I'm currently riding on a Hyosung GT250R. It's actually the same exact dry weight as a 954 according to random websites. I've finished up a season on this thing and want to upgrade. I was originally gonna shoot for something in the 600 range as that seems to be the next step up, but looking at prices around here (Korea), the prices are pretty similar between a cbr600rr, cbr600f4i, or yama r6 (the bikes I was previously looking into) and the 954/929 options. I know it's a lot about self-control and this question's probably been asked, but is this advisable to make such an abrupt change? I'm looking to upgrade because the bike I'm on now struggles when it's leaned over and going uphill and the top end is kind of a snore.

Considering most of you are in America, I'm guessing none of you have ever ridden a bike this small. As far as the bike's actual size, it's a full size frame, just has a v-twin 250cc motor that tugs me up to just around 100 mph... but maybe some of you out there have taken this plunge and could help me out in making a decision? This bike handles... okay, don't have much to compare it to. The type of riding I'm looking to do is hit mountain twisties for fun and random commuting. If there were tracks around here, I'd hit them, too...

Part of the reason I've decided on this is not just the price itself, but the resale possibility for when I head back to America in a year or two.

 

this is like asking what type of oil to use, everyone is gonna say something different but if you are comfortable enough and have enough riding experience as well as maturity level to ride a larger litre bike I say go for it. Some things you have to keep in mind is that, 1) the 954 isn’t NEARLY forgiving as a 600cc bike. 2) Just take It slow if you get it don’t try to ride the 954 like you did the 250, take it slow until you become more and more comfortable with the bike.. But if all you have ridden is the 250 and you arent sure about your riding experience level, get the 600 like I said it will be more forgiving and you may actually enjoy it more simply because it is more forgiving. Personally the 954 was my first sport bike but I have been on and owned many cruisers, high cc atvs ect. So it wasn’t too bad of a jump, but the biggest thing if you do get it is to take it slow and get to know your bike. And as far as selling it.. A 600 is probably likely to sell faster than the 954. More ppl want the 600s. Or so I think. But hey that’s just my .02.

 

that's actually exactly the advice i was looking for. i'm gonna opt for the more forgiving 600. i still find myself going wide due to not being able to judge entry speeds around blind corners (which there are way too many of around here). thanks.

 

If you are thinking the 954 will make you faster on curvy roads you had better go with a 600. The 954 requires much more precise throttle control in/out of corners compared to a 600. I recently purchased a 2003 954 after riding numerous sportbikes over the past 16 years. A few years ago I pieced back together a 92 GSXR 600 a friend had wrecked in his garage which is very heavy for a sportbike and has very little power. After setting the suspension on this old 600 I could drive away from most modern sportbikes on curvy roads. The GSXR's handling was good and since it did not have as much power I could control my entry speed better plus get back on the throttle much earlier in corners with no worries about losing traction coming out of a corner. I took my 954 out this past weekend for the first time and was quite a bit slower on it than I was on the GSXR. It will take me some time to learn the 954 and I have been riding for years. If you go with a 929/954 plan on taking it easy for a long time.