Concept comparison: inexpensive motorcycles

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Concept comparison: Inexpensive motorcycles

A.&P

Attractive and inexpensive, that’s them. The Aprilia Pegaso 650 Garda, the Kawasaki W 650, the Suzuki SV 650 and the Yamaha XJ 600 N have already proven this in various tests. A concept comparison with four very different characters.

These motorcycles move Germany. The SV and the XJ numerically, the W 650, because no other manufacturer had the courage to put such a retro-classic eye-catcher on the wheels for such little money? and the Aprilia Pegaso 650 at least insofar as it is not given much attention in this country, but is a good and cheap alternative to the popular Funduro BMW F 650.
But back to the bare facts, the numbers: Example Yamaha XJ 600 N. Together with its half-faired sister S, one of the best-selling motorcycles in Germany for years. Overall, Yamaha brought a whopping 33,535 XJs to men and women. She’s got something, this XJ. Still no combined ignition and steering lock, but a very special look. The properly processed four-cylinder may now seem a bit conservative, but at the same time it conveys solidity. Best buddy guy who never lets you down. Maybe one of the reasons why the XJ is so successful in Germany in particular.
Solid, that’s how it is when driving. The relatively low seating position, the excellent knee grip, the wide, well-cranked handlebars inspire confidence. At the same time, however, not a motorcycle on which a normally grown Central European feels as if he accidentally picked up his little brother’s 125cc. A full-fledged machine, the engine of which never gives a tortured impression, even when fully loaded with luggage. Sure, a nominal 61 horsepower is now a very conservative value for a 600. But as so often in life, it depends on what you make of it. The air-cooled two-valve engine is definitely the best. The driving performance is impressive, enough for a brisk country road trip alone or a holiday tour for two at any time.
All in all, a cultivated row quad, only in the middle speed range are vibrations on the handlebars and footrests noticeable. Some people may call it a boredom because it never tends to break out in temper, so what: The deliberately softly tuned XJ chassis would be overwhelmed with such arrogance anyway. In faster curves, garnished with small bumps, the directly hinged central spring strut with pumps indicates that its load limit has been reached. And the fork doesn’t just go to block when you slow down hard. By the way: Since Yamaha donated a second brake disc to the XJ series, it has been decelerating extremely satisfactorily.
The braking system of the Suzuki SV 650 can be certified more than that. Almost a poem, just the right mix of controllability, stability and delay performance. Never overwhelm your driver. The rest of the SV didn’t either. The SV siblings shot from zero to third place in the admission hit parade. Suzuki seems to have hit the nerve of the times. Finally a manufacturer who not only puts an “oldie but goldie” four-cylinder in a double loop frame for the cheaper motorcycles, and the arbor is ready. No, they broke new ground and planted a compact, newly designed 650 V-Twin in a filigree aluminum tubular space frame. A successful overall pact.
Without blame, this little two-cylinder, one ignores the sometimes somewhat delayed response behavior when the gas is opened up quickly. The fuel-efficient unit works like clockwork, even from the lower speed range. Just like you’d expect from a two-cylinder. Almost future-oriented, Suzuki would have given him an injection and G-Kat. Well, that would be asking a lot for 11090 marks.
A fork that is a little tighter, however, should have been in there. Would look good on the super-handy fun mobile with its comfortable, relaxed seating position. If you switch directly from the Yamaha to the SV, the light and agile Suzuki seems a little nervous at first.
Not a trace of nervousness, but almost a quiet beer, radiates another twin concept: that of the Kawasaki W 650. Another big hit. The eye-catcher of this quartet, no question about it. If the Suzuki seems a bit careless in some details – or to put it more nicely: unfinished – the W 650 convinces with lovingly arranged detailed solutions. And then this engine. Technology fetishists feel at the sight of the W 650 parallel twin. The icing on the cake: the bevel. And the stylish kick starter. You can safely do without the electric starter. Courage, it jumps on the first step according to old-fashioned tradition, the 676 cm³ four-valve engine. You read that right: four. A concession to modernity. And immediately takes gas without complaint and without jerking. A discreet, soothing sound comes from the two balloon end pieces. Only nostalgic people will complain that a Triumph Bonneville from annodubak looked nicer.
When driving, the W 650 is not necessarily immediately apparent. Wet research boys under 30, tortured for years by modern sports motorcycles and warped by super sporty tire dimensions, have little problems getting used to it at the beginning. Should you entrust yourself to these cutting disc-like tires? One can. And a bench can be so narrow and so comfortable. Aha. And the tank pads are not just ornaments, they are useful tools. So so. Because with your knees on the tank, the retro bike is even easier, more relaxed.
Then you can casually overlook the life of its own that the W 650 develops at brisk cornering speeds. Well, the lonely disc brake in the front wheel is not exactly a scream. But once you have come to terms with it, maybe even slept over the W 650 for a night or two, you will find the right attitude towards Kawasaki’s retro bike. Just don’t let any stress or rush arise, she doesn’t like that. If you have internalized this, the W will compensate you for its peculiarities with a high level of accuracy in the pleasurable curve swing.
Curves, if possible on country roads of the worst category, that is the keyword for the Aprilia Pegaso 650 Garda. The one with the Rotax five-valve engine. Has undergone an amazing metamorphosis over the years: from a rough but hearty enduro stew to a gentle all-rounder. Especially as the Garda version, it is also absolutely suitable for two people. Take the ballast with, meanwhile, leave the rough terrain to others. Can be driven at least as comfortably as the W 650, but doesn’t take away from faster country roads either. Has a finely appealing chassis with an ingeniously easy-to-adjust strut at the rear.
D.he single cylinder of the Pegaso has lost some of its top performance over the years, but chain slapping and poor response are alien to it. The character is more of the calm type, both in terms of the mechanical noises and the way in which he delivers his performance: without a hole, but also without a noticeable power boost. In return, the Pegaso can claim to be something special not only compared to the XJ. Their direct competitors BMW F 650 and Honda Dominator are also on every corner.

Data Yamaha XJ 600 N

Engine: Air-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, two valves per cylinder operated via bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, Mikuni constant pressure carburetor, Ø 28 mm, contactless transistor ignition, no exhaust gas cleaning, electric starter, three-phase alternator 280 W, 12 V battery / 8 Ah.Bore x stroke 58.5 x 55.7 mm Displacement 599 cm³ Compression ratio 10: 1 Nominal output 45 kW (61 HP) at 8500 rpm Max. Torque 55 Nm (5.6 kpm) at 7000 rpm Power transmission: primary drive via chain, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, O-ring chain. Chassis: double loop frame made of tubular steel, telescopic fork, standpipe diameter 38 mm, twin-arm swing arm made of steel tubes, direct central spring strut articulated, with adjustable spring base, front disc brake with double-piston caliper, Ø 320 mm, rear disc brake with two-piston caliper, Ø 245 mm, cast aluminum wheels. Cast aluminum wheels 2.50 x 17; 3.50 x 18 tires 110/80 H 17; 130/70 H 18 Chassis data: wheelbase 1445 mm, steering head angle 65 °, caster 97 mm, spring travel f / h 140/110 mmDimensions and weightsL / W / H 2060/730/1220 mmSeat height 785 mmTurning circle 4880 mmWeight fully fueled 213kg Permissible total weight * 397 kgWheel load distribution 184 kg v / h 46/54% tank capacity / reserve * 17 / 3.5 liter guarantee Two years with unlimited mileageColors red, dark bluePerformance variants 61 HP (45 kW) Price incl. VAT 9120 marks Additional costs 275 marks

Conclusion Kawasaki W 650

Well done, Kawasaki. The balancing act between kitsch and art was a success. Even stubborn Triumph fans have to pay their respects to the likeable W 650. Enjoy the great sound of the vertical shaft twin and glide stress-free over country roads, that works great on the W. Perhaps one of the best cruisers on the market. That’s why it’s a pleasure to look at Kawasaki’s nostalgic bike for small chassis weaknesses.

Conclusion Aprilia Pegaso 650 Garda

It has always been a bit more expensive to drive an Italian motorcycle, you think? Not correct. The Pegaso 650 Garda proves the opposite. It costs almost 800 marks less than its much more successful “sister” BMW F 650 and, as a treat, also offers a standard luggage system. Because of its cultivated single cylinder and good chassis, it is ideal as a tourist all-rounder.

Data Suzuki SV 650

Engine: water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 90-degree V-engine, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, Mikuni constant pressure carburetor, Ø 39 mm, digital ignition, no exhaust gas cleaning, electric starter, three-phase alternator 300 W. , Battery 12 V / 10 Ah. Bore x stroke 81 x 62.6 mm Displacement 645 cm³ Compression ratio 11.5: 1 Nominal output 52 kW (71 HP) at 9000 rpmMax. Torque 62 Nm (6.3 kpm) at 7500 rpm Power transmission: primary drive via gear wheels, mechanically operated multi-plate oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, O-ring chain, secondary ratio 45:15. Chassis: tubular space frame made of aluminum profiles, bolted rear frame, supporting motor , Telescopic fork, stanchion diameter 41 mm, two-arm swing arm made of aluminum profiles, central spring strut with lever system, adjustable spring base, double disc brake at the front, double-piston calipers, floating brake discs, Ø 290 mm, rear disc brake, two-piston caliper, Ø 240 mm. Cast aluminum wheels 3.50 x 17; 4.50 x 17 tires 120/60 ZR 17; 160/60 ZR 17 Chassis data: wheelbase 1430 mm, steering head angle 65 °, caster 100 mm, spring travel f / h 120/125 mmDimensions and weightsL / W / H 2060/800/1220 mmSeat height 800-660 mmTurning circle 6240 mmWeight, fully fueled 189 kg, Permissible total weight * 400 kg Load 211 kg Wheel load distribution v / h 48/52% tank capacity / reserve * 16 liters Guarantee two years with unlimited mileageColors black, red, (blue: only in the 71 PS version) Power variants 25 kW (34 PS) Price incl. VAT 10,840 marks Additional costs 250 mark

Data Kawasaki W 650

Engine: Air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine, a balancer shaft, an overhead camshaft driven by a king-shaft, four valves per cylinder, wet sump lubrication, Keihin constant pressure carburetor, Ø 34 mm, digital transistor ignition, secondary air system (KCAS), electric and kick starter, three-phase alternator 252 W, Battery 12 V / 12 Ah, bore x stroke 72 x 83 mm, displacement 676 cm³, compression ratio 8.7: 1, rated output 37 kW (50 PS) at 7000 rpm, max. Torque 56 Nm (5.7 kpm) at 5500 rpm Power transmission: primary drive via gear wheels, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox, O-ring chain. Chassis: double loop frame made of tubular steel, telescopic fork, standpipe diameter 39 mm, two-arm swing arm made of tubular steel, two spring struts , adjustable spring base, front disc brake, double-piston caliper, floating brake disc, Ø 300 mm, rear drum brake, Ø 160 mm. Spoked wheels with aluminum rims 2.15 x 19; 2.75 x 18 tires 100/90 – 19 H; 130/80 – 18 H Chassis data: wheelbase 1450 mm, steering head angle 63.5 °, caster 105 mm, spring travel f / h 130/85 mmDimensions and weightsL / W / H 2190/910/1310 mmSeat height 800 mmTurning circle 5180 mmWeight fully fueled 215 kg Permissible total weight * 395 kg load 180 kg wheel load distribution v / h 46/54% tank capacity 15 liters warranty two years without mileage limit colors red / beige, silver / blue power variants 25 kW (34 hp) price including VAT 11 690 marks additional costs 300 marks

Dates Aprilia Pegaso 650 Garda

Engine: water-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, a balance shaft, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, five valves per cylinder, arranged radially, bucket tappets, a rocker arm, dry sump lubrication, two Mikuni constant pressure carburetors, Ø 33 mm, contactless condenser ignition (CDI), no emission control, E. -Starter, three-phase alternator 180 W, battery 12 V / 14 Ah. Bore x stroke 100 x 83 mm, displacement 652 cm³, compression ratio 9.1: 1, rated output 36 kW (49 PS) at 54 / min, max. Torque 54 Nm (5.5 kpm) at 5000 rpm Power transmission: primary drive via gear wheels, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox, O-ring chain. Chassis: single-loop frame made of tubular steel with screwed aluminum profiles, upside-down fork, guide tube diameter 40 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel profiles, central spring strut with lever system, adjustable spring base and rebound damping, front disc brake, double-piston caliper, Ø 300 mm, rear disc brake, single-piston caliper, Ø 220 mm. Spoked wheels with aluminum rims 2.15 x 19; 3.00 x 17 tires 100/90 – 19; 130/80 R 17 Chassis data: wheelbase 1480 mm, steering head angle 62 °, caster 109 mm, spring travel f / h 180/165 mmDimensions and weightsL / W / H * 2240/880/1265 mmSeat height 850 mmTurning circle * mmWeight with a full tank 201 kgGross weight * 380 kg 179 kg Tank capacity / reserve * 22.2 / 5 liters Warranty three years with unlimited mileageColors Silver 34 HP (25 kW) Price including VAT 11,590 marks Additional costs 285 marks

Conclusion Suzuki SV 650

Light, strong and fast: the fun bike in this comparison, the SV 650. Looks a bit unfinished and unkind in some details, makes up for it with a great guy with a V2 engine who is only stingy when it comes to fuel consumption. The performance is unrivaled in this price range. A high-speed, high-torque motorcycle for the courageous country road freak who, however, wants a tighter fork.

Conclusion Yamaha XJ 600 N

The good buddy who won’t let you down: the XJ 600 N. A very comfortable motorcycle with a sturdy engine that doesn’t pose any puzzles when driving. Also suitable for intimate togetherness due to the high level of seating comfort. The chassis then reaches its limits because it is very comfortably set up. But you should check the XJ. Despite its low price, it offers good workmanship.

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