Is it right for me?

[Thani-B]

For those of you that know me, and for those who have owned one or own one...

Ive been looking for a bike to upgrade to from my GN for a few months now, and after finally accepting that I cant afford a gladius or gsxr600 as I would like, Ive started looking elsewhere, and I came across this.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=240296398

To those who have met me and know how I ride, do you think it would be a suitable bike for me, considering my size (5'2", 45ish kgs), and skills?

To those who own or have owned one, what did you think of them?

[Metalor]

Buy it.






......

[Boob Johnson]

Not able to tick any of the above boxes sorry Thani-B but they are an excellent step up bike from a 250. Don't know if there is a "bad" modern 650 to step up to hence the thumbs up, that & I have recently been on a few rides with a similar build lady & she is a learner rider & has an 06 SV650S. She loves it & gets along just fine. At the end of the day only you can say if its for you or not by trying it out.

Go for it love :niceone:

You only go as fast as the wrist twists ;)

[Indiana_Jones]

You only go as fast as the wrist twists ;)

Agreed.

Get what you can afford, like the look of and feels right for you.

-Indy

[Mystic13]

For those of you that know me, and for those who have owned one or own one...

Ive been looking for a bike to upgrade to from my GN for a few months now, and after finally accepting that I cant afford a gladius or gsxr600 as I would like, Ive started looking elsewhere, and I came across this.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=240296398

To those who have met me and know how I ride, do you think it would be a suitable bike for me, considering my size (5'2", 45ish kgs), and skills?

To those who own or have owned one, what did you think of them?

As for size, there is a lady your size around riding a Suzuki Huyabusa (1300). So it's not the size of the bike in terms of your physical size that should be an issue.

Skills is another question.

That SV650 has to be about the cheapest one on TM. The SV's constantly get good reps.

If you wanted to save $ on that you could go to a Honda Bros 650 or 400. Older bike, same layout and feel.

[Pwalo]

A lot of people like the older SV's and I think they're a bit 'shorter' than the pointy SV's. Should be good if you're 5'5" or so.

Have a good look at the bike, but that is a very good price.

[The Baron]

A nice bike. Don't have one BUT rode with a lady on one that had lowered it.

Very easy to lower - Two plates on rear shock.

PS she was less than 5 foot.

[Laava]

I had a ride on one on the way home from CK and enjoyed it. It felt like a GN after hopping off the vstrom! But you would need to at least sit on one before buying? Con a bike shop into a test ride?

[Radar]

Buy it.

......


+1

:niceone:

[Morcs]

Yep other options are the ducati monsters, but you cant beat the sv for value.

[SVboy]

Great bikes, but I would be wondering about the highish kms on that example. They age well, but even so, spending a little more, could save you a fortune! 50kms and a regularly maintained sv motor will be fine, but that suspension could be pretty tired.

[wysper]

I have a SV '00 at 45kms
It is great. I love it. I am close to 6ft and it is fine for me.

They are easy to ride. Plus you can have quite a bit of fun if you push them along.

If you are a confident rider and wanting to push it a bit, the front suspension pretty much has to be done.

I would say go for it. If you are unsure, ask for the sale to be pending a mechanical inspection.

I was looking to change my SV recently, tried a VTR1000, perfered the SV. Felt more like a twin and was more fun for me to ride.

[madbikeboy]

The SV is actually a more logical step from a Ginny than a GSXR6. The GSXR is a pussy cat of a bike, but it requires a fair degree of confidence when you start to ride it quicker - it does what it says on the tin, but it assumes that you know how to do it.

The SV on the other hand, it's much easier to ride, it's quick enough (a well ridden SV will keep up with most on Taupo for example), it's super cheap to live with, and it will flatter your riding. You can spend time upgrading, simple upgrades include fork work (under a grand with RT), and a pipe (and they sound pretty neat with a decent can. A mate has gone one step further with an Ohlins rear end, and now it goes aound corners like a Gixer.

I have a GSXR600 (k5), and you're more than welcome to have a play on it at the next track day - but as an all rounder, I'd seriously recommend the SV.

Make sure you get it checked out by someone who knows them, PM U1AGO for help perhaps. You will always be fastest on the bike that gives you confidence and works with you - more horsepower doesn't equate to faster in the real world in about 95% of cases.

[CookMySock]

Get it. You will be fine on that. Any of the 650 vtwins are great learner/transition bikes. The inline fours can be quite snarly and snatchy where the vtwins are smoother and not so unpredictable.

Once you are used to it, do the loud pipe thing on it and you will be amazed. Soo much great sound from them.

edit: oops, its already got a loud pipe.. LOL.

Steve

[FROSTY]

I'd say yes get it. But BEFORE going down the lowering track either buy a suzuki factory narrow/lowered seat OR get the seat foam cut down/reshaped. The seat on a 99-2002 SV is plush and can loose 30mm of foam easilly and still feel fine.
The factory seats are reshaped by taking more foam from the front outside of the seat as well as a general reduction in thickness. The effect of this is that the bike feels the same when ridden but feels narrower and lower when standing up.

[javawocky]

Also, if you get it, give it a few days riding to get used to it before making any major changes. When I got my SV I thought it was too tall for me and lowered the forks which stuffed up the handling, after riding it for a while I realized I could handle it fine, just needed some getting used to.

[CookMySock]

Also, if you get it, give it a few days riding to get used to it before making any major changes.Agreed. It's GOING to feel REALLY different, so don't panic and jump to conclusions.

Something I have found really useful with my newbies, is if they are stressed, to take them back to the carpark they did their first ever ride in. Everyone started in some carpark somewhere, and if you return there this gives you a great feeling of safety. Now hop on the new bike and start over from scratch around the carpark - in ten minutes you will feel right as rain. ;)

Steve

[javawocky]

..to take them back to the carpark they did their first ever ride in. Everyone started in some carpark somewhere, and if you return there this gives you a great feeling of safety. Now hop on the new bike and start over from scratch around the carpark - in ten minutes you will feel right as rain. ;)

Steve
Yeah like this guys :blank:
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[CookMySock]

Haha, at least he pulled his sleeves down for some protection! :first:

Steve

[grbaker]

Had a 1999 SV650S for 3-4years.
Good bike, Nice power, easy to ride. Soft front suspension that you can buy gizmos to fix or just have slightly heavier fork put in.

The seat height, as mentioned by others, may be an issue for you - it is higher than the Gladius (805mm I think), I'm not sure about lowering it or what that would do to it's handling

2003 models onwards got the fuel injection and a new frame... not sure if the mods where a great improvement... as the older ones went quite well.

The item you are looking at on TradeMe could be a little cheaper if you are looking for a bargin. It's 10 years old.

[madbikeboy]

I'd say yes get it. But BEFORE going down the lowering track either buy a suzuki factory narrow/lowered seat OR get the seat foam cut down/reshaped. The seat on a 99-2002 SV is plush and can loose 30mm of foam easilly and still feel fine.
The factory seats are reshaped by taking more foam from the front outside of the seat as well as a general reduction in thickness. The effect of this is that the bike feels the same when ridden but feels narrower and lower when standing up.

As Frosty says - the seat makes a huge difference. PM Cajun, he has access to the best seat maker in the known universe.

[hospitalfood]

do you like the colour ?
i try to get bikes i love rather than bikes i like and this is not really about performance, more how i feel about the bike.

if you want to get faster and ride it hard / track etc you will have to spend money on suspension, in this case it would probably work out cheaper to get a better bike. if you dont want to push it to hard it will be fine as it is.

if you would love a ducati monster, get one. they are priced well and there are plenty of good peeps on KB willing to help teach you the servicing stuff

as far as what you can ride / what is right for you you will be fine on a 600 / 650

[Thani-B]

Great bikes, but I would be wondering about the highish kms on that example. They age well, but even so, spending a little more, could save you a fortune! 50kms and a regularly maintained sv motor will be fine, but that suspension could be pretty tired.

I wondered about that as well. The kms are a bit higher than I would prefer. I was told about this one
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=99215 owned by MidnightMike.

Its a bit more, which Im not sure I can afford. But Id be much happier with the kms its done, its younger, and its closer for me to go and look at.



do you like the colour ?

I prefer the blue over the red.. how much is it to get a bike repainted? Could be an option if I get MidnightMikes one. Or not much point?

[hospitalfood]

I prefer the blue over the red.. how much is it to get a bike repainted? Could be an option if I get MidnightMikes one. Or not much point?

not sure ? if you take it apart and prep it yourself it would not be heaps. but then there is the whole logo / branding drama.
probably not worth it. red is faster of course.

I dont think 50,000 km is much of a concern if it has a proper service history and feels tight and new-ish to ride.

[Harvd]

Yeah im seriously consideriing one of these when full comes along... But i want a fully faired one. where are they all? out in f3/protwins i guess...

They look like a good solid bike

[caseye]

Thani-B, you ride well and witrh confidence, this bike would not be too big a step for you.My only comment would be, if you haven't already, go take one for a test ride, make sure it fits generally and that you Like the feel of it.
Last thig don't buy any bike without making sure it's properly checked over by a good Motorcycle mechanic.
Happy hunting hope to see you on a newer, bigger, better, well fitting bike soon.

[PirateJafa]

If you're quite small, rather than spending money lowering a bike, it could pay to drop around and see how this bike (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=106881) fits - it's lower to the ground than the SVs. :)

[Gremlin]

Perhaps send Miss.L (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=11000) a pm, I know her's is a newer SV, but she may be able to offer her opinion on how she found it...

[breakaway]

The mrs is 156cm tall, and she's tippytoes on both sides, so its definitely going to be too tall for you without modifications.

[one fast tl1ooo]

go for the gsxr600 or a sv650 you can't beat em, my gf has move to a gsxr1000 , after a sv650, witch is for sale on trade me

[davereid]

I'm not sure about that particular bike, it seems a bit higher in mileage than may be ideal.

But the modern 650's are great bikes. Far from being "transition" or "learner" bikes, they are great all rounders. Lots of low down torque makes them refreshingly easy to ride well, and suprisingly fast if you want to push things a bit.

They lack the last edge of shocks and brakes - IMHO 99% of riders will never use that last edge - so why spend money on it ?

I rode the SV when looking for a new bike. I felt it was a fraction tighter and possibly a bit faster than the ER650F I actually ended up buying.

I couldn't really fault it for real world riding. I found the ER650F a better fit for me, dont discount them either. They are a great bike, and the fairing makes a great all-rounder even better, although there are some fairing vibration issues.

Mine has also proved to be very economical and easy on tyres and chains, very surprising when it flicks off the line like a scalded cat.

But I have never met anyone who thought the SV or ER6 had been a bad purchase. All owners I have spoken to speak highly of both bikes.

[Morcs]

I second PJ on an NC30.

its lower cost, but high quality - unlike the 'cheap' suzukis.

An VFR has a lot of potential, as standard will out handle and outride the SV, except maybe in a straight line.

It inspires confidence and youll be able to get a lot out of it quite quickly - unlike jumping on a gsxr600 which may take you a lot lot longer to get comfortable with its power.

Shit if someone offered me an RVF400 or a new GSXR600 for the same money, id take the RVF!

[sleeqe2000]

Love my SV and would thoroughly recommend them

Mind you I would consider waiting around a while and just see what appears on the market. Personally I think the one in question is overpriced for a 10 year old bike and I've found that with alot of SV's listed on TM when I was looking especially older ones

I wouldn't pay any more than 3000 for that example and that is a fair offer.

[kave]

I'm slightly taller than you Thani-B (5'5"), and I decided against the SV because I wanted a slightly shorter bike. It's not unridably tall for someone of your height, and it is a lot shorter than my previous bike, it's just that I wanted something that I could easily park on a slope without hanging off the bike to get a foot down. You can ride a bike of any height, it's just more effort required when you stop, and more potential for stationary drops if something unexpected happens. Good luck in your search for a new bike.

[FROSTY]

Thani--I don't know you but I looked at your profile picture.
In the picture you really look like you are stretching to the bars on that gixxer600. In my opinion that could prove to be an issue to you at this stage of your riding. Actually I wanna qualify that for you Its not the RIDING I'm concerned about. Its the stop/starting.
I feel you would be better served by a bike with a slightly more upright riding position created by lower seat height and also higher bars.
I spotted this Cagiva Raptor 650 on tard me and feel its probably going to be a good fit as is and also could be easilly adjusted to suit you later if its not quite right.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-239015186.htm

Mechanically its is a 2001 sv650 but it has good suspenders,slightly higher bars and a lower seat height --and it looks so much cooler

I do also agree that a NC30 might be a good bike for you. and dont worry about top speed if you were -the NC30 hussles along well

[Thani-B]

Hmm well Im still not sure. Ive been talked out of getting the blue SV. Mainly because of the kms, and the slight damage to the bike. Hopefully will be seeing MidnightMikes one on Saturday, and everyone on SATNR has been telling me to test ride! lol so I think I might take a trip to Colemans on the weekend as well and see if I can play on their bikes.

[PrincessBandit]

I test rode a SV650 a few months back. At 5'2" as well, I found it to be rather nice. Reasonably narrow and not too heavy, I'd certainly recommend taking one for a ride.

[Thani-B]

I test rode a SV650 a few months back. At 5'2" as well, I found it to be rather nice. Reasonably narrow and not too heavy, I'd certainly recommend taking one for a ride.

Took an SV out today from Colemans. Weather wasnt the greatest, but the ride was still good. Took a bit of getting used to not being able to put both my feet down flat like I can on the GN, and the riding position is completely different, arms got a bit tired. And I got stuck after pulling a u-turn (thanks Raj for pulling me back! lol). But I had fun. :) Liked the bike. Liked how it was on the road, and would have tried a bit more speed in the twisties if the road wasnt so wet. And definitely loved being able to overtake without the bike sounding like it is going to blow up. I have nothing to compare it to though (out of bigger bikes), so I think I'll head back next Sat and see if I can take the Bandit 650 out, and possibly the Gladius.

Anyone wishing to volunteer their 600/650 for me to have a blat on? :innocent: So I can make a justified decision, and not just buy the SV because that was what I rode first lol.

On another note, hoping back on the GN to ride home, it felt like I was riding a chair. Very upright lol. And I missed the power that the SV had. :soon: hopefully!

[hospitalfood]

i think you should take a 600 ducati monster for a test ride. twins rock my world

[Henk]

I've got a pointy SV650 and love it but the wife, who is about your size, finds that with the steep tank she is pretty much lieing on it. Do the test ride all contenders routine and then decide. When I bought mine I tried the GSXR600/750 SV650/1000s and ended up with the least powerful most budget of the lot. It just seemed the best bike for what I needed, which includes everything from the daily commute to touring and track days. If I could take any one of the three out of the equation I may well have ended up with something else. Decide what you are going to do with it before you eliminate any options. I did have my heart set on a GSXR750 but practicalities determined otherwise. And before someone trots out the "screw practical get the bike that sets your soul on fire" argument, that works fine if it's a sundays only bike but sometimes versatility is more important than outright performance.

[Icemaestro]

whats the fuel economy of an sv650? is there anything that looks just as good but with a middle riding position?like the 08 Er6-n but that looks good from the front?

[boman]

What about trying on a Kawasaki z750 for size. I rode one and found it very short in seat hight. Also as fer as you wanting a Gladius, wait until the Suzukifest at the end of the year. The prices are usually cheaper, and the finance rate is quite favourable too.

[Thani-B]

Took out a Bandit 650 today, and I have to say, I think I enjoyed it more than the SV. I could touch the ground a bit easier, didnt feel as heavy, wasnt putting as much weight on my arms, and it was just so much fun to play with. Cheers to Gwinch for coming out for a ride with me, and for taking Hayley while I was on the Bandit. Am waiting for a sunny Saturday so I can take the Gladius out, and want to try an ER6N as well...

[BigOne]

go for it, you will love the SV650, it's a great learners bike.

[newbould]

Took out a Bandit 650 today, and I have to say, I think I enjoyed it more than the SV. I could touch the ground a bit easier, didnt feel as heavy, wasnt putting as much weight on my arms, and it was just so much fun to play with. Cheers to Gwinch for coming out for a ride with me, and for taking Hayley while I was on the Bandit. Am waiting for a sunny Saturday so I can take the Gladius out, and want to try an ER6N as well...

These less the Bandit are on my shopping list as well. Also 5 ft 2 so choices limited. the Gladius feels good in the shop and so does the ER6N. Neither yet test ridden ands will certainly do this before buying. I took out a BMW F650GS and height wise it was fine - comfort also fine until my head started getting beaten about by wind buffet from the screen - Ok I can change the screen - but then I cruise at low revs and at 3300 to 3500 the whle thing rattlked and so did my teeth. This is normal revs for my commute - 80 k in top and 50 k in 4th so unfortunately she was off the list.

Next a Ducatti Monster 600 as previously recommended. This one was lowered which meant balls of both feet on the ground instead of tippy toes. Loved the sound - who wouldn't. Eyes right everyone as I rode through town! But surely I'm doing something wrong with the throttle as it just chugger chugger chuggers as I pull away from the lights. Slight feather of the throttle helps but then I work it out. this is an Italian blokes bike! Breaks or throttle wide open. Then she rides like a dream. But not my first choice commuter, nor back country cruising.

So Sv 650 or ER6N or if I can find one a Raptor

But definitely I will test ride all before trading in the Scorp. Coz a free ride on a Duc has to be worthwhile. And talking of a free ride I wouldn't moind trying w freewind either.

This is such fun. By the way - how do you Ducati riders manage to keep your licence? or do you just ignor top gear?

[Thani-B]

I took out the Gladius yesterday, and tried an ER6n a few weeks ago, and I loved both. If I had the money I think I would definitely get the Gladius though. I preferred the bandit over the SV, and I liked the Gladius and the ER6n way more than the others. Still need to take out a few more bikes though.

[Number One]

I'm a chick. Short in stature and inside leg length. I have one and I love it. Feels a bit cumbersome at first but then I was coming back to riding after a couple of years break and before then only on 250s and it had shite tyres and brakes at the time. Now I laugh at how I thought it was big back then.

If it's been looked after I'd say heck yeah go for it.

Enjoy

[PrincessBandit]

I took out the Gladius yesterday, and tried an ER6n a few weeks ago, and I loved both. If I had the money I think I would definitely get the Gladius though. I preferred the bandit over the SV, and I liked the Gladius and the ER6n way more than the others. Still need to take out a few more bikes though.

Hope to get on the SATNR next week; you would be welcome to have a try of my bandit (it's not for sale mind.....:msn-wink:). I liked the SV but it couldn't compare to the bandit - I'm just biased though :whistle:

[newbould]

I took out the Gladius yesterday, and tried an ER6n a few weeks ago, and I loved both. If I had the money I think I would definitely get the Gladius though. I preferred the bandit over the SV, and I liked the Gladius and the ER6n way more than the others. Still need to take out a few more bikes though.

So how is the search going?