Kaw 650R Ninja vs. SV650

[jarelj]

I was pretty happy with mine at the first track test at JenningsGP a couple weeks ago.  With bone-stock motor/exhaust I had no trouble hanging with the SV's on the back straight.  Handling was good, felt a lot like the SV but transitions side-side quicker.  That was with penske shock and emulators in the forks.  I've got a 636 front end on it now, will try that out at Hallett next month.  Woodcraft has rearsets coming out next week, price is comparable to other models.  I'll be chopping the subframe off of mine and just get rid of it, possible bolt on a small aluminum piece.  With a superbike tail, it really doesn't need much of a subframe since with the underneath exhaust you don't need a subframe for hanging the pipe.  It will be interesting to see how many are on the track this year, I suspect not many, but we'll see.  

[Jeff]

I don't race either, and never have, so my perspective Russ, is much like yours (feeling/speculation).

From *MY* perspective, the SV would be my choice based simply upon the PROVEN reliability/setup/etc of the bike, and sheer volume of knowledge & available resources for the SV.

The kaw may be the bike in a couple years, but for now, I don't think you can go wrong with the SV...

If you're up for being a guinea pig with the Kaw, and can bring along a ton of spares (knowing nobody in the pits will have anything to loan you in a pinch), then sure, go with the kaw.  However, if you want some known ground to work with, the SV is the choice...

Just my $.02.

[fourandsix]

Buy the Kawi , it is closer to the farm animals you covet all the time , Yes i know it isn't a sheep but what the heck!

[4and6_whit]

this is high praise coming from a real expert on farm animals. ;D
If you like challenges get the kaw if not get the suzuki.

[russ1962]

Buy the Kawi , it is closer to the farm animals you covet all the time , Yes i know it isn't a sheep but what the heck!

Hmmm, this is going to get interesting....

Jim, I'm curious about your new word..  "covet"?  This is a step up from your normal grunts, da's, um's...  you know, the usual sounds you emit.  Did someone else write that for you?  No more sheep for me, Jim.  Not since I've met you.

If I have to buy the Kawi, tell me you'll offer to make it go real fast?  For some reason, the Kawi makes me think I've stepped back in time about 10 years.

[fourandsix]

The thing is Russ you have ridden 600's for a long time you have to consider how the twin will feel slow to you. If you want a twin , yes the Kaw is the way to go. Arata has tested one and with just a pipe it is almost at 80hp.

[Protein Filled]

With all this talk, I may need to get the ole "94 hp SV" out and run it next year..  ;D.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

With all this talk, I may need to get the ole "94 hp SV" out and run it next year..  ;D.

At last, the true expert on farm animals speaks up....

[grasshopper]

yes the Kaw is the way to go. Arata has tested one and with just a pipe it is almost at 80hp.

I call BS!!!!   Prove me wrong!!!! Show proof!!!

[badmonkey]

 Arata has tested one and with just a pipe it is almost at 80hp.
What they didnt tell you is on there dyno it made 78hp stock ....LOL