So I absolutely love my 500 but I'm thinking of picking up a 2nd bike...Something I could do some track days on but nothing crazy. The newest ZX6 is gorgeous but too big a jump in performance from where I am now. I've always had an eye for the 650R but I know there are plenty of other options as well. Any suggestion from those of you who've moved up from the 500?


Thanks

 

Look at the track day ride options. The rides do not have to be new. Prep a rz350, a 400, etc. There are alot of options out there if you want a dedicated track day ride. Good luck.

 

KLX for the win

 

I shoulda seen that coming....lol

 

Hehehe sorry its automatic with me now...I can't make it stop.

 

I wouldn't buy a new bike with the intent of riding it on the track. The resale on sportbikes is terrible (which for you the buyer is a very good thing.) The only trick is finding a 600, 750, 900 or 1000 that hasn't been abused by the stereotypical squid, with whom such bikes are popular.
If the seller has multiple facial piercings, tattoos, helmet stick-ons (like spikes or those brightly-colored mohawks), or gives any indications of being a stunta or into the 'extreme lifestyle', I wouldn't buy the bike. I see too many of those dummies doing sustained wheelies, burnouts, and worst of all rev-outs (where they pull in the clutch and rev the engine to redline for a few seconds; which is just about the worst thing you can do to an engine.)

BUT if the seller has several children in his yard and the words "adult owned and ridden" in the ad, jump on it, regardless of the miles on the odometer.

I've had my ZX9R since '02 and it is a terrific track bike, even with stock exhaust. I've also ridden it from San Diego to Philadelphia and back. The only downside is the valve adjustments, which I must do every 7500 miles AND it's a shim-under-bucket design, so it's more involved than our 500R.

Good luck and let us know what you go with.
-CCinC

 

id say if youre going to the 650 you should either sell the 500 and get the 650 or not get it. theyre a lot alike. and think about the klx. im gonna buy a 650 coming soon and thinking about the klx later.

 

You could probably find a sweet deal on an 05-07 ZX6R. ( see Chris's post above) Save your pennies for the track it's nothing but an expensive hobby to say the least. You could pick up a nice used track bike for 3K or so. I would hate to see a brand new bike lowside...ouch.

 

I had a 500 and just bought a new 09 zx6r. Theres a huge power difference, but at the same time, its easier for me to ride than the 500, especially cornering. And you dont have to pull back the the throttle all the way.

Either way, why not just go to track days on the 500? Honestly. If your local track has more twists than long straight aways, you'll be fine. I saw a guy last riding season on a 500 dragging knee and passing 600s, 750s, and 1000s. Spend the money you would use on a bike for lessons on the track. Even on a 500, 99% of the time, the biggest thing holding you back from better track times is not the bike, its the rider.
-Cody

 

I road the 650R and I had a 500R.. the bikes motors are essentially the same. Just that 650r is a newer design. Go to your local dealer you will find nice bikes for track days.. for instance the previous ninja zx6r model or if you don't want to go that powerfull a ZZR is a perfect for starter track bike.... infact dealers have leftover ZZRs will cut a deal now to sell.