Kawasaki vs. Suzuki vs. Honda (500 to 650 cc's) for a new rider?

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vad1981

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I'm a new rider who is looking to buy a first bike. I've practiced on Ninja 250 but found out that I dont like its lack of low-end (low RPM power). I am looking to buy either a Honda CBR, Kawasaki or Suzuki 500-650 cc. I like sports bike for their maneuvarability and lightness. I plan to ride mostly local roads (a lot of stop-and go) but also 20-30% on the highway. I am about 5'9" and 190 pounds. I am looking to get in a lot of practive on my new 500-600-650 and then trade it in in a year or two for a new bike. Money is somewhat of an issue for me, so I'm looking at the price diff between the suzuki 500 (about $4k) and the Honda (about $8k) but then since I'm gonna trade it I'm also considering trade in value.
I would also like to add I want the lowest maintanence bike possible. I dont want to spend money on upkeep. Also I live in an area with a lot of potholes, small narrow streets, frequent stop and go traffic etc. (ok I live in NYC) but I dont want to drive a scooter (which might be easier for the traffic stop and go). Also I want a decently comfortable sport bike - when I rode the Ninja 250 I would get pretty sore after an hour or so.
Also I want the lightest bike possible since even dropping that Ninja 250 on my foot hurt and its only like 300 pounds. (but all these 500-650 cc's weigh about the same within 40 pounds or so)
 
I agree with bill about the SV 650, that would be my choice in that size and price range. It's kind of a naked, standard bike, but has a pretty sporty look.

The v-twins are very popular these days, combine that with liquid cooling and EFI, and that will help you with re-sale down the road. The big singles and parallel twins generally don't hold their value as well.

As he said, they make a lot of power and torque for their size, so use some common sense on it. You certainly should not become bored with it. A lot of people with many years experience are still happy riding this bike.

Brand new msrp of 6,000....do some shopping around and you could probably get an "out the door" price close to that figure, maybe even less. I've seen several nice late model used ones selling for 3 to 4 grand, that wouldn't be a bad way to go either.

Edit: I don't know if it is the lightest bike in this category or not, but having the v-twin, it should balance out very well, and be easy to hold up.
 
Honda's are user friendly. You have to think about how upside down you will be on your loan once you are ready to trade it in. I would suggest looking in the used market. There are many bikes within the price range you are looking at and you may possilby find a nice bike with more cc's. The thing is...practice or not...60mph is 60 mph...whether its on a 1000 or a 500. Basically saying...if you are planning on getting a 1000 or better...get it used practice on it. Buying it brand new will only bring problems if you lay it down (which can and will happen). You're not going to like scratching that new paint!!!
 
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