[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Is this a bit larry for a beginner?

Edit: So searching through Kijiji this is what I got:

- $3500 --> '02 Kawasaki Ninja 500
- $3600 --> '03 Kawasaki Ninja 500
- $3750 --> '99 Honda VFR800
- $3900 --> '05 Suzuki GSX / Katana
- $4200 --> '07 Suzuki Bandit
- $4500 --> '03 Suzuki SV650
- $4500 --> '99 Honda CBR600

Any suggestions/thoughts?

Of the ones you've listed:

Bandit: Solid everyday rider. Shouldn't get you into much trouble, but will keep you amused for a few years. I think that the price is solid, very fair.

SV650s: Very sexy with the full fairings, and I think this thread has detailed what an amazing bike it is. It will do everything adequately, and excel in most areas. I don't think that the price is even close though. It's an '03 with 41,000km, factory exhaust (pics), that Model year didn't have available ABS. Add in that there are a couple of '02 for sale (far less mileages) in the $3800 range, and that I new SV650s (with ABS, Warranty, goodies) can be had for $8000.......I'd go as high as $4000, depending on the type of new tires. If you offer, I'd suggest going in around $3800 and holding fairly firm.

The Katana is reasonably priced as well, if the style speaks to you. I have limited experience on them, but rode a mid-2000's Katana for a day (swapped with a buddy) to Windemere. They certainly have some juice, navigate twists very nicely and give a comfortable (more upright) riding position. I think it would be a quality bike for a beginner, but you'd have to be wary of size. I think low speed drops could be common, early on.

The Ninja's are often touted as perfect beginner bikes, but I'd ignore the two you've listed and spend the extra sheckels on the Bandit, SV or Tuna. They aren't super-comfy on extended 500-600km riding days, are slightly lacking in the power department and wouldn't be appropriate for kitting out and taking on an extended journey. Long story short.....it probably wouldn't meet your needs for much more than the first 5-10,000km.

The 'Best Bike' on that list is the VFR......it is (in my opinion) the greatest sport-touring bike ever made. That said, it's WAY bigger and MUCH more powerful than the others, and is definitely not appropriate for beginner-to-(early)intermediate riders. The price is nice-ish, but I'd suggest you move on.

Those are my thoughts anyways - I hope they helped.