Looking at different street bikes.

[Will]

I am not to knowledgeable about different motorcycles and I was shopping around for one, I am looking for a 600 cc or lower , could be 500 for the older model of bikes, set up like the Honda Hornet 599 (standard, more non-aggressive riding style). Also saw a FZR, Seca 2, SV 650 (with a huge dent in the gas tank), Buell Blast, and a GS 500 F that was within my price range... ($1800ish or lower, aiming for $1kish) , which would you all recommend?

I did some research already on them, but there is nothing like a person's opinion. Let me know what you all think about the different models.

Thanks for your help

This is not a WTB post, although if your trying to sell, send me an email LOL

[A1willson]

I have always thought the SV650 is a great bike especially if you are looking for more of a standard seating style. Are you new to motorcycles? If so I would not worry about the dent on the tank because odds are the bike might get dropped at some point.

[willr1]

My neighbor had a Bandit 600. It was a quick little bike, but it was so comfy, I almost sold my R1 for a FZ or Bandit 1200. You can find early 2000 models of Fz's, Gx's, Sv's and Bandits for around $1500 or less.

[wallypiper]

Your list is pretty good. Good idea to buy used to start with (or always). And the bikes you're looking at are all good starters. Sit on 'em. Pick what's comfy and lights your fire.

[Will]

LOL They all light my fire. Trying to make my first purchase a good one, so I have been doing alot of research. Definitely like the Hornet 599 seating the best though(I only sat on the Hornet and the SV 650 ) . It's unfortunately out of my budget for now. I did see a FZR and a Seca 2 , but I haven't heard too much about these bikes. I did see a SV 650 at a good price, found that link again, it's on a seperate thread.

So I guess you guys are saying, they are all good bikes... just a preference on seating?

Also, not a big fan of the Buell , but how is it? Any previous experience you guys can share about it? (NOt a big fan , looks wise) Anyways thanks again for your help.

[Mortalis5509]

Look at the FZ6. It's not a full SS bike but it sits up right. I hear they are a lot of fun.

[Will]

I just found I think a pretty decent deal. I have been looking online for information about Yamaha FZr 600, 1995, I was wondering what the GSB community thought of this bike?

[Gypsyangel]

FZR's got popular because they're short, light and a good lil sport touring style bike. I actually looked at one before buying the 650r. But they are a bit more sport than touring in seating position (a bit more forward). The Seca's were really good bikes, but can take forever to warm up and can be a little cold natured. Of all the bikes, I think the SV 650 would be a really good bike. Parts are readily available and when you go to sell it, you can always replace the gas tank and likely get back close to what you paid for it. But this all is just my opinion.

[Will]

Thanks alot Gypsyangel. Answered the prominent questions I had about the older model bikes , FZr and Seca 2, yeah, I really like the SV 650, thinking if I get this job on Tuesday, that's the one I'll end up getting. If not that than, back to the drawing board!

[Lazarus]

Look into the 98-00 YZF 600R. You can get a decent one for around $1500. They are the sportbike of yesteryear, before the R6 but aren't too aggressive with the ergos.

[bigb996]

started on an sv650 myself several years ago and really loved it. Plenty of power, easy to find parts for, and not to uncomfy. If you want a little more upright comfort i would go the FZ6 route myself. They are all bulletproof bikes that your looking at and will all appeal differently. Go sit on them and see which fits you better.

[The Lazy Destroyer]

Tiff started out on a FZR600 and loves hers. They are good bikes, pretty comfy. If you keep the RPM's down they are pretty tame however can really wake up after 9k rpms, power wakes up fast. They are made of a 1-piece steel frame, and for a full-fairing sportbike drop VERY well. Tiff's has fallen over a couple times and you really can't tell. I think they made the bike to fall on the case cover and bar ends mostly so scratches in the plastics from a tipover are minimal.

I did 1000 miles on a GS500 and then got a SV650. These are good bikes too. I like the powerband on the SV a bit more for a beginner because although it makes decent torque, it never really gets crazy as you wind it up so it won't catch you off guard. Probably easier to get parts for a SV since they are more current.

The GS500 would be the best starter bike and they can be found cheap. Nothing wrong with finding a cosmetically challenged one (but still runs good) to ride for a few months and sell it for what you paid for it.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

I'm gonna be the dissenting opinion and say get the GS500. It was my first bike, I rode it for 3 years, then moved up to an SV650.

GS500 pros:

Cheap
Reliable
Parts haven't changed (mostly) since '89 when they were introduced, therefore, spares are abundant
massive online resources at gstwins.com/gsboard
insurance is cheap ($90/yr liability only for me)
Fuel efficiency (45-55mpg, depending on how you ride)
Ease of maintenance (I do all my own work, so this was a big factor for me.. Air/oil cooled, 2 valves per cylinder, it really doesn't get any simpler... in a 4T)
They hold their resale stupidly well, so you can buy one, ride for a year, sell it for what you paid, and put that into a nice used SV or other bike
Lots of cheap mods from other bikes that make them a HOOT. I upgraded my suspension (sonic springs up front and a katana shock in the rear), and it made it a whole new bike.

Some people say an SV is a fine starter bike, but I have to disagree. It may be an OK starter bike, and for every safety nazi like me, there will be 10000 people who say "I started on an SV/GSXR/FZR/Ninja/whatever and I'm fine"... And it's true, you can start on those bikes and survive. But I personally feel a smaller bike like a GS is the perfect learning tool. People say the SV isn't a big step up from a 500, so why start on a 500? I disagree. My GS made roughly 27 rwhp, my SV makes close to 70. Over double the HP and torque is a BIG deal, to me. People say "oh, you just have to respect the bike, and then it doesn't matter what you ride, a 1000 is as slow as a 500 if you only twist the throttle a little bit".. Again, I couldn't disagree more; When you're a new rider, what you intend to do, and what you do are not always the same thing. Hell, even as an experienced rider, I sometimes make iffy (ok.. BAD) inputs. Give a gs500 too much throttle when you go over a speedbump, it'll make some noise (assuming you have an aftermarket exhaust hahaha), and that's about it. Goose the throttle on my SV while going over a speedbump, and that's a 1st or 2nd gear wheelie, easily. I know a kid who did just that with his brand new Ninja 650, which is roughly the same as my SV.

Again, just my $.02. I know I'm biased, since it's what I did, but I truly feel learning on a heavy, slow bike has made me a safer, more competent rider today. I learned about proper control inputs, smooth inputs, carrying corner speed, proper body position, proper braking techniques, and on and on and on.

[NISxMO]

As a four year rider now on a Honda 599 I have to say I absolutely love it. I have taken a motorcycle course on a Buell Blast and I would never recommend that one cylinder thumper to anyone. That bike is a complete waste of funds and will fall apart from under you if your not careful...no wonder why Buell killed the line right before they went out.

On that note my roommate also has an SV650S which I ride whenever Im working on my bike. The torque is a very nice thing to have in traffic however on my hornet Ive never felt like I needed more power at all. I find the hornet to be the most comfortable bike ive ever sat on and still to this day I think so. (ive ridden to indiana and back in two days on stock seat) The hornet is also a bike you wont grow out of and one that you can find at some amazing steals. (Right before I bought mine i saw a yellow 04 in a shop that they were practically giving away (in 06). Also if you ever want a bit more agressive style without giving up too much comfort you can easily and economically buy new bars (or clipons) and rearsets.

If your serious about getting a hornet check out honda599.com and keep tabs on craigslist and cycletrader. There are 06's with less than 6k miles going for under 4 so if you find an 04 with a bit more mileage I'm sure you can snag one for around 2k 2.5....Any other questions feel free to ask, Ive now put over 30k on my 06 hornet and shes running better than ever.

*EDIT* forgot to mention two downsides about the hooner. The fact that they are all carbeurated (not really a bad thing as they are very modern carbs and run very smooth) but when you do ever look into tuning it they can be a real pain in the @$$....then again now there's people like me that can tell you exactly what to put in it.

Also forgot to mention the lack of a windshield, though the screen does a lot to keep wind off you and they do have aftermarket shields (I use to own a givi but i liked the looks better with it off) the sv650s shield makes wind a non-issue.

[redciv1]

I have to say all of the bikes in the list are good. Although I could not find none of the bikes one year ago for the price that you are looking to spend. I chose a 94 Katana 600. Because I am a relatively big guy 6'0 259lbs, I chose the Katana for that reason. The Katanas are probably the heaviest of all of the ole school sport bikes dating back to the late 80's. I wanted a bike that I could learn on but also enjoy riding after some time riding. It's been a little over 1 year and I love the bike. Air-cooled and non FI does sometimes drag, but I still love the bike. Also whatever you consider, do factor in the availability to find repair parts when the time comes. There were so many Katanas sold that finding replacement parts are no problem.

[Wheedle]

Dont forget to budget for good riding gear. A decent full face helmet ( doesnt have to be an Arai, but dont skimp too much ) , armored jacket, gloves, and over-the ankle boots at a minimum. Heavy jeans should also be worn at a bare minimum, but dedicated riding pants are better.

[jwjulian]

if you're still looking in a few months, i will probably be selling my GS500.

1991 GS500E (it's in my AV)
24k miles, still runs like a champ. starts first time, everytime
new battery two months ago
valves checked a couple thousand miles ago, all within spec
has bar end mirrors and F-16 windscreen
got new tires on it when i bought it 10k miles ago, but they still have some life in them. i don't ride aggressively, just commute
oil checked and changed religiously (since that's basically the only thing that can go wrong with these)
it's been down a couple times, but nothing major. i've laid it down once at 5-10mph (hit a patch of ice in a parking lot) and it's fallen over on it's kickstand a couple of times. that's what these bikes are for, lol.

i'll probably look to get around $1.2-1.5k for it around summer time when i move up. i'll check back with you though.