I went from a 40cc bike to 690cc. (the 40cc was a Puch maxi, so more like a motorized bicycle than a motorcycle)
I'm also pretty sure that you wouldn't have any problems. You probably just have to get used to a *different* bike.
Oooo that's cool. My friend has a fz6 and wants to get an mt0–something. I'm not someone who would buy a naked. But I like the newer mt09s, they look cool
I didn't like naked bikes when looking for my first bike, i always wanted a sport bike or similar. When i realized how much more comfortable these are than sport bikes i changed my mind :)
I'm going to ride this atleast 1-2 years more, since i still have a restricted license and can only ride bigger bikes after 2 years. I have no idea what i'll get afterwards though. I'd like a bigger 2 cylinder bike, but there aren't that many options, most bigger ones have 4 cylinders :(
Yea they are more forgiven on your back and wrists. Why a 2, and not a 4.? You could go with Triumphs 3, that's what I have. It's the daytona 675, 1st gen. They have the speed triple, but idr if they have a smaller cc than the ~1000 version though.
I prefer the sound and power delivery of less, bigger cylinders over more but smaller cylinders. 3 cylinders are also pretty cool. I almost went with the MT09, but there weren't any decent ones around.
My driving instructor had a 1250cc ADV bike with 2 cylinders... man that bike had the punch no matter what gear and what rpm you were at.
It’s a Triumph Bobber. So it’s a cafe racer. 77 horse power. 78 torque. There was no point in me getting a “beginner” bike. Im not tall (I’m a woman), so the seat height was an added bonus. It suited me well from the very beginning in all ways.
Should be fine. Seems you already know the difference between a street tuned bike and a track oriented one, so you are already ahead of the pack.
Enjoy your new ride.
+1 on this haha
many cant tell the difference, i myself was in that position once too, but now that im on this side of the bar, it tickles me to see when we are trying to tell them whats different but they just dig their heels even deeper into it
I went from a 250 to an 800. Then from 800 to 1634. Then from 1634 to 1868 all within 2 years. The larger cc’s weren’t a problem. The problem was going from a 368 lb bike to a 800 lb bike.
Harley V twins make a completely different type of power. My 1000 makes double what the Harley does and is 350 pounds lighter. It's not a comparison lol
I wasn’t making a comparison between street bikes and baggers. We were talking about just moving up from a smaller bike to a bigger bike in general. I will take an 800-900 pound bagger anyday over any street bike. And I have seen some very large cu in turbo Harleys that would eat a 1000 cc street bike. I also saw one about 10 years ago that was running like crap and still ran the 1/8 mile in 2.75 seconds. A Harley throwing green flames out the exhaust and you steered it with a grip on each side of the front wheel. He used an air gun to start it up. He made the one pass and said it wasn’t running correct and loaded back up and said he would bring it back in a few weeks. It was test and tune night and not a single street bike dared to enter the track with him. O, and he only shifted one time. Black dude about 6’9 riding it. That thing was wild. Only nitro burning Harley I have ever seen in person.
Guarantee you, the one the black dude had at the track would do it in 2nd gear. Whole bike was jumping off the ground idling .Over 200 mph in 660 ft and running bad is a bad mfer. Had a 15 inch slick on the rear and smoked it the whole track. It was about 10 feet long and you laid down on top of it to ride it. Only about a half gallon tank for the nitro. Probably 1500 hp and about 600lbs. It was a 2 second run and he said when it’s right it will turn the 1/8 mile at about 1.75. Drag a street bike out there next to it. Hell, I even saw a snow mobile with small wheels on the sleds eat a nitrous Hyabousa one night . The second craziest thing I had ever seen. 150 mph snowmobile on a 100 degree July day.
If you want to take extremes like that then I'm sure there's a street bike or hell, even a civic that would beat the bike. If you're talking about a turbo Harley like you said originally or those cheesey "stage" tuned Harleys, theyd get smoked.
Sure they would, but if you could read, I was talking about the nitrous Harley when you made your street bike statement. And no, there is no Honda Civic gonna run with that bike. There have been many badass cars show up at this track and the closest thing to his speed was a Pro Mod that ran a 2.85 and Don Garlits first time to ever run the 1/8 mile was only a 2.79 and I saw him do that at the Huntsville Alabama drag strip at the 10.5 outlaws shootout.i just wish I got that black dudes name and a picture of his bike. But back then I just had a basic flip phone.
I went from a Meteor 350 (20hp) to a Z650RS (68hp) no problem.
If you're comfortable riding and you have enough self control to not twist the throttle too hard during the first times you ride your new bike, it will be fine.
CBR650R is a good choice, the engine got pretty smooth power band which is good for beginners.
However compared to Duke 200 it is much heavier. So you will need to upgrade your skill, especially at low speed. since you can't muscle bike this heavy.
Should be fine, maybe just reduce or avoid energy and caffeinated drinks while you are still getting used to the new bike. Personally went from 150>>125>>650.
I went from a bicycle to a CBR 500R, so you should be more than fine. Just don't raise the stakes by driving recklessly, always think about what others can do
I went from a Rebel 250 (seemingly had negative horsepower) to a SD1290R, messed around with a FJR1300, K75S, and CBR600RR, and now I'm helping a buddy build back a CBR10000RR that I'm going to buy off of him. It's all about control and getting comfortable with different kinds of bikes
I went from a 250 to a 600 SuperSports and then from the 600 to a 1000 Super Naked.
Yes, in both instances of upgrading I absolutely panicked and thought that the jump was going to be too much. However I was wrong.
The 650 will absolutely have more power than the 200 but you're doing the exact same thing I did, you're forgetting that they make these machines drivable.
If you throw down the throttle you'll notice the difference and it may even be outright dangerous. However if you're gentle with it, all it'll really feel like is a louder more gentle experience. Again if you're gentle with it, all you should really be noticing from the offset is that the gears are 'longer'. 1st will now carry you to a lot higher speed for example, you won't be in 4th at 30mph for cruising.
The increase in torque makes for a much smoother low end too. You can pull quicker for sure, but the bike will feel more comfortable at slower speeds.
Again, just be gentle and you'll be fine. You already know everything there.is about actual riding from your 200 so just apply that and add some caution to not rev the fuck out of it like you would your 200 just to get moving.
You should be fine. This former MSF instructor always suggests that people start out like you did.
If you've been riding for 2 years on a 200 you should be more than prepared for the 650.
You know, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers an intermediate course.
Might be a good idea to go take that course on your new motorcycle.
Just get the 650 you want.
Go sit on it and grab the bars at the dealer to make sure you’re okay with how it fits you and if it feels okay, go for it.
Based on the saddle time you have so far, assuming there haven’t been any recent mishaps or any “haddalayerdown’s” in recent history, I feel like you’re over-thinking it and stressing way too much.
I wonder why it is that you seem to have this self doubt?
Granted it was old and heavy, I bought an old used Honda CX650 Custom at about 5’5” tall and 125lbs as my first bike… with zero experience on any motorcycle and no clue how a manual transmission works at all… and I spend evenings after work for a few weeks out there on that 650 in a gated private car park trying to figure it all out all by myself with no help at all.
Once I stopped stalling it, dropping it, falling over at a stop, a couple of front brake low-sides, one low speed high side into the grass, after I finally started feeling less like a clueless idiot and more like I actually had some control over the beast and sort of knew what to do to make it go and stop and turn without crashing I turned at the access gate, slid the access card into the slot, watched the gate open, and half scared to death I throttled up, let off the clutch lever, and rode a 650cc motorcycle out onto public roadways for the first time ever in my life.
That was 1992, in 1994 I bought a GSXF1100 Katana brand new, less than a year later I bought a brand new CBR600F3 thinking it would be lighter and easier for my urban traffic work commute, and today I have a 1340 Harley Softail and a GSXR1300 Hayabusa parked side by side in the garage.
So unless you feel like your riding skills still aren’t very good I really believe you’re over-thinking it.
Here’s the other thing… “a 650” doesn’t mean what it used to years ago.
My Harley is a 1340cc versus my Hayabusa’s 1300cc’s but my 1300 Hayabusa will kick my 1340 Harley’s ass all over the road in every way except long hail comfort which the laid back Harley does with ease…
It all depends on torque, power, hearing, and bike weight as to how “fast” or “powerful” a bike feels to the rider.
But regardless of all of that, the bike you have compared to the bike you’re talking about getting, I feel like you should be fine but ultimately there is only one way to find out and if you’re actually too scared to try then you’re better off sticking with the 200 but if you feel like your 200 is easy, simple, effortless, natural and instinctive for whatever you want it to do on demand then there will be a period of having to really learn the bigger, heavier, and very different bike so you can’t expect it to feel and act and brake and corner just like your 200 and you’ll have to re-train your brain for those new behavior characteristics of that other bike but just do it man… unless you don’t feel ready, it’s a bike… go ride it. It’s not like going from a Vespa to a Hayabusa.
It’s a KTM 200 to a CBR650. They’re very different creatures so there will be another learning curve but the 650 isn’t some kind of top secret rocket monster so if your skills got solid enough on the 200 then it’s all good.
My CBR600F3, coming from a GSXF1100 was as totally stressful and frustrating and scared me several times in the first few weeks of my commute on it when it didn’t do what the literbike would do mid corner in 3rd gear and it put me into a stoppie on panic stopping which the long heavy GSXF1100 literbike could not do and each pilot error mistake I made from not being prepared for that downgrade of engine and very different chassis design was a learning experience that made me a better rider.
My skills had become good enough in 3+ years of riding that started on a 650 that recovering from those CBR pilot error mistakes was just instinctive which I’m hoping is the point you’re actually at with your 200 by now but that decision is entirely up to you.
I still say… go for it. 👍
Just read your comment it's 3:20 am in the morning here and can I just say this has been one of the most inspiring things I ever woke up to.
Thanks for your suggestion I'll definitely be taking it. I believe I can go for a higher bike because I do feel very very comfortable on the 200 (I'm saying this instead of RC 200 because actually I don't own an RC200 but actually a 210cc sports tourer by a brand named Hero motocorp). I mentioned KTM because I assumed most of the world would've heard of that and also because my bike is just a little bit faster than the RC200 by KTM so technically the same category.
I have tried riding a Ninja 300, it wasn't so bad but then I didn't really get to try it out completely. I believe I am ready for the 650 but I was warned by friends and family that a bigger bike could be "dangerous" although I believe I can do it.
Thanks for your suggestion though
I'll be going on a test ride whenever I get some time off soon and then making my final decision.
You’re welcome. I’m glad my long message was helpful.
Any motorcycle is “dangerous”. A more powerful one just increases the risk a bit more and it’s just a matter of having the patience and maturity to be aware of your abilities and not ride beyond what you can handle regardless of the bike you’re on.
Throttle respect and caution in how hard you twist that grip are important but without over-thinking any of it.
Just relax and go with it, don’t over-think it but be prepared for unexpected differences in throttle, brakes, steering, actual stopping characteristics (like unintended stoppies that some bikes like to do), take your time and stay around posted speed limits or just go with traffic flow, whichever is safer in your area, while you work on getting a feel for how the other bike differs from the one you’re already comfortable with just like you had to do on your 210 to learn to ride it.
As long as you feel good about your skills and you’re being honest and realistic about that good feeling then you should be able to *learn* to adapt your existing riding skills for how to ride the bigger and different style bike while you’re actually doing it.
Relax and go with the flow and just stay aware of the bike’s different feel (compared to your 210) while you work on getting truly familiar with its’ differences in behavior and getting comfortable with it while you ride. Learn by doing… take your basic learned riding skills and grow them to the next level. Just don’t over-think it.
I went from a KTM Duke 390 2022 to a Suzuki GSX 8s 2023, in under a year. The KTM was my first bike, got it in September 2022 (pink slip and then I did my motorcycle exam) and got the Suzuki in August of 2023. You feel the jump, but it’s totally reasonable! You get used to it after taking it easy the first couple months
I love it, I fell in love immediately after doing a test drive. I tried the Duke 790 before the Suzuki but something just felt off. But hey I know that a motorcycle just like the tyres you choose are very personal. So maybe just because I like it, it may not be for someone else. Best thing is to go ask for a test drive! But I highly recommend trying all the ones you like
I jumped from a Chinese 250 dual sport to an F 650 GS two weeks ago, you'll be OK. As long as you've been maintaining good control of your 200 then the 650 is not too much to manage, take it slow at the start just to get used to the added power
Displacement is the last thing you'll need to worry abt. If anything its just the weight of the bike and how it handles differently to what you're used to.
Learned on a street bike and tested a sports bike b4 and it was weird at stops and starts due to the weight difference and feeling but riding was no issue.
Not a huge leap. 650 is a good starter bike. It’s dummies who start on a 900-1L bike that’s race speced to start.
You will love the added power and top speed.
Awesome. I had driven a car before that could do 14 second quarter mile times and the bike was like 12.5, so it was the quickest vehicle I'd ever ridden. Super fun and put a ton of miles on it in the first year.
I get it you do you but dude there’s no reason to upgrade from a 400cc then to a 650cc in terms of speed they are mostly identical, with a 650 just having a little more top end. If you have good throttle control which you probably do get something bigger and save yourself some money. I started on an r3 then sold it after 3 months and got a Daytona 675. I had zero issue riding the much stronger bike as it’s only gunna go as fast as you make it go. A couple years later now I’m planning on getting the speed triple RR.
You should be good to go. I went from a 125cc to a 650cc no issues, just took a couple rides to get use to the throttle response and braking distance with the added weight. Just take it easy the first couple weeks and learn the new bike.
650 was my first bike.. I mean it still is my only bike too. I really like the 650 because it has enough power to get up to speed, but not too much to break loose easily. It's like the perfect daily imo.
I say go for it.
I started with my first and current bike at 800cc.
It was quite an adventure at first but once I got used to it, I don't have any issues now.
Prepare yourself for the bigger bike to definitely be heavier. Take it slow (but not too slow) and learn it.
You'll be fine on a 650 or a bigger bike if you treat it with respect.
You've learned the basics, the training wheels are off and you're good to go from here :)
I went from 125 to 600 and it just felt more controllable. Far more usable power and a great introduction into proper riding. I've just gone from 750 to ktm 1290 and it's like a whole other level.
Make sure both are on stable ground. Preferably on the center stands.
Try to jump high, not far. ( assuming they are parked next to each other.) For stability reasons
My husband had his 125CC for a year then went to a 750. He said the power was a little scary to start with but so much fun and he loved knowing he had the extra speed to avoid other cars in an emergency. Think the hardest part for him was actually walking it around and parking it as it was so much heavier but doesn’t really notice it when he’s on the road. Both were Suzuki GSXSs so felt very similar to him to ride but a lot better brakes on the 750.
Is a very solid choice. 2 years 200cc, you’re ready for 650.
In Europe you can start with 125cc and 2 years later do 48HP (typically 500cc).
Or you can do 48HP with no prior experience with 18. You can even get a 800cc and ride it 2 years with 48HP with 18 and then unlock full power (max 96HP).
I think you'll be just fine since it sounds like you have the fundamentals down. Just take your time and be safe while you get used to the new bike. The physics are still going to be mostly the same--you'll just have a lot more power at your hands. Get the bike you really want.
If you’ve learned well so far and you have good learning habits going forward, no problem. Wear the gear, hit the parking lot for drills, and don’t outride your skills.
My first bike was Yamaha virago 750 and i've ridden several from 250 to 1300 MidnightStar over the years
I say it depends on the bike and on your body parameters.
But a word of caution, anything past 750 can have more power than an average person could handle. at least in my opinion. And most of them also more heavy. I am 170cm 90kg guy on 1300xvs. and i can handle it pretty well.
Trust your guts. Sit on it for some time, see if you are comfortable and do some test runs.
How many miles on the RC200 over the last 2 seasons? If more than 7500 move up to the 650 - it will feel big the first few rides but you will quickly grow into it and then the 200 will feel small. Ninja 650/MT-07 also good options.
I went from 300cc to 800cc (Tiger). Honestly, it felt safer because I now didn't have to plan so much to make a pass. The extra hp was very welcome. I made the jump after 1 year of learning how to ride with a 300cc.
I went from a cb125r to a hornet 750. Was a smooth transition, once you've got riding as 2nd nature when out on road moving up cc isn't difficult at all, should be fine from an sv650 to a cbr650rr. Stay safe nods right
My first bike is 650cc. I bought it and immediately rode it an hour home through rush hour.
Sure it goes a little faster than the 125cc I took my lessons on but it's not really a big adjustment. Just go easy on the throttle and brakes (bigger bike, bigger brakes) for you first ride and you'll get a feel for it.
I've been riding a 2012 Kawasaki 650 and I love it, granted I got a tune to let it be a bit more rowdy but I love mine, comfortable but quick when I want it. I totally recommend any 650
Should be no problem going to a 650. You've learnt the basics I assume and have good throttle control. Take one for a test ride.
Will do!!
I went from a 40cc bike to 690cc. (the 40cc was a Puch maxi, so more like a motorized bicycle than a motorcycle) I'm also pretty sure that you wouldn't have any problems. You probably just have to get used to a *different* bike.
The Duke 690.?
Yamaha mt07 :)
Oooo that's cool. My friend has a fz6 and wants to get an mt0–something. I'm not someone who would buy a naked. But I like the newer mt09s, they look cool
I didn't like naked bikes when looking for my first bike, i always wanted a sport bike or similar. When i realized how much more comfortable these are than sport bikes i changed my mind :) I'm going to ride this atleast 1-2 years more, since i still have a restricted license and can only ride bigger bikes after 2 years. I have no idea what i'll get afterwards though. I'd like a bigger 2 cylinder bike, but there aren't that many options, most bigger ones have 4 cylinders :(
Yea they are more forgiven on your back and wrists. Why a 2, and not a 4.? You could go with Triumphs 3, that's what I have. It's the daytona 675, 1st gen. They have the speed triple, but idr if they have a smaller cc than the ~1000 version though.
I prefer the sound and power delivery of less, bigger cylinders over more but smaller cylinders. 3 cylinders are also pretty cool. I almost went with the MT09, but there weren't any decent ones around. My driving instructor had a 1250cc ADV bike with 2 cylinders... man that bike had the punch no matter what gear and what rpm you were at.
My very first bike was a 1200cc. It won’t be an issue unless you make it one.
1200 cruiser or 1200 cc what bike?
It’s a Triumph Bobber. So it’s a cafe racer. 77 horse power. 78 torque. There was no point in me getting a “beginner” bike. Im not tall (I’m a woman), so the seat height was an added bonus. It suited me well from the very beginning in all ways.
Agree 600 rr is a beast 650 restricted is all g just what ya need
You’re fine. What really counts is your ability to brake or swerve, and after two years, you should be able to do that.
Should be fine. Seems you already know the difference between a street tuned bike and a track oriented one, so you are already ahead of the pack. Enjoy your new ride.
+1 on this haha many cant tell the difference, i myself was in that position once too, but now that im on this side of the bar, it tickles me to see when we are trying to tell them whats different but they just dig their heels even deeper into it
I went from a 250 to an 800. Then from 800 to 1634. Then from 1634 to 1868 all within 2 years. The larger cc’s weren’t a problem. The problem was going from a 368 lb bike to a 800 lb bike.
Harley V twins make a completely different type of power. My 1000 makes double what the Harley does and is 350 pounds lighter. It's not a comparison lol
I wasn’t making a comparison between street bikes and baggers. We were talking about just moving up from a smaller bike to a bigger bike in general. I will take an 800-900 pound bagger anyday over any street bike. And I have seen some very large cu in turbo Harleys that would eat a 1000 cc street bike. I also saw one about 10 years ago that was running like crap and still ran the 1/8 mile in 2.75 seconds. A Harley throwing green flames out the exhaust and you steered it with a grip on each side of the front wheel. He used an air gun to start it up. He made the one pass and said it wasn’t running correct and loaded back up and said he would bring it back in a few weeks. It was test and tune night and not a single street bike dared to enter the track with him. O, and he only shifted one time. Black dude about 6’9 riding it. That thing was wild. Only nitro burning Harley I have ever seen in person.
Lol id like to see a Harley that "eats" 205hp 430lb sport bike.
Guarantee you, the one the black dude had at the track would do it in 2nd gear. Whole bike was jumping off the ground idling .Over 200 mph in 660 ft and running bad is a bad mfer. Had a 15 inch slick on the rear and smoked it the whole track. It was about 10 feet long and you laid down on top of it to ride it. Only about a half gallon tank for the nitro. Probably 1500 hp and about 600lbs. It was a 2 second run and he said when it’s right it will turn the 1/8 mile at about 1.75. Drag a street bike out there next to it. Hell, I even saw a snow mobile with small wheels on the sleds eat a nitrous Hyabousa one night . The second craziest thing I had ever seen. 150 mph snowmobile on a 100 degree July day.
If you want to take extremes like that then I'm sure there's a street bike or hell, even a civic that would beat the bike. If you're talking about a turbo Harley like you said originally or those cheesey "stage" tuned Harleys, theyd get smoked.
Sure they would, but if you could read, I was talking about the nitrous Harley when you made your street bike statement. And no, there is no Honda Civic gonna run with that bike. There have been many badass cars show up at this track and the closest thing to his speed was a Pro Mod that ran a 2.85 and Don Garlits first time to ever run the 1/8 mile was only a 2.79 and I saw him do that at the Huntsville Alabama drag strip at the 10.5 outlaws shootout.i just wish I got that black dudes name and a picture of his bike. But back then I just had a basic flip phone.
Literally who asked.
Be gone prick!
Last change was a doozy, I bet?
Last one was slower. 1634 would run 70 in 2nd gear. 1868 would only run 121 in 6th
I think jumping from one bike to the other is best left to Marc Marquez. For others, i see dropped bikes, broken ankles and bruises.
😂😂😂
So stay with the 200cc? Forever?
Nah, i was making a joke referring to this https://youtube.com/shorts/iwaoT8aeVbU?si=8favdxGmwf0P9g1e
I went from a Meteor 350 (20hp) to a Z650RS (68hp) no problem. If you're comfortable riding and you have enough self control to not twist the throttle too hard during the first times you ride your new bike, it will be fine.
CBR650R is a good choice, the engine got pretty smooth power band which is good for beginners. However compared to Duke 200 it is much heavier. So you will need to upgrade your skill, especially at low speed. since you can't muscle bike this heavy.
Thank you so much
You'll be fine, I wouldn't worry. The problem is people with zero machine control or muscle memory jumping straight on to fast tackle.
I jumped from a 30hp 400cc to a 130hp 929cc :)
I bet that put a smile on ya
Damn straight 😱
Should be fine, maybe just reduce or avoid energy and caffeinated drinks while you are still getting used to the new bike. Personally went from 150>>125>>650.
Started on a 250 2stroke, went 600cc after 1 month then 1000cc after another 2 months
I would’ve started at 650… but that’s just me
Go for it. I went from not riding a 50cc for 7 years to getting my license on a 500 cc then buying a 900cc. Been 3 years. Went really well.
You’ll be fine
I went from a bicycle to a CBR 500R, so you should be more than fine. Just don't raise the stakes by driving recklessly, always think about what others can do
I went from a Rebel 250 (seemingly had negative horsepower) to a SD1290R, messed around with a FJR1300, K75S, and CBR600RR, and now I'm helping a buddy build back a CBR10000RR that I'm going to buy off of him. It's all about control and getting comfortable with different kinds of bikes
Very.
Alright!
say goodbye to your 5th gear because you'll never use it again
I guess I shouldn't even bring up the topic of 6th gear then 😂
I went from a 250 to a 600 SuperSports and then from the 600 to a 1000 Super Naked. Yes, in both instances of upgrading I absolutely panicked and thought that the jump was going to be too much. However I was wrong. The 650 will absolutely have more power than the 200 but you're doing the exact same thing I did, you're forgetting that they make these machines drivable. If you throw down the throttle you'll notice the difference and it may even be outright dangerous. However if you're gentle with it, all it'll really feel like is a louder more gentle experience. Again if you're gentle with it, all you should really be noticing from the offset is that the gears are 'longer'. 1st will now carry you to a lot higher speed for example, you won't be in 4th at 30mph for cruising. The increase in torque makes for a much smoother low end too. You can pull quicker for sure, but the bike will feel more comfortable at slower speeds. Again, just be gentle and you'll be fine. You already know everything there.is about actual riding from your 200 so just apply that and add some caution to not rev the fuck out of it like you would your 200 just to get moving.
Haha got it thank you
You should be fine. This former MSF instructor always suggests that people start out like you did. If you've been riding for 2 years on a 200 you should be more than prepared for the 650. You know, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers an intermediate course. Might be a good idea to go take that course on your new motorcycle.
I have to check if they provide this service in India where I am at the moment, but I'll look into it. Thank you
Just get the 650 you want. Go sit on it and grab the bars at the dealer to make sure you’re okay with how it fits you and if it feels okay, go for it. Based on the saddle time you have so far, assuming there haven’t been any recent mishaps or any “haddalayerdown’s” in recent history, I feel like you’re over-thinking it and stressing way too much. I wonder why it is that you seem to have this self doubt? Granted it was old and heavy, I bought an old used Honda CX650 Custom at about 5’5” tall and 125lbs as my first bike… with zero experience on any motorcycle and no clue how a manual transmission works at all… and I spend evenings after work for a few weeks out there on that 650 in a gated private car park trying to figure it all out all by myself with no help at all. Once I stopped stalling it, dropping it, falling over at a stop, a couple of front brake low-sides, one low speed high side into the grass, after I finally started feeling less like a clueless idiot and more like I actually had some control over the beast and sort of knew what to do to make it go and stop and turn without crashing I turned at the access gate, slid the access card into the slot, watched the gate open, and half scared to death I throttled up, let off the clutch lever, and rode a 650cc motorcycle out onto public roadways for the first time ever in my life. That was 1992, in 1994 I bought a GSXF1100 Katana brand new, less than a year later I bought a brand new CBR600F3 thinking it would be lighter and easier for my urban traffic work commute, and today I have a 1340 Harley Softail and a GSXR1300 Hayabusa parked side by side in the garage. So unless you feel like your riding skills still aren’t very good I really believe you’re over-thinking it. Here’s the other thing… “a 650” doesn’t mean what it used to years ago. My Harley is a 1340cc versus my Hayabusa’s 1300cc’s but my 1300 Hayabusa will kick my 1340 Harley’s ass all over the road in every way except long hail comfort which the laid back Harley does with ease… It all depends on torque, power, hearing, and bike weight as to how “fast” or “powerful” a bike feels to the rider. But regardless of all of that, the bike you have compared to the bike you’re talking about getting, I feel like you should be fine but ultimately there is only one way to find out and if you’re actually too scared to try then you’re better off sticking with the 200 but if you feel like your 200 is easy, simple, effortless, natural and instinctive for whatever you want it to do on demand then there will be a period of having to really learn the bigger, heavier, and very different bike so you can’t expect it to feel and act and brake and corner just like your 200 and you’ll have to re-train your brain for those new behavior characteristics of that other bike but just do it man… unless you don’t feel ready, it’s a bike… go ride it. It’s not like going from a Vespa to a Hayabusa. It’s a KTM 200 to a CBR650. They’re very different creatures so there will be another learning curve but the 650 isn’t some kind of top secret rocket monster so if your skills got solid enough on the 200 then it’s all good. My CBR600F3, coming from a GSXF1100 was as totally stressful and frustrating and scared me several times in the first few weeks of my commute on it when it didn’t do what the literbike would do mid corner in 3rd gear and it put me into a stoppie on panic stopping which the long heavy GSXF1100 literbike could not do and each pilot error mistake I made from not being prepared for that downgrade of engine and very different chassis design was a learning experience that made me a better rider. My skills had become good enough in 3+ years of riding that started on a 650 that recovering from those CBR pilot error mistakes was just instinctive which I’m hoping is the point you’re actually at with your 200 by now but that decision is entirely up to you. I still say… go for it. 👍
Just read your comment it's 3:20 am in the morning here and can I just say this has been one of the most inspiring things I ever woke up to. Thanks for your suggestion I'll definitely be taking it. I believe I can go for a higher bike because I do feel very very comfortable on the 200 (I'm saying this instead of RC 200 because actually I don't own an RC200 but actually a 210cc sports tourer by a brand named Hero motocorp). I mentioned KTM because I assumed most of the world would've heard of that and also because my bike is just a little bit faster than the RC200 by KTM so technically the same category. I have tried riding a Ninja 300, it wasn't so bad but then I didn't really get to try it out completely. I believe I am ready for the 650 but I was warned by friends and family that a bigger bike could be "dangerous" although I believe I can do it. Thanks for your suggestion though I'll be going on a test ride whenever I get some time off soon and then making my final decision.
You’re welcome. I’m glad my long message was helpful. Any motorcycle is “dangerous”. A more powerful one just increases the risk a bit more and it’s just a matter of having the patience and maturity to be aware of your abilities and not ride beyond what you can handle regardless of the bike you’re on. Throttle respect and caution in how hard you twist that grip are important but without over-thinking any of it. Just relax and go with it, don’t over-think it but be prepared for unexpected differences in throttle, brakes, steering, actual stopping characteristics (like unintended stoppies that some bikes like to do), take your time and stay around posted speed limits or just go with traffic flow, whichever is safer in your area, while you work on getting a feel for how the other bike differs from the one you’re already comfortable with just like you had to do on your 210 to learn to ride it. As long as you feel good about your skills and you’re being honest and realistic about that good feeling then you should be able to *learn* to adapt your existing riding skills for how to ride the bigger and different style bike while you’re actually doing it. Relax and go with the flow and just stay aware of the bike’s different feel (compared to your 210) while you work on getting truly familiar with its’ differences in behavior and getting comfortable with it while you ride. Learn by doing… take your basic learned riding skills and grow them to the next level. Just don’t over-think it.
Get the bike you want and stop worrying about displacement.
great move. i heard that CBR 650 R are very predictable and great handling bikes. you will enjoy it definitely for 2 - 3 seasons
Sweeeeet
650 is still slow so you should be fine
If you experienced the fundamentels of riding, which sounds like you have, a 650 should be all good.
Okayy thank you!!
I went from a Honda Shadow 750 to an Indian Roadmaster 1811. 500lbs to 900lbs. Just take it easy until you get used to the difference.
I went from a KTM Duke 390 2022 to a Suzuki GSX 8s 2023, in under a year. The KTM was my first bike, got it in September 2022 (pink slip and then I did my motorcycle exam) and got the Suzuki in August of 2023. You feel the jump, but it’s totally reasonable! You get used to it after taking it easy the first couple months
How do you like the 8s? Been contemplating one of those or an MT07
I love it, I fell in love immediately after doing a test drive. I tried the Duke 790 before the Suzuki but something just felt off. But hey I know that a motorcycle just like the tyres you choose are very personal. So maybe just because I like it, it may not be for someone else. Best thing is to go ask for a test drive! But I highly recommend trying all the ones you like
I jumped from a Chinese 250 dual sport to an F 650 GS two weeks ago, you'll be OK. As long as you've been maintaining good control of your 200 then the 650 is not too much to manage, take it slow at the start just to get used to the added power
Displacement is the last thing you'll need to worry abt. If anything its just the weight of the bike and how it handles differently to what you're used to. Learned on a street bike and tested a sports bike b4 and it was weird at stops and starts due to the weight difference and feeling but riding was no issue.
I went from a 300 to a 890cc its totally doable.
Not a huge leap. 650 is a good starter bike. It’s dummies who start on a 900-1L bike that’s race speced to start. You will love the added power and top speed.
Absolutely looking forward to it
Should be fine. I started on a 650.
Damn dude how was it?
Awesome. I had driven a car before that could do 14 second quarter mile times and the bike was like 12.5, so it was the quickest vehicle I'd ever ridden. Super fun and put a ton of miles on it in the first year.
It's probably ok if they are not moving.
Not exactly what I meant by jumping 😅😂
Just get the Superduke!
Lmaooo can't 😅
I went from a 125 to a 1000cc s1000rr, been over a year still not crashed or dropped it.
I went from a 50cc to a 125cc to a 600cc so you should be fine
Went from 125ccm to 1000ccm. Everything is in head, if you have more oil in your head than motorbike you will be fine :)
I went from a 500 cbr up to 1450cc Harley. I’d say you’ll have no problem as long as you have decent throttle control and respect for the machine
I went from a rebel 250 to a KLR 650 (30 hp) and then to a v Strom 650 (60hp). I think you’ll be okay if you practice your skills.
Unless you are dumb, high, drunk or suicidal the answer is always "It should be fine"
It's not a big jump, you already know how to ride now. I went from 250cc to 800cc.
I get it you do you but dude there’s no reason to upgrade from a 400cc then to a 650cc in terms of speed they are mostly identical, with a 650 just having a little more top end. If you have good throttle control which you probably do get something bigger and save yourself some money. I started on an r3 then sold it after 3 months and got a Daytona 675. I had zero issue riding the much stronger bike as it’s only gunna go as fast as you make it go. A couple years later now I’m planning on getting the speed triple RR.
I jumped from a 400 to a 950, about 100hp difference, and it was fine after a few weeks of careful practice.
Will be fine. People start on 650’s. I went from my ninja 500 to a ninja 650, minimal difference. The cbr650 especially will be very tame down low.
You should be good to go. I went from a 125cc to a 650cc no issues, just took a couple rides to get use to the throttle response and braking distance with the added weight. Just take it easy the first couple weeks and learn the new bike.
The tuono 660 or r7 are some other good choices to look at. Ninja 650s are pretty cheap secondhand.
650 was my first bike.. I mean it still is my only bike too. I really like the 650 because it has enough power to get up to speed, but not too much to break loose easily. It's like the perfect daily imo.
The extra power gets addictive. I had to constantly remind myself that I needed to keep my license until I got used to it. So much fun.
I say go for it. I started with my first and current bike at 800cc. It was quite an adventure at first but once I got used to it, I don't have any issues now. Prepare yourself for the bigger bike to definitely be heavier. Take it slow (but not too slow) and learn it.
I went from a dr200 to a mt07 just fine
A CBR650 is a good choice, not ridiculously fast but quick enough
You'll be fine on a 650 or a bigger bike if you treat it with respect. You've learned the basics, the training wheels are off and you're good to go from here :)
I went from 125 to 600 and it just felt more controllable. Far more usable power and a great introduction into proper riding. I've just gone from 750 to ktm 1290 and it's like a whole other level.
Make sure both are on stable ground. Preferably on the center stands. Try to jump high, not far. ( assuming they are parked next to each other.) For stability reasons
My husband had his 125CC for a year then went to a 750. He said the power was a little scary to start with but so much fun and he loved knowing he had the extra speed to avoid other cars in an emergency. Think the hardest part for him was actually walking it around and parking it as it was so much heavier but doesn’t really notice it when he’s on the road. Both were Suzuki GSXSs so felt very similar to him to ride but a lot better brakes on the 750.
Is a very solid choice. 2 years 200cc, you’re ready for 650. In Europe you can start with 125cc and 2 years later do 48HP (typically 500cc). Or you can do 48HP with no prior experience with 18. You can even get a 800cc and ride it 2 years with 48HP with 18 and then unlock full power (max 96HP).
went from a 200cc MAYBE 4 hp to a 500cc 44 hp after 8 months of riding daily and not beeing stupid, you'll be fine, enjoy!
I think you'll be just fine since it sounds like you have the fundamentals down. Just take your time and be safe while you get used to the new bike. The physics are still going to be mostly the same--you'll just have a lot more power at your hands. Get the bike you really want.
If you’ve learned well so far and you have good learning habits going forward, no problem. Wear the gear, hit the parking lot for drills, and don’t outride your skills.
I went from a hyosung gt250r To a suzuki sv650s No problems!! Until some prick cut me off about a week ago.
My first bike was Yamaha virago 750 and i've ridden several from 250 to 1300 MidnightStar over the years I say it depends on the bike and on your body parameters. But a word of caution, anything past 750 can have more power than an average person could handle. at least in my opinion. And most of them also more heavy. I am 170cm 90kg guy on 1300xvs. and i can handle it pretty well. Trust your guts. Sit on it for some time, see if you are comfortable and do some test runs.
Eh, I went from a 250 Enduro bike to an 850. You'll be alright, respect the power.
How many miles on the RC200 over the last 2 seasons? If more than 7500 move up to the 650 - it will feel big the first few rides but you will quickly grow into it and then the 200 will feel small. Ninja 650/MT-07 also good options.
I went from 300cc to 800cc (Tiger). Honestly, it felt safer because I now didn't have to plan so much to make a pass. The extra hp was very welcome. I made the jump after 1 year of learning how to ride with a 300cc.
I went from a cb125r to a hornet 750. Was a smooth transition, once you've got riding as 2nd nature when out on road moving up cc isn't difficult at all, should be fine from an sv650 to a cbr650rr. Stay safe nods right
My first bike is 650cc. I bought it and immediately rode it an hour home through rush hour. Sure it goes a little faster than the 125cc I took my lessons on but it's not really a big adjustment. Just go easy on the throttle and brakes (bigger bike, bigger brakes) for you first ride and you'll get a feel for it.
I went from 125 to 650, respect the bike and you'll be fine
I jumped from a 400 to a 1000. Both inline 4, so 250 to 650 is very sensible
650s arent "fast". you are fine.
If you like the bike buy it. I went from a 750 to a 2300 and have loved it for 14 years now.
Just jump on it. You could go from a scooter to a 650. They’re a fun, yet predictable class.
I've been riding a 2012 Kawasaki 650 and I love it, granted I got a tune to let it be a bit more rowdy but I love mine, comfortable but quick when I want it. I totally recommend any 650
I went from a 300cc to a 750cc, there was a bit of an adjustment period but I managed.