The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 1

The Calgary motorcycle show was a few weeks ago, but I’ve been so crazy busy that I never had a chance to post some of the pics that I took.  There were a ton of really excellent motorcycles on display this year, including some new BMW’s that really got the crowd excited (197 horsepower will do that to people).  However, being the guy that I am, I tried to get a line on some of the new entry level and/or tamer motorcycles that would be better suited for beginners.

Tangent Alert!
Lately there have been some people who take offense to certain motorcycles being called “beginner motorcycles”.  Really, people?  There’s nothing wrong with riding a beginner motorcycle at all- it shows maturity, and the desire to ride a machine that won’t kill you the first time you make a minor mistake.  A Ninja 650R can’t even be compared to a R6, because one has a linear powerband, and the other goes like a screaming rocket once you hit a certain rev threshold.

A motorcycle that may be suitable for new riders may also be great for more experienced ones.  The Suzuki SV650 is a great example of this: relatively friendly for a new rider (and forgiving too), but still boatloads of fun for experienced riders who really want to put it through its paces.

The point of this website is to focus on the motorcycles that a new rider can ride, have a great time on, and not have “too much bike” while they’re learning.

With all that being said, here are some of my personal highlights from the 2010 motorcycle show:

2010 Honda CBR125R

Unfortunately, we won’t be doing a review of the 2010 Honda CBR125R as not much is changing- and what has changed isn’t enough to warrant a full-on review. However, we did snap a picture of the 2010 CBR125R.

See any major changes to the 2010 Honda CBR125R from the 2009 model?  Yea, us either.  However, we still feel that it’s a good entry level motorcycle for someone who’s just looking for something small to rip around on.

Would we call it a tourer or a sport bike?  No, not a chance.  However, if you want something to get in and around the neighborhood, and maybe some slight highway riding, then the Honda CBR125R is a great choice.  And, priced as low as it is, it’s not like it’s hard to afford.  Last we checked, you could grab a 2010 Honda CBR125R for under $3,000 CDN with incentives.  Not too shabby!

2010 Kawasaki ER-6N

I’ve never been a fan of naked motorcycles, as I’ve almost always found their faired counterparts to be better looking and more aerodynamic.  The 2010 ER-6N, however, is flat out gorgeous.

Click here for even more pictures.

The 2010 Kawasaki ER-6N is drop-dead gorgeous, especially in motion.  Everything from its copper-colored headers down to the visible rear suspension makes this bike a sexy street machine.  And, with the tried and trusted 650cc parallel-twin that powers both the ER-6N and the Ninja 650R, you know it’s reliable and pretty fast to boot.

Owning this bike would be a real treat, and something I’d love to add to my garage.  I may even consider adding the 2010 Kawasaki ER-6N to my garage before I add the Yamaha FZ6R.  Come spring, we will see…

2010 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

Ahh the Kawasaki Ninja 650R. This bike is extremely popular, and with good reason: great riding dynamics, relatively inexpensive, and inexpensive to insure and maintain.  The 2009 Ninja 650R had a lot of changes from previous model years, so the 2010 650R remains pretty similar.  There are some minor aesthetic differences (powercoated rear handles, painted lower fairing, etc.), but nothing really game changing.

Click here for even more pictures.

It’s important to note that just because there aren’t a ton of significant changes to the Ninja 650R doesn’t mean that it’s no longer competitive.  Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t always undergo significant changes once the correct formula has been found.  The old adage of “if it aint broke don’t fix it” certainly applies here.  In the case of the exceptional Kawasaki Ninja 650R, it hits the nail on the head.

Haven’t had the pleasure of riding one yet?  Get out there and find one to ride!

2010 Suzuki GS500F

The Suzuki GS500F is a direct competitor to the Kawasaki Ninja 500R.  In a lot of ways they are almost the same motorcycle- while the technical specs may be slightly different, both motorcycles are excellent and accomplishing their respective goals.  Case in point: both are excellent entry level motorcycles that offer great fuel economy and affordability, and both motorcycles should keep you from getting bored for a while.

While we prefer the Kawasaki Ninja 500R to the Suzuki GS500F (for a few minor reasons), there is a cult-like following for this now iconic Suzuki.  However, rumors that the GS500F is going to be replaced have started to float around online.  With that in mind, we approached the 2010 Suzuki GS500F as we do with any other motorcycle: when can get on one for another ride?

We will be revising our Suzuki GS500F review later this spring, as we have had tons of experience on the Ninja 500R and not nearly as much with the GS500F.  Check out our 2009 Suzuki GS500F review and post your own opinion and rating!

Changes to the 2010 model year are minimal: some colors change, and some new graphics are added.

2010 Suzuki SV650S

The 2009 Suzuki SV650S was one of the first motorcycles that we fell in love with, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts.  Okay, cheeseyness aside, the 2010 Suzuki SV650 remains a great motorcycle for a new or experienced rider looking for a motorcycle that provides a great balance between something that’s fun to ride and something that’s economical and affordable.

The 2010 Suzuki SV650 retains the same “naked” appeal that has drawn in so many, and the faired version continues to look aggressive and capable.  No matter your aesthetic preference, the SV650 delivers.  In fact, the SV650S is one of the reasons that Suzuki’s sales in January 2010 are up 92.85% from January 2009.  Recession?  What recession!

Related posts:

1. The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 2
2. The 2011 Motorcycle Show – Highlights, Part 1
3. Learning to Ride Sportbikes: A Beginners Guide – Part 2
4. 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
5. Top 10 Motorcycles for New Riders: 2010

Category: Featured, Motorcycle Articles, Website News