Upgrade from Ninja to... what?
 

Hey guys, i know i have posted a similar thread a few weeks back, but im still trying to get some more info on this bike situation.
I have almost 6K miles on my Ninja 250r and am going to upgrade soon.
I've been looking at a 08 new SV650s or a 600cc bike (Gsx-r600, R6, CBR 600)
I know they are all totally different bikes, but you think with my experience that i have on my ninja i could upgrade to a 600cc bike? or would the SV be a better way to go?

Also, my style of riding will consist of free way riding, back roads and commuting. No track days or stunting. Just trying to get some info on what bike would be the best for me. Insurance for me won't be a problem and the price for both bikes are around the same. I've sat on both of them, but i can't test ride any of them.
Thanks for your help guys.

Re: Upgrade from Ninja to...
 

You make no mention of timescales, if you've been riding 3 months then 6,000 mile is a fair amount, if on the other hand it's a couple of years, it's a whole different ball game.

As to bike choice, well be honest with yourself, if you feel you need the sharpness of a SS6 and prefer a "focused" ride then that's the one to go for, it'll have more power, greater speed, better brakes/chassis & suspension, the down side will be it's far less forgiving of mistakes, needs to be revved to get on song and can be a bit extreme in the riding position (all generalizations of course as you don't say which you are considering).

The SV on the other hand is a great bike for picking up big bike skills, you'll be able to learn far more without having to worry about any major "kicks" of power, it's a very forgiving bike to ride, some would say (me included) it's far more fun to ride in town than a SS6, it'll be cheaper to run as well.

So basically if you want some of the best brakes you can get your hands on (and careful now they'll be a lot sharper than you're used to) and feel you need the very good suspension, plus the extra power to do the bit between 125mph to 150mph the the SS6 is your baby.

If on the other hand you want something with more user friendly delivery, exceptible brakes, and adequate suspension that will allow you to learn your skills in a safer way then the SV would be a better choice.

I owned an SV for just over 2 years after riding bikes for 30 years and thoroughly enjoyed it, OK it wasn't a speed triple, but a great fun bike, the suspension and brakes will be better than you currently have, but should feel similar.

Currently I have a whizzy SS6 (derived) Triumph Speed four as one of my bikes, no doubt it's a better bike in almost everway, and yet if I didn't have a big V twin, I'd miss the SV, I;m fortunate to have a big bike (thou) as nimble as the SV around town, not many are.

Oh as frame of ref ( as I appreciate you've no idea who I am), I've owned 179 bikes, ridden for 35 years, police trained rider/Rospa gold, and covered apporx 1.25 million road miles on a bike.

Cheers Mark.

Re: Upgrade from Ninja to...
 

Wow, thats quit a impressive resume Mark. I think.. Deep down.. The SV will be my baby. I've logged 6K miles in about.. little under 6 months. I still find myself missing gears here and there. Have the bike over rev in 3rd gear by accident. Im looking to hone my skills..not have my skin torn off.. Thoe the SS bikes are much better looking, i'll have to choose practicality over vanity....for now ;). Thanks for you advice and wisdom. Ride safe.
MJ

Re: Upgrade from Ninja to...
 

The only 600cc i wouldn't buy is the one before last Ninja ZX6R. I had a go on my mates and it was the most uncomfortable 10 mins on a bike i've ever had. Totally focused head down **** up postion. Commuting on something like that would be a killer. Although the chiropractor would love ya!!!
I've only just got my SV for commuting always had naked bikes before (bandit, Z750,cb1000r) and i tried a few 600cc bikes but they where all pre 2004 so where comfortable and sporty. The GSXR 600 S-Rad was nearly purchased as it was big and comfy plus would of made an ideal track hack too. In the end i went for the SV due to its price, insurance, and lightness. All my previous bike have been over 200kg so it feels like a push bike to me!!!
Good luck and get as many test rides as you possibly can
Steve

Re: Upgrade from Ninja to...
 

Quick Q, are you on a restricted licence? (Hence the 250?)

If so, I personally would recommend the SV, it restricts well, whereas the SS600's will be quite poor. Plus, when you take the restrictor out, its like having a new bike.

If your not on a restricted licence, but want to learn more skills and want to take your time, I would again recommend the SV. However, if it was me, I would be looking at an older pointy, that would cost less and has already depreciated. Then in a couple of years, if you wanted to change again, you wouldn't lose out so much on depreciation.

Re: Upgrade from Ninja to...
 

The best bike for you is the one you like the most, and feel comfortable on.

Most bikes (within reason) will do most things you ask. If you are drawn to a SS600 and feel comfortable on one, then get the one that appeals to you. If you prefer the torquey nature of a v-twin, then get an SV. I would advise getting a good long test ride if you can - a bike will feel somewhat different after 2 or 3 hours in the saddle.

Go with your heart, it will seldom be very wrong.

Re: Upgrade from Ninja to...
 

I went for an SV cause i love twins, and also im on a restricted license, and they do restrict very well. Ive had a go on a few SS600, and although they are so much quicker and generally better, i always found myself wishing to be on my SV cause you can ride it relaxed and take it easy and still get a shift on.

Re: Upgrade from Ninja to...
 

No, im from the States..I don't know what that is, haha.
I rode my ninja 250 b/c i wanted to properly learn how to ride a street bike. So now, if i buy a SV, i can pick up skills on how to ride a bigger bike.
As bad as i want a 600SS, i know that it would probably kill me, lol. If i go on the SV, i can take my time and learn how to ride a powerful bike with a smarter head.
Plus, if i put a new can on and throw on a rear seat cowl..BAM.. New looking bike.

Re: Upgrade from Ninja to... what?
 

I'd got for what bike you can afford and what bike you REALLY want. To me, because you are even contemplating a SS600, it sounds as if you do want one eventually.

Near enough the only reason, apart from high insurance, that I don't currently have a SS600 is because I had zero road experience. You've got some experience on the roads with the 250, so you won't be a complete novice.

Throttle works both ways, so to speak.

Re: Upgrade from Ninja to... what?
 

Cant you take them all for a test ride and see which one you bond with most?