Ninja 650r

What do you hear about the 650r. Thinking of getting the gf one and she's new to riding, although has some good experience on her mom's Suzuki Intuder 800. That thing is a tank and like riding a crown vic. I'm thinking this should be a good one for her and she won't grow out of it anytime soon. Comments are welcome  

They had one of those in a really nice gold and red type color when I bought my bike. I'm not a big fan of Kawasaki but it is a nice bike. I like the frame on it. It's almost Ducatiesque.  

Sport Rider liked it....  Pick up the latest issue.  I has a comparo with the SV650, FZ6, 599, and Ninja 650R....

I'd tell you who won, but then you wouldn't buy the magazine.  


Chris  

How many Kawasakis have you owned?  

I've never owned a Kawasaki. I've ridden quite a bit on borrowed ones when I was starting out...and that was on a '97 250r, then moved up to the same year 500. It wasn't until 2001 that I actually bought a gixxer 600. Then the rest is history. The gf has been practicing for the MSF on an 02 Intruder 800. She has done exceptionally well, so I suggested either the F4 or the 650r. She doesn't like the whole laying on the tank bit on the 600's, but she really dug the ergs on the 650. Lower seat, slightly raised grips, pegs forward just a tad. She's small 5'6 about 118 and could touch both feet, lighter weight...I've only heard good things about it as a starter.  

No, I was asking Brandon how many he has owned, since he said he wasn't a big fan of Kawasaki.
Just wondered why.  

I've never owned a Kawasaki. I'm just not a big fan of them. Don't prefer the styling for one thing but they do have some nice features I love thier rotors and the Ohlins steering damper on the ZX-10R. The other reason I'm not a fan is because every person that's ever asked me if my bike is a Ninja, I just want to choke them. HA!    

The Ninja 650r, in my opinion, is a really great bike for a beginner rider. It handles really well in traffic, it's very light and easily maneuverable and it's also fun in the canyons. I have recommended it to many female friends who were looking for a new street bike. It's also a great track bike from my understanding. Jessica Zalusky was riding one prepped by Kawasaki at the WERA 6-hour endurance race at Miller and she was going pretty good. Have your girlfriend check it out.  

Yeah I didn't say I didn't like it I just said I'm not that big of a fan of Kawasaki. I agree that compared to some of the other "beginner" bike it's hands down the best looking one out there.