Good bike for larger riders, Ninja 650?

[jkv357]

Originally Posted by stillsearching

I would also look at the Suzuki SV650. It's no longer sold but is a very similar concept - upright standard riding position, sport bike styling (or remove fairings and go for a naked bike style, which you cant do with a ninja that i know of), V-twin torquey type power instead of a peaky racey 4cyl. Mileage will be even better than the Ninja 650 by 5 or more according to average biker reports everywhere i've seen (same magazines and such reported it about 5 higher than the ninja) - my friend never drops below 50mpg and he doesn't drive slow, 55-60 is pretty normal and I think he's gotten 63 at best. Power is the same, a fast bike by any car standard.

I've no clue why the SV650 isn't made any more, it and the Ninja 650 are almost in their own class of sporty standards, honda and yamaha have nothing like it that i've seen nor suzuki anymore.

The Gladius replaced the naked SV650 a while ago ('08?). Not quite the same - steel frame, odd styling... The SV650 "S" model continued, but I believe it is also gone next year.

I bought this one new in '06, and am very pleased with it. Performance, mileage, comfort, and handling are all very good. Best I've personally seen for MPG is 58, but it can do better.




Jay

[beatr911]

Originally Posted by redyaris

If you look at my fuel log for my 2007 KLR 650 you will see that I got 62.78 mpg over a distance of 938 miles, this is mostly commutting 84 km/day [52 miles/day] at speeds of 70 mph or more, and some gravel roads at over 60 mph. ocasional short bursts up to 100 mph!

Redyaris, seems the KLR 650 has a wide variability in reported mileage. Yours appears on the high end. What is your set-up configuration. I'd guess a gearing change, narrower bars and a larger windshield would be helpful.

The Ninja 650 is getting lots of votes and I believe it a good bike but I also like the simplicity of the GS500F. Advancing the cams or a custom grind, gearing changes and narrower bars will be an MPG benefit to both. The GS500F would be easier to add forward highway pegs to relieve the tight knee bend though.

[Varn]

I used to get over 60 mpg on the super slab on my 71 Triumph 650 Tiger.I ran it about 70 mph. It ran a single 30 mm Amal carb. Fixed timing and no aero. I get about 50 mpg on my 700 virago Vtwin with a single 34 mm slide throttle carb and shaft drive. Driving about the same speed.

I think one of the keys is to have few cylinders and a single small carb.

[PAFirefighter11]

I've got a Honda VFR800 Interceptor. I LOVE it. I'm 6'4", 215 lbs. I suggest Heli-bars or GenMar spacers for the handlebars, a nice seat (Corbin or similar).

[renault_megane_dci]

If the Ninja 650 is the newer twin with integrated exhaust under the engine and side cantilever rear suspension (it's called ER6 around here), then it is reported to be a bike accessible for the smaller folks and very compact and nimble for the taller people.

I don't know what you are planning to use the bike for but I would go for a GS or even better a SV as they are a little larger in size so should give better ergo for taller people.

[star_deceiver]

I'm 6'4.... here's the bike I learned to ride on...

The KLR650 is a much better fit. Still... I put over 12000kms on that little bike in 4 years! Even took it over the rockies!!!

[sendler]

The reports from Honda NC700X owners are very good for a high riding hypermiler. And not too expensive. There are no used ones around though.

[minimac]

Dredging this up again. Back onto Maxi-Scooters. I picked up a 2007 Yamaha Majesty 400 for $2500. It will run as fast as you want. It's as comfortable as sitting on a Lazy Boy. Even with the CVT, I get 55-63 mpg-and I'm not easy on the throttle. I will be changing(lowering) the seat and cutting down the windshield which should give me a slight improvement in mileage. I'll also be riding in a more "efficient" manner, which should yield another improvement. With no other changes, I think I can realistically get close to 70 mpg and still be able to run @ 75mph easily.

[metromizer]

Originally Posted by redyaris

If you look at my fuel log for my 2007 KLR 650 you will see that I got 62.78 mpg over a distance of 938 miles, this is mostly commutting 84 km/day [52 miles/day] at speeds of 70 mph or more, and some gravel roads at over 60 mph. ocasional short bursts up to 100 mph!

I just bought a used 2000 KLR650 (for it's Swiss Army Knife utility, my 34 inch inseam, heavy aftermarket support and common engine parts over it's 25yr build span).

I've been commuting 2 days/week, 140mile r/t. My commute is 70% 65-75 mph on the highway, then 20% highway at reduced speeds in traffic (I lane share under 35mph), then 10% across town, lights, neighborhood.

The previous owner had already increased the countershaft sprocket size by 1 tooth over factory, trading the stock 15T for a 16T, lowering cruise rpm 400rpm or so. He also put on Avon 'gripsters' which are more of a street tire than offroad. I managed 2 tanks of 47mpg, 49mpg. I increased the countershaft tooth count more, to a 17T, 70mph is 4500rpm now. I have 2 full tanks so far with new gearing, 53mpg and 55mpg.

If it had fuel injection, I'm sure it would do better, but that would defeat the essence of the 'K.I.S.S.' (keep it simple, stupid) KLR I'm afraid.

Closing up the intake cam's duration might increase low rpm torque and mpg's, and is something I might try. If a guy were so inclined, trading the high front 'air grabber' fender, narrowing the bodywork and handlebars, lowering the bike 5 inches would likely all help... but reduce it's utility.

For a 50 yr old guy like me, I'm not sure a buzzy single cylinder thumper is the best choice as a highway commuter or even long-distance adventure bike, but plenty of guys use them that way. The Versys or Beemer GS on the other hand...

[user removed]

My latest bike is a GS500E 1994 model with just over 10k miles. Second tank was 62.45 MPG. I'm sure it has not run right in a while since one of the air slide springs was broen in half and wound up in itself. Some fuel lines, front fork seals, brake and clutch levers and bar end weights. I have $1500 in it now and it looks very nice, probably garage kept from day one.
I like the center stand expecially for chain adjustments and chain lubrication. I like the visibility of the black, silver, red and white color combination, great for visibility. I like the DOHC but two valves per cylinder, cast alloy wheels, tubless tires, and CDI ignition. Transmission and final drive gearing are great also.

regards
Mech