kz400 instead of kz650?

I have been looking for a kz650, as my first bike. I missed a couple that I should have been able to get had my head been in the right place. But anyway, I came across a posting for a kz400, and now am wondering if this would be a suitable bike for me.

The vast majority of my riding will be around San Francisco, but I want something big enough to take on the freeway for up to a couple of hours. Probably 75 percent city riding / 25 percent freeway riding.

I am 5'11 and 170-175lbs. I would also be hauling my girlfriend frequently since we don't have a car. She is 5'7, and ?? lbs. I would guess 130-135? I know better than to ask as I am posting this.

The thing that really drew me to the kz650 was the style of the bike. I could go larger with a kz750, but I feel that is getting to large for mostly city riding, and the forks are extended in front of the bike more than I like visually. The kz400 still retains a lot of what I like, but now the concern would be power.

Is the 400 a good fit for me? ...perhaps a better fit than the 650 for what I need? ...or should I keep looking?

Thanks,
Travis.

Both are great bikes with good followings but for 2 up and freeway cruising I think I would hold out for a 550-650-750.

I agree with Locozuna. You will be much happier with a little more cc's for highway cruizin:) The 650 is a great bike!

thanks for the info. that is what i was thinking.

Someone will correct me, I'm sure, if I'm way out there, but it seems to me like you would be on just about the same size bike whether it be a 650 or a 750. That's with regards to the frame size and sitting arrangement. This, of course, depending on which models are being compared to which. I agree with Locozuma in that a 400 would be a little on the light side for two up, especially at highway speeds.

Good luck on your search!

KZErider wrote:

Someone will correct me, I'm sure, if I'm way out there, but it seems to me like you would be on just about the same size bike whether it be a 650 or a 750. That's with regards to the frame size and sitting arrangement. This, of course, depending on which models are being compared to which. I agree with Locozuma in that a 400 would be a little on the light side for two up, especially at highway speeds.

Good luck on your search!

hmmm... a quick search shows that the wheel base is about the same. i haven't noticed any 750's around since i started keeping my eyes open for a 650, but from the photos i saw on the internet, it looked to me like it was a longer wheelbase. maybe my head was just playing a trick n me, convincing myself it was longer.