what bikes are comparable to a ninja 650r?

[WA-rider]

I am starting to do research, what other bikes fall into the same category? the fz6 and gsx 650f but what else? is the f4i a sport tourer or is that more for insurance as well? I will be using the bike to commute, need some half to full faired, full injected, and something comfortable for the occasional long distance cruise.

[bluepoof]

I'd put the SV650S in that category, too.  

[Tyrroneous]

Triumph Street Triple?  No fairing but you can install a windscreen.  

Suzuki Katana

Kawasaki Versys

[HipGnosis]

Wee-Strom

[Cricket1]

I am starting to do research, what other bikes fall into the same category? the fz6 and gsx 650f but what else? is the f4i a sport tourer or is that more for insurance as well? I will be using the bike to commute, need some half to full faired, full injected, and something comfortable for the occasional long distance cruise.

The F4i is a more comfortable sport bike, so insurance will treat it accordingly- $$$. Lots of peeps sport tour on them, but it could be a long search to find one that hasn't been abused/ on its back wheel alot. The other recommendations are all good, Street Triple would probably be the most fun, and as mentioned previously, a small windscreen would probably be all you need.

Have fun shopping!

[Wockman]

Yamaha FZ6

[kevin_stevens]

BMW F650 and F800s.

KeS

[Akumu]

Honda NT700V

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/624/4501/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Honda-NT700V-Touring-First-Look.aspx

[vulcanbill]

How tall are you?

[Cricket1]

Honda NT700V

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/624/4501/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Honda-NT700V-Touring-First-Look.aspx

 

[ZuluHour]

SV650S is probably the best of the bunch imo

[EugeneS]

SV650S is probably the best of the bunch imo

Nah, I had Sv650s, sv1000 and fz6. SVS are not comfortable due to low clip-ons. Sv1000 (naked) has no fairing which takes some points off when we're talking about touring. In my opinion FZ6 was the best for the price. I should say it was a good everyday tool - half fairing, nice windshield, beautiful aluminum frame, very powerful engine and 5.1 gallon tank. Keep in mind it likes to be revved - max hp at 11000 rpms. Make sure you take 07 and up models. Good luck!

[Hotbrakes]

What'd you get?  This thread was dead for a month and a half.  Surely you've the right bike by now.  But if not let me suggest an Aprilia Shiver or Mana which also comes in the GT (grand touring?) edition with half fairing and bags.  If you're on a budget a Superhawk or older VFR would fit the bill, the VFR's being fuel injected starting in '98.

[Jay S.]

I have a 2010 FZ6R that I have built into a mid-size sport-tourer and love it. I have only done 1 multi day trip since I bought it in December and it was great for a couple 500 mile days. No problem at all.

 

And for the record...many told me not to buy it...glad I did NOT listen to them.

[kragzore]

The F4i is a more comfortable sport bike, so insurance will treat it accordingly- $$$. Lots of peeps sport tour on them, but it could be a long search to find one that hasn't been abused/ on its back wheel alot. The other recommendations are all good, Street Triple would probably be the most fun, and as mentioned previously, a small windscreen would probably be all you need.

Have fun shopping!

I have an 2005 f4i and i love it.... i would consider it to be a little bit more sportier compared to a ninja 650r in how the seating position is a little more leaned forward... and a power-band more like a super-sport. But i guess thats what you get when you buy an i4 motorcycle.

But i do have bag mounts and a touring windshield on it. so i do agree that it works awesome as a sport tourer.

[smackdoogle]

I'd definitely look into the 5th gen VFR (98-01).  Fuel injected,  gear driven cams, single sided swingarm, plenty comfy for long huals, full fairings, sounds beautiful and they run forever.  I've had an SV650, rode a FZ1 and FZ6, owned a SuperHawk and rode about 300 miles on a friends F4i.  They all can be found in the $3k-$4k price range depending on mileage. While all are good bikes I am in deep with the VFR Koolaide.  Hence why I'm sloooowly building my Honda V4 collection.

Anyway,  happy shopping.  That's my 2cents.

[cksheppard]

I've seen a lot of recommendations for VFRs...the older 98-01s seem to be getting more and more scarce. But later models are popping up--which IIRC, have VTEC. Basically my question is: does VTEC make it any harder to work on a VFR yourself?  It sounds more complicated to me, but I'm not that familiar with it... does VTEC = take it to the dealer?

[smackdoogle]

I've seen a lot of recommendations for VFRs...the older 98-01s seem to be getting more and more scarce. But later models are popping up--which IIRC, have VTEC. Basically my question is: does VTEC make it any harder to work on a VFR yourself?  It sounds more complicated to me, but I'm not that familiar with it... does VTEC = take it to the dealer?

The VTEC (02-09) does create a more "labor intensive" valve adjustment.  Some have reported it can cost up to $800 at the dealership.  This is why many don't do the valve check/adjust and just wait for the engine to explode to buy an new/used engine.  Roughly the same price on ebay as a valve adj. at the dealer

Also, the Vtec kicks in and can be a little "jerky" and makes cornering on the gas scary if you are in the Vtec "range".  I never really cared since I kept the engine above the Vtec kick in when in the twisties.  Also, CCT are known to fail after awhile.  

These issues are why a lot of people think the 5th gen VFR's are better (it's a never ending battle between 5th gen and 6th gen owners).  I've owned a 6th gen and plan to buy a 5th gen this winter.  Why?  I like the gear driven cams, I like the lower prices and I already had a 6th gen, time for something a little different and I think it'll look good next to my 85 VFKR