- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 14 years ago by CBBaron.
SV650 with restriction kit, or Ninja 250?
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April 8, 2010 at 2:37 am #3851sartoriusParticipant
Hi, folks. I’d like any input on my situation:
After taking the MSF, I realized I really prefer a standard seating position. Of all the bikes I’ve sat on, the SV650 feels the most comfortable and natural. I also love the styling (naked standard FTW!) and reasonable ability on highway touring. The only concern of mine is that it’d be my first motorcycle. Some say I could learn on it if I had more seat time, some say it’s risky due to a lot of power available at a slight turn of the throttle/engine braking/etc., some say I’ll learn more slowly on a more powerful bike.
An ’08 Ninja 250 is my alternative. It sounds like a lot of fun, but has a slightly more sporty seating position and less comfort/ability to tour (think 3hr or maybe 7hr on interstate). If I got one, I’d likely enjoy it but plan to sell and get an SV650 in a year.
Currently I’m leaning towards the 250. Kind of for safety reasons, but a major deal is that I want to be a good rider and I think I’ll become more skilled more quickly (and maybe more skilled…period) if I learn on a bike with less power. Of course, there’s definitely overlap with safety and skill.
But here’s an idea I had: In the UK, new riders are required to fit bikes with restriction kits to limit hp to 33 or something. If I had a kit I could buy the SV650 and learn with less power, then remove the kit when I’m ready for full power.
Does anyone know if that’s feasible in the U.S.? How easy is it to find a restriction kit? Or am I better off getting the Ninja with the expectation of it being a short timer?
April 8, 2010 at 3:04 am #25513briderdtParticipantWhy not the Ninja 500 or the GS500F? More power, but lighter and more manageable than the SV650…
April 8, 2010 at 2:40 pm #25544CBBaronParticipantAlso remember that the SV weighs a considerable amount more than the 250r.
Personally I would look for a good used 250 of some sort to ride for the first year then if you feel you need a change you can sell it and buy the new bike you feel you really want. You are much more likely to have a slow speed drop the first year. A lighter bike will make that less likely, but if you do it will affect the value of a used bike less. If you do decide to change you will likely get most of your cost back in the sale.
The Ninja 250, Nighthawk, or 250cc dual sports are all great places to start with standard riding positions. There are some options to lower the foot pegs and raise the handlebars on the Ninja 250r if you want to open up the cockpit a little bit on that bike.
However you can learn to ride on the SV, even without the restrictor, if you take your time and can show restraint. The power is not crazy and controllable. The learning curve just may be a little steeper and longer.
Craig
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