suz 650s vs. kaw 650r

[ginoe]

suz 650s vs. kaw 650r

which would make a better trackbike?
(i'm looking for more low end grunt rather than high rev speed)

[makenzie71]

If I had to choose right now, SV650 hands down.  The 650R hasn't been around long enough to prove anything...much less longevity, durabillity or straight abillity on the track.

[makenzie71]

(i'm looking for more low end grunt rather than high rev speed)

The SV's got the Ninja beat in both catagories, anyway.  We're looking at a max of 70hp out of the 650r, unrestricted and with bolt-ons.  It's going to take internal work to get more.  The SV has 70hp out of the box and it's not difficult to find them putting down 75~80rwhp with bolt ons and mild tuning.

[500rider]

I'm betting there'd be way more parts and accessories out there right now for the SV than the Kawi plus people are already racing them out there.  

You gonna buy a brand new bike for the track?

[94suzuki500]

if you drop the kawi look at that rear set you have to replace if it breaks, big bucks.

[JamesG]

Basically its the battle of the GS500 vs. the EX500 writ (slightly) large.

FIed SVs make mid to high 60s stock. With pipe and a power commander it makes low 70s. With alot of work (and money) you get into the 80s. I've heard of a couple of grenades that make over 90 hp, but they don't last long,  thats about the upper limit that the bottom end can withstand.

The 650r makes 70hp out of the box.  With bolt on mods probably mid 70s with a reliabile 90hp being possible.  From the reports I've read, it has very good low end grunt but still pulls at the top, and has the edge over the SV in power.

The SV is alot easier to get ready for the track though.  A bit of safety wire, some tape, and some odds and ends and its ready.  The 650r has alot of extreanous trim panels and those huge footpeg brackets.  Also the fairing is not condusive to fitting clipons. You pretty much have to replace the stock bodywork with ZX6rr fairings or when someone comes out with modified stock bodywork.
The 650r's tube frame is another question mark.  How good will it be at race pace? How damage resistant is?  
If the issues with the 650r can be sorted out, it will make a very compeditive bike against the SV.  But at this point (and at the club level) its more a personal choice over which one strikes your fancy more.

[john]

I still think the 650r is a damn sexy bike, but the SV is a reliable proven track bike.  There's a market for used track only SV's so you will be able to sell it as-is instead of re-streeting it before selling.

[skrap1r0n]

I saw the kawai 650 at a bike show and I wasn't impressed. The thing that bugged me most was the offset suspension on the swingarm. it really didn't look all that stable. For street it may be fine, but I would have it in my head that the swingarm would flex funny when exposing it to track stresses.

Right now, of the two, the SV650 would be the bike of choice for me on a track. I may change my opinion in a few years after the Kawai 650 has had some time to be thouroughly tested and run by lots of people.

[pantablo]

(i'm looking for more low end grunt rather than high rev speed)

sounds like a sv650 no-brainer. also, the 650r is not a proven platform yet, unlike the sv which is a great, proven track bike. I'd give the 650r a year of gestation before testing the limits with it. But thats just my opinion.

[makenzie71]

(i'm looking for more low end grunt rather than high rev speed)

sounds like a sv650 no-brainer.

ditto.

[aplitz]

The SV is one of the best bikes for the track, bar none.  You can buy one already prepped for much less than doing it yourself, and repair it from the vast pool of SV's wadded on the street.

[kfoster]

The guys over at the ZRXOA site are saying go for the SV650. Those who have seen the Kaw 650 are not very impressed. Besides, for a track day bike, used may be better than new anyway!