If you're racing SS then you're going to be at a HP disadvantage with the Kwacker. If you're doing SBK then do whatever one you want. I think the 650Rs are neat. I never rode one though. Now if only Honda would come out with an updated Hawk and Yammie would make a neat lightweight bike...
i'm a Kawi Fanboy, but I would go with the SV650. A lot more parts available and definitely know-how with SV650 since, from what I've seen, its a lot more common race/track bike than the 650R.
The SV is about as plentiful as the VW Bug was during the 60s and 70s. They're everywhere, so there's always spare parts and really cool people to meet and borrow stuff from. I only saw a handful of Kawi's when I was at the track every weekend. To be honest, if they had a horsepower advantage, I never noticed it. Then again, there weren't that many of them.
i think in the last 4 years ive seen 3 people with a ninja 650 racing. parts & knowledge makes the SV a better choice
The West Coast guys are finding out the potential of the 650R quickly. Former fast SV racers are doing well on the Kawi. It is correct that the 650R is down on hp vs the SV. To be competitive at the top level, a superbike build is required. But, with the same suspension upgrades, the Kawi out handles the SV. The Kawi engine is just about bullet proof, where there are plenty of blown up SV stories. And as was said there are more SV's on the track for spares. But as I've said before, you should not have to rely on others for parts. I am always willing to help spread the word, and help Kawi owners get on the track. http://www.brp650forum.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1860 Should you decide to go with the Kawi, hit me up.
I have struggled with the same question Chris. My thought right now is to go back onto an SV because it is a known winner. I would like to try out a 650R just to be a little different. The truth is I have my hands full of different right now with my 675 and may benefit from something a little more run of the mill....
Curtis Adams and Chris Speights both have proved the 650R to be a winner. Both West Coast racers. There's another guy doing well with LRRS, forgot his name.
Two thoughts are to help me improve my riding, and to be able to still run the 848 in HWT, and not be switching back and forth from I-4, to V-Twin. Also, I would have a fighting chance in LWT Expert :up:
For the sake of practicality, an SV is prolly the best choice. That said, it's great to see more variety on the grid
I think there is a 07 650R race bike for sale in Ohio. Last I heard the guy was hurting for money and was selling it pretty cheap. That bike would be very competitive. I've heard Kawi is going to pay contengency again this year. I've asked that they not put any money in any SS based classes in effort to get more 650R's on the grid. I also know a guy in NY that's trying to get an endurance team together. That would be a good way to see if you like the bike.
It Sam West's bike. Rhiannon's old sponsor. She was supposed to race it in Moto-St. I just verified it's still for sale. I'll have more info later this afternoon.
It's just an itch I haven't scratched yet. My friend Ray bought one in Fla. He may be racing it in Ohio next year. Will I see you at the Racer Lunch tomorrow? Sam Williams #47 SCVR