SV650 or GSR600

[sinned]

As a returing biker (30 odd years ago) I was considering a SV650 as a good option until I decided what would suit me best. I need to keep up with a friend on his 1550 Harley so a smaller bike is out. Also I want a sportsbike. Now I have seen, sat on and read about the GSR600. There is a price difference of $2000. And for $3000 more could buy a SV1000.

What I liked about the SV is the V twin and its obvious low rev torque. Will I be disappointed by the multi 4 and its sound?

Any suggestions on what I should buy?

[The_Dover]

I'd spend the extra and get the SV1000

[skelstar]

Hey dennis. Welcome to the site.

Keystone19 is selling a mint SV650S if youre looking for a 2nd-hander. Dont knw much about the GSR600 but the SV's are very well documented and are well loved. Could be a factor.

[Hillbilly]

have a good read of this page first, it's got some valuable information:

http://www.motorcycle-training.f2s.com/bornagain.html

[Nutter34]

As a returing biker (30 odd years ago) I was considering a SV650 as a good option until I decided what would suit me best. I need to keep up with a friend on his 1550 Harley so a smaller bike is out. Also I want a sportsbike. Now I have seen, sat on and read about the GSR600. There is a price difference of $2000. And for $3000 more could buy a SV1000.

What I liked about the SV is the V twin and its obvious low rev torque. Will I be disappointed by the multi 4 and its sound?

Any suggestions on what I should buy?

What do you mean by keeping up? If it's with acceleration, you may need a big bike, but for speed, a 400cc will do. They are capable of speeds around 200, so doubt very much you need anything bigger.
I also think as a B.A.B, the SV650 is probably the better option.

[Bob]

SV650 will cope with 'keeping up' just fine. Admittedly I owned (two of) the faired version - but the engine and frame is the same, the S just has clipons and the rear sprocket is recogged on the naked version to give it a bit more initial grunt - ideal for a town bike.

25,000 miles on an SV and I'd say it is a nice bike for a returning biker. Light, easy to handle and the vee-twin is a lovely engine that will pull from pretty much any revs. The finish is poor - especially on the forks (make sure you keep them clean and muck free or they will start pitting if they are shown a photo of grit!)

As regards the GSR600 - take a look at the bike and product reviews. Suzy Q has just bought one, so her comments might be useful to you.

I think it is very much a case of try one and see which engine suits you best. I don't know if you are buying new or 2nd hand, but don't discount the ER-6 either - just to throw in a 3rd engine configuration (SV is a vee, GSR a 4 and the ER is a parallel twin).

Dover isn't off the mark suggesting the SV thou to be honest, but it might be a bit of a handful initially for a returning biker.

[sinned]

That article on training is very good. Makes me think of how I need to get my skill level up and choose a not too challenging bike.

Interesting pricing on the Suzuki SVs. The SV1000s is now priced below the naked SV1000 at $12500 versus $13999 for the SV1000s. That makes the SV1000s a very good buy at only $500 more than the SV650s. I was thinking of a naked but the pricing on the SV1000s is very tempting.

Still to test ride yet but before I do that I am going back to school. Next week will be getting some one on one tutition before starting on the test rides.

Second hand bikes seem to be in short supply and the 2 year old ones are so close to new price it seems to make sense to buy new - if you can afford to.

Still looking, listening and reading.

[DMNTD]

Scored a new SV1000S a few months ago for the missus and reckon they're a bloody good alround bike.
VERY easy to ride and there's no worries laying them down in the corner too.
Bloody comfitable!! Actually prefer to ride the SV over my ZX10 for longer cruises (ouch).
$12500 for a new 1000cc bike is insanely good IMO...added some Yoshi cans and it came up to $13700. A lot of bike for that sort of $$$.
Never riden a SV650 but if you've got some maturity I'd personally go for the thousand...

[Devil]

This is my vote for either of the SV's.

[Keystone19]

Buy my bike.

[scracha]

I'd spend the extra and get the SV1000

So you're telling a guy who's not ridden a bike for 30 years to get a 1 litre sportsbike. Nice.

Personally I think he should beg, borrow or steal someone's 250/400 for a month or so before getting a 6 hundy.

[Devil]

So you're telling a guy who's not ridden a bike for 30 years to get a 1 litre sportsbike. Nice.

Personally I think he should beg, borrow or steal someone's 250/400 for a month or so before getting a 6 hundy.

I think both SV's are very friendly bikes. For someone with maturity there'd be no problem with the SV1000.

[Matt]

Pop down to see Glen at Motorad and give their demo ER6n a go, you can get them for $10k new.

Matt

[DMNTD]

I think both SV's are very friendly bikes. For someone with maturity there'd be no problem with the SV1000.
Exactly my point...

[skelstar]

Buy a SV650 secondhand...it'll keep you nervous/excited for a year...then sell it, it has good re-sale value as shorter fairer ones like them as their 1st big bike (so Im told)...then get something even bigger if you have to.

[MidnightMike]

Buy my volty :rofl:, nah i reckon go for the sv650.

[Shaun]

I would suggest that you talk to jill about a test ride on her SV 650, it is a really nice bike, and more than you would need to fullfill what you have outlined in this thread, just my 2c

[The_Dover]

So you're telling a guy who's not ridden a bike for 30 years to get a 1 litre sportsbike. Nice.

Personally I think he should beg, borrow or steal someone's 250/400 for a month or so before getting a 6 hundy.

Yeah?? Problem being? It's not a hard bike to ride, piece of piss actually, and probably easier than the 650 in my opinion.

Have you ridden any of the bikes he's looking at? I've ridden them all bar the ER6-n, cos kawasakis are for poofs, and of all of those the SV1000s is by far the best bang for buck.

GSR600 has a silky engine but fairly budget suspenders and a shit headlight. And yes, you'll think it sounds shit compared to a V-twin. Kinda like an over excited dyson.

Both SV's are good but the thou is actually a little easier to ride smoothly, or maybe I was just less hungover on that day.

Any bike will kill you if you ride like a cock.

Take it easy on it and you'll be sweet?

[Devil]

Exactly my point...

Ahhh just saw your last sentence. Get rid of the bold type. I always skip what you write.

[MikeyG]

I'm thinking along the same lines, GSR600 SV650 or ER-6. Let us know how it turns out

[Bob]

Hope these will help - they are reviews I did on the SV650S and the ER-6f:

SV650S (http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/sv6501.htm)

ER-6f (http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/2006er6f.htm)

Now if anyone can insert a link to a GSR600 review, we're in business!

Thinking about a viable alternative to any of the bikes mentioned - if you can find one of the original 600 Fazers, that might be a good option to consider, if you're looking second hand.

Short term reviews and long term reviews in the following links:

Road Test (http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/fazer1.htm)

Long Term Review (http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/2001fazer.htm)

I hope that doesn't confuse things further!

[Hillbilly]

Here's an Aussie review that compares the SV650S against the Hyosung GT650. It's a wonder nobody's mentioned the Yamaha FZ-6 as an option yet.

[skelstar]

I literally have not seen anyone on a FZ-6 or a GSR600 in Welly yet and Im riding in the Wairarapa every weekend (or there abouts).

I reckon the number of bikes you see of each model out on the road often says more about a bike than articles and reviews.

[Zapf]

I would suggest that you talk to jill about a test ride on her SV 650, it is a really nice bike, and more than you would need to fullfill what you have outlined in this thread, just my 2c

I know that bike well... infact for the 1st 15'000km of its life :)

Well looked after, and very good as my 1st big bike. Its more friendly than most I4's got more up and go out of corners and has the best headlights and better fairing for wind protection.

Got enought torque to grunt out of corners, but not enough to make you replace tires that often....

I would rate it as one of the best 1st big bike. And if are so inclined you can get a full set of Givi panner and top boxes for them... I know... I have tried.

[FROSTY]

easy question--SV650 or ER6 --ya cant race the other bike

[AllanB]

I'd check through trademe for a $7k SV650 and look on motorcycle trader (feel free to make rude offers to dealers - you may be surprised) and when you get to the stage you are thrashing the crap out of it look at a 1000. Bear in mind that thrashing the 650 could loose your licence.

How to decide - find a local dealer with a demo one or second hand version of each and go for a ride - find somewhere to wind them out and take a spare set of undies for the 1000! The 650 & 1000 have the same frame sizes etc.

If you are hell bent on the 1000 also have a look at the Honda 900 Hornet - still good value @$12900.

[sinned]

I got quoted $11495 + $500 ORC for a new Hornet

[skelstar]

Not too many months ago Hornets were going for $10990. It may have been a special but they dont know that you know that.

You have full-licence?

[scracha]

I think both SV's are very friendly bikes. For someone with maturity there'd be no problem with the SV1000.

Maturity...bwahaha. Yeah sure...born again bikers rarely kill themselves as they're so mature. Age != maturity. Age != Skill. All I'm suggesting is that if you've been off a bike for a few years (never mind 30) you should maybe spend a few weeks on a toddler to get back into the swing of things.

http://www.motorcycle-training.f2s.com/bornagain.html

[RantyDave]

I literally have not seen anyone on a FZ-6 or a GSR600 in Welly yet
I saw a GSR around. Only briefly and it seemed very "sewing machine'y". Obviously you'd need to ride it to get a better idea.

Dave

[scracha]

Maturity...bwahaha. Yeah sure...born again bikers rarely kill themselves as they're so mature. Age != maturity. Age != Skill. All I'm suggesting is that if you've been off a bike for a few years (never mind 30) you should maybe spend a few weeks on a toddler to get back into the swing of things.

http://www.motorcycle-training.f2s.com/bornagain.html

Blush...make that a tiddler (unless your name's Gary Glitter)

[dawnrazor]

just wait a couple of months and get one of suzies new for 2007 GSR1000...


Have I imagined it but, did I read that the SV1000 has been discontinued, due to emmissions regulations - if so that maybe a factor to consider

[The Pastor]

I'd go for the sv650 over the tho because mainly tires are expensive! the 650 is adored by all its owners and is just awesome. I'd say it'd be a case of test ride the thing.

[sinned]

All this advice is great. I have decided to get some tuition before going for test ride. First hour next week.

[skelstar]

Fark thats downright sensible!...On ya bro.

wonders if still logged on to kiwibiker

[Hillbilly]

You can get SV's looking really great. Here's a pic of an SV1000S with full aftermarket fairing etc:

[Devil]

Maturity...bwahaha. Yeah sure...born again bikers rarely kill themselves as they're so mature. Age != maturity. Age != Skill. All I'm suggesting is that if you've been off a bike for a few years (never mind 30) you should maybe spend a few weeks on a toddler to get back into the swing of things.

http://www.motorcycle-training.f2s.com/bornagain.html

I dont know who you're arguing with.

[Terminated]

have a good read of this page first, it's got some valuable information:

http://www.motorcycle-training.f2s.com/bornagain.html

A good read. Being vintage 1952 and a newbie too, I am very cautous at the moment about what next after the GN250.

[Hillbilly]

It really depends, there's a whole world of possibilities. The Yamaha XVS 650 or XVS 1100 V-Stars (&custom) are great, as are a lot of cruisers. There's always the affordable GS500's. I reckon get a mid size sports tourer like the ER-6f or the SV650. They don't cost the Earth either. Honda have the CBR600F and the VFR800.

I'm happy with the GS500F - for now. My flatmate's looking at a Bandit 1200S after he's done with the ZZR250.
And then there's the Hyosungs. Depends on what you want to ride, and how much you want to spend.

[yob_ymmit]

Hey I recently got born again, although I only took a one year stint away from motorbikes. My first choice when looking over winter were SV650's, in the $7k-$8.5k range. But recently they massively dropped prices of new SV1000's, which dropped the price of all the second hand SV1000's - and so in late July I picked up a 2 year old SV1000S, with about $2k of accessories, for $8.5k!! My earlier bikes had not cracked the 60hp mark (CBR250, RVF400) so the SV1000S really got my eyes bulging. I rode it around for a month, did a couple 4 hour open road rides (crap weather in August, or I would have made more rides) and some commuting around Auckland. Verdict: Fantastically solid feel to the bike, great suspension setup, VERY big sound (yoshi pipes), but it was way overpowered for any speed sub 65km/hr, and driving around town was an accident waiting to happen. And out on the open road, it was impossible to stay below 120, and I would allways end up sitting at around 140km/hr. All in all I was pretty awed by it, and never felt like I could safely give it stick. 80% of my time on it the throttle would never make it past 1/8th open! There was just so much torque available instantly...

So I traded my $8.5k litre bike for a mint FZ6, which I have now had for almost a month, and am completely in love with. The FZ6 in my opinion has a fantastic style of power delivery. Low revs give you all you need for around town and around four wheel cages, but the post 10,000rpm and it screams happily and lifts the front wheel (but with plenty of warning, unlike the SV). I also find it much lighter, and easier to manhandle, which would be a plus with someone a little more senior.

So I guess what I think is: SV1000 - excellant value for money, if you can handle it (I couldnt). FZ6 - something that has a 'safe' rev zone and a 'fun' rev zone... unlike the SV1000 which only has a 'fun' rev zone, starting idle.

I would fully reccomend the FZ6 to anyone, it reminds me of my CBR250 days with its lightweight feel, screamer of an engine, and great fuel economy.

[sinned]

Yesterday looked at a new SV1000S in Silver. Great looking and $12500 versus $11995 for an SV650S. $500 more for the bigger bike. But --- reading Yob_ymmit comments on the power of the 1000 makes me think the 650 would be the better choice.

And maybe the 650 would retain its price better. Looking at second hand SV650 (and most newer bikes) there is little difference in price between new and a second hand 2 year old bike. If I can afford the difference of around $2,000 between new and 2 year old with 10k I reckon it is worth it.

Thoughts?

[Spyked]

There are heaps of bloody nice bikes available for demo's, try out all the options before you decide. The "best" option will make itself obvious fairly quickly if you are honest with yourself about what you are comfortable with.
For what it's worth, I spent months riding lots of wildly different bikes before putting down my money on an SV1000s. $12500 including on road costs was pretty good value compared to some of the used shitters out there. I'm very happy with the bike, it's an easy machine to ride, plenty of poke, but not over the top.
As a BOB myself, I spent 18 months on an old GPZ900 (I had one a long time ago so it was a nostalgia trip) but in hindsight should have gone straight to something more modern. If you go easy on the throttle to start with, a bigger capacity bike can be good long term option.

[Indiana_Jones]

TT600? :D

-Indy

[skelstar]

TT600? :D

-Indy

Alsorts of issues regarding TT600. A well sorted out one (EFI fuel mapping) is supposed to be a great handler. Disclaimer: this is only what I have read in forums and reviews, but I have spent a fair bit of time reading about various bikes including this one.

[Devil]

Alsorts of issues regarding TT600. A well sorted out one (EFI fuel mapping) is supposed to be a great handler. Disclaimer: this is only what I have read in forums and reviews, but I have spent a fair bit of time reading about various bikes including this one.
Apparently the last ones were nearly sorted (as far as the fueling goes), but not as sorted as a Speed Four.

[AllanB]

Also consider the Kawasaki W650 if you like the retro look. Second hand they are pretty cheap and would be a great 'learner'. Learners should be allowed something like this. Also they look good in cafe - a couple of good English web sites have plenty of pictures of modified ones.

[Suzi Q]

I love my GSR600. If you are after a good natured bike that is very easy to ride then this is the one. It would be a good bike to start with when getting back on the roafter after a long absence. It ahs a low seat height so if you are very tall it may not be suitable. Definitely try all the bikes that you can before you buy.

[sinned]

When I started this thread I was sure my choice was SV650 or GSR600. Now I have read many posts, great feedback and articles on the internet the list of possible bikes has changed. More so I am thinking naked or fairing and more ccs. I watched the weekend event in Wellington, posted some great photos and viewed a great selection of bikes. What I did notice is most riders had bikes with farings and the exception being a swarm of Hornets. My riding will be mostly open road for pleasure rather than commuting in town so a fairing seems to make sense. But I do love the look of the 900 Hornet. So my short list has now moved to 900 Hornet (good price) etc or SV1000S (naked is too expensive) or similar. Lots of choice - in a week or two I will have a bike but who knows what it will be.

Should I start a new thread on naked or fairing? Probably been done before but I couldn't find a recent thread on this topic.

[Suzi Q]

check out this UK site for customising the GSR600

http://www.gsr600.co.uk/

[sinned]

Yes some great ideas here. Have you seen the GSR600S (http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-news/suzuki-extends-gsr600-line-up-ar13191.html)

[AllanB]

Hornet goodies and loads of pictures

http://www.hondahornet.co.uk/

You can get a nice Honda screen for the Hornet plus there is the aftermarket - best of both worlds really - remove the screen=naked, add it back when touring.

The Hornet is under rated often called 'boring' as it does everything extremely well and in usual Honda fashion is utterly reliable. Add a pipe and belly pan and they look very cool.

Ride each.

[MVnut]

Also look at a Cagiva 650 Raptor, same engine as the SV650, Brembo brakes & at the moment they are giving 1200 bucks worth of riding gear free.:banana:

[The_Dover]

no offence but cagiva's are a bit girly.

I dont know why but they just stink of oestrogen.

[Suzi Q]

no offence but cagiva's are a bit girly.

I dont know why but they just stink of oestrogen.

What about the Xtra Raptor?
http://www.granbymotors.co.uk/motorcycle.php?vn=759

[Hillbilly]

Here's a few more angles to the Xtra Raptor. A dealer I know says that they sell a lot more bikes with fairings than naked. To add to this, there's also the new Yammy FZ-1S.

[sinned]

When I started this thread I was sure my choice was SV650 or GSR600. Now I have read many posts, great feedback and articles on the internet the list of possible bikes has changed. More so I am thinking naked or fairing and more ccs. I watched the weekend event in Wellington, posted some great photos and viewed a great selection of bikes. What I did notice is most riders had bikes with farings and the exception being a swarm of Hornets. My riding will be mostly open road for pleasure rather than commuting in town so a fairing seems to make sense. But I do love the look of the 900 Hornet. So my short list has now moved to 900 Hornet (good price) etc or SV1000S (naked is too expensive) or similar. Lots of choice - in a week or two I will have a bike but who knows what it will be.

Should I start a new thread on naked or fairing? Probably been done before but I couldn't find a recent thread on this topic.

Had a test ride on 900Hornet, GSR600 and SV650S. Hornet a great bike with a nice power band making it easy to ride. GSR600 very smooth through gears, and more so than Hornet but didn't have the low down torque of course 600 versus 900 and the GSR600 needed more revs. Hell I reckon the GSR600 will perform. I then took the SV650S for another run to get another feel for the V2 versus inline 4s. No doubt the V2 is easier power to use and feels great. However, I only rode this again to decide on the motor as was considering the naked SV1000 if the price was negotiable. Well, during the ride I changed my mind about the riding position - it is okay. I must have had a bad day on my first test ride. Good thing anyway as the price wasn't going to be able to be negotiated down.

So I am buying the SV1000S in Metallic Oort Gray and Black. Haven't had a ride on one but guess it will be similar to SV650S but with more grunt. See pic for what is looks like and the colour. Pick it up in a week.

Thanks again for all the help on this and the other tread I posted. I am to start a blog diary of this born again biker.

[Pussy]

Great bikes, Dennis, you won't be disappointed

[Clivoris]

+1. I had an SV1000s for 2yrs and 50,000k. Great bike that did it all, but the resale sucked big time. Be warned tho, while they aren't a sprots bike, they can go much quicker than it feels. For the first few months I was always arriving at corners going faster than I intended. You will love it.

[imdying]

Get it out on the track, they lap it up :) I've got some carbon fibre Micron mufflers on trademe if you're looking to liven up the sound some :)

[skelstar]

Awesome dude. Hope you enjoy new bike.

[Devil]

Had an SV1000S as a loaner the other day (had previously ridden one). Loved the scorpion mufflers (damn loud!) but unfortunately had to ride to hamilton. My arse was killing me by the time I got to Huntly.

I feel spoiled with the seat on the Triumph. I'd have the SV, but the seat would be in the rubbish.