Ninja 500 vs Ninja 650R

[Silver Penguin]

I'm soliciting your opinions here, on the choice of a second bike.

For long rides, nothing will beat the FJR. That's staying. But I'm thinking of adding a smaller bike for putzing around town and also to work on my slow speed skills. I'm uncomfortable with my bike at slow speed and need to work on U-turns, cone weaves etc. However, I don't want to risk the fairing getting beat up.

The little Ninjas are fun bikes to ride. Some might say that they are more my size (5'2" with a 27" inseam). I definitely feel more confident with the slow stuff when I can get my feet down, without a lot of weight to worry about.

Bought new, there is about $2K difference out the door. The 650R is all new, with fuel injection. The 500 is a tried and true design.

Your thoughts?

Jill

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

expand your horizons. Get a small and cheap enduro that gets great gas mileage and can expand to dirt road adventure

Or just get the 500...lightweight and a good trainer bike for practice. (get togs)

 

[madmike2]

Jill, IIRC, you guys do your own maintenance on your bikes so 2 carburetors would not be a problem. There are good deals to be had on used 500s. You might have to shop around and wait, but there wouldn't be the "Oh #*@!" factor if you did happen to drop it. Then again a new bike is nice....Merry Christmas? I would think the 500 is on the way out. Since the price is so close it wouldn't surprise me to see the 650 become the starter-bike-of-choice. Both are parallel twins and have ample torque to make them easy to ride and fun

And whatever you do, buy the sliders or TOGs.

 

[Mike-H]

Jill, this is your chance to go crazy :lol: ....treat yourself.....buy a hooligan bike.....in the flavor you prefer....(the fjr's don't mind other marquee's)....good hunting.... .....