Bike for the wife- new rider: GS500f, GSX650f or 650r?

[mtbjay]

Seeking Wisdom to get my newbee wife into riding:

Me: returning rider, Ducati Monster 696 (love it)
Her: age 31, new Mom, intending to take riding/safety course soon.  Somewhat timid, but great with cars (i.e. stick-shifting, loves her Infiniti G37x)

I rode a Honda Hornet 599 for her lately thinking it would be a great bike, but I found it way to buzzy, and high-strung for my tastes.  Smooth and easy on the power but maybe a little too easy; it just wasn't exciting.  Maybe another v-twin like an SV650 would be good, but she's warm on the looks.

That leads to the bikes listed in the title of the my post-

I've only seen them, not ridden them.  Some will come out and say "start with something small an move up!"  But I think she's disciplined enough to be careful and not over do it.  Besides, my thinking is the bigger cc bikes will be smoother.  Do the GS500f or GSX650f run smoother than the Hornet?  Anyone know?  What about the Ninja?

Any bad experiences out there going with mid-displacement bikes for newbees?  Any good experieces going for mid-displacement bikes?  I shooting for something she'll still want to own in a year or two, hoping it's not too big, heavy, or powerful for her.  Hard to know for sure - just looking for some feed back.  And their's always the FZ6....

Mainly, I just want to know if it's typical of in-line fours in the bike I mentioned to be pretty sedate until really wrung-out.  I'm not sure she'll like the bike if it's too vibey at cruising speeds (one reason I've already ruled out a Ninja 250r).  I would consider an older Monster like a 620, but they're hard to come by and too expensive for a 1st bike; same for a BMW 650GS.  I'd like to keep it under $4K in case it doesn't work out so well....

[phoenix]

well first, what bikes has she shown interest in?

I personally don't think 650 V-twins/parallel twins are too much for beginners. I have no experience with the GSX650.

600cc I-4's do not have a linear power delivery. That's not beginner friendly.

She needs to sit on some bikes to see how they would fit her first. Being comfortable is the first step in building confidence.

[jadziadax8]

Have her sit on them and see what SHE likes.  She would probably do well on any of them.  FWIW, I love my Ninja 650, and it was my first shifting motorcycle.  First bike was a Burgman 400.  I would also note that the GSX650F is apparently pretty heavy.

Maybe you should let her take a few spins on the Monster once she gets her license and see how she feels about the bigger displacement bike vs the 250s at the MSF.

[nater]

Of the bikes you listed, the GS500 would be the easiest one to learn on.  She can always move up to something faster later.

[mtbjay]

Getting to the point, Nater recommends the GS500f as does my instinct (cheaper entry level bike that's not a 250cc).  As apparently it's about 100lbs lighter than the GSX650f - that's a lot in my book, specially since me Monster weighs in at a scant 360lbs dry (and I like that, reminds me of my bicycles).  

Now I waffle a bit on recommending the 250cc sized bikes to her for her own safety & confidence.  The smaller bikes would be easier keep upright if one was caught off balance in a slow-speed maneuver.   They should (theoretically) be easier to slow and correct mid-corner at speed with their reduced inertia.

Then there's the argument for the bigger bikes - the extra power can keep you out of the danger zone in traffic with a quick twist of the throttle, no down-shifting required.  I imagine a bigger bike could be more stable over bumps (though suspension quality and settings would factor heavily), but certainly the bigger bikes will fair best in crosswinds or semi-truck wind blasts?

When I quizzed her on her intent, she's mostly hoping to use it for a short 5 mile commute on quiet country roads to work.  Then there's me... I want to take her out "training" in the awesome curvy roads we have around our wine country here in Northern Oregon's wine country.  Long trips are out, as we have a 2 year-old.  Hmmm, what to do?

If money were no object, I'd put her on a BMW 650GS w/ABS and heated grips - but she thinks they look like dirt bikes (and would rather have the sporty look).  We're going to have another motorcycle day and hit the shops for her to see/sit on the bikes.  Unfortunately, that's only so revealing.  {Which is why we have forums, right?!}

Maybe I should re-phrase this in the way of a vote!

Votes for the First Bike for My Wife

Needs: safe (highly maneuverable/yet stable) fun, reliable, comfortable, and not too buzzy (last criteria my input)

   *SUZUKI GS500F
   *SUZUKI GSX650F
   HONDA HORNET 599
   KAWASAKI NINJA 650R
   *KAWASAKI NINJA 250R
   Yamaha FZ6
   Yamaha FZ6R

   BMW F650GS (parallel twin)
   BMW 650GS (thumper, I believe)  Both more than I want to spend, but she is my wife!

*Denotes my leanings at the moment.

All comment appreciated!  Questions/clarifications will be answered.



    

[ANZAC]

My vote goes to the Kawasaki Ninja 650 - great bike for first time or experienced rider  

On the other hand - I have a Triumph Street Triple that my 18 year old daughter handles very well.  These are great bikes with tons of linear power and personality  

[bomber]

I'll echo Jad's post -- our opinions matter little, your's a bit more, and the only opinion that REALLY matter is your wife's. You can certainly help narrow the field, but it's her choice. I've seen a number of buddy riders loose interest at the hands of an overbearing "coach."

BTW< for what it's worth, replacement parts for older Monsters can be pricey -- I saw one toteled over the price of a gas tank. This kinda data is important to know about any bike, but more imortnat for new riders, I think.

[M]

Now I waffle a bit on recommending the 250cc sized bikes to her for her own safety & confidence.  The smaller bikes would be easier keep upright if one was caught off balance in a slow-speed maneuver.   They should (theoretically) be easier to slow and correct mid-corner at speed with their reduced inertia.

A 250cc, or even a 125cc cruiser, won't affect her safety or confidence. If anything, they'll increase both due to their size/weight and forgiving nature.

As for which one to choose, I'd find the one she's most comfortable on. that's a big deal for most new riders. I'd stick away from any 500lbs bikes for the first one.

[lightnin4]

I started on a Ninja 250 and loved it. I would still have it if I could justify the expense of 2 bikes.  It easily cruises at 55-65.  At 70+ it felt like the engine was pulling though.  I wouldn't want it for my only bike if I were commuting on the interstate daily, but on the backroads it is a blast!  Mine had aftermarket slip-ons and, compared to a stock 250 that a friend of mine owns, mine felt like it had way more power overall (esp. low end).  FWIW the 250 cruisers are no comparison.  If I had just gone to the BRC before buying my ninja or had started on a small cruiser, I probably wouldn't have continued riding.  I hated the GZ250 I rode in the BRC.  I have also heard good things about the 650R but haven't had the opportunity to ride one.

[inosmniacsdream]

My wife started out on a FZ6. In my opinion, as long as it is kept under about 8,000 rpm, it is fairly mild. She did get a ninja 250 for a short period of time, but crosswinds were difficult for her to deal with on it. She really likes the FZ6 and I don't see her getting rid of it any time soon.

As far as the GSX650F is concerned, I really like mine and would recommend one to anyone. The main consideration with it would be the weight. If she is not bothered by that, then it would be a great choice. The low end torque makes it a little more rider friendly than the FZ6 as well.

[Mastros2]

If she can wait until the spring, go to the Cycleworld show and have your wife sit on all the bikes in that particular group.  It's the best place to kick the tires.  All the big manufacturers bring bikes for this reason.  You can compare them side by side (almost).

Your initial group is nice.  I suggest the sv650 as well to add to it. What about your monster?

[mtbjay]

Ha Ha Ha!  Hand down the Monster?  Not yet!  I appreciate all the responses guys.  Keep 'em coming!  Any tips on good ways to transition a new rider?  I'm all about "training rides" in our very close, traffic free, twisty, open back roads.  So far, no one's commented on the buzzy nature of I'm worried about with anything but a v-twin.  Maybe I'm just attached to the lower-frequency rumble of my Italian V-Twin.    

[bomber]

Training rides is a good idea, but, at the risk of being repetitive, an easy hand during training is likely to have a much better outcome for everyone.

You are likely a much more accomplished rider than she, but a key question is, who are you to "train" her? Knowing how to do something, and being able to effectively and efficiently transfer that knowledge are very different things.

Lead by example, point out serious areas for potential improvement, and keep it fun.

[nater]

I've ridden both a GS500 and a Ninja 250.  The 250 is a bit unstable on the freeway due to crosswinds and semi trucks.  The GS500 is more stable.  Both of these bikes are about the same price used.  But then if she dosen't like the looks of either of them, then that won't work.  

Good luck with the search.

[McHack]

Of the bikes you listed, the GS500 would be the easiest one to learn on.  She can always move up to something faster later.

That's what I had my son get... he rode it hard...

[bluepoof]

I have a low chassis 2009 F650GS for sale that I could be talked down to a ridiculous price for.  

Other than that bit of useless commentary, I second the other comments of having her sit on them and choose the one that she likes best and that really "talks" to her. The list of bikes you're looking at is good and she should enjoy any of them.

[jadziadax8]

BTW, when I was shopping a couple of years ago, I made an Excel chart of all of the bikes I was interested in.  If you're interested, I can send it your way.  Apparently the board does not allow uploads of Excel files.

[Kootenanny]

...Some will come out and say "start with something small an move up!"  But I think she's disciplined enough to be careful and not over do it.  Besides, my thinking is the bigger cc bikes will be smoother.  

Yes, some of  us will come out and say "start with something small and move up"--and I'd be one of them.

Please don't get hung up on engine power.  And being "disciplined" has little to nothing to do with it.  The reason for starting out small has to do with weight, tractability, and confidence.  It is difficult to learn to ride if you're intimidated by the bike,  be that caused by weight, power delivery, a stiff clutch, or anything else.  On the other hand, it is much easier to become confident on a small, easy-to-ride bike (like a 250cc dual-sport, say).  

Of the bikes you listed, not knowing anything about your wife, I'd suggest you consider the GS500--although for her purposes (short country-road commute) the 250 Ninja would seem more than adequate (or even better, that 250cc dual-sport I mentioned).  As for using the extra power of a bigger bike to keep her "out of the danger zone in traffic," well, don't count on it.  Unless a rider has the discipline and skill to use that extra power to squirt themselves out of "the danger zone," it will be more of a liability than an asset--and remember, those little bikes sometimes still have a pretty good power/weight ratio (which is why a WR250X motard is an absolute scream to ride!).

As so many have noted, you seem to be projecting your own biases on your wife's choice of bike.  While this is to be expected, my advice is to back off and don't overdo it--give her information rather than straight advice.  Oh, and unless you have experience teaching (or even if you do), it's usually best to leave her instruction to the professionals.

[lightnin4]

I rode my Ninja 250 for a year then sold it for $100 less than I paid for it and bought a ZZR 600.  I had ridden a ZZR that belonged to a friend a few times that first year and am glad I didn't start on a bike like that.  The first couple of times I rode it I found that it had just enough power to get me in real trouble if I made a mistake.  After riding the 250 for most of a year I felt much more confident riding the ZZR and really liked it.  Don't cross the little Ninja off your list because you think its underpowered--it may have just enough to give your wife some confidence.  Plus, you can buy them cheap and not lose your butt on them when she does outgrow it.  

Like alot of the others have said here too--don't try to make her decision for her.  Help her gather info.  Go with her to look at and sit on bikes.  And let her make the decision.  She'll be much happier with the bike in the end and more apt to stick with riding.  

[Open Sore]

I wouldn't base my decision on any of the bikes she prefers before the MSF course.  What she feels most comfy on after the course, is how you should start the decision making process.  Don't buy something, thinking someone will grow into it.  If they are not comfy from the start, they don't enjoy the ride.  There is nothing wrong with buying something small 250-500, and riding it one year and moving up.