Shopping time! New bike

[HEsch]

My first bike was a Suzuki SV650, LAMS.

I'm in the market for another, and quick, because the SUV just isn't the same ;)

I have been very happy with the sv. Love how it handles, how it feels, how it fits.

What similar alternatives are out there?

I'm open to new, demo, used.
Budget 7-10k (no higher than 10).
I'm on my Restricted until September this year so has to be LAMS approved (otherwise I'd be getting a full power sv650 now) - I've sat my Full but can't convert it yet.

I'm under 65kg with gear and dripping wet, a smidge under 5'7" - consideration of height/width/weight of bike is important.

[Akzle]

why not just get another one?

[AllanB]

You had me at dripping wet .........:sweatdrop


Buy a SV1000 and stick some 650 badges on it.

Sorted.

Be the rebel.

[caspernz]

Kawasaki Ninja 650 or Versys 650

Honda 500, 3 styles

Another SV650 maybe?

[slofox]

I went from an SV650S (non LAMS) to a GSX-R600. Have never looked back.

Course, you'd have to wait until September for that...

[nerrrd]

...and yamaha have some middleweight LAMs bikes, MT-07, XSR700, and a couple of 4s if that’s your bag (talking new here).

Personally (and I’m completely biased) I’d go for this Honda NC750S - but being over the cc limit it’s technically not LAMS even though it qualifies on the power to weight side of things (you could try arguing this with the cops if they ever pulled you up :lol:), plus I’m not you and it’s a bit of a whale compared to an SV I suspect. Lot’s of storage though

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1519331793.htm?rsqid=cfc2c2dd66e544a1ad8f8f48636b3 321

[Jeeper]

XSR 700 has seat height of 810mm, which might be a challenge at 5'7" rider. Rear suspension is a bit interesting to say the least.

Kawasaki has come out with a new Ninja 400 for 2018. That looks a little bit of more power than the old 300. Honda Rebel CMX500 could be an option.

But if you were happy with what you had, just replace it for now like for like.

[AllanB]

XSR 700 has seat height of 810mm, which might be a challenge at 5'7" rider.

Depends how slim the bike is. My Ducati is 840 (low point on the seat too) but OK because the bike is so slim.


Best sit on em in the shop.

[Jeeper]

Depends how slim the bike is. My Ducati is 840 (low point on the seat too) but OK because the bike is so slim.


Best sit on em in the shop.Actually, MT-07 is 810mm. XSR 700 is 835mm high seat (just looked at my tech specs). Width wise, seat is fairly wide and firm. Foot pegs at traffic lights want to dig into the calf muscles. That might be just how my legs are naturally. Looks good though.

[Jeff Sichoe]

What are ya gonna be doing on it?

Commuting
Touring
Adventure
Sport

?

[jasonu]

What are ya gonna be doing on it?

Commuting
Touring
Adventure
Sport
Dodging cement trucks

?

you missed one

[HEsch]

you missed one

:laugh::laugh::laugh:
It was a truck carrying slabs of concrete, as opposed to a mixer. I shall be parking in the work building from now on.

Regardless, on to the questions...

Very tempted to just get another, but can explore other options. Didn't plan to upgrade when I got my full as the sv was tons of fun, but so might something else be and now's my chance to shop around.

The SV is 197kg with a full tank. I had to be very strategic about where I parked and how I was getting out of there. I couldn't get both feet flat on the ground, even though it is low and slim. I was f*cked if I ever unbalanced it... The most hilarious/embarrassing was tipping it onto the fence at my previous flat, at a standstill, and having to call my flatmate to help me because I was pinned and couldn't push it back up on the sloping driveway.

Commuting - less than 2kms to work now, but 300kms to/and from Hamilton most weekends. Was doing about 500 a week before I moved into my new place, probably 400-450 now.
I don't get much time for fun stuff but anything I like driving for 500 kms a week is going to be fine for whatever I end up doing in the weekends. Will no doubt take it to fang it around a track at some point.

I'm not driving the Surf for the next 6 months while I wait to convert my Full, the bike actually saves me money (gas, parking, buses, blah blah) as well as time, in Auckland traffic.

[Moi]

As someone else said, nothing beats sitting on a bike to see if it feels right, before taking it for a test ride.

However if you go to cycle-ergo.com (http://cycle-ergo.com/) you can get an idea if it is worth having a look at a particular bike. Put in your height, inseam length and other particulars you you'll get an idea of how the bike might fit you...

[Jeff Sichoe]

Get another SV and lower it :)

http://www.lustracing.co.uk/suspension/suzuki-SV650-lowering-kits.html

[HEsch]

Realised I could get a cheap and cheerful bike to get me through the next 6 months then get a full power version in September. Something in the 5000-sort of range, not too old or decrepit, but something that would hold better resale value.
I'd put 6000kms on it so makes sense to get something that someone else has taken the depreciation hit on.

Choices, choices.

[FlangMasterJ]

Well looky here. The perfect bike to play around on in the interim: https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/184966-2006-Suzuki-DRZ400SM

<a href="https://imgur.com/D2ubGvx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/D2ubGvx.gif" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

[HEsch]

Well looky here. The perfect bike to play around on in the interim: https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/184966-2006-Suzuki-DRZ400SM

<a href="https://imgur.com/D2ubGvx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/D2ubGvx.gif" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Thanks, wrong end of the island though.

[release_the_bees]

Thanks, wrong end of the island though.Riding a new bike back home is half the fun. I bought a CBR250 from Cromwell once and rode it back to Auckland. It was brilliant fun, even on a 250 single.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[HEsch]

Riding a new bike back home is half the fun. I bought a CBR250 from Cromwell once and rode it back to Auckland. It was brilliant fun, even on a 250 single.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

My problem isn't the distance, it is the time I have available to complete such a trip ( = insufficient).

[FlangMasterJ]

My problem isn't the distance, it is the time I have available to complete such a trip ( = insufficient).

Also your ass after riding a DRZ for that distance would end up looking like the New York Knicks ran a train on you.

Still shipping isn't that expensive..... :yes:

[Southern scratcher]

You can get the new Kwaka Ninja 400 for $8K new. low seat 785mm and light weight 168 kg wet and good to go.
Be good on gas too.

[george formby]

Yeah, get a cheap commuter and then explore the realms of non lams twins and triples when you get your full. IMHO. some delicious bikes out there coming into your price range. XSR......:shit:

[suzuki522]

hey guys I'm after a drz400sm,
after doing a lot of research I believe this bike will be the right bike for me, I'm located in chch but anywhere in the south island of nz would be okay. anyone know of anyone selling one? I am prepared to front 4-6k depending on the bike.

[HEsch]

Yeah, get a cheap commuter and then explore the realms of non lams twins and triples when you get your full. IMHO. some delicious bikes out there coming into your price range. XSR......:shit:

Suggestions for cheap commuter options?

I'm loathe to downgrade ccs much if at all.
Need to sit on an MT07.

Cash burning a hole in my bank account. Not quite as much as I want to spend but fairly close.

[Swoop]

I'm loathe to downgrade ccs much if at all.

Why? Take a bike for a test ride and find out for yourself.
You may be surprised to discover some fun rides.

[neil.]

I wouldn't rule out another sv650, I had a go on the LAMS version when i was on my restricted, great bike really, probably one of the better LAMS options.

though i can see why you would want a full power one, I do as well! :devil2: especially if you are paying the new price, why wouldn't you !

[Banditbandit]

I wouldn't rule out another sv650, I had a go on the LAMS version when i was on my restricted, great bike really, probably one of the better LAMS options.

though i can see why you would want a full power one, I do as well! :devil2: especially if you are paying the new price, why wouldn't you !


Bandits ... yes there is a LAMS version yes it is not full power - once you have a full licence it is real easy to make it full power ...

And I'll but my 650 bandit over an SV any day .. not impressed by them.

http://www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/sites/default/files/styles/hero_gallery_full_medium/public/models/images/colours/GSX650FL2_GLR_R.jpg

[release_the_bees]

Why? Take a bike for a test ride and find out for yourself.
You may be surprised to discover some fun rides.Agreed. Even a used MT-03 or similar fits the use case perfectly for the next six months or so. Assuming the bike is in good condition, you'd get the majority of the money back again when it came time to sell it and get something bigger.

I wouldn't rule out a smaller bike without trying it. You'd be surprised how competitive some of the smaller bikes are within the framework of what is allowed for a LAMS rider.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[HEsch]

I have a KTM Duke 390 this week - very generous friend has loaned it to me while away on holiday.
Picked it up tonight.

Do not like it. I reckon I would have loved it if I'd started on it, but after the SV it just feels... tinny. Wonderfully agile but somehow not much behind the initial take-off enthusiasm. If I was only riding around town it'd be a contender but I don't think I want to spend hours on the motorway on it.

I'll enjoy it for the week though ;)

[Crasherfromwayback]

I have a KTM Duke 390 this week - very generous friend has loaned it to me while away on holiday.
Picked it up tonight.

Do not like it. I reckon I would have loved it if I'd started on it, but after the SV it just feels... tinny. Wonderfully agile but somehow not much behind the initial take-off enthusiasm. If I was only riding around town it'd be a contender but I don't think I want to spend hours on the motorway on it.

I'll enjoy it for the week though ;)

Yeah, fuck that. Not nearly enough motorcycle.

[HEsch]

Yeah, fuck that. Not nearly enough motorcycle.

Have been well spoiled with the SV as a first bike.

Not downgrading now though haha

[Crasherfromwayback]

Have been well spoiled with the SV as a first bike.

Not downgrading now though haha

Yeah, fuck going backwards. I'm not at work at the moment, so I'm not sure what they have there. I'll check in with them tomorrow, and let you know if they have anything that might blow your skirt up.

[OddDuck]

I have a KTM Duke 390 this week - very generous friend has loaned it to me while away on holiday.
Picked it up tonight.

Do not like it. I reckon I would have loved it if I'd started on it, but after the SV it just feels... tinny. Wonderfully agile but somehow not much behind the initial take-off enthusiasm. If I was only riding around town it'd be a contender but I don't think I want to spend hours on the motorway on it.

I'll enjoy it for the week though ;)

Understand the dislike... but your mate's awesome, sounds like the kind of friend to treasure.

[HEsch]

Understand the dislike... but your mate's awesome, sounds like the kind of friend to treasure.

I think he was trying to sell me the KTM dream. Unfortunately that's backfired on him as the Duke was actually ON my list of must-trys, and now it's off.
But yes, stellar bloke, and I'm very grateful.

[OddDuck]

I think he was trying to sell me the KTM dream. Unfortunately that's backfired on him as the Duke was actually ON my list of must-trys, and now it's off.
But yes, stellar bloke, and I'm very grateful.

:)

I had similar a while ago. Bike in bits getting the engine sorted, woke up one morning and found the car stolen... shit shit shit. A mate lent me his Monster for the duration and I've never forgotten the favour.

[HEsch]

Yeah, fuck going backwards. I'm not at work at the moment, so I'm not sure what they have there. I'll check in with them tomorrow, and let you know if they have anything that might blow your skirt up.

Thanks. Am in Wgtn next weekend with very limited spare time but if the fog in Hamilton this week is anything to go by, we may be driving not flying, in which case riding a bike back could be arranged ..... ;)

[WALRUS]

Have you thought of/tried a smaller capacity Duc' Monster? the 620's are all LAMS approved I'm pretty sure (as are the 400's but don't do that to yourself). Or if you're close to getting off the LAMS restrictions, you could wait and have a look for an 821 Monster? Or maybe a Street Triple?

[HEsch]

Have you thought of/tried a smaller capacity Duc' Monster? the 620's are all LAMS approved I'm pretty sure (as are the 400's but don't do that to yourself). Or if you're close to getting off the LAMS restrictions, you could wait and have a look for an 821 Monster? Or maybe a Street Triple?

Haven't tried, but the 669s are on the LAMS list.
Hope to have some spare time this Friday and next to get round a few dealers and have a sit/play.

[HEsch]

Tried the full power SV today.

I'm in looooooooove :love::love::love::love::love::love: grinning ear to ear even tootling along in second to get from the service lane to the main road. DAMMIT.

Then a Kawasaki 300 RN ?? Or something. It was OK. Second hand, might be a stop gap measure at best. I liked it better than the Duke.
They are going to get the 400 R and Z650 in next week so I can test ride those (nothing there today). They have a couple of old models going cheaper. Similar price to a new SV so they'd have to feel bloody good. Size wise the 3 650-something Kawasakis I sat on were ok.

Also sat on a Street Triple, the R version, which was lowered. First bike I've been able to put my feet flat on the ground haha. But bit out of budget and definitely not lams so I won't even test it.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Tried the full power SV today.

I'm in looooooooove :love::love::love::love::love::love: grinning ear to ear even tootling along in second to get from the service lane to the main road. DAMMIT.

t.

We've got one of those, but noting LAMS approved sorry. Been meaning to come back to you, but a bit all over the place at the mo. Hope you find something asap.

[Swoop]

Tried the full power SV today.

I'm in looooooooove :love::love::love::love::love::love: grinning ear to ear even tootling along in second to get from the service lane to the main road. DAMMIT.

Then a Kawasaki 300 RN ?? Or something. It was OK. Second hand, might be a stop gap measure at best. I liked it better than the Duke.
They are going to get the 400 R and Z650 in next week so I can test ride those (nothing there today). They have a couple of old models going cheaper. Similar price to a new SV so they'd have to feel bloody good. Size wise the 3 650-something Kawasakis I sat on were ok.

Also sat on a Street Triple, the R version, which was lowered. First bike I've been able to put my feet flat on the ground haha. But bit out of budget and definitely not lams so I won't even test it.

It's good fun looking though, eh?!:yes:

[HEsch]

The SV I had my eye on as a fall-back option sold last Friday.

However, this statement on another thread was not fulfilled... :wait:


More importantly, did you have Executive Permission? :innocent:

So it was not sold after all on Monday :bleh: :clap:

Today, it has been sold for real. I pick it up tomorrow. :banana::cool::headbang::clap::apint::first::first ::first:

May still upgrade the ECU in a few months time. Or get a different bike. But I couldn't go past the price, or the kms, or the condition of it. Might be looking at a city shift in the next month so decided life was too short to f*ck around deciding which bike I wanted to get.

[Jeeper]

Great, like old comfy shoes?

[HEsch]

Great, like old comfy shoes?

Like coming home.
Same colour even - haha - though I'm still itching to order a full power ECU for it.