Ninja 250r vs GS500f (or gs500e).... and I an not a noob...

[ShadowrideR]

[calamari]

2005 gs500f here.

at 65mph, I get more than 200 miles per tank.
around 185/190 miles per tank before having to go into reserve (so I get that mileage in a bit more than 3 gallons).

no problems keeping up with traffic (traffic has problems keeping up with me   )
not heavy, and not light enough to be shaken by the wind blast from incoming trucks.

with your height, you can easily plant both feets on the ground.

[ImJustPondering]

You mentioned that you do go on the Highway... The 250 will be a bad choice for that. From what I'm told from someone who had a 250... it bounces all over the place on the freeway - too underpowered and wind can just knock you over (probably exaggerated-but you get the idea).

The gs500f is big as sport bike and about 400 pounds. I've ride mine mostly on the freeway of course some local streets to get back home and it goes between cars smoothly (its slim). I'd suggest the 500 if you had to choose between the 250 and 500. There is also a Ninja 500 too which has the same engine

[TarzanBoy]

Interesting post.   I *am* a noob, but I'll toss my opinion in since i've done quite a bit of research and googling on a couple of those bikes (good job avoiding the buell blast, by the way... someone tried to suggest that I get one, and then i found out that they are lemons).

First off, I notice that the SV650(s) didn't make your list of potential bikes.... i'm guessing that this is because they are too expensive?  With your riding experience and desire for a good utilitarian machine that doesn't have to be sport-bike fast.... I think the SV650 is right up your alley.  They come either faired or naked.... and have a pretty dedicated following of riders meaning that acceessories like luggage carriers and the like are readily available.
The SV650(s) has about 65-70hp compared to the GS500's 35-40hp while stll being the same weight (dry).  I haven't ridden one yet, but to me it seems like the heir-apparent to the naked gs500.

As for your narrowed-down list...  I've read that dual bikes aren't well suited for highway traveling because of the body, mass, and power.  If you're going to be doing a substantial amount of riding in that type of traffic, then I would suggest disqualifying that class of bike.

The Kawi ninja 250 and ex500.   I'm a little biased as I dislike the look and popularity of this 'ugly cousin' to the ZX-6 ninjas.   I am a firm believer that if the kawi250 and ex500's weren't called 'ninjas',  then you wouldn't see nearly as many all over the place.   I see 250's for sale all the time (esp on cycletrader).  They are only slightly less powerful than the GS500, but dont' offer any advantages in return.  I'd take a GS500 over a 250 every day, esp since used 250's tend to be more expensive than their gs500 counterparts.  

-The ex500 seems like a decent bike.  Its ugly like the 250 (the 80's called.... they want their body style back!), but it offers a litle more pickup than the gs500.... I think around 45-50hp (someone correct me if i'm wrong).  

GS500 - the little half-liter that could!  I have owned my fully faired model for about 1.5 weeks.  If I were making constant/frequent highway trips then I would probably get something a little bigger (as in size), and so more noticable.... and with some speed in reserve for keeping the bike out of tight spots.  

I don't think you'll be disappointed with another gs500, but i do think you'll find the SV650 a pleasant surprise.

-kevin

[calamari]

I forgot to mention. I ride mine on freeway mostly (as in, everyday), and have no problems whatsoever.

wake up, warm bike, gear up, go!


btw, how come I already forgot to refuel twice?  
last time I had to ride almost 25 miles on reserve! (I was afraid I wasn't gonna make it to the station)

[pantablo]

interesting initial post.

got me thinking. I agree on the buell/harley thing, and a dual sport wont be good on the highway.

the suggestion of an sv650 is a good one. I would offer the bandit 600 or 1200 as an alternative, a really cheap alternative.

While I think the gs500 is a great bike I also think that for an experienced rider, given your criteria, you might like something more like a standard bike (vs sport bike) with standard ergos, etc. The naked sv650 fits that bill. The bandit's are also not a very desirable bike right now so they're dirt cheap (new even) and cheap to insure. Hell, you can get a brand new bandit 1200 for under $6k in some places.

Now, if I had to choose between the gs500 and the ex250, well I'd choose the gs. Easy to work on (air cooled a bonus), cheap to maintain, great mileage (55-60mpg even flogging it in the canyons!) and sharp new looks, both the 01+ nakeds and the new faired models.

[davipu]

national cycle has several models of shields available for the gs. and about the best place to get them is MAW.  
there are lots of luggage options that will work for you. check out Kerry's page for lots of neat ideas http://www.bbburma.net/   and no matter what anyone else says you can't find a better all around bike under 600cc's than a gs500e.  cheep parts, will run forever, easy to ride, great on gas. it just keeps getting better and better.  welcome to the circus.

[JamesG]

Given your requirements I would look at some of the big scooters on the market. Suzuki Burgman, Honda Silver something etc.

They are priced similarly to the GS. They have enough power for the hiway, comfortable, extremely good gas mileage and have a huge trunk that can hold a helmet and riding suit.

You just have to get past the scooter phobia.


If not. I would recomend the GS.

[mp183]

If you want something that can get out of it's own way you have to get the GS500.  The 250's struggle at 65 mph.
I have a KLR250 and it's a sweet bike.  I commuted a couple of times to Manhattan and it does a great job.  It's close to 70 mpg.
But you really have to anticipate all your moves once you are over 55.
The dual sports are great as commuters but you need a 400 or something that size.
Mike

[Blazinjr]

If I were you I would try to find a used 600 Bandit.  I got to sit on one at a dealer and it felt better that the GS + it has more power.

[fettcols]

I'm suprised the V-Strom didn't make the list... The small one is pretty cheap and has a similar engine to the SV. It has all kinds of options for a 48 liter cargo box (that's two helmets) and heated handgrips. It also throws a little bit of dual-sport flavor into your commute. The adventure-touring bikes are a growing market. They're a little tall in the saddle but manage to do everything well. I personally would like an SV but I don't think it would look as nice when you add a bunch of luggage.

A friend from work checked one out the other day and is trying to sell his wife on the idea.

[insulinboy]

My buddie had an 05 KLR 650 he just got rid of because of the nasty headshake at 65+ mph.. toped out at 80 after it was all broken in.. dual sports are just not the way to go unless you plan on modding them into a super motard..  really.. I have no problems with my yamahas... my favorite brand.. Ive had an rd 125, xs 1100, xs 400, xs 650, and an xj 400 seca, now ive got my yzf600r.... had a honda Cm250 that I loved as well... always had problems with kawis (except my kx-125 that I built from the ground up) and never been a fan of suzukis (but I do like the GS bandits, and SV's a lot) anyway.. Ive never had a problem on a 250 or a 400.. then again.. Im only 150 with full gear on..... however.. a 250 ninja is going to be awfuly buzzy at 65+ mph.... where as the 500 is going to be able to be at a much lower rev at the same speed... if your looking at fuel ecconomy and comfort (sorry guys. I am a little bias) you might want to at least look at a 600R... its like yamaha's version of the gs basicaly.. there a bit heavyer.. but the motor has almost double the power.. 250 miles to a tank of gas.. and the same fuel mileage.. heck.. Ive gotten 60mpg all freeway miles.. 45-55mpg city (being easy on the throttle of course) either way.. the GS 500 or ninja 500 would be a very good choice for you I think... just dont go with a 250 cause I dont really think with your experiance youll be very happy with it

[scratch]

Remember he is still looking for fuel economy.

I remember my little 250, an '87 Yamaha SRX250 air-cooled, 315lbs wet, 22hp (vs. 33hp for the Ninja), single cylinder, and it would rail everywhere scratch would go. It got 75mpg no matter how hard I rode. It redlined in 6th at 95mph. I never had problems on the freeway. I would think a 250 Ninja could do better and still get the same gas mileage.
However, due to your experience, a small-bore bike for freeway riding may not have enough power, and I would suggest either the scooters (they really look cool), a GS or EX500.
I think a KLR250 would be neat, but ultimately, too much $ for too little.

Is insurance an issue? If so, then again, I would suggest either the scooters, the GS or EX500. Tires? The scooters, the GS or the EX500.
Maintenance? GS, all the way.

[oppy00]

Glad to see someone suggested the V-Strom.  They make two V-Stroms, and since ShadowrideR is looking for a 'smaller' bike the V-Strom 650 would probably be perfect.  It has the same engine as the SV-650 (re-tuned) and you can get all kinds of goodies for it.  I think it is ugly, but that's just me.  The seat height on the V-Strom is a little high, but at 5'8" you should be ok, unless you got really stumpy legs.  Also unless you are opposed to cruisers the Volusia (don't know what it's called now, Boulevard something) is 800cc and is incredibly nice.


The GS500F will do everything you are wanting, and it will do it well.  The F will give you good wind protection and this bike has more than enough juice for the highway.  Insurance is REALLY cheap.  You can do virtually all the maintenance yourself, they look great, and this site is an GREAT resource.

Good luck w/ your decision.

[Roadstergal]

Burgman 650.  V-twin that gets 70mpg and will easily do freeway.  Upright, comfy seating position, and room for a couple of pizzas and a case pf beer under the seat.  I understand the allure of an engine between your legs, but if you're looking for better fuel economy without compromising on freeway-ability, you just can't do better.

I seriously considered one for my commuter.

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/AN650K5/Default.aspx

[pantablo]

you can easily add heated grips to the gs too-plenty of electrical power for them.

[Dr. Love]

DRZ400-SM!!  

[My Name Is Dave]

I'm sorry, but the Burgman is not hot. I saw them at the Zuke dealership and was wondering who would ride one of those. I pictured a big, fat, old man cruising it. Which, now that I think about it, sorta rules  

That's just me though. The thing is a damn boat. It's the 1975 Lincoln Town Car of 2-wheelers  :lol:

Dave  

[Roadstergal]

DRZ400-SM!!  

If you have LONG effing legs.  I considered that one, but nixxed it.

Oh, also - when I looked for a commuter, I wanted one with a shaft or belt drive, so I could be lazy and not clean the chain weekly (I clean and lube after riding, so the chain is warm for the clean and the lube's propellants have time to evaporate before I ride again).  Hence the Breva (shaft drive); and that's where the Burgman would be good, too (CVT).

My two last choices were Breva and F650CS (which is on your list).  BMW dealers charge insane amounts, but the Fs are really easy to DIY on, and the stuff bay and belt drive are noice.  It has a good FI system.  I got 60+ mpg on my F650GS, so I wouldn't discount the CS.  It has nifty amenities.

[Roadstergal]

I'm sorry, but the Burgman is not hot. I saw them at the Zuke dealership and was wondering who would ride one of those. I pictured a big, fat, old man cruising it. Which, now that I think about it, sorta rules  

I would LOVE to be able to borrow one for a track day.  Hanging off of one of those...

I see a ton of businessmen riding that and scooters like it these days, though.  If you're being practical about things (which businessmen would be), the big scooters just jump out as being low-maintenance, carry a lot, comfy, and get insane mileage.