So I was thinking (very rare, due to pain)...after a year or two with my 500, I was going to upgrade to a Ninja 650. What are your thoughts on this bike.

 

my thought is it is too slow you should get the zx10.....lol j/k

 

If I upgrade from the 500 - the 650R is what I'm getting!!! Now I have not seen one in person (because I'd be too tempted to get it right then and there ), but from the reviews I've read and from what I've heard from others - its an awesome bike!

I say go for it!

 

I too am faced with the same conundrum. The major problem for me is the computerized crap on the 650.
My dealership tech let me look at the service manual for the 650 and it was MUCH thicker than both the base manual and supplement for the 500.
When I got to the Fuel and Ignition chapters, I soon saw why. The 650's fuel injection and computer-controlled ingnition is a serious PITA for the do-it-yourselfer.
I can already pass R1's, Ducatis and GSXR1000s on twisty roads with a 500, so I don't need anymore power. I gave my 500 to my ex-gf last year, but am now considering buying another. So far it stacks up thus:

500R
Pro: proven design is unchanged since 1994 and parts will always be plentiful
Con: dated looks (which are very easily improved with the addition of 2005 ZZR600 mirrors (part numbers: 56001-1483 & 56001-1484) which bolt on with no modification
Pro: Screw-type valve adjustments are very easy to do
Con: They have to be done every 6500 miles
Pro: Price is still nice and cheap, and bound to be even cheaper since everyone is selling their used 500's to get the new 650
Con: no one waves back and everyone treats you like a n00b when you're on a 500
Pro: mileage is stellar, even when you're filtering through traffic and roosting away from sportscars at stoplights

650R
Pro: slick new design is very appealing to the eye
Con: complaints of fairing buzzing seem to be common
Pro: nice shim-under-bucket valvegear means quieter engine when cold and the valve adjustment interval is an enviable 26,000 miles
Con: Costs more
Pro: catalytic converters mean the emissions are very clean on this bike
Con: The cylinders are sleeveless, plated aluminum cylinders--and after my experience with the Honda Superhawk, this nearly makes it a disposabike
Pro: The mileage is also stellar, perhaps even a tiny bit better than the 500

Bottom line: They're both probably excellent bikes and I'm just splitting hairs.
Good luck either way!
-Chris in Carlsbad
http://www.calamarichris.com/

P.S. Big Pro for the 500 (for me): the flat gastank rules for carrying dogs to the beach.

 

Nice write up man... Like the dog carrier also.

 

about that coment no one waves at a 500....ive never been not waved....but froma distance a black 500r you cant see the lettering so they probally have no clue that it is anyway

 

Thanks Bigrig--you a mighty-nice fella.
I was only kidding about the waving cr@p. I wave at everyone, even Harleys and kids on BMX bikes and could honestly care less if they wave back.
But I'm especially enthusiastic about waving to riders who are smart enough to get the mighty 500! And my dog is too: