'06-'08 Gen Ninja 650R. Anything outdated about it?

Crom

Crom

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Man, this first bike decision is driving me nuts!!

I came across a good deal on an '06 650R, but was wondering if there's anything about this generation of 650R that is already noticeably outdated or inferior to the newer generations, as we are on generation 3 now apparently.

It's an '06 with a bit over 20K on it, for $3500 which I think is a pretty exceptional deal. Tires are almost new as well.

Would you guys just go with a 500R for now and wait a couple years until the newer 650R's on the used market come down? Or just get a first generation now, as my first bike?

From what I have read these bikes are pretty newbie friendly. And I have been looking at 500R, as that was the bike I originally wanted to get, but the cheapest ones in decent shape are going from $2800 and up. For an extra $700 I cant get the 650R with EFI, etc etc...


Any opinions?
 
the 650R is a entry level bike, kawasaki pieced it together with cheap/old tech, its not a totaly ground up designed bike. it is made to be affordable but still reliable which lets them sell the bike at that price point. The suspension and brakes are entry level basic/outdated technology. the new versions might update to more modern Inverted forks etc. but the 650R is not by any means "high tech" it is a very simple reliable and newb friendly design for the most part.
 
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I'd spend the extra and get the 650R. There's quite a few improvements on it over the 500R. Great first bike. Plenty of room to grow into. Just respect it at first as a 650 is a lot for a beginner.
 
That's kind of what I'm afraid of. Have have been researching first bikes to death for about 10 months now, and it looks like it's split about 50/50 when asking people if a 650 is too much for a total beginner. Literally the only bike I have ever actually rode was the tiny 125 during the safety course.

The thought of having a 250 and being able to just crank the throttle and not worry that you're going to pop a wheelie is really appealing, but I will be using the bike on the highway regularly, going to work. Though I'm only actually ON the highway for about 5 minutes or so, but it's the Niagara Skyway and I feel like the 250 might get blown around a bit too much up there, and will struggle on the long incline.

That's why I figured the 500 was perfect. But how much of a step up, performance wise, is the 650 over the 500? Is it a big leap?
 
I'm riding an '08 650R as my second bike. Agree with others that it is not the most high-tech option on the road but for the price you are paying and the reliability of these engines they are hard to beat.

it has great power for the highway and to be honest unless you rev her and dump the clutch it is not that easy to lighten up the front end. I have never felt out of control due to the power of this bike but there is definitely enough there if you want it.
 
How does the price sound? $3500 for an '06 650R, 20K, pretty much brand new tires, no damage. UVIP included, but.... uncertified. That part bothers me.
 
Crom said:
How does the price sound? $3500 for an '06 650R, 20K, pretty much brand new tires, no damage. UVIP included, but.... uncertified. That part bothers me.
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Tell the seller to certify it or no deal, if you don't feel comfortable don't buy the bike. 650R's are very common you will see another one for sale in no time, do not limit your options.
 
Jampy00 said:
Tell the seller to certify it or no deal, if you don't feel comfortable don't buy the bike. 650R's are very common you will see another one for sale in no time, do not limit your options.
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Agree with Jampy. They are always coming up for sale, you can afford to ask for a safety if it worries you. FYI, I paid 5500 for an '08 with 6k on it (last year). Just remember the sales tax on top of the list price.
 
or you could look at the SV, if you dont mind switching brands...(i know its a tough one...going from kawi to suzi)

but there are far more options for SV 650 than ninja 650.

You can find loads of them cheap on kijiji and with fork and shock upgrades that make the SV awesome!
 
Crom said:
it looks like it's split about 50/50 when asking people if a 650 is too much for a total beginner
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The displacement value is not the only criteria to look at when determining how much power a bike can output. For reference, a GSXR600, a ZX-6R and a YZF-R6 all put over 100hp. These are all ~600cc engines. These are the bikes you should avoid if you are a beginner.

By comparison the engine on the EX-650r puts out around 75hp, is completely newb friendly, and won't punish you (as) harshly for silly input error. I have an American '06 650r that had a few mods put on it. It had about 28,000km on it when I got it and needed new wheels. I paid $3800 for it. Great bike. Save for an ignition coil, the only work I've done on it has been maintenance and cosmetic.

At $3500 for what you describe it sounds like a pretty good deal. So jump in, and don't rush the process. Watch/read Twist of the Wrist by Keith Code.

Edit: When I was going for my bike the seller wanted $4k. After safety it came to light that I needed the new tires and so I negotiated with the guy. Don't take the bike without getting a safety check!
 
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I am thinking the 650R might be a decent option after all, as people are asking only several hundred less, and sometimes the same price for their 500's lol.

What about the fact that the 2009's and later have rubber engine dampers which are supposed to reduce vibration. Is this upgrade REALLY noticeable, or is it more of a gimmick than anything? Is the vibration on the first gens really that bad?
 
I had an 07 650r, and it was my first bike. Like the others have said, it's a reliable, simple bike and a great choice for your first bike. My experience was that the sv is very comparable, but slightly more aggressive in seating position. It also seems to command a slightly higher price for a similar example. Maybe you will prefer the seating position? Cost of the bike and Insurance may be the deciding factor for you.

Don't worry about the displacement so much: the 650 puts out roughly 70hp, but the bigger factor is how throttle happy you are - on any bike. I think either bike is going to be a lot of fun and you won't regret purchasing either one.

If you haven't checked them out, there's plenty of great info on the model-specific forums like svrider and riderforums. Good luck with your search!
 
I sympathise with the first bike dilemma. I'm currently looking at what I may get although I am still some time away from it.

The only thing is it's not my first bike. First proper bike was an 04 Yam R6 after my 125 for a few months as a learner. However with insurance as it is in Canada and having to re take my test on arrival I have been looking for something possibly sporty, fun and relatively cheap. These are a bike I will be checking out for sure. I have no experience of them as they are not out in the UK but they are pretty much a fully faired ER. Good reliable first bikes.

I'm thinking 70hp will provide ample power for the motorway
More than quick enough in acceleration.
Fairly sporty handling and will not so easily get you into trouble with the law.

As others have said the next choice would be the SV650. Excellent bike. Having ridden my mates naked variant a few times I love it. Put the right pipes on and you can get an awesome sound from that V twin.

Good luck with your decision. The bike in question sounds like a great buy.
 
Necro... I had my heart set on a naked SV last year, but after going for a test drive on one, found that the throttle was way too jerky. It was either ON of OFF. And driving in first gear in a parking lot was a pain. This was my VERY limited experience. I personally would prefer a smoother throttle response, with a less harsh engine braking.

Tomo... I agree, it is quite the dilemma. I want nothing more to just get out and ride. But with bikes it's so hard because most people won't let you ride theirs when you go to look.
 
SV's throttle engagement is jerky when the TPS sensor isn't adjusted (very common, even coming out of the factory).

What area are you in? If you're nearby, we can meet up and I'll let you take my SV for a spin (resprung GSXR forks and a ZX10R shock).
 
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