[prf1980]

Just kidding. I'm one of the guys who asked about a 600rr as a first bike After reading through terabytes of posts, I've decided that you guys are probably right. Plus the 07's don't come out for a bit anyways. If I really am as level headed and a quick learner as I think I am, I should be able to master everything by then. So, question is...SV650, EX500, or the 250. I'm 6'2 135 lbs. Haven't sat on any of these bikes. Without a commisioned salesman pointing me in the direction of his future boat payment, which of these do you think I should lean towards? If you think I'll be bored with the 250 in 6 hours, please let me know now. Thanks. By the way, whoever posted the rider A/B fast rider on slow bike/slow rider on fast bike, thank you. Never looked at it like that. Paying for damaged fairings and what not isn't much of a concern to me. Dying and riding around on my bike like a Ferrari owner with the parking brake on is.

 

[alaska cajun]

The ex 500 or 250 will net you the best resale money and is plenty of bike to learn on.

 

[prf1980]

Which is better? The 250 or the 500? What are the differences? And resale aside...would I like the 650 more? Would it be something I would maybe just want to keep?

 

[alaska cajun]

I've never ridden the 500 but the 250 is a pepply little bike and will hang with the 600 on the street in the twisties with a good rider,I had no problem dragging the pegs on it.I've ridden a 03 and a 06 and the only difference i could tell was the paint.They're great bikes and will take tons of abuse.

The SV 650 is a great bike as well and can be turned into a track bike pretty easy,even with full fairings.Depending on what you want in a bike i could see someone wanting to keep the SV for a while.

 

[alaska cajun]

This is the SV before and after race trim.

 

[alaska cajun]

This is a 06 250,it's kind of far away but it's the only pic I have of my sons bike.The 500 looks pretty much the same.

 

[panda_stunter]

id suggest of the 500...youd get tired of the 250 way too fast and you'll feel like you just wasted money on it.

at least the 500 is somewhat the same and have a little more juice. im not saying its a 600 killer or anything, but it would keep you satisfied when you are still learning and gaining experience.

650 is actually too much of a bike if you have never ridden before. even though its a starter bike, it does have a lot of torque for a bike. since its a vtwin

have fun and keep the shiny side up!

and alaska cajun, you might wanna blur out your plates...just in case

 

[ZeroFiveFour]

prf1980,

For a learner/commuter bike 250 or ex 500 get my vote. In my opinion You cant go wrong here. Ive ridden both bikes, well older versions as it's been ten years or so. Each belonged to a friend. Fun bikes for sure. If your looking for a keeper, my vote goes for the SV-650. I know next to nothing about this bike other than its esthetics and its good reputation, although I believe it makes consideralby more horsepower than the other bikes, SV-650 reported HP is 72.5 horsepower @ 8750 RPMs. ex500 has 50 reported HP, Ninja 250 having somewhere near 25-36 reported HP I believe, I've read both figures and dont have the inclination to determine which is correct.

Things to consider: ergonomics and visual appeal of course.

BTW... In 94 when I was learning to ride my CBR f2, (was not my first bike btw), a friend of mine would utterly embarrass me on his ninja 250 in the turns.

edit: Just re-read my message, Wanted to point out that the recommendation for the sv 650 is not made in the context as a first bike btw...as the above poster mentioned it is a lot of bike for a new rider.

Enjoy riding,

054...

 

[Crass Tengu]

I wish the sv650 was around when I started riding. . . if you have the $ for something nicer/newer its a good choice. Otherwise an old ninja or EX will do the job.

 

[Virgil]

Its a hard choice, but all in all it comes down to the means available to u at the time. If u can get the SV then get the SV if you can't or u don't wnat to lose money then go with the kawi.

 

[prf1980]

I just thought I would add that none of these three bikes is my "bike of choice." I have my heart set on a 600RR but would like to do this correctly... Thought maybe the SV650 might would be less of a jump to a 600. But if I could learn well enough on the 250/500 I'm open minded. I'd like this to be the bike before I get a 600RR. Luckily I live in FL so "seasons" aren't too much of an issue. I should be able to log some miles fairly quickly. I didn't learn to drive in a Diablo VT... so everyone's posts made a lot of sense. I would like to be a better rider in the end. If I have to putter around on a turd for a bit, so be it. Are all three of these ergonomically acceptable for taller people? Thanks for the pics by the way.

 

[halo junkie]

get a 600rr ull learn just as easily just babystep it if u get the other bikes ull b selling it in about a month tops

 

[DamnRock]

the SV650 would be my choice... primarily because I owned an EX500 as my first bike... and YES... it's a good bike and was perfect to learn on... but the SV650 is a more "track" able bike so if you decided to buy an 07 600RR you could keep the SV650 and put it on the track... plus, they aren't too expensive. Also, the SV is the best looking of your choices (other than the 600rr)

At your weight, I wouldn't recommend a 600rr as a first bike because of how heavy it is... combined with the power.... BUT there are worse bikes you can get as a first bike and a 600cc won't be too bad if you are REALLY REALLY level headed and learn quickly but progress slowly.

The ninja sits real low... both the 250 and 500's... the sv650 and 600rr sit taller but I would still recommend an SV650 as that's what I would have purchased (as my first) if I were to do it again.

Good Luck.

Rock
Rock

 

[snikwad]

SV all the way... and dont be suprised if after you get the RR you wanna go back to a SV or atleats a V twin.
Plus damn near everything off a gixxer can be put on the SV if you decide ot keep it.

 

[Guest]

The difference between the EX250/500 is seat height and engine power when it comes to ridability.

aesthetics are much different. they don't look like one another at all anymore.

 

[risky_analyst]

go with the sv.. i'm 6'2 as well.. it was my first bike.. i still have it and will never get rid of it as long as it runs.. i'll probably sell the CBR before selling the SV.. that's how much i like it. it's forgiving.. it's affordable, it's torque, it's a great city commuter, good gas mileage, it's comfortable, high resale value, tons of aftermarket parts, you can track it, it's more preditactable, and it's much easier to learn on since it has handlebars and the power is linear.. my only concern for you is that you should probably save your money and eat some food and gain some weight before you buy a bike.. joking.. have fun with it.. SV easy choice

 

[risky_analyst]

i also wanted to add that a lot of riding is control.. be easy on the throttle.. i'm not endorsing a liter sportsbike. anyways, you can get hurt on any bike. it just so happens that smaller bikes are easier to control as a beginner due to their weight. i'm 200 lbs so the SV wasn't that difficult for me. I was caught up in the sex appeal of the sports bikes which is squidly of me, but i learned control and practiced a lot in the neighborhood then slowly approach the streets, then advanced to the major roads, then finally the freeway.. take your time and practice.. hope this helps.