Good sport tourer for new rider

dbk23 · 02-02-2013, 10:03 AM

Hello Everyone
I will be taking a motorcycle course this spring and getting my bike licence. I want a bike that I can commute back and forth to work with, but I also want a bike I can head out on the weekends for weekend getaways so I am looking for a good beginner bike for sports touring. Yes I have considered the Ninja 250 or Honda CBR 250 but was told will out grow them fast. I am turning 50 years old, stand 5t 10" and weigh 225 lbs. I am looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 650r and the Yamaha FX6R and was wondering what the experienced riders in the forum thought of these bikes to start out? Is there any other bikes I should consider? lso maybe looking at the Kawasaki Versys 650 as a possible option as well. Thanks in advance for taking time to look at my post and hopefully provide some insite. Possibility of getting a used NINJA 500r as well.

Thanks
Darren

Chris01011 · 02-02-2013, 10:31 AM

I was a new rider last year and had a cbr250. It was a great bike, and I'm sure you would have a great time on it. Buy used, since you will probably want to change to something else pretty soon. And that's ok!

I'm on my third bike in a year since I started riding.

Have you considered the Honda NC700x? Easier to ride than the cbr, slightly more power but certainly not intimidating, more comfortable, and similar fuel economy. I picked one up a week ago, and it ticks all my boxes just perfectly.

Good luck.

Chris

Grainbelt · 02-02-2013, 10:41 AM

Welcome.

You will only outgrow the 250 class if you are big, heavy, and want to ride everwhere at 80mph. I started on a GS500, put 25k on a Ninja 650R, and now ride a Yamaha FZ6 (the 04-09 model, not the FZ6R, which is a different bike.

The 650R, FZ6, FZ6R, and former Suzuki GSX650F are all very competent bikes. Six years and about 60k miles later, I'm still happy with that level of power output. All are modern bikes with good brakes, readily available proper tires, fuel injection, and most have good aftermarket support.

The '12+ Ninja 650R offered in the US does not have rear grab handle mounts, which is where aftermarket hard luggage mounts up, so you're stuck with soft bags. Nice bikes though, I really enjoyed my older model, and have demoed a new one. Great powerband for the street.

The FZ6R is heavier and has lower power output than the old FZ6, but a lot more midrange punch. I've been very happy with the fit and finish on my Yamaha, and the 26k mile valve adjustment interval is nice.

There really aren't any bad bikes out there anymore. If you get a chance to check out the new Honda CB500, they are an intriguing option at about $6k new, with available factory luggage, ABS if you want it, etc. Would be an ideal first bike, in all likelihood.

ChevalDeFer · 02-02-2013, 10:50 AM

When I got back into riding 4 years ago I got a great deal on a Ninja 250.

I'm about your same specs. (215lbs 46 y.o. 6' tall). If I had to do it again, I'd go with the Versys. The little Ninja is a great bike, but it is not very practical and the high RPM riding at highway speeds wore me out me out.

It is a fun little bike to ride, but much more than an hour of the relatively cramped riding position is enough for me.

I have a KTM 990 now and it's like a 2 wheeled Barca lounger, but I wouldn't have wanted to get back into riding on it!

scotty918 · 02-02-2013, 12:32 PM

Suzuki V-Strom 650 or Kawasaki Versys with luggage. Great commuters and more than capable of going coast to coast.

Eye of the Tiger · 02-02-2013, 12:51 PM

A used Ninja 500 or EX500 is a great choice. It was very common bike made for a long time, making it easy to get parts and accessories, and is not at all hard to work on. It has a fairly neutral, slightly sporty riding position, and the wind will take all the weight off of your arms when you're cruising. It is nimble and fast enough for anybody to have fun - talking about 13-second flat quarter miles, but the power only comes on at high RPM when you really mean it,, making it very docile and easy going around town. If you want a cruiser, the Vulcan 500 uses the same motor, making it very quick for a 500-class cruiser.

richarddacat · 02-02-2013, 12:59 PM

Klr650?

Bmw f650?

Bmw k75?

Scoobynut · 02-02-2013, 02:04 PM

Honda NT700V. More of a true Sport Tourer than the bikes suggested by others here. Comes with factory luggage, a lot of used ones have a topcase already installed, shaft drive, ABS optional, heated grips optional etc. I believe Honda has discontinued this model, but there are plenty out there both new leftover and used. If I were looking for an entry level, mid-size tourer it would be at the top of my list.

lambotte · 02-02-2013, 02:56 PM

Second the vote for the honda nt700v. My demographics are essentially the same as yours. I couldn't be happier. Only thing I've added is a top case and cee bailey +6. Abs modes are harder to find. Used prices are very reasonable.

duck · 02-02-2013, 03:06 PM

"You're buying your first bike, not your last one."

Your first bike should be something that is easy to learn on and forgiving of nOOb errors. You'll develop your riding skills more easily, quickly and safely that way.

Buy a decent used nOOb bike like a Ninjette or whatever, ride it for a year and then sell for it for about what you paid for it when you decide to move up.

In that year, you'll not only develop your riding skills more easily but also get a better idea of what you really want in your next bike.

JMHO...

ph0rk · 02-02-2013, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty918

Suzuki V-Strom 65

Not great as a first bike unless you're rather tall, it is very top heavy.

doc4216 · 02-02-2013, 04:31 PM

I agree with the Weestrom....being 5'10", 225, you should be absolutely fine with it's height and weight. It was my third bike, I learned the most of my riding skills on it and it's a great reliable, versatile bike. However, being 5'7" it was just a bit too tall and top heavy for me...For you, should be fine!

DAKEZ · 02-02-2013, 04:33 PM

FZ6= GOOD! Delta box frame, good swing-arm, good brakes, good suspension, good seat...

FZ6 (Real bike)

(starter Bike) FZ6R is Lame by comparison. Steel tuber frame, Adequate brakes, swing arm, suspension, seat.

Grainbelt · 02-02-2013, 04:38 PM

It is true the FZ6 is a decent bike. 43k miles on mine, I keep trying to talk myself into replacing it, but it is still a fine machine. Fork rebuild with new springs this winter, then back out on the road.

JustKip · 02-02-2013, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duck

"You're buying your first bike, not your last one."

Your first bike should be something that is easy to learn on and forgiving of nOOb errors. You'll develop your riding skills more easily, quickly and safely that way.

Buy a decent used nOOb bike like a Ninjette or whatever, ride it for a year and then sell for it for about what you paid for it when you decide to move up.

In that year, you'll not only develop your riding skills more easily but also get a better idea of what you really want in your next bike.

JMHO...

Timeless wisdom. Most people recomend a used dual sport, because they don't break as badly or easily as sport bikes if you drop it. After a year of riding experience you will want to take test rides when you know better how you like to ride

02-02-2013, 10:03 AM	#1
dbk23 ^OP n00b Joined: Feb 2013 Location: Edmonton Oddometer: 4	Good sport tourer for new rider Hello Everyone I will be taking a motorcycle course this spring and getting my bike licence. I want a bike that I can commute back and forth to work with, but I also want a bike I can head out on the weekends for weekend getaways so I am looking for a good beginner bike for sports touring. Yes I have considered the Ninja 250 or Honda CBR 250 but was told will out grow them fast. I am turning 50 years old, stand 5t 10" and weigh 225 lbs. I am looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 650r and the Yamaha FX6R and was wondering what the experienced riders in the forum thought of these bikes to start out? Is there any other bikes I should consider? lso maybe looking at the Kawasaki Versys 650 as a possible option as well. Thanks in advance for taking time to look at my post and hopefully provide some insite. Possibility of getting a used NINJA 500r as well. Thanks Darren

02-02-2013, 10:50 AM	#4
ChevalDeFer Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2011 Location: Indiana Oddometer: 213	When I got back into riding 4 years ago I got a great deal on a Ninja 250. I'm about your same specs. (215lbs 46 y.o. 6' tall). If I had to do it again, I'd go with the Versys. The little Ninja is a great bike, but it is not very practical and the high RPM riding at highway speeds wore me out me out. It is a fun little bike to ride, but much more than an hour of the relatively cramped riding position is enough for me. I have a KTM 990 now and it's like a 2 wheeled Barca lounger, but I wouldn't have wanted to get back into riding on it! __________________ "Human beings are the only creatures on Earth that claim a God, and the only living things that behave like they haven't got one." - The Rum Diary

02-02-2013, 12:32 PM	#5
scotty918 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2012 Oddometer: 115	Suzuki V-Strom 650 or Kawasaki Versys with luggage. Great commuters and more than capable of going coast to coast. __________________ My worst fear is, when I die, that my wife will sell all of my motorcycles for what I told her I paid for them.

02-02-2013, 12:51 PM	#6
Eye of the Tiger Adventurer Joined: Jan 2013 Location: South Carolina Oddometer: 68	A used Ninja 500 or EX500 is a great choice. It was very common bike made for a long time, making it easy to get parts and accessories, and is not at all hard to work on. It has a fairly neutral, slightly sporty riding position, and the wind will take all the weight off of your arms when you're cruising. It is nimble and fast enough for anybody to have fun - talking about 13-second flat quarter miles, but the power only comes on at high RPM when you really mean it,, making it very docile and easy going around town. If you want a cruiser, the Vulcan 500 uses the same motor, making it very quick for a 500-class cruiser. __________________ 2008 H-D XL1200N

02-02-2013, 12:59 PM	#7
richarddacat high on honeysuckle Joined: Nov 2006 Location: VolunteerState Oddometer: 2,585	Klr650? Bmw f650? Bmw k75? __________________ * 05FJR/74R90s * If we concentrated on the really important stuff in life, there'd be a shortage of motorcycles. project litter box

02-02-2013, 10:31 AM	#2
Chris01011 Adventurer Joined: Feb 2012 Location: Chester, MA Oddometer: 18	I was a new rider last year and had a cbr250. It was a great bike, and I'm sure you would have a great time on it. Buy used, since you will probably want to change to something else pretty soon. And that's ok! I'm on my third bike in a year since I started riding. Have you considered the Honda NC700x? Easier to ride than the cbr, slightly more power but certainly not intimidating, more comfortable, and similar fuel economy. I picked one up a week ago, and it ticks all my boxes just perfectly. Good luck. Chris

02-02-2013, 10:41 AM	#3
Grainbelt marginal adventurer Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Minnyhappiness Oddometer: 25,033	Welcome. You will only outgrow the 250 class if you are big, heavy, and want to ride everwhere at 80mph. I started on a GS500, put 25k on a Ninja 650R, and now ride a Yamaha FZ6 (the 04-09 model, not the FZ6R, which is a different bike. The 650R, FZ6, FZ6R, and former Suzuki GSX650F are all very competent bikes. Six years and about 60k miles later, I'm still happy with that level of power output. All are modern bikes with good brakes, readily available proper tires, fuel injection, and most have good aftermarket support. The '12+ Ninja 650R offered in the US does not have rear grab handle mounts, which is where aftermarket hard luggage mounts up, so you're stuck with soft bags. Nice bikes though, I really enjoyed my older model, and have demoed a new one. Great powerband for the street. The FZ6R is heavier and has lower power output than the old FZ6, but a lot more midrange punch. I've been very happy with the fit and finish on my Yamaha, and the 26k mile valve adjustment interval is nice. There really aren't any bad bikes out there anymore. If you get a chance to check out the new Honda CB500, they are an intriguing option at about $6k new, with available factory luggage, ABS if you want it, etc. Would be an ideal first bike, in all likelihood.

02-02-2013, 02:04 PM	#8
Scoobynut Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2009 Location: SW N. Dakota Oddometer: 302	Honda NT700V. More of a true Sport Tourer than the bikes suggested by others here. Comes with factory luggage, a lot of used ones have a topcase already installed, shaft drive, ABS optional, heated grips optional etc. I believe Honda has discontinued this model, but there are plenty out there both new leftover and used. If I were looking for an entry level, mid-size tourer it would be at the top of my list. __________________ ____________________________________ 2012 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere 1988 Honda Hawk GT 1977 Yamaha RD400 1966 Yamaha YL1

02-02-2013, 02:56 PM	#9
lambotte Adventurer Joined: Jan 2011 Location: Missouri Oddometer: 44	Second the vote for the honda nt700v. My demographics are essentially the same as yours. I couldn't be happier. Only thing I've added is a top case and cee bailey +6. Abs modes are harder to find. Used prices are very reasonable.

02-02-2013, 03:06 PM	#10
duck PsyKotic Waterfowl Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Seattle (Berkeley with rain) Oddometer: 9,971	"You're buying your first bike, not your last one." Your first bike should be something that is easy to learn on and forgiving of nOOb errors. You'll develop your riding skills more easily, quickly and safely that way. Buy a decent used nOOb bike like a Ninjette or whatever, ride it for a year and then sell for it for about what you paid for it when you decide to move up. In that year, you'll not only develop your riding skills more easily but also get a better idea of what you really want in your next bike. JMHO... __________________ 93 K1100LT, 94 K1100RS, 86-97 K75F (K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick), 91 K1, 05 KTM 450 SMR IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC) http://home.comcast.net/~smithduck/BMW_Tours.htm duck screwed with this post 02-02-2013 at 03:14 PM

02-02-2013, 04:31 PM	#12
doc4216 Chronic High Fiver Joined: Mar 2009 Location: Where I'm at. Oddometer: 139	I agree with the Weestrom....being 5'10", 225, you should be absolutely fine with it's height and weight. It was my third bike, I learned the most of my riding skills on it and it's a great reliable, versatile bike. However, being 5'7" it was just a bit too tall and top heavy for me...For you, should be fine! __________________ "Altitude is determined by your Attitude" '08 FJR 1300

02-02-2013, 04:33 PM	#13
DAKEZ Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2007 Location: U-gene, OR. Oddometer: 17,983	FZ6= GOOD! Delta box frame, good swing-arm, good brakes, good suspension, good seat... FZ6 (Real bike) (starter Bike) FZ6R is Lame by comparison. Steel tuber frame, Adequate brakes, swing arm, suspension, seat. __________________ "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." — Dr. Seuss “Watch out for everything bigger than you, they have the "right of weight" Bib DAKEZ screwed with this post 02-02-2013 at 05:28 PM

02-02-2013, 04:38 PM	#14
Grainbelt marginal adventurer Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Minnyhappiness Oddometer: 25,033	It is true the FZ6 is a decent bike. 43k miles on mine, I keep trying to talk myself into replacing it, but it is still a fine machine. Fork rebuild with new springs this winter, then back out on the road.

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