My options?

[Zoolander]

Would the GSXR600 handle better than the 250?

Yes. Despite what many may think about their 250/400 sportsbikes, they will not outhandle a modern 600. Period.

[Maki]

Yes. Despite what many may think about their 250/400 sportsbikes, they will not outhandle a modern 600. Period.

Of course. How could a 250 possibly handle better than a "modern 600"... A 600 costs more $ so it MUST handle better, right?

"I purchased this bike back in Late Sept. as it was the first one available in Ohio (heh, they had it for a demo but I refused to leave the store without it) My reason behind purchasing this bike is because my 05 GSX-R 600 was stolen and this was the only bike they had that was black as I hate bright flashy colors I had to have black. At first site I thought it was a 600 but was shocked to find out it was actually the new 250 ninja. I didn't get to ride it too long as Ohios' weather really didn't permit me to with the rain, freezing cold, and snow. But I was about to put 1200 miles on it. This is what I was about you find out about it in that time. I'm 5'11" 192 pound yet the torque and power amazingly pulled my @$$ around with absolutely no problems. It is a very intelligently built bike as the weight distribution (and I feel bad for saying it) was MUCH better than my 600 GSX-R I thought it was going to be awkward going from a bigger bike to this one but it was quiet the opposite. The brake fade at the track was very minimal, throwing it around in the corners was a breeze. I'm not too fond of the clutch but thats something I will work on throttle response is excellent, the power and torque will make you think this is a bigger bike than a 250. Open road (highway) riding is a little rougher than I am use to but the suspension isn't broke in yet either. As far as the look goes (and this is my opinion) a rear fender eliminator kit and undertail section is about all this bike needs. I'd like to get rid of the mirrors and slap some LED turn signals in there but for a new rider I wouldn't recomend doing that. All in all if your a new rider and looking for a great starter bike this is the ride you not only need but will want! This little bike has changed my perspective about my old GSX-R 600 and I've taken more pre-cautions in making sure this one doesn't get stolen. I can't wait for warm weather so I can get myself more fimiliar with this little machine until then when I go into the garage I try to find something to do to try to make it better until then and always come up with the same conclusion............. The setup on this bike is absolutely awesome! Way to go Kawasaki, You've earned a new fan of Kawasaki Motorsports."

http://cycleposers.com/index.php?opt...=170&Itemid=44

[skelstar]

For road riding, torque is king.

Good grief! ... theres a few GSXR600 riders down here that would disagree with that. Vapor, get the GSXR600 if you want it... forget this torque business for now. Matt is right: you won't notice the deficit going from 250-GSXR600 and by the time you would be able to employ the torque you would have learned to ride the 600 in its proper rev range... esp if you are going to progress sensibly eh. Aren't you?

You also have to be aware of what drums people are beating. The Hinckley drums can be quite loud sometimes

Also consider that (I reckon) people rarely get the 'First Big Bike' thing right first time. I got the Hornet 900 as my FBB and it was damn good for the time that I had it (1.5yrs), but to be honest I ended up riding it outside of its designed intention (I could be wrong but the current bike fits much better). So what I'm saying is that the 600 would be mint, any FBB is going to be mint. In a couple of years you'll change your mind/brief.

TBH, I think the FBB should be an old one, something that you're not going to loose lots of money on, and something that you can sort out what you want, then get something later that devalues like a bastard.

My 2c

[Maki]

I'll take something that devalues like a bastard please.

[Devil]

Good grief! ... theres a few GSXR600 riders down here that would disagree with that.

Do they ride it like they're on the road though?

Ok, I have wet dreams about Hinkley, but why dont you try an SV650, or Hornet, or ER6 to find out what a usefull engine is like so you have a clear comparison.

[skelstar]

...but why dont you try an SV650, or Hornet, or ER6 to find out what a usefull engine is like so you have a clear comparison.

You're right, but while really the RSV is a harder bike to ride than my old Hornet that doesn't count for much when I'm in the twisty stuff or when I'm just commuting. Sometimes its more than just how practical the bike is eh.

[delusionz]

Do they ride it like they're on the road though?

Ok, I have wet dreams about Hinkley, but why dont you try an SV650, or Hornet, or ER6 to find out what a usefull engine is like so you have a clear comparison.

The beauty of manual transmissions (especially 6 close ratios) is that theres always a gear thats just right for you. Whether your power comes on at 4krpm or 14krpm just keep it in the range that you want to ride...

[Zoolander]

Of course. How could a 250 possibly handle better than a "modern 600"... A 600 costs more $ so it MUST handle better, right?

Nothing to do with cost. Its because the latest 600's are a world apart from older 250/400cc sportsbikes. They have benefitted from huge advancements in technology - think reduced engine inertia, mass centralisation, better brakes/suspension, controlled flex, smoother power..... I could go on but i'm starting to sound like a sales brochure.

One thing I did neglet to mention is I was referring to 4-strokes - an Aprilia RS250 is also a fantastic handling bike.

Wouldn't take anything I read in that American forum quote seriously - the guy even said he was riding in freezing cold rain and snow! How can he possibly evaluate handling properly in those conditions?

[jcupit69]

Nothing to do with cost. Its because the latest 600's are a world apart from older 250/400cc sportsbikes. They have benefitted from huge advancements in technology - think reduced engine inertia, mass centralisation, better brakes/suspension, controlled flex, smoother power..... I could go on but i'm starting to sound like a sales brochure.

One thing I did neglet to mention is I was referring to 4-strokes - an Aprilia RS250 is also a fantastic handling bike.

True that my friend. Well done for highlighting the rs from the 250s, its a totally different kinda bike. I was about to red bling you for not picking up that the rs is still one of the best handeling bikes ever...but you did so green bling 4 u!!!!

There are few bikes that handle as well as the rs250, read reports and had people ride mine from bigger sports bikes and theyv all been very impressed with how it goes in the twistys. The lack of weight, the perfectly balanced chassy, the adjustable suspension and the big brembos all make one of the best handeling bikes ever made....

Shame those bastard tree hugger hippies killed them off though