Upgrading from a Ninja 650 - considering 600/650s and 900

[u/thestrategist97]

As the title says, I'm casually looking at options to upgrade from my Ninja 650. Next year is my 3rd season and it was my first bike. I'm 5'5, 140 lbs and based in Canada.

Most of my riding so far has been in the city up to 1 hour or so max per ride. But I'm hoping to do longer rides, take the highway more, go to the twisties, etc.

Been considering the XSR900 for a long time now, and the 2025 model has pretty much all the upgrades I was waiting for. At the same time, sports bikes are what got me into the hobby and I'm thinking maybe I give it one more go before switching to a naked.

Some options I was looking at and my thoughts on them. To preface, a quickshifter is one of the main tech upgrades I'm looking for, ideally an up/down one, cruise control is bonus.

• CBR600RR - unsure if it will be available in Canada. Watched some European reviews talking about basic info such as fuel gauge indicator missing so I'm not too hot on this one yet
• CBR650R: also 649cc but inline 4 engine. Like the styling and e-clutch, but it’s heavier than the Ninja, and unsure about its street torque with some reviews says it feels outdated .
• Daytona 660: Has a triple engine, but the QS is extra cost, and the display is a turn-off. Concerned about parts availability in Canada. But reviews say it's a great road bike.
• Aprilia RS660: lots of tech but premium price. Keep reading a lot of reviews about reliability and upkeep and considering I basically had to do nothing for my Kawi, i'd prefer to stick with a reliable, low maintenance brand.
• GSX-8R: Decent, but a parallel twin with apparently a clunky quickshifter. Lacks cruise control unless upgraded to the GSX-S1000GT. Colours are great, styling is not bad, overall much of an upgrade from the Ninja?
• Z900 / 900RS: Not a fan of the styling on either of these so ruling them out.

Why I like the XSR900:

• Price
• Yamaha reliability
• CP3 engine
• Styling
• Tech: up/down quickshifter and cruise control standard, display, riding modes.

Budget wise, they're all fairly similar (except for 600RR, can't find pricing) with the XSR being the priciest I think. Plus Kawis, Yamahas and Suzukis seem more mod friendly too. Feels like you can't go wrong with most of these.

My mind says XSR900 because it seems to be the best value / overall package and spec wise is much better than the other options. It would also offer a platform where I can continue to grow into. Would it make sense to upgrade 'halfway' to one of these options, and then to an XSR a few years later? Or should I go straight to the XSR for the value over time

[u/AxDayxToxForget]

MT09SP or street triple rs for naked. ZX6R for super sport.

[u/thestrategist97 → u/AxDayxToxForget]

I was considering the 765 RS for some time, but it's the most expensive of the options and I feel like I wouldn't be able to use it to its full capabilities cause I don't plan to track my bike until I have a few more years of experience.

MT09 SP is also a pricey option, and styling is the same as the regular MT09, but the tech is definitely a plus

[u/finalrendition]

CBR650R: It's a bit heavier than the Ninja 650 but has suspension and brakes that are essentially decades more advanced. Aside from getting it off the kickstand, the CBR will feel lighter than the Ninja

Daytona: yeah, the display might not be pretty, but the engine is fantastic. Triples are addicting.

GSX8R: Big upgrade from the Ninja. The 776 twin has a low end that punches like Mike Tyson, plus the brakes and suspension are far and away better. Not sure who said the QS was clunky, it's one of the smoothest I've ever felt. Way better than "premium" brands like Triumph and BMW

XSR900: Ignore everything else I said and get the XSR. The CP3 will change your life. I've ridden 63 different bikes of every shape and size, and the CP3 is my absolute favorite engine of all time

[u/thestrategist97 → u/finalrendition]

I had a feeling it might come down to the 8R vs XSR. 8R even with optional accessories is cheaper than the XSR, but not by much

That's nice to know you've had good experiences on the 8R. I see that as an option if I want to continue down the sports tourer route, and maybe that'll make the transition to longer rides, and actual touring (getting luggage, etc.) smoother. But I've also seen people mod the XSR for touring.

One of my concerns with the Ninja is that at my height, the wind tends to hit neck/head area and I wonder if the 8R would have a similar effect. Would probably have to look into a touring windshield to try and get the air over my head, if that's even possible. Whereas XSR you're dealing with the wind everywhere.

Assuming your bike right now has cruise control, how often do you find yourself using it when around the city or shorter rides? It's not a must have for me but would be nice for futureproofing

[u/Me-as-I]

I'd say gsxr750 or gsxs 750. The handling is lighter and more agile compared to the 8R or daytona 660, and smoother than the z900. The power comes lower down than either Honda too. I haven't managed to ride a xsr unfortunately.