New guy "what bike should I get" thread, bear with me.

Hey guys, first post. I searched and found a couple similar threads but none that really matched what I needed.

I just moved job locations and I'm looking at a motorcycle mostly for commuting purposes. I know it's hard to compare but I was looking at the '08 Ninja 650r because of all the "it's great for urban commuting" reviews. Let me give you some details and maybe some of you experienced guys can give me some advice.

1. I have 13 mile ride to work in the am, freeway is wide open, 9 mile ride home on the side streets, sometimes I sit and wait for a signal to go green and red 5 or 6 times before I get through, gridlock(freeway is worse). I want to be able the split lanes at a slow putt to save time and frustration on the way home.

2. Not much street bike experience, but I could jump on a 650 dual sport and feel comfortable(rode dirt bikes off and on for 17 years, rode a little CB 350 on the street for awhile when I was younger)

3. I'm a big boy(265lbs) and I have a little wife(115lbs) that isn't quite convinced of riding with me.

I'm I going to get bored with the kawi too quick?

Is me and my wife both on the kawi realistic?

VFR800 putting through traffic a bad idea?

What do you guys think?

Edit: I'm in California(for lane splitting legality purposes)

 

I didn't specify, I was talking about the Ninja 650r. I know it's still 2 different animals, but they're both street. The mention of the dual sport was just to show what I was comfortable on.

 

The 650R and the VFR are not that redically different but engine size is where difference lies and will be most noticable. I have ridden a 650R on a fairly decent highway trip and I can tell you for it's size it is rather nice running bike. However, for your size and since you are planning on the possibility of two up the VFR would be the better pick simply because the motor, both bikes are very similar in riding position. With the VFR you would have the grunt for hauling both of you and the VFR will handle about the same as the 650R. The 650R is smaller and it may feel too small for a guy your size.

 

265 + a wife on the back, it could do it but it wouldnt be too roomy or have much power with that weight. The suspension would probably feel overloaded as well, neither of these bikes are really made for that weight, the 650R especially. That new Bandit looks pretty nice, 6 speed and FI w/ about the same weight as a VFR...

 

Used 1200 Bandits are a great choice if he's interested in saving money, but their not liquid cooled, have carbs and only 5 gears. If he is looking at buying a new 650R, the new Bandit 1250 isnt that much more.

 

I found the load rating on the Ninja was 401 lbs, FJR is 415 lbs.....Goldwing 650 lbs .

Couldn't find anything on the VFR or Bandit. My main purpose here is a gas saver/commuter/fun bike. That's what I really need to base most of my decision on. If the wife decides she likes it, maybe I can upgrade later. It doesn't seem like the load ratings are gonna change too much on anything other than a dresser.

Basically, the Ninja looks like it will fit good for the "gas saver/commuter/fun bike", but the VFR looks freakin' awsome, has more power, and apparently won't be a bad commuter. You guys too unbiased!!! What are trying to do, be honest and help me find what fits me best!?!!?(end sarcasm)
Thanks for the helpful ideas so far...


Example of a few hundred bucks more than the ninja:

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/476745146.html

 

There may just be 14 lbs difference in load rating between the Ninja and an FJR, but we're also talking about TWICE the displacement and power. I also guarantee the FJR will handle 400 lbs WAY better than the Ninja would, even though the Ninja could do it without falling apart.
The VFR is big and heavy for a sportbike, but it's definately on the small side for a sport-tourer, physically and power wise. I'd take it over the Ninja 650 all day long, but you'd be better off with a Blackbird, Busa, Bandit 1250, etc.

 

The Kawi 650 and VFR are very different bikes. I would say check the 5th Gen 1998 - 2001 VFR, 2000 - 2003 ZX9, Triumph Sprint, or a 2007 Bandit 1200 (older used 1200cc Bandits are also great all around bikes, but the front wheel will come up on ya if you are not careful). Of course I am partial to the 5th Gen VFR and it should serve you well for communting and two up touring. I also like the ZX9 and it is a great bike just like the VFR, but a better track bike. The ZX9 has carbs and no fuel gage or low fuel warning light which is the only real downside to me, but still a great bike.

 

Cool, thanks.

I can see that 02-07 are the same generation, any major differences in years?

What's your take on ABS?