modular Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 I have in mind building a sweet corner carver over the winter for next season. corner to corner speed is not important except for good all-around street power. I am deciding between a 2008-up Ninja 250R or a Suzuki GS500F. Both can be had for under $4K with super low miles. For those experienced with these two models which one will take to doing what I want it to do better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkow97 Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 the GS has more torque, more horsepower, and a very good chassis...I haven't ridden a 250 in a LONG time, but my dad's old GS500 was a hoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 I am leaning towards the GS500 right now. Seems to have a pretty good aftermarket support and the GStwin site has real good info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Sv650 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpoppa Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Sv650Much better choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 I had a SV1KS. Wanna try something different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Um..sv650 is different. And more of a corner carver than the 1k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 I do realize this as I ride with someone that has a 650. It is way more flick-able than the 1K was. I just want to keep this next bike super simple.....air cooled, carbs, etc. but something with a good chassis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 I've never considered carbs simpler than fi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drew95gt Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 I would probably go with the Kawi due to the huge aftermarket for them, unless you are a bigger guy...then I would probably do the GS500F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 I've never considered carbs simpler than fiI like tweaking carbs. Cheaper and easier for me.I would probably go with the Kawi due to the huge aftermarket for them, unless you are a bigger guy...then I would probably do the GS500F.I am 5'8" and 185lbs. or so in gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snot Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 250 there is one for sale on here too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 This won't be till after Xmas. I like to buy used bikes after the New Year and before folks that have taxes due have to pay 'em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rawlins87 Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Sv650 :: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Nope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Ahhhh, hell no. For one, I am needing an upright seating position. Two, looking for a low maintenance, reliable steed I can just ride and enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Yeah, my entrapped nerve would last about 2 seconds on that torture device. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykill Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 With the 250 you better get used to being stuck behind cars. Get the SV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Wow, the Ninja's are that slow? Makes me lean towards the GS500 even more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Gs500 isnt anything speedy either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rawlins87 Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Todd buy my camo ruckus $1300 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modular Posted August 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 I would think GS500's would have good real world street speed. Not looking to set the streets on fire any more. I like carving corners more than going fast in the straights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drew95gt Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 I would think GS500's would have good real world street speed. Not looking to set the streets on fire any more. I like carving corners more than going fast in the straights.That's why I bought my 650R, it's slower than my old Z750S but it is a BLAST to ride...and comfy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jporter12 Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Wow, the Ninja's are that slow? Makes me lean towards the GS500 even more.On the Ninja 250 you have to plan out your passes if you're going around cars. It's not as slow as the majority of the cars on the roads, but yeah, it is pretty slow. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkow97 Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 the GS500 isn't THAT bad... i like the look of the naked model, and as noted, it FEELS like a great bike, just without very much power.I never rode one back-to-back with a 250, but my brother and I did an informal 3-way comparison between the EX500, GS500, and XJ600. The Yamaha is heavy, but smoother (an inline 4 will do that though). The GS feels smallest and lightest, and I liked the brake feel the best. The EX has the best mid-range power, but the XJ actually feels quicker at the top of the power band. But the GS is definitely the slowest.But for a simple, fun, reliable bike, the GS is probably the winner. As was mentioned, air cooling and carbs make it just about the lowest-maintenance ride possible.I would strongly consider one, but I want the option of having decent 2-up power, and i just want an SV more... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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