New Rider

[bman]

Hey everyone! I dunno if this is in the right place if not please let me know, but I have rode atvs and off road stuff and recently took the MSF Course last fall and fell in love. My friend already has a Harley and I will be riding with him a lot. This spring I'll be looking for a motorcycle and had a question. I am looking at the Yamaha Fz6, Suzuki SV650, or the Kawasaki Ninja 500: Out of those would make the better tourer/camper? Don't get me wrong, I love each option for there own reason and this discussion will not be the end all of my decision making process. I'd just like some input as well as any other advice.

Thanks!

ps. I have done a lot of research as well I plan on all the gear all the time.

[IndyDon]

Welcome to the site. I am sure you will get lots of feedback on your question. I cann't help you on your choice of ride but know there are some great folks here who can. Once again welcome.

[bigTom]

Welcome!

I think I'd vote for the almost SV650, the 650 VSTrom. I have two friends touring off them as we speak. The three you listed don't have much GVW left after the rider....

Glad you are here!

[Ironheadziggy76]

Welcome to the site bman! I would have to agree with Big Tom on this one as I love my 650 V-Strom. But out of the three you mentioned, I would probably go with the SV650 with an aftermarket windshield if you are looking at the naked version. You could tour on all three, but the main thing I would do is try to get a demo ride, as it's hard to make a decision just setting on them in the showroom. Before I bought my Strom, I really liked the Kawasaki Versys and still do after the demo ride. The only problem is I'm at least a XXL size guy, and I couldn't move around as much on Versys. Other than that, I thought is was a great bike. From what I've read about the bikes you've picked, the engines are all rock solid with the FZ6 being the powerhouse of the three with it's engine coming from the R6. The Suzuki SV has almost reached cult status, and the Ninja has been sold by the boatloads.

Clear as mud? :p

Here are a few links for some reading.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/middleweight_motorcycle_comparison/index.html

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0402_yamaha_fz6/index.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/Yamaha-FZ6-Review

http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/suzuki-sv650-review

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0012_suzuki_sv650/index.html

http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-ninja-500-review

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_9408_kawasaki_ex500/index.html

[Indianscout]

Gee Ziggy, why don't you over-load the newbie right off the bat?? :D (Just kidding). Welcome bman, if it's one thing we are not shy about around here is sharing information. Can't be of much help to you on the "new" bikes but it will be interesting to see what you get and for what reasons. Looking forward to your decision making!


:spsmile:

[trapperdick]

Hi bman,
I can't help you on any of the bikes listed, but I can welcome you to the site. Buying a bike can be confusing but take your time and try to get it right the first. Trading can be expensive. Talk to everybody you can, check the fourms and anytime you can test ride one, do it. Another good way is to attend rallys and look at anything that catches your eye. Good luck with your choice.....Check in here often, like everyday................TD :tent7:

[bandit428]

Welcome to the forum. The people are great the information is never ending. As far as a M/C , this is mostly personal choice. I agree with what Trapperdick said, ask around attend meets, get the most you can for your $$$$$$. Everyone rides a little different, see if your comfortable on the bike of your choice, Talk to the techs that work on them to see if there are any proplems , recalls etc. The best to you and again welcome.

[Yamifj1200]

Welcome to the fire, Tons of good info and great folks here. I would find a bike that suits your riding needs, comfort ,power, and style. You can pack your gear on any bike you choose. It's a journey, enjoy the ride...


Eric M

[bman]

Thanks for all the replies! I will definately look at all the links, I don't mind that at all. I hadn't thought about the V Strom and will definately look into it.

[trapperdick]

bman,,,,,,,,,,I almost forgot,,,,,,,post pics of the new ride when you get it...........TD

[Mr. Guy]

Hi bman,

Welcome to the campfire.

I have to admit I'm a little biased towards Suzukis and I think the V-Strom is a great bike, but I think the best advice is ask around what others ride, sit on the ones you like for more than 30 seconds, it takes at least 10 minutes to figure out if that bike really fits you, ride as many as you can. But most of all, get what you like, not what someone else tells you is a great bike. Don't let anyone tell you that a certain bike isn't for touring, if you can strap a duffel bag of camping gear on it, you can tour on it. I've heard my share of people say you can't tour on a small bike and it's a load of crud, I know better. What works for you, works for you.

Keep us up to date on your decision process and ask any questions you may have, you'll get lots of answers and a few might even be helpful. And don't forget the pics.

Guy

[bman]

Lol..Every post is helpful in some way. I am doing loads of looking around, the local used dealership is prolly tired of me but all well. I am not sure exactly when I'll be getting a motorcycle because of finances. Tho am hoping really soon. My HD friend keeps ribbing me because I don't have a motorcycle yet.

[zig]

Welcome Mr. B! Can't help you much on your choice of bikes, I ride a medium size cruiser. However, wanted to add a little humorous frustration to your decision....when I bought my bike I thought she was beautiful. It wasn't long, I started buying accessories, and more accessories, and more...well, you get the point. When you buy which ever bike you like, keep in the back of your mind you might want to "customize" it to your personal needs. Now while your researching, you can think of other things to "shop" for.:)

[moodygne]

Hay, Welcome to the forum. Can't help with the bike, but can't wait to see what you Pick. What does your buddy with the Harley say you should get? Pick something you can ride at lest 100 miles, with a tent, or something to sleep on with you.
Good luck ride safe.

[bman]

Oh I know all about the customization, have been looking over that as well. As far as the Harley buddy he likes the Ninja 500, but 10 yrs ago before he took a break in riding he rode a Ninja 250. He hasn't rode anything but the Ninja and Harley.

[bman]

Also what are the opinions, customizations and general pros/cons of the V Strom since I haven't researched it as much as the ones I mentioned.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Also what are the opinions, customizations and general pros/cons of the V Strom since I haven't researched it as much as the ones I mentioned.

Did you get all your reading finished? :lol Sorry about that, I tend to research things to death sometimes! :p

I really like my 650 Strom, I've been well pleased with the performance and fuel mileage for a bike of it's size. If you park it next to the bikes you've mentioned it is a larger bike, which is good. You can carry more camping goodies on it! P^ The engine is very smooth and the bike is comfortable with many options available to tailor it to your needs. Mine had a Corbin seat on it when I bought it, but I'm not that fond of it. The previous owner had also added a taller windshield, heated grips, centerstand, crash bars, add on LED brake and tail light, and PIA driving lights. I added a skid plate, Rox risers to raise and pull the bars back some, 12 volt outlets, and I built a rack and mounts for Ammo Cans luggage.

Now the negative, the rear brake has kind of a "wooden" feel to it. That's it. I have a set of aftermarket pads to put on that's supposed to help, but I haven't used the rear brake enough to wear out the pads yet. One other thing, if you are going to do much off road riding it doesn't have a lot of ground clearance.

I've put about 20,000 miles on this bike, almost 10,000 of those on a trip to Alaska with Black and Blue, and the bike has performed flawlessly. It took a beating, was loaded down with probably double the weight it was supposed to carry and never missed a beat. That being said I rode it Sunday and noticed a small amount of antifreeze on my leg when I parked it. I haven't checked yet, but I'm thinking it just needs a hose clamp tightened, as this is a common problem on both the 650 and 1000 V-Stroms. Would I buy another one? In a heartbeat, it's that good of a bike. Basically it falls into the "Adventure Touring" category, whatever that means. To me it means it's a great streetbike that you can comfortably ride on gravel roads, and light duty off road riding. You won't be jumping any logs with it though! :lol

Tell your buddy to keep his pants on, you'll buy when you get ready. :p Like others on here have said, buy the bike that works for you, and most important, one that you are comfortable on. If you aren't comfortable, you aren't going far!

[bman]

No problem on the reading, a couple I had already read anyway. Lol. I research things into the ground so much so that it drives my parents and family crazy. I am gonna have to find a V Strom to sit on and try out. I am 5 ft 6 in tall so height can be somewhat an issue but the only bike I've found that was way too tall is the Kawi Versys, I was originally looking at it but couldn't fit.

[bman]

Oh and what seats are suggested?

[Ironheadziggy76]

Oh and what seats are suggested?

Suzuki has a gel seat, and I have heard good things about Sargent seats.

One thing to consider, if you aren't going to do much off road riding, you could always raise the forks up a smidgen in the trees and buy a set of lowering links to drop the seat height an inch or so.

[bman]

Gel seat sounds comfy, is the lowering too hard to do?

[Ironheadziggy76]

It's not to bad, just remove two nuts and bolts and replace the links. It would probably take longer to get the bike up in the air and secured than it would to replace the links. Here is a link to raising the forks and changing the links on a Strom.

http://www.reverendbiker.com/vstrom/vstrom650bakerlinks.htm

[bman]

Cool! Thanks and hopefully I'm not being a bother. If any wants to chat I am always available on yahoo, brando25(at)ymail(dot)com.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Not a bother at all! Picking a bike is a big decision! I try to check in here at least a couple of times a day.

[bman]

With the exhaust being so high what are some of the better choices for soft luggage? Eventually I'd get a hard case for any bike I own but if I chose the V Strom I just would like lower cost options. Truthfully I've been looking at saddlebags and backpack at the local walmart, at least till I can spend more on better ones. I rather spend money on other mods and camping gear.

[bigTom]

Now we're talking...

I have a few (maybe 500) miles on the Wee, and a few more than that on my V (1000cc). I really like the V for a camping mule. Road riding is very adequate, and the trail is very good. The biggest drawback on the V (2006) seems to be the front brakes. They have never let me down, but they feel suspect sometimes under moderate to heavy braking....I'm on my third set of pads and it doesn't seem to matter much the brand...

Now the good news. The V just keeps chugging along, and is often my 'bike of choice'. Minimal maintainence and maximal enjoyment.

I have a Corbin seat on it (I seem to have a Corbin shaped butt, this is my 4th Corbin seat) and modified the gear ratio when I put on chain and sprockets last year. It'll still pull 3 digits fully loaded, I have a couple of long rides on it...

I use tourtech brackets and 30mm ammo cans for my luggage...Works for me....

You might check my Picasa link below, particularly the albums "North Rim", "Moab", "Monument Valley" and "Alamo Lake" as they all have camping and V STrom pictures in them...

Oh, and my V was lowered when I got it, I have a set of the lowering links if you need. They are the same for either one....

[IndyDon]

Truthfully I've been looking at saddlebags and backpack at the local walmart, at least till I can spend more on better ones. I rather spend money on other mods and camping gear.

Check out Leather Up online. I was able to get some soft saddle bags that were in the $50 - 60 range and they did a great job on the Teton Trip.

[bman]

Check out Leather Up online. I was able to get some soft saddle bags that were in the $50 - 60 range and they did a great job on the Teton Trip.

It will be awhile before I need them but will definately check them out

[bman]

Well after looking around friday I'm going to thr Suzuki dealet to sit on and fondle a V Strom. It still will be abt 2-3 months brfore I get a bike, but I gotta at least try it out.

On a side note I was looking at tents and I need to find a good starter tent. It is for 1 plus gear so I was thinking a 2 person tent (Harley buddy is going but he can take his own gear...lol). Id prefer not to spend over a hundred unless it really necesary. Keep in mind that once I know camping/touring is for me Ill start to slowly uprade and when I uprade it will be to a last me a loooong time uprade. I just want a tent to last me a year or so. Also all this but towards a sleeping bag, would like to spend 50.00 or less but if need be will go higher. One thing I know is I'm getting a self-inflating mat.

Thanks again!

[IndyDon]

The most expensive piece of camping equipment I have is my Noah's Tarp at $89.00. The 3 person tent I bought end of season at Dicks for $39.00. The very light Sleeping bag was $39.00 end of season at Meijers. I later purchased a K-mart 25 degree bag for $25.00. My point is if you keep your eyes open you will be able to outfit yourself for not a whole lot of money. As far as your mount goes I ride a Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter and made a 3600 mile trip last Aug/Sep. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't camp off any bike.

[bman]

Wow that is pretty cool, I definately plan to keep shopping around on all fronts.

[bigTom]

I have a Big5 special, has about 100 nights on it. I will be buying another tent in the not too distant future, but this $25.00 tent has served me very well. A great place to start until you know exactly what you want.

I have 2 bags, warm and very warm, I'm glad I put more money in the bags and less in the tent for the first few years!

[ImRubicon]

Welcome and enjoy the site.

Something I learned early is Size does matter if you know the basic's the nget the one that fits you the best as you feeling good on it is the main reason for riding anywhere

[Ironheadziggy76]

Well after looking around friday I'm going to thr Suzuki dealet to sit on and fondle a V Strom. It still will be abt 2-3 months brfore I get a bike, but I gotta at least try it out.

On a side note I was looking at tents and I need to find a good starter tent. It is for 1 plus gear so I was thinking a 2 person tent (Harley buddy is going but he can take his own gear...lol). Id prefer not to spend over a hundred unless it really necesary. Keep in mind that once I know camping/touring is for me Ill start to slowly uprade and when I uprade it will be to a last me a loooong time uprade. I just want a tent to last me a year or so. Also all this but towards a sleeping bag, would like to spend 50.00 or less but if need be will go higher. One thing I know is I'm getting a self-inflating mat.

Thanks again!

Campmor has some nice 2 person backpacking tents on sale in their "Hot Deals" for less than $100.00. They have a nice selection of sleeping bags and mats that will fit in your price range as well! P^

www.campmor.com

[bman]

thanks once again for all the information P^

[Trailace]

Welcome to the site and the V-Strom are great bikes.

When it comes to gear lighter is a good thing. P^

[Motocentaur]

I think a 650 V-Strom will be my next bike when I eventually move on from the Concours. Nicely farkled used ones can be had very reasonably.


As for camping gear, get the best sleeping bag, tent and mat you can afford. Campmor was a great suggestion for bargains, and Eureka makes good, inexpensive tents. You can skimp on the other stuff, but not the sleeping/shelter gear.

[kayakinbiker]

Lol..Every post is helpful in some way. I am doing loads of looking around, the local used dealership is prolly tired of me but all well. I am not sure exactly when I'll be getting a motorcycle because of finances. Tho am hoping really soon. My HD friend keeps ribbing me because I don't have a motorcycle yet.

Welcome! I am going a HUGE trip instead of getting a new bike..figured once I got the new bike, I would not be able to afford to travel so I opted to travel instead and maintain what I have...a 750 Aero...

[kayakinbiker]

Well after looking around friday I'm going to thr Suzuki dealet to sit on and fondle a V Strom. It still will be abt 2-3 months brfore I get a bike, but I gotta at least try it out.

On a side note I was looking at tents and I need to find a good starter tent. It is for 1 plus gear so I was thinking a 2 person tent (Harley buddy is going but he can take his own gear...lol). Id prefer not to spend over a hundred unless it really necesary. Keep in mind that once I know camping/touring is for me Ill start to slowly uprade and when I uprade it will be to a last me a loooong time uprade. I just want a tent to last me a year or so. Also all this but towards a sleeping bag, would like to spend 50.00 or less but if need be will go higher. One thing I know is I'm getting a self-inflating mat.

Thanks again!

I have collected a ton of gear that I can sometimes use for multi things! BUT for my trip out west I have realized that I need a new sleeping bag...I have 3,2 synthetic monster bags not suitable for bike travel due to their size and 1 down bag that is not suitable for the cool temps i will encounter in the mountains out west...my trip will be an extended one so hence the new gear...make sure you bring warm clothes if you get an underrated bag for the weather, pile them on top and you have an extra blanket.. I had to do this locally in April 1 year...being cold and wet over an extended trip will not make for a good trip..something to keep in mind..check a used store for good quality bags..might find a cheap 1 there!

[bman]

Just checking in and letting you know I'm still around. I haven't got my bike yet but am looking around for deals on various options. Thanks again.

Brandon

[Whosoever]

Welcome to the site Bman...your getting a lot of good advice for sure. I had a FZ1 for awhile and my son rode it to Florida on a camping trip..it really did a number on him in that it was really uncomfortable. The FZ 6 is very similar in the frame but the motor needs to hit the hi revs to get to the sweet part of the power band. Plus packing all your gear on the bike for an extended ride will be challenging at best. Give careful thought as to what you want to do with your bike and where you want to ride...i.e. off road/on road...and then find the bike that suits your needs. As fare as your camping gear goes...set it up in house and use it it...sleep in the tent and s bag and get the feel of it all. It will sure eliminate surprises.

[badger]

I am looking at the Yamaha Fz6, Suzuki SV650, or the Kawasaki Ninja 500:

Hey bman :) I love bike shopping! Wish I could have a garage full of all different types.
Of the bikes discussed so far I would vote for the dl 650 or the versys if they fit you well. Being 5'6" can be challenging with these adventure tourer types, especially if you are short of leg. If you find yourself balancing on tip-toes ... think how much harder it would be loaded up with camping gear.

For me, my taste in bikes changed along with my age ... my riding preferences ... my passengers ... my income ... everything is in flux. It is such a personal decision ... I think you just need to listen to how the bikes make you feel. Definitely insist on a decent test ride before you buy. I would not buy a bike (or anything for that matter) without a test ride. Look into available accessories and their cost. Then get the bike that trips your trigger :)

[Indianscout]

I am 5 ft 6 in tall so height can be somewhat an issue...........

I know that feeling Brandon as I too am 5' 6" and finding any bike that fits is difficult but it is getting better. I can't add any more to what advice you have been given so far but hang in there.


The most expensive piece of camping equipment I have is my Noah's Tarp at $89.00. The 3 person tent I bought end of season at Dicks for $39.00. The very light Sleeping bag was $39.00 end of season at Meijers. I later purchased a K-mart 25 degree bag for $25.00. My point is if you keep your eyes open you will be able to outfit yourself for not a whole lot of money. As far as your mount goes I ride a Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter and made a 3600 mile trip last Aug/Sep.


I bought a $49.00 special at Wally World and it has served me well over the last two summers. I up graded to a Eureka and if your interested I will give you my Wally World tent, you pay postage and it's yours if you want it.

"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't camp off any bike."

That rings so true! I ride a 70 year old bike that is underpowered for today's roads but wouldn't have it any other way! In fact I love hearing about these guys who ride cross country on a 49cc motorcycle. Where there's a will there's a way!

[trapperdick]

Indianscout, I'd love to meet Peaches someday.....I hope sometime out paths will cross..........TD

[Indianscout]

Indianscout, I'd love to meet Peaches someday.....I hope sometime out paths will cross..........TD

And I would love to show her to you too TD! Keep us posted on your travels and I will do what I can to make it happen!