The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 2
The second installment of some of the highlights of the 2010 Calgary Motorcycle Show! If you haven’t read the first one, check out my preview of some great beginner bikes for 2010! I was really sold on the 2010 Kawasaki ER-6N… it really blew me away! I was never a fan of naked bikes before, but this one just looks fantastic.
This update is some beginner motorcycles, but mostly other stuff that I saw and liked. Unfortunately, a lot of the pictures that I took were blurry when I put them on my computer so I don’t have as much to share as I’d like 
2010 Yamaha R6
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I’ve always loved the R6. In my mind it’s the best looking sport bike for sale, and it’s also one of the most comfortable for a guy my size (6’2″, 215lbs). Part of the reason that I’m so fond of “beginner motorcycles” is because they offer a comfortable riding position while maintaining good looks and affordability.
The R6 remains relatively unchanged for 2010, with the exception of a BNG package (bold new graphics) and some minor engine tuning to recoup a bit of the power that was lost last year due to tightened emissions regulations. The new power comes from a increase in the size of the exhaust, muffler (100mm longer), some airbox modification, and a new ECU.
2010 Suzuki GSX-R600
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The Suzuki GSX600: another viable contender in the super sport arena. Like the R6, the GSX600 features a 600cc, high-revving engine. Does 120+ HP @ 13,000+ RPM sound like your kind of machine? If so, the GSX-R600 might be right up your alley.
Do we recommend a bike like this to new riders? Absolutely not. The ability to go from 0-60mph in under 4 seconds on two wheels is something that only capable, experienced riders should take on. Not only that, but with a standing quarter mile of less than 11 seconds, this motorcycle is one of the fastest machines on the street.
Still, one can’t deny it’s sheer awesomeness.
2010 Suzuki GSX650F
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Here’s a bike to watch. There are plenty of rumors floating around on the internet that are talking about how the GSX650F is going to replace the GS500F on the entry-level/beginner side of things. No one can really know for sure what Suzuki’s plans are, but I’ve got the suspicion that the GS500F isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
The GSX650F is often called the “faired version of the bandit”, and that’s largely correct. It incorporates ABS, a “big” 656cc engine, and big brakes, allowing this bike to hang with the other “big 650′s”. Like the Kawasaki Ninja 650R or the Suzuki SV650S, the GSX650F is multi-dimensional: it’s good for casual riding, touring, or more aggressive riding.
Watch for our review later this year.
2010 Yamaha FZ6R
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When we first hopped on the 2009 Yamaha FZ6R we ranted and raved about how smooth the 2003-esque R6 engine was, and how surprisingly quiet it was (your neighbors will love it, we are hit/miss about it). Yamaha has kept the basic formula the same with the 2010 FZ6R, aside from changing around some color schemes.
That being said, we still think it’s a fantastic entry into the market and are excited to see how this motorcycle evolves over time!
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I’ve finally been able to check out the 2010 GSX5650F. I was impressed. It is fast but not beyond the capability of a novice rider. I liked the paint scheme and bike’s overall set-up. Instruments are easy to read, etc. The two biggest dislikes for me were the seat is hard and the trunk space is even smaller then normal. Other than that, I agree that this is a bike that will be around for a bit.
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I ,too, have been interested in the “re-entry”bikes and the “Suzook” piques my interest more than the Ninja 650r and the FZ6R because it seems to be a little more plush and a little less sport. In other words, a casual daily rider with plenty of reserve engine,braking,and chassis performance.I believe that there is an aftermarket gel seat available for this bike from Suzuki. That and a slipon replacement muffler would be the only upgrades I would add. What say you?
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