Is going from a 250 to a 1000 too much?

[serious4]

I'm sure this thread has been done before but now its my turn:bleh:

Although I'm not quite at the stage of being able to legally ride a bigger bike I've started looking at the market to get an idea on prices etc. The bike I'm interested in going to is a SV1000, I'm currently riding a VTR250.

I know the normal step is to go for a 600 of some description from a 250 then step up to a 1000 if the urge is there. But is that middle step really a necessary?

I know you are probably thinking "Why is it you want a 1000" and the reason is mainly for the torque. Even though I haven't looked at the differences in torque. And in the near future I'll be doing some trips to and from Auckland and Wellington. I've got a thousand other lame excuses :msn-wink:

I haven't riden a 600 or 1000 so I'm really after your opinion and help. Please don't flame me.

Cheers
kevin

[Monsterbishi]

Any modern 600 will have a mind blowing amount of torque compared to what you're used to now, don't make any decisions until you'll had the opportunity to try what's out there.

[MSTRS]

An SV650 will have more than enough torque. It'll keep you smiling until such time as you may be ready for a thou.

[YellowDog]

IMO - That's too bigger a jump. Most get a slow 600+. I got an XF650 - single pop. An SV650 will give you bags of torque. You may not want to go larger.

You have received some good advice here. Give them all a decent try before deciding.

Good luck.

[skelstar]

I've a pretty level head and went from a Hyobag 250 to a CB900 just fine. Pretty much same torque as a GSXR1000 up to about 10000 rpm, and it hasn't bit me once.

[Kittyhawk]

Any bike is as only as dangerous as to how you ride it.

I would have to advise against buying a litre bike....Modern 600s have more than enough power most have 130 at the rear....Too much power too soon and you will end up 6 feet under. You say at this point you only want it for torque purposes, however when you develop confidence on a larger bike, you'll get a more intense taste of adrenline on the straights when you open it up, then it snowballs from there basicially.

Also if you do decide to get a litre bike you need to know how to ride it properly you can't just jump on and ride, theres a bit more to it than that.

How long have you been riding for?
How many crashes have you had in that time?
What is the purpose of the upgrade?
What style of riding do you think you will mostly be doing?
Will you have a pillion on or is it purely solo riding?
Are you able to afford parts when things break down etc as well as maintenance on it. It's more expensive to maintain a larger bike.

These are all things you have to consider.

I have seen too many times riders get their full licence and go out to buy a litre bike etc, thinking now they have their full they are good riders, only to see the bike dropped within a month or two of ownership, their riding skills are not developed properly and therefore rely on the bike. Within 6 months they would have binned.

If you know what you are looking for, you can see weather a rider has upgraded too soon or not.

Some litre bikes are suited to taller riders because of the height they are etc in comparison to the bike.

Best suggestion is to go test ride some 600's dont even look at litre bikes just yet...when you feel you are ready after owning a 600, you will know when you are ready to upgrade.

You can also do alot more with a 600 as they are more nimble in manouvering around corners etc.

[Coyote]

A TRX850 is a good model. Cheap, powerful but not so powerful, and most people won't say "I told you so" when you crash.

My VFR400 is about on par with a mates SV650. Decent power and torque whilst you're building up your skills, I'm still enjoying the power of my 400 even after riding bigger bikes, though I'd still like another bigger bike when I can afford it.

I rode a ZX10R, I didn't die. I was expecting more from all the rep 1000's get.

[xwhatsit]

Of course, I'm still firmly a 250 rider, and have only ridden a handful of `big bikes' and haven't put much mileage on any of them. However, the SV1000 is a fairly tame 1000cc bike when stacked up against GSXRs and CBRs.

Still, I'd be more tempted by the SV650 -- that way you get to experience the fun of upgrading twice, from the 250->650, then from the 650->1000+ later on.

[FROSTY]

Dude my advice is take it in two steps.Buy Madducks SV650 and enjoy the 650 torque.
Keep in mind too that theres gonna be a heck of a lot of aftermarket parts on the market just after the nationals with a lot of the racers cashing up this years bikes

[MSTRS]

Of course, I'm still firmly a 250 rider, and have only ridden a handful of `big bikes' and haven't put much mileage on any of them. However, the SV1000 is a fairly tame 1000cc bike when stacked up against GSXRs and CBRs.

Still, I'd be more tempted by the SV650 -- that way you get to experience the fun of upgrading twice, from the 250->650, then from the 650->1000+ later on.

The SV will eat a IL4 sprots in the twisties, and won't be embarassing on the straights either. Assuming you are prepared to be given a right royal rogering by :Police: if caught.

[skelstar]

The SV will eat a IL4 sprots in the twisties...
Eh? An SV1000 will eat a GSXR600 in the twisties?

[Trudes]

I agree with what others have said about it depending upon your riding ability and maturity to get used to a larger bike slowly, not jump on and give it a huge handful like you might on a 250 and then find yourself sitting on the road after it's chucked you off. If you think you can ride a thou around calmly for a few months before attempting to start finding out what it can really do, then I think why not. The SV1000 is also a better choice than say a GSXR1000 as a first 1000cc bike IMO also, but it will still kick you in the arse just as hard if you don't respect the extra power, but I'm sure you've considered all this and will make the right choice. Good luck!:scooter:

[Coyote]

Test ride a 600, ride through all of first, and you'll be laughing. Best bike riding experience I've ever had

[MacD]

Dude my advice is take it in two steps.Buy Madducks SV650 and enjoy the 650 torque.

I've already pointed it out to him ;) and I tend to agree.

[ital916]

You want torque....you want torque....i'm pretty sure he said he wants torque..........get a yzf400 motorcross bike spend a thou getting it road legal *it's a pretty tricky process according to my mate*...then you'll have enough torque...plus it will be a hoot lol. I hear sv's are great fun though.

[99TLS]

buy my TLS much more fun then the SV imho

[onearmedbandit]

The SV will eat a IL4 sprots in the twisties, and won't be embarassing on the straights either. Assuming you are prepared to be given a right royal rogering by :Police: if caught.


Eh? An SV1000 will eat a GSXR600 in the twisties?

Yeah I'm struggling with that one too. :spudwhat:

[marty]

i went from an RS250 to a TL1000S then a Busa, then back to an RSVR, and a Pitts Special.

Scared myself a few times, but I'm still alive.

[P38]

I'm sure this thread has been done before but now its my turn:bleh:

Although I'm not quite at the stage of being able to legally ride a bigger bike I've started looking at the market to get an idea on prices etc. The bike I'm interested in going to is a SV1000, I'm currently riding a VTR250.

I know the normal step is to go for a 600 of some description from a 250 then step up to a 1000 if the urge is there. But is that middle step really a necessary?

I know you are probably thinking "Why is it you want a 1000" and the reason is mainly for the torque. Even though I haven't looked at the differences in torque. And in the near future I'll be doing some trips to and from Auckland and Wellington. I've got a thousand other lame excuses :msn-wink:

I haven't riden a 600 or 1000 so I'm really after your opinion and help. Please don't flame me.

Cheers
kevin

Could be a big jump if your not ready for it.

But if you are ready, then just be sensible untill your skills develop enough to tame that beast.

SV's are a nice ride too.

Good Luck!

[ArcherWC]

Just ride a few bikes then decide from there, NO ONE here can tell you what is going to be right for you.

At the end of the day ANY bike only goes as fast as YOU twist your right wrist

I only owned a 250 for three weeks before deciding they wernt for me, been on a thou ever since and it hasnt done me any harm

[99TLS]

i personally did it years ago from sr250 to a gs1000 no probs , then from rg250 to gsxr 1000 , none of which bit me or spat me off , so i think if your happy and level headed enough to do it then do it imho, just dont think that since you have the power you know how to use it , have been spat off more times pushing hard an the 400s

[MSTRS]

Eh? An SV1000 will eat a GSXR600 in the twisties?


Yeah I'm struggling with that one too. :spudwhat:

I thought he was comparing an SV thou to an IL thou.
I agree a Il 600 is likely to be faster in the twisties.

[serious4]

Thanks for all the replies. :o)

I definitely intend on taking a few bikes for test rides once I have the appropriate licence.


How long have you been riding for?
How many crashes have you had in that time?
What is the purpose of the upgrade?
What style of riding do you think you will mostly be doing?
Will you have a pillion on or is it purely solo riding?
Are you able to afford parts when things break down etc as well as maintenance on it. It's more expensive to maintain a larger bike.

I used to ride as a kid on dirt bike. But only fo the last 6 months on aroad bike
I've had 2 offs on the road. First time it was wet. an emergency stop and I panicked. Second time, hit wet man hole cover while going through a corner. Both times were stupid newbie accidents that I have learnt from.
I want to upgrade mainly because the 250 doesn't have enough for me.
I intend on getting a pillion (girlfriend) on the back of the bike, but want t get more experience on the road first. So mainly solo
Maintenance. Well thats something to consider.

I'm not huge but the 250 struggle's with a slight head wind and slight upward hill. When I sit on a SV1000 my heals touch the bitument on both sides.

From what I've read on kiwibiker The SV's seem to have a smooth power band which is the main appeal. The TL's are probably a bit on the wild side for my taste. I'm definitly no demon on the bike. Prefer crusing on the straights and chewing the twisty stuff up.

[riffer]

I thought he was comparing an SV thou to an IL thou.
I agree a Il 600 is likely to be faster in the twisties.

I'm with you John.

I've ridden the K7 GSXR1000, the K7 SV1000, a K2 RST1000, a K2 RSV1000 and a 675 Daytona.

I'd take the RSV or the 675 in the twisties anytime over a gixxer thou.

[onearmedbandit]

I thought he was comparing an SV thou to an IL thou.
I agree a Il 600 is likely to be faster in the twisties.

Yes, but even so the suspension on the SV isn't up to the match of the 1000cc sportsbikes.

[madandy]

Seeing as yuo have to ask others I'd suggest 250 to litre is a brave call...I chose to restrict myself for years because I have a heavy hand...there's always a 750! :yes:

[McJim]

Oddly enough most riders these days seem to go from a 250 to a litre sportsbike. If you take it in steps you're in the minority.

I've tried an SV thou and a 636 ninja. Both bikes are capable of giving you a real fright and hurling you into a deadly situation you can't control but then both bikes can be ridden easily at slow speeds with no ill effects.

The SV1000 power delivery is smoother than the SV650 for example and the 636 is really quite scary (after a VTR250) when you pin the throttle and try to redline in each gear while you're passing through them as quickly as possible.

If you're prepared to exercise common sense then choose yer own bike for your own reasons. I was heartily advised agains buying a Ducati 600ss for example. But I bought it and would count it as my favourite purchase to date of anything.

[Coyote]

Factor in all the other costs, such as insurance and consumables (tyres, chains, sprockets, etc.). Can you really afford the bigger bike?

I would've gone for a ZX10R straight after my 250 if I could

[crazybigal]

its all in your right wrist!! and of course they physical size of the bike.
no good going to a 1000 beast if your 5 foot and 45kg

[boomer]

Buy my thousand; then you can say you went from a shitta too fiddy to the king of kings.

Anything less and you're kidding yourself. PM me for details.

[madandy]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=13682

[jrandom]

Not all IL4 thous are bred alike.

The '07 R1 is an absolute pussycat and, out of the box, handles oodles better than any stock GSX-R1000. Oodles better. I guarantee no stock SV, 650 or otherwise, would be spanking one of those in the twisties.

SVs are nice enough, but they're budget bikes. They just don't have the quality suspension that new 600s do. Bear in mind that those who win races on SV650s have to spend a lot of money to get their bikes going that fast.

Anyway, it's all about what turns you on. Just ride and decide, serious4, ride and decide.

:niceone:

And don't forget the mighty GSX-R750, or naked options like the ER-6.

[Ixion]

Everyone who asks that question always says the same. "I only want it for the torque. I've got heaps of self control blah blah blah". Yeah. Right. Good beer, Tui.

But, assuming that you really are the exception to the rule, and really do think you "only want it for the torque", that statement is two reasons not to do it.

One, because the torque is exactly what is going to get you into trouble.

Realistically even the most demented of litre bike riders are going to spend very little time on the road at speeds faster than a fast 250. Say, 160+. And the 600s are often very nearly as fast as the 1000s. In some cases, faster.

So the *speed* of the 1000 is not the reason to be wary. What WILL get you into trouble is exactly that torque that you use as your justification.

Snap the throttle wide open mid corner on a 250 , and you'll be fine. Not a good thing to do but unlikely to lead to much pain. Do the same on a 600 , and things may be very, um, interesting. And you may or may not emerge in one piece. But, you've got a reasonable chance. Even think about doing it on a litre bike and welcome to a whole world of pain. It's called traction budget. And a 1000 is almost always overspent in every department.

The second reason not to, is that you don't understand that .

There may be a few folk with real world reasons why they do need that torque. Like you weigh 150kg, your partner weighs the same, and you plan to tour the Southern Alps, with 500 kg of luggage, towing a caravan up Mr Cook.

But the real reason for 99.9% of people who ask the question is "I want a really really really really FAST bike so I can show how shit hot I am". The 1000s won't do that, and you'll likely get hurt in the process.

Personally, having tried the SV1000 I reckon that a decent 750 is faster. The SV is a good old man's bike. For people like me. But if you're less than 50 don't bother. It won't be as fast as you think, and the fastest trip you'll make will be in the back of the ambulance.

[Swoop]

Go for the litre bike and spend the following:
1: Purchase price of bike,
2: Same amount again for insurance cover...
3: Same amount again for mr :Police:...

[Jiminy]

I'm barely ahead of you license-wise, but here is my experience. All those magic numbers (hp, torque, cc, weight) only matter so much once on the bike.

After I passed my full, a few riders I met insisted on how crazy I was to consider a 800-1000cc bike. But then, I tried a few bikes and realised how bikes with similar specs can feel very, very different. It's not just about torque or displacement, it's also about the engine personality and how you feel on the bike.

Btw, I ride cruisers. I would not have considered a 1000cc sporty bike as a first upgrade, but that's just me. My 2c.

[Matt Bleck]

Just get it... it may kill you... it may not :niceone:

[serious4]

Everyone has made some fair comments. All of which I greatly appreciate :rockon:the thought or lack there of ha ha...

There are some wise heads on this forum with a lot of experience on a lot of different bikes. I'll stop there cause my nose is getting a bit too brown...

Anyway, in summary, in the short time this thread has been here, I now have a lot of things to (re)consider.


Personally, having tried the SV1000 I reckon that a decent 750 is faster. The SV is a good old man's bike. For people like me. But if you're less than 50 don't bother. It won't be as fast as you think, and the fastest trip you'll make will be in the back of the ambulance.

I'm no where near 50 but I am after an old mans bike. I'm not after wicked power bands of hypo 4's or twins but smooth power curves which the larger capacity bikes seem to deliver more than the slightly smally ones.


Go for the litre bike and spend the following:
1: Purchase price of bike,
2: Same amount again for insurance cover...
3: Same amount again for mr ...


Factor in all the other costs, such as insurance and consumables (tyres, chains, sprockets, etc.). Can you really afford the bigger bike?

This is one of the many things I'll have to look at. Hopefully the insurance won't be too bad for a 30 odd year old.


The '07 R1 is an absolute pussycat and, out of the box, handles oodles better than any stock GSX-R1000. Oodles better. I guarantee no stock SV, 650 or otherwise, would be spanking one of those in the twisties.

Good to see a wee bit of debate as well. The R1's are mean. Just not my cup of tea as I'm pretty sure they'd induce some serious inappropriate behaviour for the public roads. :laugh:


It's not just about torque or displacement, it's also about the engine personality and how you feel on the bike.

Btw, I ride cruisers. I would not have considered a 1000cc sporty bike as a first upgrade, but that's just me. My 2c.

absolutely. Fair call.

[snot]

Just get it... it may kill you... it may not :niceone:

+1
Yeah I know a guy that went from a 400 to a litre bike and he's still alive.
remember the throttle has various positions between on and off

[beyond]

Ixion is a very wise "young" man :)

Always has very sensible advice.

My thoughts: NEVER try to ride a bike to it's limits until you have covered at least 5,000kms on it and preferably 10,000kms.
I keep telling people that and especially newbies and have mentioned it to some young uns who are no longer with us :(

Any bike needs to be treated with respect and once you have ridden it enough and slowly tested it's envelope you will be comfortable with it and will know how it will react under certian situations. So, if you can control that right hand then sure, go for a litre bike.

If you think an SV1000 will beat a IL4 in the twisties and you want torque, it's time you rode a GSX1400 :whistle:

[PrincessBandit]

Snap the throttle wide open mid corner on a 250 , and you'll be fine. Not a good thing to do but unlikely to lead to much pain. Do the same on a 600 , and things may be very, um, interesting. .

I can relate to that in the reverse. Having been very careful with throttle twist on the 650 for the few weeks I've been riding it I recently had to take the GN out for a blat (yeah yeah, I know not all 250s are equal, and the GN is probably waaaaaay down the list) and found myself having to really work the right hand in a way that I'd already "forgotten". Shaizer (a la Gold Member), very glad I didn't treat the Bandit the same way or I'd have been in really deep doo doo. Even now, I'm wary of sneezing, for goodness sake, while riding the Bandit.
I think 600/650 is a good compromise unless you are absolutely sure that your sense of self preservation and self control etc. etc. are fully functional! :yes:

[jrandom]

If you think an SV1000 will beat a IL4 in the twisties and you want torque, it's time you rode a GSX1400 :whistle:

Shhhhh!

I think we should stop telling people about them, or the gratifying astonishment that one gets to wallow in when one's GSX1400 spanks sprotbikes through the twisties might dry up.

:2thumbsup

[beyond]

Shhhhh!

I think we should stop telling people about them, or the gratifying astonishment that one gets to wallow in when one's GSX1400 spanks sprotbikes through the twisties might dry up.

:2thumbsup

Shit, didn't think of that :)

[Ixion]

...
I'm no where near 50 but I am after an old mans bike. I'm not after wicked power bands of hypo 4's or twins but smooth power curves which the larger capacity bikes seem to deliver more than the slightly smally ones.

,,,

Nope, y' don't get it. It's not about power bands (arguably none of the big IL4s have a powerband, the power curve is pretty linear. By two stroke standards anyway). Powerband is all about revs. Roll the throttle open , no matter how gently, 1000rpm under the power band on a two smoker, and you best be upright and facing straightish. But even then , it won't be the rear wheel that will be the worry. Because two strokes just don't produce that sort of torque.(Yeah, I know RG500, GT750 - humour me, I talking generic).

But matters are different on a big four stroke. Especially a V twin. Doesn't matter what the revs are , if you're just a wee bit too abrupt with the twistgrip, the rear will like as not spin up. Now, that's not a big drama, necessarily. Even in a corner. Happens to the GP guys all the time, and they just deal with it.Mostly. But, it took them a lot of experience time to learn how to deal with it. And you don't have time to think about it, it's got to be automatic. Or the next thing you know, you'll be wondering why you're prescribing a nice arc over the telephone wires.

This is something that I'd be pretty confident you have *no* experience of on a VTR250. So you can either that experience the (hopefully) more gentle way, that harms only your nervous system and your underwear. Or the hard and painful way.

And no, you're not after an old mans' bike. Since you say



...
Prefer crusing on the straights and chewing the twisty stuff up.
...

Now, the thing about old mens' bikes, like SV1000s and crusiers , is that they are for old men. Old enough that they're no longer interested in "chewing the twisty stuff up". Because if you want to do that on a thou, you better have that experience. Us old men, we just go slow in the corners . (And in my case, slow in the straights, too).

But, end of the day, it's no-one's call but your own. And you didn't really come here for advice, did you? Rather, looking for validation of the decision you've already made. Which is yours, and yours alone, to make.

Go for it. You may survive, some do. In which case, good stuff. If not, well, my Gene-O-Kleen shares go up again, which is also good.

[heap rider]

my advice is stick with something smaller first like 600 plenty of power and still easy enough to blow your license away , in saying that a 1000 cc machine will only go as fast as you twist the throttle , but in my opinion and experiance you need the maturity to know when and where ,and what kind of trouble you can get yourself into if you f@#k it up..

[serious4]

Now, the thing about old mens' bikes, like SV1000s and crusiers , is that they are for old men. Old enough that they're no longer interested in "chewing the twisty stuff up". Because if you want to do that on a thou, you better have that experience

Yeah I'm definitely lacking experience, but as many have said maturity plays a big part in all things.
At this point nothing is set in concrete!

[crazybigal]

im 33 and i pay around $500 a year for my blackbird, insured at 10k
most insurance companies are a bit iffy about people going from a 250 to a 1000+cc bike when they first get their full.
talk to Dave at kiwibike insurance, he will give you the skinny on the costs.
or a dude on here who is called Jetboy, he will also be of help regarding insurance




This is one of the many things I'll have to look at. Hopefully the insurance won't be too bad for a 30 odd year old.

[serious4]

im 33 and i pay around $500 a year for my blackbird, insured at 10k

That's what I'm paying for a five grand 250:laugh:

I'll pm Dave @ kiwibike insurance and jetboy to get an idea for a 600 and a thou. As well as my current provider. I must admit, insurance wasn't something I considered at all:o

Cheers crazybigal

[ital916]

G'day mate. My 2c worth, that it's better to have a slower bike and ride the hell out of it with a grin on your face, knowing the bikes limits and yours. Than have a bike that travels at light speed but having to be uber careful and worry all the time that your gonna make a mistake. The difference between thous and sux hundreds is not a lot, and a six fifty will still chew the twisties and cruise the straight bloody well. A lot of the time a skilled rider can make a slow bike go fast *and six hundreds aren't slow lol*. So in the end it's up to you, but me thinks that a six fiddy v-twin will be the best step up. Level headed or not mate, you can still make a mistake, only on a thou it will bite more. But hey i don't know anything i ride a 150cc two stroke :laugh:.

[MacD]

I suggest you contact Zapf (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=1374) as he went through a similar process a few years ago. He started on a VTR250 and moved onto an SV650 which he toured the South Island on. Next step was a GSXR750, which didn't last long, and his thoughts on that would probably be useful to you. That was followed by a Honda 919 and a Blackbird.

The issue is not whether you can control the litre bike when all is going well, but whether you can control it when things go pear shaped. KB is littered with threads relating to crashes on gravel or through loss of traction when braking or accelerating, many of which I suspect are related to people not really understanding their own limits or their bike's limits. Finding those limits in a stepwise manner is in my opinion a good idea.

[McDuck]

I am keeping an eye on this thread. I would like a little info. While i love the 250 (and the 650 as a project is going very slowly, may get complied and sold for something newer) i am 195ish cm tall and in gear the best part of 150kg. What do you guys recommend by way of 600 more?
Thanks

[EnzoYug]

I had a fireblade... for about 4 weeks. Now I have a GT250R.
There's one simple reason. I wanted the torque. Now I just want something that gets me to work and that I can afford.

If you have any brains you'll realise that while you *WANT* the torque - you don't *NEED* the torque. You never stop learning how to improve your riding and jumping on the biggest machine is probably the quickest way learn how inexperienced you really are.

Also - if you go straight to a litre bike you'll have nothing to look forward to.... Think about that.

[serious4]

I am keeping an eye on this thread. I would like a little info. While i love the 250 (and the 650 as a project is going very slowly, may get complied and sold for something newer) i am 195ish cm tall and in gear the best part of 150kg. What do you guys recommend by way of 600 more?
Thanks

You're a big lad. I guess the same rule will apply to you though. The best way to progress is to go up in graduated steps. But I'm sure there' will be some other comments:Playnice:



G'day mate. My 2c worth, that it's better to have a slower bike and ride the hell out of it with a grin on your face, knowing the bikes limits and yours.

So simple I looked straight over it.

I'm getting a couple of quotes, more so for interests sake, for both a 600 and1000.

Although I'm pretty happy with the way my head is screwed on and know my limits the thought of a bike riding me into another hard object doesn't appeal. I'd rather ride it into one:lol:

So test rides a coming, I'll keep ya all updated

[marc34]

Just get it... it may kill you... it may not :niceone:

Thats what I did.

I rode a 30hp Kawasaki KLX250 d-tracker on the road to begin with, did that for 12 months, sold it, rode nothing for 8 months, and just brought a SV1000, very pleased with the purchase as well, the bike is perfect for "me".... I find the power and torque great, i also rode a CBR600 Honda while i was testing and that felt too small for me (only 6ft but about the same around)...

to answer your question, i personally don't think going from a 250 to a 1000 is too much, on the other hand, i can see plenty of merit in trying different bikes and working your way through the CC's!! :niceone:

[McJim]

I'm 37, have a massive knob and therefore don't need a litre bike.:rofl:

[discotex]

Hi, my name is Matt. I'm 29 and I ride a Honda CBR..... Welcome to Sprotsbikers anonymous...


I never rode the SV650 but in a straight line the SV1000 isn't *that* different a beast to the IL4 600's (I rode all the current jap ones). Ixion is right though, that low down torque means you would want more throttle control.

The SV had more low-down torque and less top end but overall not the massive difference the cc's would have you believe. Guess that's the difference between screaming IL4 vs v-twin delivery and the extra weight of the SV.

Where things change is on the corners. The SV1000 handles a million times better than my old ZXR250 but then my CBR600RR handles substantially better than the SV. The weight and suspension make the difference. Don't let that fool you though - the SV is a mean bike.

The IL4 600's will feel torquey compared to the VTR250 so don't let that worry you. Just get out there and ride them all and have fun doing it. :scooter:

I'm assuming you want fairings but if you don't mind naked the 600's are more torque tuned than peak HP plus there's options like the ER6n.

[FROSTY]

Ahh fuggit--get ya arse on a 650 and see if its "enough" for ya.

[McJim]

Ahh fuggit--get ya arse on a 650 and see if its "enough" for ya.

Give him a loan of your speshul pink one on a track Frosty.

[FROSTY]

Give him a loan of your speshul pink one on a track Frosty.
pink has loooong gone dude.-
-actually im still not sure where the bike is

[madbikeboy]

I thought you were taking the piss. Apparently not.

Lets put this in perspective. Most litre bikes now have more torque and horsepower than a superbike a decade or so ago.

You're going to do what you're going to do. A lot of the advice is pretty balanced. So I'm going to give an unbalanced view. You'll ride it fine for weeks, you'll build confidence. You'll push a little harder. And then one day, without even realising it (because you don't have the experience), you'll get it wrong. And then we'll write the eulogy here on KB.

The difference is the limit and speed. Litre bikes have more. It's hard to explain unless you've experienced it. Work up to the edge.

I wrote this review a while ago. Read it. Slowly. An SV1000 is still plenty fast. Buy an SV650 instead. Or a GSXR6. If you're worried about the cost of insurance, you've already answered that you can't afford it. The insurance is the cheap bit.



Living with a GSXR1000 (aka, the crack addiction)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It starts out innocently enough, you promise yourself that, today, for once, you're just going to take it a little easy. This is analagous to a crack addict promising just one small hit...

Living with a fast bike (GSXR1000), and why you should buy (or not buy).

I'm going to put aside all the macho stuff, the pub stories about needing more horsepower, and relate to you the reality of living with a GSXRthou.

I still have the Performance Bike article from 2001 that put the original against the benchmark fast bikes of the day, and the K1/K2 had to be pretty awesome to sideline the original R1. Subsequent iterations have gotten faster (well, more powerful), but they've also gotten more complicated (lost your keys lately?), and smaller. Smaller is an issue for me at six feet, I feel like a gorilla riding a tricycle on the latest 600's...

Putting aside the differences between models, what's it like living with one?

Well, it's fast. Scary fast for some, and for those that have little fear, the road rash and damage is normally expensive. This is not a bike that you buy once you get your full licence - my mate ZXRIDER almost got written off as one came past him on its side at a Coro ride - the overzealous rider had bought one as his second bike, too much front brake after entering a corner a lot too fast, and dropped it. ZXRIDER watched the bike go past, then he turned in - thank god for experience and good mirrors... "I told you so" just doesn't cut it.

It's fun in traffic. I can't describe some of the stuff I've done without it being used in court. Let's leave it as read that it's fast on the road. I've geared mine down, some people say 300 kph is academic - it's not, it's just too tempting. With the mods (God Bless yoshimura and an understanding bank manager) and the two teeth overstock on the rear, it'll lift the front wheel (not wheelstand, that's illegal on the road) in any of the first 3 or so gears without too much clutch abuse... it's also loud and obnoxious, which is how I like it. If Cagers have in issue with it, they can pull their useless big bores of their shitty nissans and then talk to me about it.

It's expensive on tires. I hear about people who plan their tire purchases based on getting a year's worth of life. I plan on what days / rides I can afford. For example, a couple of rides with the boys + Taupo track day. A Friday night in town (momentary and unexpected losses of traction can be expensive, but hey, chicks dig burnouts). Expect 2-3000 k's at most, if you're restrained - by restrained I mean physically tied to an large object and unable to ride. I've had a worst of 600 odd k's. I haven't made it to 2000 k's yet but it can be done. Apparently. It's like an urban myth, but somehow less believeable.

It's expensive for other stuff, it uses more gas than the company cage (well, it sounds so good at 10,000 + rpm...). It eats chains. It's not cheap to insure.

Why should you buy one?
1. At $10-12,000 for a mint one, it's a fucking bargain.
2. it's a great looking bike
3. It has tonnes of torque, it's well sorted, and if you leave it stock, it's a pussycat around town
4. It's easy to work out the hp/litre on a litre bike.
5. It'll embarass any car you can think of. Street racing is illegal, I've only ever done it on private racetracks. Like the night I rode between two slow assed rich plonkers on a racetrack called spaghetti racetrack (it's in italy, ahem), can you imagine Mr Merc and Mr Porsche in their uber expensive AMG/Gt3 when a cheap bike roars between them at 100kph faster than they're going?? Laughed?, fucking near pissed myself...


Why shouldn't you buy one?
1. The torque makes highsiding a reality if you back off once the rear lights up.
2. It's not a good bike unless you've cut your teeth on a succession of bikes, buy a 600 for 95% of fun sports riding, buy a 750 if you like riding really REALLY fast. A well ridden GSXR750 is as fast in the real world, but it lessens the pucker factor.
3. It's cheaper than a bitch mistress. But only just.
4. You may think you can control yourself, but the reality is quite different, you will ride too fast, and you'll find yourself laughing like a loon. This is normally an indication of mental illness. You need to be a little nuts to ride in the first place, so in this case, mental illness is like an entry requirement for a GSXR1000.
5. You will get to know your local police officers very well. Unfortunately, out where I live the woman cops are called Wayne and have mo's. I have no interest in getting batoned, so I've tried slowing down. 99% of cops seem to give the other 1% a bad name...

[serious4]

Shit, I've definitly opened a can worms.:doh:


The issue is not whether you can control the litre bike when all is going well, but whether you can control it when things go pear shaped. KB is littered with threads relating to crashes on gravel or through loss of traction when braking or accelerating, many of which I suspect are related to people not really understanding their own limits or their bike's limits. Finding those limits in a stepwise manner is in my opinion a good idea.


You're going to do what you're going to do. A lot of the advice is pretty balanced. So I'm going to give an unbalanced view. You'll ride it fine for weeks, you'll build confidence. You'll push a little harder. And then one day, without even realising it (because you don't have the experience), you'll get it wrong. And then we'll write the eulogy here on KB.

Points taken.


I'm 37, have a massive knob and therefore don't need a litre bike.

If I was trying to make up for the size of my knob a thou wouldn't be anywhere near enough. :laugh: 9 inches is small right...

[babyblade250rr]

Personally i wouldnt be too affraid of the SV1000 infact i think it would be safer to ride than my R6 depends on your riding ability and confidence! i'm not overly sure of v twins however i can tell you that supersport 600's are not very forgiving with marginal space for error perhaps someone could enlighten us on the ridability of sv's??

and as many have said perhaps a sv650 would be a better start because in my opinion going from my cbr250rr to my R6 was huge i mean really HUGE!!

But yeah just test ride whatever floats your boat and remember just because you have a high cc rating doesnt mean you can ride it better than a sv650

good luck however

[2beta_than4]

I jumped from a RG150 to a ZX9r, in which I was told it was crazy, to you may get board of a 600 to fast.

Id been riding bikes since I've been a kid and Im was pretty leave headed.

I took my time to get used to the bike and about a year before I started finding its full power. And Id glad I went that way. :scooter:

[sosman]

i personally did it years ago from sr250 to a gs1000 no probs , then from rg250 to gsxr 1000 , none of which bit me or spat me off , so i think if your happy and level headed enough to do it then do it imho, just dont think that since you have the power you know how to use it , have been spat off more times pushing hard an the 400s

i bet the 400 hundies teached ya how to ride thou?

[tl_tub]

Go for it. get that SV!!
I upgraded from a Suzuki katana 250 to a Honda VTR1000. I had never ridden anything other than my wee 250 and on my first ride, rode it from Wellington to Tauranga in the rain. The only oopsie I had was an accidental wheelie through an intersection, but im sure it looked impressive.
Its still a bike with two wheels, just gotta be easy on the throttle :) Have a great time!

[slimyxylofone]

Just wanted to chime in that an SV650(S) is an enjoyable bike and has no trouble boosting to well over what ever licence breaking speeds you want to go to. In reality, ergonomics not considered, I can't see one really needing much more torque/power on the road than what the 650 provides.

I cannot, however, comment on the 250-1000 jump as I went from a ZXR250 to an SV650s, and am yet to ride a thou of any kind. I don't think I would have liked to go straight to the thou though, as the 650 is pleanty for me.

[serious4]

Well, where should I start. A couple of posts commented on running costs between the 650 and 1000. Which has ended up being one of the main deciding factors.
Others have pointed out that with a level head the jump is not too big.
While the other side has said the jump is a sure fire way to an early grave even with a level head. I disagree with this opinion but can see where they're coming from.
There have been lots of other replies aswell but I don't want to crap on forever:zzzz:

For me anyway I've decided to go for an SV650. Ride the wheels off it once I'm adjusted to it of course and progress as a rider.

[onearmedbandit]

Sounds like a great decision serious4.

[Swoop]

Living with a GSXR1000 (aka, the crack addiction)
Where would this crack be? Motor? Another place on the bike???:crazy:

[Monkeyboy]

Yes it is too much, I went from CB175 to CBX550F to CBR600 to YZF-R1. A 600 is ample power and torque for the road. You'll know it's time to go to a 1000 when the 600 feels like a 250. The reason I went to a 1000 was the constant gear changing and trying to keep the 600 on the boil all the time was tiring. I then went from an '01 R1 (vicious power, flighty handling) to an '03 VTR1000 (crap brakes and suspension) and now a CBR954RR (very light and small, supreme brakes, handling, controllable power for a 1000).

[madandy]

Sounds like a winning move ta me :first:
Youy may upgrade next summer, you may not. One day you'll be on a big bike - when you're truly ready for it!
In the mean time, enjoy riding the wheels off that 650 and building your skills in relative safety :woohoo:

[madbikeboy]

Well, where should I start. A couple of posts commented on running costs between the 650 and 1000. Which has ended up being one of the main deciding factors.
Others have pointed out that with a level head the jump is not too big.
While the other side has said the jump is a sure fire way to an early grave even with a level head. I disagree with this opinion but can see where they're coming from.
There have been lots of other replies aswell but I don't want to crap on forever:zzzz:

For me anyway I've decided to go for an SV650. Ride the wheels off it once I'm adjusted to it of course and progress as a rider.

You wrote above that :"the other side has said the jump is a sure fire way to an early grave even with a level head. I disagree with this opinion but can see where they're coming from".

Thought I'd comment on that. The comments from people saying it will be just fine (and I'm generalising here) are from people who have made that jump, and who haven't had a spank yet. The more rational argument has come from those who have more time and experience. I first laid hands on a bike aged 10-11? I owned my first bike at 11. That gives me a little more perspective than someone riding for a year or so. The fact that you disagree with this is perhaps related to your short tenure, and lack of experience. It's a circular argument, you only start to respect what a larger capacity bike is when you've got the experience, and you have actually ridden one at the limit. 99% of the time, the limit is miles away, and you could get a novice riding a hayabusa with little worry. It's the 1% of the time that requires throttle moderation or experience. And if you think you will never go near the limit, then you need to rethink your involvement in this sport - traction changes with road conditions, you hit loose stuff at 75 kph, and then suddenly that extra torque means an insurance claim at best.

There are loads of 1000's on trademe owned by newbies who taken one or two rides, gotten a scare, and then they've sat the bike in garage until their Mrs complains at the lack of use and their lack of new kitchen/carpet/breast augmentation.

Good on you for choosing the 650. Wise choice.