For my wife?

What do you guys think about this as a possible bike for my wife?  Her first bike was a Kawi 650R that was never really low enough for her, but she really liked it.  We had to sell it when we moved.  She is a relatively inexperienced (read timid) rider at present.

http://www.cycletrad...a-600-105921128

I don't know anything about Suzukis...

More info:

I would like to get her something affordable, sporty, and able to eventually make long rides with me over to Arkansas to do twisties. (about a 350 mile tour to get to the good stuff).

Katanas are a little bit on the heavy side in my opinion.  Are you specifically wanting the power of a 600 or would you consider something a little smaller like a Suzuki GS500 with full fairings?


Rollin

Hey Doc, how about a lowered VFR? I've come across several female riders with lowered VFRs.

are you kidding?? a can-o-tuna???
heavy and prone to transmission problems.. and  ugly!

Probably too heavy...

Lowered VFR would be good, but still pretty heavy.

More info:  she is 5'3" on a good day, about 120 lbs.

Wish there were more used bikes around here that were in that 500-650cc range.  Keep the suggestions coming.  Thanks!

Here's an SV:

http://www.cycletrad...Sv650-105228050

[image: View Post]2thdr, on 19 October 2012 - 02:00 PM, said:

Probably too heavy...

Lowered VFR would be good, but still pretty heavy.

More info:  she is 5'3" on a good day, about 120 lbs.

Wish there were more used bikes around here that were in that 500-650cc range.  Keep the suggestions coming.  Thanks!

Here's an SV:

http://www.cycletrad...Sv650-105228050

That SV is the "S" version - NICE!  Low miles and its pretty indestructible.  That price seems reasonable for the low miles.  IF the thing gets dropped - the lack of fairings will be easier to handle for repair purposes.  I've heard the motor and trans are also reliable and low maintenance.  I'd say that's a better choice than the Tuna.  That SV would be a riot at the Gap.......

What about CBR600F4i, 2001 - 2006 range.  Fairly light, plenty of power, but only if you really grab a handful of throttle, decent riding position, and they are Honda's.

The 'tuna is actually decently light. I don't think it's any lower than the Kawi 650 though. And I didn't care too much for the 750 I had for a bit, though the engine was good once above 7k. Didn't feel as nice as the VFR in the corners though, but I didn't bother adjusting anything or putting good tires on it.

SV or the later gradius (?) would be a good choice. the GS500E was my first bike. It was decent to learn on, though I didn't find it comfortable enough for more than a couple hours, and I don't remember it being that low.

How about a nighthawk S? It's not new, but it might fit the bill. Not really sporty, but if she isn't aggresive, it wouldn't matter much. Not like it would lose much value in the time it would take her to outgrow it.

There is a bit empty space between 250cc and 600cc.

:+1: on the CBR600

That Suzuki is of very poor quality and one of the ugliest bikes ever build.

[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on 19 October 2012 - 04:03 PM, said:

:+1: on the CBR600

That Suzuki is of very poor quality and one of the ugliest bikes ever build.

But how do you really feel about it?   :smile:

Seriously, that's why I put it out there...don't know anything about bikes except for Honda and Kawasaki.  Frankly I think lots of bikes may not esthetically be pleasing to anyone except those that own them, but that's OK.  I think in a Suzuki, the SV650 would be a better choice with low weight and easier turning.  The CBR600 is not on the list because of it's riding position.  Now a Nighthawk might be a possibility, but I would much rather have a FI bike instead of one with carbs.

Hornet 599?

http://www.totalmoto...9-Hornet600.htm

Can it be set up for light touring?  It is a stinky I-4 however...

The SV and Hornet ar both great bikes but slabbing it 350mls without having proper wind protection may not be that much fun.

[image: View Post]2thdr, on 19 October 2012 - 01:30 PM, said:

(about a 350 mile tour to get to the good stuff).

[image: View Post]2thdr, on 19 October 2012 - 04:26 PM, said:

Hornet 599?

http://www.totalmoto...9-Hornet600.htm

Can it be set up for light touring?  It is a stinky I-4 however...
I think the 599 is great looking machine. I'd check for aftermarket windscreen, if it would be used for long distance riding, at a minimum. She wants to have fun, right? Looks like fun.

[image: View Post]2thdr, on 19 October 2012 - 01:28 PM, said:

She is a relatively inexperienced (read timid) rider at present.

Find something light, slender, moderately powered and easy to paddle around (IE: short).

Then take her out and let her sit on it and try it out.

My wife got an R6 before she was ready for it and now she wants little to nothing to do with bikes.

Don't get her on of the newer 600 pocket rockets if she's inexperienced. One accidental grab of throttle and she'll never want to get on it again.

The Sv would seem a good choice and maybe a few modifications like lowering links if she has trouble firmly planting both feet.....fairly roomy, enough power to put some distance under the wheels and a nice V twin torquey power delivery for easy rider throttle control and slow speed maneuvering.

It would be worthwhile for someone who's owned and SV to chime in here though as I've never owned one. Those are just my general impressions of the SV and mid displacement Vtwins in general.

Just my .02

MotorMike has a '06 SV650S, first bike, riding for the last year. He'll be a good source of info.  

[image: View Post]2thdr, on 19 October 2012 - 04:19 PM, said:

[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on 19 October 2012 - 04:03 PM, said:

:+1: on the CBR600

That Suzuki is of very poor quality and one of the ugliest bikes ever build.

But how do you really feel about it?   :smile:

Seriously, that's why I put it out there...don't know anything about bikes except for Honda and Kawasaki.  Frankly I think lots of bikes may not esthetically be pleasing to anyone except those that own them, but that's OK.  I think in a Suzuki, the SV650 would be a better choice with low weight and easier turning.  The CBR600 is not on the list because of it's riding position.  Now a Nighthawk might be a possibility, but I would much rather have a FI bike instead of one with carbs.

That CBR600 is easy to convert to a taller bar setup. F4/F4i is a great sport touring mount & dead reliable. There is a guy here that has almost a quarter million miles on his 2006!

Easy to lower if needed, easy to tune, lots of parts available both spare and aftermarket. I wouldn't dismiss it if I were you.

How about an FZ6, my wife had one and loved it. We also went on many 1000-2000 mile rides on it.

[image: Posted Image]

I have a 2006 SV650s and just got a 2001 VFR.  I've only been riding for two years.  The SV is  great bike to learn on.  Its light weight and has decent power but is forgiving. The SV650s with the upper fairing would probably have better wind protection than the naked SV650.

The SV650 engine is very reliable and is described as bulletproof, but not VFR800 bulletproof in my opinion.

Yea too heavy and shit suspension, sv650 would be ideal!

SV650 for sure. I haven't ridden one, but they are reported to have light weight and good handling, plus good torque.
I'd like one.   :fing02:

Take a look at the Yamaha FZ6R. Easily lowered, upright riding position, nice smooth power delivery, plenty comfy for a long haul.

At 5'3", the SV is still going to be tall.  I've got a friend with one, and I've spent a few hundred miles behind the bars on it.  I would put in right inline with the Kawasaki 650 that she had before.  The SV is a little wider which would be an issue for her inseam.  I also think the seating position is more relaxed with the Kawi than the SV.  It really comes down to what's comfortable for her.  If you want her to be happy and enjoy those 350 miles trips to the Ozarks, you might just let her pick out whatever bike she wants.

[image: View Post]2thdr, on 19 October 2012 - 04:26 PM, said:

Hornet 599?

http://www.totalmoto...9-Hornet600.htm

Can it be set up for light touring?  It is a stinky I-4 however...

There appear to be light-touring options available:  http://www.twistedth...cb600-hornet-06

Ron

[image: View Post]2thdr, on 19 October 2012 - 01:28 PM, said:

What do you guys think about this as a possible bike for my wife?  Her first bike was a Kawi 650R that was never really low enough for her, but she really liked it. [emphasis added -ron_al] We had to sell it when we moved.  She is a relatively inexperienced (read timid) rider at present.

I know that I enjoy thinking about moving up & on to a new bike, but my wife gets accustomed to motorcycles and does not feel the same need.

What about a bike like this - another Kawi 650R, in your new area?

http://oklahomacity....3327481982.html

If that made her happy before, then that may work for her again.  I know you said it was too tall before - I think I saw a lowering link available somewhere, if that would help her to re-acclimate.  Still, it cannot have been TOO too tall, if she rode it enough to like it then.

Anyway, that's something to chew over.

Good luck!

Ron

[image: View Post]Knute, on 19 October 2012 - 08:20 PM, said:

Take a look at the Yamaha FZ6R. Easily lowered, upright riding position, nice smooth power delivery, plenty comfy for a long haul.

Changing tires for a friend yesterday and his wife showed up on an '09 FZ6R.  Good looking bike but can't say for the seat height.

[image: Posted Image]

[image: View Post]dutchinterceptor, on 19 October 2012 - 10:43 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Knute, on 19 October 2012 - 08:20 PM, said:

Take a look at the Yamaha FZ6R. Easily lowered, upright riding position, nice smooth power delivery, plenty comfy for a long haul.

Changing tires for a friend yesterday and his wife showed up on an '09 FZ6R.  Good looking bike but can't say for the seat height.

[image: Posted Image]

Grond1234 has an FZ6 in his garage - that his better half rides.  She's not overly tall - but seems to love this bike.  Maybe he'll chime in - or drop him a PM and say I sent ya! ?

Did you consider a Kawasaki EX500?  light, reliable, durable, and sedate.   Screams over 8000 rpm, will keep up with all but the most agressive riders.  nice bike.  JJ

The SV650 may work out if it is lowered.  I did a little work to find a link from SVRider. http://www.svrider.c...ad.php?t=150331

It easy to dismiss the challenges of a short inseam, until you handle a bike without being able to use all of your leg strength. I'm 5'8", but only have a 29 inch inseam.  I also weight 180, not 120.  I can't in good conscience suggest that a 5'3" woman at 120 can handle a 500+ pound sport-bike that is normal height without significant confidence and experience.

Another option that you might consider that may not be so obvious is the Triumph Bonneville.  I am amazed at a what a Bonneville can do in the hands of a capable rider.  It has a low seat from the factory (29 inches), but the lowering kits are not inexpensive as it is a shock/spring swap.

[image: View Post]jeffyjeff, on 20 October 2012 - 12:51 AM, said:

Did you consider a Kawasaki EX500?  light, reliable, durable, and sedate.   Screams over 8000 rpm, will keep up with all but the most agressive riders.  nice bike.  JJ

Agreed but wouldn't want to take it on any kind of endurance run.  Too buzzy at highway speeds, even with the geared balancer.

I'd be looking at the Street Triple? Not sure if that's available in the US, that availability thing is the issue - we basically get everything in Australia but I know it doesn't work that way for the US market.

My wife had a 2002 TT600 and it was a great bike.

Street Triple is a contender, but would probably have to be lowered.  Stocker seat is 31.5"...

Street Triple is a fantastic bike, but its definitely on the tall side.

Same engine as your Daytona, but detuned right?  I love both the Daytona and Street Triple...

BMW F650 with optional 'lady's' seat?
Older Ducati Monster 650?
Honda Ascot?

Aprilia Mano?

[image: View Post]2thdr, on 30 October 2012 - 01:12 PM, said:

Same engine as your Daytona, but detuned right?  I love both the Daytona and Street Triple...

Yep, but it's pretty hard to tell.  The Daytona revs higher and has a little more top end.  

For the most part they're the same bike, but I'm pretty sure the seat height is lower on the Striple.