my neighbor wants a bike, he's ready to plop 4g's down. I'm trying to steer him away from the 750's. I was thinking of telling him to get a used SV650. Give me your thoughts. What are some other 600 class bikes that are good for starters.

SV's not a bad starter. Not as good as a GS. Torque delivery is anything but a smooth curve, according what I've read. However, my friend bought one shortly after I bought my GS, and he's had no mishaps, versus my 3 on the GS. Granted, he has about 1/10th the miles I do, but that's mostly irrelevant.

A honda hornet's not bad... MAYBE a Kat6, I dunno beyond that.

offer up an old cbr. like an F2 or an F3...gives him the sportbike feel of full bodywork but with far less hp.

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on January 21, 2007, 10:10:58 PM
A honda hornet's not bad... MAYBE a Kat6, I dunno beyond that.

The Hornets are sooo expensive though, and a Kat 6 is awfully heavy for a beginner.  I vote SV650 or GS.

-Turd.

Kawi Ninja 650, it has a little less power then the 650. 

Tell your neighbor to leave his ego out of learning to ride. 

Then show him this:  http://www.filecabi.net/video/newbike-2.html

The SV would be an awsome first bike.  The torque delivery is fine, but it has really abrupt throttle response.  Not as comfortable as a GS, but a bit more powerful.  Not so powerful that he would get into trouble on it.  If you put frame sliders on them, even the ones with the half fairing do well in a moderate get off.  I can't imagine anybody would buy an SV for their ego.  The up side is a lot of people use them for track bikes.  A lot of endurance racers use them.  Some simple suspension mods and they are a good track bike.  I've seen them hang with bigger twins.   Brakes can be pretty grabby too, so some practice on the panic stops is recommended.  Damn good starter bike if you ask me. 

Quote from: GeeP on January 22, 2007, 08:37:43 AM
Tell your neighbor to leave his ego out of learning to ride. 

Then show him this:  http://www.filecabi.net/video/newbike-2.html

OH SH!T IS RIGHT. what a moron. he couldn't even flat foot that.

Quote from: papiocho on January 22, 2007, 07:08:57 PM

Quote from: GeeP on January 22, 2007, 08:37:43 AM
Tell your neighbor to leave his ego out of learning to ride. 

Then show him this:  http://www.filecabi.net/video/newbike-2.html

OH SH!T IS RIGHT. what a moron. he couldn't even flat foot that.

Hey.. I can't flatfoot my GS, but I've never done anything quite THAT stupid. I rode Dave's gixxer750 just fine, even though I can just get one foot down.

(I know, you were joking..just thought I'd point that out)

your right, BUT would you have gotten on a 750 with no gear and not knowing jack about riding....
oh and DAM YOUR SHORT!  i can almost flat foot my gas tank, not that i've tried or anything   

Haha, no, I would not have tried with no gear. Also, yeah, I'm a short bastard. 5'3, with a roughly 28" inseam...

yeah F-3 are down on power....90-95


A busa is a good starter bike if the rider isn't a twat...but most riders.....

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on January 22, 2007, 07:50:33 PM
Also, yeah, I'm a short bastard. 5'3, with a roughly 28" inseam...

there really isn't that many good beginner bikes out there if you think about it. I'll just agree with everyone else and say  to old sportbikes 

Quote from: blue05twin on January 22, 2007, 07:37:43 AM
Kawi Ninja 650, it has a little less power then the 650. 

+1

I have a friend that started on one of these and it seems like a good starter bike.  Not as much power as you might think.

Quote from: Jake D on January 22, 2007, 03:41:42 PM
If you put frame sliders on them, even the ones with the half fairing do well in a moderate get off.

+1 on that. All that happened to mine when I crashed was the damage in the front from hitting the guy I hit; and the filler neck for the radiator got a little bent up. Oh, and some scratches on the exhaust and bar-end.

i know i'll get reprimanded for this one but how about a ninja 500.  bandit 600's are good as well.  kat600s from late 90's are still around but wont make the power of the yesteryear 600s like the yzf600r,f2,f3,zzr.  my wifes 4'11 and can almost flatfoot the ninja5.  its her first bike and its been rather forgiving.

Quote from: alerbaugh on January 23, 2007, 05:44:48 PM
i know i'll get reprimanded for this one but how about a ninja 500. 

Not if you find a good deal on one. It doesn't matter to me if it's a GS or a Ninja just as long as you get a good buy. I just happened to find a nice used GS first 

The Ninja 500 is a superb bike, no question about that.  It honestly has quite a bit more to offer than the GS...aside...from looks.

-Turd.

I still think that the GS would be a better option for beginners, primarily due to maintenance.  Most beginning bikers aren't used to the need for consistent and thorough maintenance of their moto. The SV and Ninjas are water-cooled, which adds one more system to maintain.  If he is pretty decent with the upkeep of his other vehicles and is willing to do the work himself or pay someone else to, then the other bikes are fine choices. $0.02

Sorry to go totally against the grain here ...
But a GS isnt 1/2 the beginner bike its touted (mostly by the very very neutral ...  ) GS owners.
It may be the highest ranked sportish bike though.
I'd put a virago 535, a Kawi vulcan 500, shadow 500/600, suzuki savage, rebel 450 (though the damn things are hard to find) and quite a few more cruisers better to get a feel for life on 2 wheels. Looks and what not come later IMHO. I know you guys want GS500's, but start out trying one of those on for size and feel and heck working on them is just as important. And Shaft drive or belt drive is a huge maintenance saver.
Cool.
Srinath.