asking for insight on performance

[bwsmith]

hi, all,

i am hunting for one of the "f" models for my wife to learn on and maybe stay with for a while.  i ride a cbr 954rr and she wants a sport bike to learn to ride with me.  i want something light and zippy with decent handlinng, but not too much power that can get her into trouble.  please give me your input as far as how this bike rides and handles, as well as its little quirks that all bikes have.  also, ladies, please add your thougths on the 500.  is it balanced enough for you, and do you find it comfortable for riding reasonable distances?  thanks to all and i appreciate all your insight.

bryan

[TragicImage]

I ride with several people who have either 954rr's, or the older 929.

I keep up  just fine... and this is my first bike. so.  there you have it.

[The Antibody]

This bike has proven itself time and again. It is a great starter bike. It's power is enough to ride the interstate, but it is very easy to ride at slower speeds as well. The balance is quite good as well. It doesn't have too many quirks where riding it is concerned. The only issue is seat height. How long are her legs? That is an issue with all bikes though. The seat height is about 31" remember that it's not going to be as light and flicky as your 954. It's pretty tame.

Basically, it's better than a 250 and easier to start on that a 650.

  -Anti 

[scratch]

Welcome!

Best [beginner] bike EVAR!!

I've been riding 20yrs and this bike is great.  I routinely am a group ride leader and am leading or sweeping for better handling, and more powerful, bikes.  No problems or complaints (from the faster riders).

[rangerbrown]

i'm faster than most in corners, but bet passed in strites

[dubkeith]

I got my wife a gs500 to learn on because it was cheap and it handled pretty well. After spending some time on it i realized that it is actually a great bike. Its very nimble, stops well (upgrades are easy and cheap for further safety) and has a reletively low seat hight.

I won't say that "the bike keeps up with a 954" because it doesn't and won't unless the 954 rider shouldn't be on the 954. Performance wise, stock, the bike can cruise along at 130-140 kph with ease and at 185 pounds with a BEAT up 60,000 km motor, i can hit 170 kph without fairings. An F model would be even better having wind protection.
The handling is a deffinite high point though. Its easy to manipulate and a great confedence builder. She would love it i'm sure.

Best first bike by far is the Duc 695 though. No question, a perfect bike noob or vet.

[rangerbrown]

. An F model would be even better having wind protection.

not as great as you would think, i get more wind pushing me side to side with the wind shild on (and fairing) than i did with the bike naked.

[scratch]

Also, I forgot to add, you can lower the front (advisable) by sliding the forks up through the tripleclamps half an inch.  Setting up the suspension is a big confidence booster, too.

[bwsmith]

Thanks to everyone for your comments.  This is some good stuff.  I don't expect to be racing around like maniacs, and I wouldn't put the gal in dangerous situations buy expecting her to keep up with the 954.  The 500 seems like a good place to start without needing to upgrade anytime soon, or ever for that matter.  my only real concern seemed to be the single front disk that does most of the stopping.  the 250's are set up that way, too, I think.  It weighs the same as most of the rockets, but half the stopping power it seems.  I still think it has a lot going for it despite this.  Thank you again and I'll see everyone agan on the boards.

Bryan

[TragicImage]

trust me, the brakes are fine for what the bike does..... you can still get the tail end towards the sky if you grab enough lever.

[gsJack]

trust me, the brakes are fine for what the bike does..... you can still get the tail end towards the sky if you grab enough lever.

Stopping power is adequate but front brake area is not for serious mountain duty with single disc front.  Turned my front rotor blue twice and faded out front brake once in the mountains,  HH pads will fix this.