One of my friends recently got a new Kawasaki 650 Ninja. Nice bike, kind of a standard with sport bike looks, semi budget bike (no adjustable suspension etc.) but overall very nice. Comfortable, nice motor, feels good. Another friend has a new DL650 V-Strom. We have been hitting the twisties as of late and just having some good fun friendly rides.
Now here is the funny thing. The 610 does just fine in this company. In fact it is the most fun, is actually as fast or faster than the Ninja and I believe faster than the V-strom to about 80 or so. Then it just starts to run out of gearing. The 610 feels like it pulls a lot harder than both in the mid range and roll on. It is super fun to blast around on and unlike my VT1000 it is fun at semi legal speeds. Another thing is when people approach us to talk about the bike the 610 is always the center of attention. Funny.
Anyway I have been very impressed with the fun and useful TE/SM610. A VERY versatile bike you can ride near the front of the pack on street day and then convert it a discover some new lake in the woods the next day. Very cool machine IMHO.
Now here is the funny thing. The 610 does just fine in this company. In fact it is the most fun, is actually as fast or faster than the Ninja and I believe faster than the V-strom to about 80 or so. Then it just starts to run out of gearing. The 610 feels like it pulls a lot harder than both in the mid range and roll on. It is super fun to blast around on and unlike my VT1000 it is fun at semi legal speeds. Another thing is when people approach us to talk about the bike the 610 is always the center of attention. Funny.
Anyway I have been very impressed with the fun and useful TE/SM610. A VERY versatile bike you can ride near the front of the pack on street day and then convert it a discover some new lake in the woods the next day. Very cool machine IMHO.
i ride a gsxr 750 on the road myself and unless you are commited most of the supermotos will beat you off the line because its much easier to just drop the clutch and hammer off than a superbike (the old fear of looping all that brittle plastic 
) however within 50 metres of so you'll pass like a freight train.
ear ending 08. I got the 08 te510 this spring and just got it dialed in on my last ride of 08 before the s,nows came. (MI) I have an 07 650 vstorm which I purchased during the gas farse, the problem with his bike is it is a street bike that go down a gravel road and little else. It will be for sale in the spring. I find myself going back to the xr650. It is a 01 that is loaded, fmf headers with q exhaust, 41 mm pumper carb, torque hot cam, lowered 2", it also has the Baja Designs treatment with electic start, 250 stator and road kit. It has many other options seat, rack and a touring kit (choice of two windshields, ims tank, seat and many other toys. The only (real) issue I have is it is a 5 speed and not a fuel injection. Which leads me back to my 510. Did I buy the wrong husky? a 610? or when the suzuki is gone get a 610sm and I can with minor changes swap wheels with 510 and get twice the fun. I doubt I will get rid of the honda as it is like having a lab lying next to the wood stove. Would a ride on a 610 make me forget the honda?
