Kawasaki vs. Suzuki vs. Honda (500 to 650 cc's) for a new rider?

Question

I'm a new rider who is looking to buy a first bike. I've practiced on Ninja 250 but found out that I dont like its lack of low-end (low RPM power). I am looking to buy either a Honda CBR, Kawasaki or Suzuki 500-650 cc. I like sports bike for their maneuvarability and lightness. I plan to ride mostly local roads (a lot of stop-and go) but also 20-30% on the highway. I am about 5'9" and 190 pounds. I am looking to get in a lot of practive on my new 500-600-650 and then trade it in in a year or two for a new bike. Money is somewhat of an issue for me, so I'm looking at the price diff between the suzuki 500 (about $4k) and the Honda (about $8k) but then since I'm gonna trade it I'm also considering trade in value.

Answer 1

Suzuki is the way to go.  It has a better engine and tires.  Plus it is cheaper.  Its a good start for a first timer.

Answer 2

I agree with bill about the SV 650, that would be my choice in that size and price range.  It's kind of a naked, standard bike, but has a pretty sporty look.  

The v-twins are very popular these days, combine that with liquid cooling and EFI, and that will help you with re-sale down the road. The big singles and parallel twins generally don't hold their value as well.  

As he said, they make a lot of power and torque for their size, so use some common sense on it.  You certainly should not become bored with it.  A lot of people with many years experience are still happy riding this bike.

Brand new msrp of 6,000....do some shopping around and you could probably get an "out the door" price close to that figure, maybe even less.  I've seen several nice late model used ones selling for 3 to 4 grand, that wouldn't be a bad way to go either.

Edit:  I don't know if it is the lightest bike in this category or not, but having the v-twin, it should balance out very well, and be easy to hold up.

Answer 3

Honda's are user friendly.  You have to think about how upside down you will be on your loan once you are ready to trade it in.  I would suggest looking in the used market.  There are many bikes within the price range you are looking at and you may possilby find a nice bike with more cc's. The thing is...practice or not...60mph is 60 mph...whether its on a 1000 or a 500.  Basically saying...if you are planning on getting a 1000 or better...get it used practice on it.  Buying it brand new will only bring problems if you lay it down (which can and will happen).  You're not going to like scratching that new paint!!!

Answer 4

I like the Suzuki SV650. I think it will make a good starter bike although it has 71 hp and you'll have to use restraint. The Kaw 650 is well received and may be worth investigating.

The Suzuki should be available used and save some money besides you are sure to drop the first bike sooner or later. Perhaps a Suzuki Katana 600 for the 4 feeling but this is more hp. In short get started. You learn about riding by riding and not reading, Have fun.

Answer 5

Buy a used bike.  It will solve several problems:

- you could pick up a good one for $3k or less (avoid the $1.5k or less unless you are mechanically oriented).

- if you drop it, it will cost you less to fix (none if cosmetics are already a problem)

- depreciation is only a few hundreds a year; you can probably sell it to within $500 of what you paid for 2 years later.

- cheap insurance

Brand?  It does not matter, but the "sportier" the bike, the more likely it was abused by previous owners.  Look for:

- good maintenance records

- accept no excuse (minor oil leak, easy to fix, etc.).

- low mileage

- overall appearance of the bike.

Ride safe!