the vast according to insurance companies around 95% of crashes happen bellow 40 mph no matter the engine displacement.

even the 250 will get up over 100mph. the 500 is not a rocket but it does have more grunt for passing etc. my 6r was my first bike and it was not difficult to learn on. as long as you are mature enough to control your throttle anything bellow a zx6r can be a beginner bike.

 

Get the 250. After having a f4, gpz550, 954, gsxr600, and now a gsxr600 w/ a 250. I think the 250 is incredible. I bought the 250 for the GF to learn riding and she will be better for it. I actually have the 250 today and will swap it for the 600 at lunch time.

People who claim to outgrow the 250 are fools. Seeing how i didn't start on a 250, now that i have riden this little scooter, when i have children they will be riding 250's and progressing through the ranks. A self imposed graduated licensing system i will impose.

The 250 will force you to be a better rider and not compensate by the additional power of a larger SS. Granted you might be left in the dust if you ride with your friends on the larger bikes. That is probably one reason people upgrade. they do not ride for the ride. In my case after adding the 250 it's time to add a 848.

 

Well, the plot thickens: I was able to test ride yesterday a couple of Hyosung bikes at the 1 dealer they have here. I was blown away by their 650 sport bike, immediately addicting. It's quite similar to a Suzuki SV650. I guess what I learned is that I really am an experienced rider: i've ridden cruisers (including a Harley) for 20 years. I thought the sports bike thing would be really new and tough to do, but after yesterday's ride I am sure I'd be comfortable in a day.

I must say that the pull of the 650 was immediately addicting! Loved having the power on tap. They also had a 250 version and that was pleasing as well, but I'm thinking even more now about how I would crave more power, quickly, which further makes me turn away from the Ninja 250R.

Still don't know if it makes any sense to have something like this sitting on the street. And the concern of city street parking is a big factor. Piaggio MP3 is very tempting, though expensive.

 

It's good to hear you're out on the hunt and making these decisions for yourself and I think there was a tread earlier about the Hyosung but not sure where you should try finding it, it was great. But more than anything it sounds like you just need to decide what you're getting it for and as you can see for those of us W/ a budget it very possible to "OUT GROW A BIKE" if you can't afford two have more than one... It's calledbeing poor not a "fool"!!!Good luck and keep KF updated and pix as soon as you ride one home.

 

the hryosungs have some quality control issues so the if you get a good one they are great but if you get a bad one you will be hating life. if you like the hyosung 650 then you will probably also like the 650ninja

 

If he likes how the engine is in the hyosung 650 he will problably love the SV650 more then the Ninja 650.
I know it's a kawasaki forum but a twin feels a little different then a V motor.

 

I've made the next mental leap and it's irreversible-- gotta be a 650. And you're right: SV650 or Ninja 650r appeals the most.

It's easy to compare the 2 via web searches, and the overwhelming consensus goes to the SV650. I think the pre-2003's looked awesome w/ their curviness! Don't like the look of a naked bike, but definitely want the handlebars raised (hate the leaned over posture from sport clip-ons). However, in the 2 bikes' latest form, I think the Ninja *looks* better, and it has much higher handlebars. It would be ready to ride for me w/ no mods. I'd almost certainly get used. either bike just a couple years old goes for between $4k and $5k, while the pre-2003 SV goes for just a bit less. So I'd prolly forego the pre-2003's cool looks (the newer SV is much more angular). Also, the newer SV adds fuel injection.

Still have no clue how well any of this is gonna go having it sitting on a Manhattan street!!

 

I just pick up my new 07 650 Ninja for lest the 6200 out the door . I could not find any the the 07 SV's on sale I think that they are to popular