
Posted: 10/21/05
10:05 AM
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I'm probably gonna take a look at Suzuki, that's originally what I wanted, but trying to find something bigger than a 250, but smaller than 1000 is not all that easy around here, especially in a certain price range. I've got a couple of months to think about it now, though.
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Posted: 10/21/05
07:36 PM
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do any of you know the power figures for these 3 bikes? (SV650, GS500F and 500R)
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Posted: 10/23/05
06:02 PM
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Quote:
do any of you know the power figures for these 3 bikes? (SV650, GS500F and 500R)
I am not 100% sure, but I think...
SV650 72 hp at the tire
Ninja 500R 50 hp at the tire
GS500F 40 hp at the tire
I am sure that someone will correct me if I am more than a hp or 2 off....
Chris
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Posted: 10/24/05
01:27 PM
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thanks - why the power difference btwn the kawi and the suzuki? the liquid cooling?
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Posted: 10/24/05
06:06 PM
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Yeah, the liquid cooling probably makes a difference. I know the GS only has 4 valves, where the 500R has 8 valves. There are probably some cam profile differences.... Both are ancient engines, but the Ninja's is probably slightly more modern.  Hopefully someone more mechanically inclined can help explain why the Ninja makes more power.
Chris
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