Sorry didn't mean to be rude. I'm just not a fan.
2012 Ninja 650
- Thread starter Jay S.
- Start date
Here are the 2 engines on full boil, and the reason I also chose the FZ6R, engine sound is very important to me, it is the thing that permeates my body and leaves a residual 'feeling' after a long spirited ride. I-4's just have that great induction, ice chain saw cutting sound:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ppc-vlJWGE]2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Top Speed Run - YouTube[/ame]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRPlNHSapxg]Yamaha FZ6R Top Speed - YouTube[/ame]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ppc-vlJWGE]2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Top Speed Run - YouTube[/ame]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRPlNHSapxg]Yamaha FZ6R Top Speed - YouTube[/ame]
danieljardim
New Member
I was looking originally to buy a ninja 650.
ninja insurance: $1200.00 a year
fz6r insurance: $300.00 a year.
Made my mind.
By the way Martin,
DIAVEL is the way to go. I wish I had a neighbor with one I could ride.
ninja insurance: $1200.00 a year
fz6r insurance: $300.00 a year.
Made my mind.
By the way Martin,
DIAVEL is the way to go. I wish I had a neighbor with one I could ride.
KeysRider3
New Member
I think the reason Kawi dropped the "R" off the 650 was that it's not really competitive with a bike like the FZ. There's no comparison with the bikes' top ends, or how quickly they get to each, and I'm not even sure the twin has more low end - 0 to 60 -grunt than the Fz. And then there's the sound of that re-worked R6 motor!
RooKie
New Member
LOL. I agree with you. When I first set out to get a motorcycle I was giving serious thought to getting a 650r, specially since the sales guy was going to give me a sweet deal on it, but even then I wasn't really feeling it. Something about the looks (seems to me like the headlights are cross-eyed or something) and the sound that I simply wasn't satisfied with. Then I came across the 6R and fell in love with the comfort, the aggressive looks, and the sound (which isn't loud, but much better than the 650r's twin). 3 years later I am here, still glad I didn't go Kawi and loving every min with my Yami!
But then again... to each their own.
Wow, really? that makes no sense. The differences in power is no so dramatically. Unless Ninjas are popular among thefts, I don't know.I was looking originally to buy a ninja 650.
ninja insurance: $1200.00 a year
fz6r insurance: $300.00 a year.
Made my mind.
By the way Martin,
DIAVEL is the way to go. I wish I had a neighbor with one I could ride.
Or maybe squid noobs choose them over the 6R, leading to more damage and costly claims.
danieljardim
New Member
.
I can't tell why, the guy from the yamaha dealer told me that is so much difference because it carries "ninja" badge.
I think because the extra cc it may fall on a different insurance tier.
Any insurance specialists in the forum?
Invader Jim
New Member
I checked my insurance rates for both the the ninja 650 and the FZ6R before I bought my bike. They are essentially the same. My agent explained that many sport bikes are 1200+ per year, but those are supersports such as the ninja ZX-6R. The ninja 650r is a parallel twin and tuned like the FZ6R. It should be roughly the same insurance cost as the FZ6R.
danieljardim
New Member
Ninja or FZ6, that is the question ...
I rode a dirt bike as a pre-teen and teenager (suzuki 125) and frequently joy rode down the suburban streets of New Hampshire on my older brother's street bikes over the years. But, just started riding my own street bike last August.
I got licensed and bought the bike strictly for my work commute, an hour or more of hell on the 405 freeway, 6 days a week. I ended up with a 2006 Ninja 500r. Bought it with only 4K miles on it! I love the bike, but as you can imagine, it's already time for an upgrade. I want something new, where I'm the only owner, no surprises. And I'd like a little more roll on power, since 90 percent of my riding is on the freeway. And yes, I'm now considering some weekend joy riding on the twisty canyon roads.
My finances are leading me to two choices (otherwise I'd go with the Street Triple ), the FZ6 and the Ninja 650. I've read soooo many comparisons and reviews. It's been interesting reading your comments on this site.
It seems like a no brainer now that the 2012 ninja has been introduced. Although I've read many claims on internet forums, the numbers from the legit reviewers seem to tell a consistent story. The Ninja is just a tiny bit faster 0-60 and top speed. The Ninja is a tiny bit less expensive and gets significantly better gas mileage.
As for looks, I really like them both. I looked at them today at a dealership, parked side by side and it was pretty much a toss up. I do love that Kawi green though! Last year I would've given the edge to the FZ6r, but not with the new 650 design for 2012. It's pretty hot!
I've heard a lot about the vibration issue, but I'm riding an older 500 now, so it'll be an improvement with either bike and I've never minded that anyway. Let's me know I'm on a cycle rather than sitting in my car!
I'm not on here to bash the FZ6r. I still love the bike and haven't completely decided yet. I suppose I want to hear a counter argument from one of you that have ridden both. Handling? Wind protection? Maintenance? Thanks!
I rode a dirt bike as a pre-teen and teenager (suzuki 125) and frequently joy rode down the suburban streets of New Hampshire on my older brother's street bikes over the years. But, just started riding my own street bike last August.
I got licensed and bought the bike strictly for my work commute, an hour or more of hell on the 405 freeway, 6 days a week. I ended up with a 2006 Ninja 500r. Bought it with only 4K miles on it! I love the bike, but as you can imagine, it's already time for an upgrade. I want something new, where I'm the only owner, no surprises. And I'd like a little more roll on power, since 90 percent of my riding is on the freeway. And yes, I'm now considering some weekend joy riding on the twisty canyon roads.
My finances are leading me to two choices (otherwise I'd go with the Street Triple
), the FZ6 and the Ninja 650. I've read soooo many comparisons and reviews. It's been interesting reading your comments on this site. It seems like a no brainer now that the 2012 ninja has been introduced. Although I've read many claims on internet forums, the numbers from the legit reviewers seem to tell a consistent story. The Ninja is just a tiny bit faster 0-60 and top speed. The Ninja is a tiny bit less expensive and gets significantly better gas mileage.
As for looks, I really like them both. I looked at them today at a dealership, parked side by side and it was pretty much a toss up. I do love that Kawi green though! Last year I would've given the edge to the FZ6r, but not with the new 650 design for 2012. It's pretty hot!
I've heard a lot about the vibration issue, but I'm riding an older 500 now, so it'll be an improvement with either bike and I've never minded that anyway. Let's me know I'm on a cycle rather than sitting in my car!
I'm not on here to bash the FZ6r. I still love the bike and haven't completely decided yet. I suppose I want to hear a counter argument from one of you that have ridden both. Handling? Wind protection? Maintenance? Thanks!
Let's talk about engine and performance, because looks is a personal thing.I rode a dirt bike as a pre-teen and teenager (suzuki 125) and frequently joy rode down the suburban streets of New Hampshire on my older brother's street bikes over the years. But, just started riding my own street bike last August.
I got licensed and bought the bike strictly for my work commute, an hour or more of hell on the 405 freeway, 6 days a week. I ended up with a 2006 Ninja 500r. Bought it with only 4K miles on it! I love the bike, but as you can imagine, it's already time for an upgrade. I want something new, where I'm the only owner, no surprises. And I'd like a little more roll on power, since 90 percent of my riding is on the freeway. And yes, I'm now considering some weekend joy riding on the twisty canyon roads.
My finances are leading me to two choices (otherwise I'd go with the Street Triple
It seems like a no brainer now that the 2012 ninja has been introduced. Although I've read many claims on internet forums, the numbers from the legit reviewers seem to tell a consistent story. The Ninja is just a tiny bit faster 0-60 and top speed. The Ninja is a tiny bit less expensive and gets significantly better gas mileage.
As for looks, I really like them both. I looked at them today at a dealership, parked side by side and it was pretty much a toss up. I do love that Kawi green though! Last year I would've given the edge to the FZ6r, but not with the new 650 design for 2012. It's pretty hot!
I've heard a lot about the vibration issue, but I'm riding an older 500 now, so it'll be an improvement with either bike and I've never minded that anyway. Let's me know I'm on a cycle rather than sitting in my car!
I'm not on here to bash the FZ6r. I still love the bike and haven't completely decided yet. I suppose I want to hear a counter argument from one of you that have ridden both. Handling? Wind protection? Maintenance? Thanks!
I used to own an fz6r and sold it a few days ago. It is a fantastic bike. And I owned two Ninja 250, old and new generation. While not a 650, engine design is similar. One of the things that sold me to the Yamaha was the inline four engine.
In line four engines are not just smooth but delivers power on high end revs (usually) while v twins like Ninja 650 have higher torque on lower rpms. The cons are vibrations. Also, some people prefer Yamaha's exhaust sound over Ninja, but again, that's a personal preference.
I personally believe that the Yamaha has a better engine, but the 2012 Ninja 650 maybe a good choice as well. I guess only way for you to decide is ride one. Doing that, you can feel vibration, check ergonomics and in a short, take a wiser decision.
If I was you, and checking 2012 models only, I would be inclined over the Ninja 650, just being honest. But 2011 and older models, the Yamaha is still a better bike, at least, in my opinion.
However, I still prefer in-line engines. They are more linear, less vibrations than v twin engines like Ninja.
In terms of insurance? fz6r are really "cheap" when you compare of what you're getting vs what you are paying. Yamahas are also bullet proof and maintenance is very low. However, in terms of mpg, the 2012 Ninja 2012 may have some advantage, but I can't confirm that myself.
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The Ninja is a parallel twin, I believe.
Insurance price could certainly be the deal breaker, if money is an issue. Using the "Ninja" name was a marketing move, but it also made bikes like the Ninja 1000 extremely expensive to insure, as insurance companies tend to lump any bike with "Ninja" in the name with sport bikes. Although as far as I know, the Ninja 250R is still pretty inexpensive to insure.
i was going to get a 2012 ninja but the band new 09 fz6r was 1500 less also it is a twin making it kinda a vibrant ride lol and looking at those videos the ninja looks like a sally machine he accelerated about as fast as i did on the fz6r with two people yesterday..... lol
danieljardim
New Member
I was looking at a ninja 2012.
Insurance was $1200.00 a year.
FZ6R - $300.00
Well, you can tell what bike I decided to buy.
My sales person told me the kawi insurance was higher due to carrying the name "ninja"
Insurance was $1200.00 a year.
FZ6R - $300.00
Well, you can tell what bike I decided to buy.
My sales person told me the kawi insurance was higher due to carrying the name "ninja"
Yeah, I think some insurance companies go by two things: displacement and class. So a Ninja 650 gets placed in the same displacement category and "sport bike" class as a ZX6R, even though they are very different bikes. They don't break it down to "super sport" or other finer distinctions. Sucks for Kawi.
Thanks
Thanks for the input, guys. I appreciate it. That's shocking about the insurance. My Ninja 500 is pretty dirt cheap. I believe I'm between 3 and 400 for the year. Hard to believe the 650 would jump that dramatically. Also, I'm a guy in my 40's with a pretty impeccable driving record.
Anyway, the more I read, the more I believe they are very competitive bikes in terms of performance and up front cost. I seriously don't think the vibration issue will bother me at all. I just wish I could test ride both! But, I know I really like my 500. I guess familiarity wins out a lot in these cases. It's going to come down to looks and insurance cost. I'll have to check with my insurance provider on the latter. Thanks again.
Thanks for the input, guys. I appreciate it. That's shocking about the insurance. My Ninja 500 is pretty dirt cheap. I believe I'm between 3 and 400 for the year. Hard to believe the 650 would jump that dramatically. Also, I'm a guy in my 40's with a pretty impeccable driving record.
Anyway, the more I read, the more I believe they are very competitive bikes in terms of performance and up front cost. I seriously don't think the vibration issue will bother me at all. I just wish I could test ride both! But, I know I really like my 500. I guess familiarity wins out a lot in these cases. It's going to come down to looks and insurance cost. I'll have to check with my insurance provider on the latter. Thanks again.
I went from the Ninja 500EX to the FZ6R, and after riding the 6R for a while I went to take my 500 in to have it looked over by a mechanic before I put it up for sale. When I got on it and started riding it, I couldn't believe I ever put up with it! It vibrated like crazy, and shifting sucked! Really made me appreciate my 6R. I couldn't wait to sell it. Luckily the first guy who came to look at it paid me cash in the amount I was aiming to get. I have fond memories of that bike, but I don't miss it.
I just got another bike, but unlike last time, I'm not selling my old* one.
*If less than a year old can be considered "old."
thought the Ninja 650 is a parallel twin?
in my experience, with v-twins, they have an absolutely more linear powerband than inlines, that usually have a big hit of power in the upper rev range. while riding v-twins you often don't realize how fast you are going because the power is smoother across more and not the all of a sudden rush of an inline
:facepalm:
If you had read the post right below the one you're quoting, Superzoom already noted that fact...