Which should I buy?

[chocobo_ff]

4 options I'm weighing up:

1. Suzuki SV650S
2. Suzuki GSX650F
3. Kawasaki Ninja 650R (EX650A8F)
4. Kawasaki ER-6N

Do you own any of the above? Which do you recommend? Why?
Which is best? Most reliable? Most economical? Most fun? Cheapest to maintain/repair/buy parts for? Most comfortable on a long ride? Handles strong side winds best? Looks best IYO? Best build quality?
Looking for as much input and opinion as possible, preferably from those who own or have owned or at least ridden any of the above. Cheers!
BTW, It's a few months before I'll be buying, but I want to get in early and make up my mind, so I end up making the right decision.

I'm in a similar boat as you, although I'll start test riding sooner (full test in just over half a month's time) and have a few more bikes on my list... all I have to say is, buying new in 2009 is gonna suck compared to this year! for example the ER-6F has gone up over $2k in price (do like the styling a bit better though)

[samgab]

I'm in a similar boat as you, although I'll start test riding sooner (full test in just over half a month's time) and have a few more bikes on my list... all I have to say is, buying new in 2009 is gonna suck compared to this year! for example the ER-6F has gone up over $2k in price (do like the styling a bit better though)

Yeah, I was reading about the new ER-6F for 2009:
*Twin headlights, nicer style, as you say.
*Rubber engine mounts to reduce vibration
*New digital dash, now with digital fuel gauge
*Supposedly revised suspension/tweaked engine, although same power.
*Bigger radiator
*LED tail lights

and a few other minor bits and pieces.
The price increase puts it above what I was planning to spend, and into the territory of the Yamaha FZ6S...
Let us know how you get on with your test rides etc!

[Matt]

...
I didnt like the bar postion or the where the tank curves outward so that whenever I went to change gear it catches under your knee, but thats probably because Im 6'5".-Mike.

Wierd - I'm 6'5" too and that was one the reasons I went with the ER6n over the SV650! - although I did add the tall seat option to the ER6n which made it more comfortable.

I had the ER6 for 20k kms, and recently went to a Versys - more room, but same great ride & engine as the ER6n

Give 'em all a go and see which floats your boat!

[chester]

what about a three cylinder

[chocobo_ff]

But if I look at it that way, then the Kwakka ZX-6R is only 15G, and that's only another thou... But then the GSX-R600 which I REALLY like is only another thou on top of that... And then the CBR600RR which I really REALLY like is only another thou on top of that...

Aargh! Have to draw the line somewhere!

I like the way you think

At the moment I'm seriously considering the FZ6, although obviously the final decision will have to wait until I can test ride them. BUT, if I really like the Monster 696 after I test ride it, I might go with that (that's a big might though).

[samgab]

I like the way you think

At the moment I'm seriously considering the FZ6, although obviously the final decision will have to wait until I can test ride them. BUT, if I really like the Monster 696 after I test ride it, I might go with that (that's a big might though).

The FZ6 looks like a pretty good package, but you might also consider the GSR600 as well if you're considering that...

[chocobo_ff]

The FZ6 looks like a pretty good package, but you might also consider the GSR600 as well if you're considering that...

There's something about Suzuki's that I don't like... I'm not saying they are not good bikes (great bikes in fact), but it's a personal preference I guess much like how people think Hondas are gay I suppose

But good to know who's looking for a new bike next year, as most 'what to get' discussions seem to surround second hand, so this thread'll be a good one for me to keep an eye on when I finally get my license

[samgab]

http://tinyurl.com/8t2bfv

I know, I know, I'm such a nerd.
And I also know that what is seen on paper is nothing like the real story in terms of rideability.

Any additions to this chart, let me know the specs

[The Stranger:Me]

http://tinyurl.com/8t2bfv

I know, I know, I'm such a nerd.
And I also know that what is seen on paper is nothing like the real story in terms of rideability.

Any additions to this chart, let me know the specs

I am sure you already realise, however it does miss the most important issue - handling.

[twistemotion]

http://tinyurl.com/8t2bfv

I know, I know, I'm such a nerd.
And I also know that what is seen on paper is nothing like the real story in terms of rideability.

Thanks, that is quite helpful info. The world needs nerds too

[samgab]

Thanks, that is quite helpful info. The world needs nerds too

Pre-test riding, I've pretty much decided that I like the GSX650F best out of the sub-12G new bikes.
It's 4 cylinder, and from what I read it seems like a pretty good all rounder.
It is a bit heavier than some of the others, but I like it the best overall.
Now I just have to wait and save for 6 months, get my full licence; then I can go out and try a few test rides.

[roy.nz]

Go the SV650...

[Jekkyl]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=88737

Looked at pretty much the same bikes and picked the SV, I love Vtwins thou so made my choice easy. Loving the bike so far!

[2Cycle]

I was in a similar position. As i recently went from an rg150 to a new SV650s. I liked how when I test rode it, it felt similar to the rg but way better. I felt comfortable straight away. I wanted a faired bike and the ER6f just seemed too much like a naked bike with it's upright seating and no clipons I still think the ERs are cool bikes though. For me the new GSXf is just too heavy for commuting. I wouldn't concern myself with power output figures as all the bikes you are looking at will seem like warp9 compared to the fxr.

I use mine mostly for commuting. I have also been on some long trips and I start feeling like I need a rest stop at around 250Ks depending on how straight the road is (the straighter the road the lower the comfort level). I get about 24Km/l and get over 300Km between fuel stops.

[shafty]

Good thread Sam, - I like your chart too, - thats the sort of thing I'd do. I've bought a demonstrator in the past and saved some $1000's, and picked up extras with the deal, something to consider with todays engineering. Also, haggle hard Mate, they will want every sale at the mo - and even later in the piece