650R ?????????????
 

Is this a beginner bike or a more advanced bike just curious.

RE: 650R ?????????????
 

i know racers that wont even touch this bike.

RE: 650R ?????????????
 

It seems like they are trying to target all users with this bike, imo. I wouldn't say its a beginner bike - but its probably a great bike for someone that has some experience. I don't think I'd personally want to start out on this bike, I am seriously considering this as my next bike - maybe next year or the year after.

RE: 650R ?????????????
 

IMO this is not a beginners bike. the 500 is questionable as a beginners bike. the 250 makes a good one although a little weak in power under certin circumstances

RE: 650R ?????????????
 

I think it's a great starter bike. I bought it about 3 weeks ago and it's my first bike.......Go for it man.

RE: 650R ?????????????
 

I disagree both with the racers who won't touch this bike (what a bunch of effete snobs with more horsepower than brains!) and with Kaggriff's statement that the 500 is a questionable beginner's bike. It's not only a perfect beginner's bike, it is also a terrific bike for anyone who wants to have a helluva lotta fun but doesn't have anything to prove.
I also own a ZX9R, but I REALLY love taking my 500 to the twisties and passing guys on R1s and Ducati's with it. Sometimes they're humiliated, but sometimes they're cool. One cool guy said, "You were riding the TAR outta that little thing!" (I really wasn't, it's just a great bike for flicking back-n-forth on a tight road.)

Personally, I think the 500 is a better beginner's bike because the parts, fairing, turn-signals are easier to replace when you have a tipover while learning to ride, but we all want to do our own thing when we're beginners. (I started on a Harley--duh!)

RE: 650R ?????????????
 

I just bought a blue 2007 model and this is the first bike i have ever owned and I love it.

RE: 650R ?????????????
 

you got any pics of it ? i havent seen the blue ones yet

RE: 650R ?????????????
 

Sweet, I bought my blue 07 2 weeks ago. Good luck and have fun.

RE: 650R ?????????????
 

I went from a Yamaha XT350 to this 07 650. I would saythis could be a good beginners bike. Especially if you can work a clutch no problem. After owning it for a year,I might like to have a little more power on the highways and it's no top speed demon.HOWEVER!! through the twistiesI have had no problemholding my ownwith 636's and r1's. The thing handles beautifully.