Step-up bike from a 250?

[mattian]

G'day folks !
I am a newbie rider coming to the end of my restricted licence period very soon and have been saving hard out for my next bike :banana:
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the two 250's I have owned and learned so much over the past year or so. I realise that joining the full licence club doesn't instantly make me an expert rider however, I do feel as if I have squeezed everything I can out of a 250 and I am confident that its time to move up.
After doing quite a bit of research and gaugeing various opinions I have narrowed it down to either the Suzuki SV 650 or the GSR 600.
My bike will be my only form of transport and I do alot of around town commuting to and from work so, a bike that doesnt need alot of revs to get moving from the constant starts and stops at traffic lights is ideal for me. Comfort is also a big factor, I am fond of the GSR and SV's riding position as they are both alot more upright than alot of other +500cc bikes.
Does anyone else have anything to add? Would you agree or disagree with my choices so far? are there any other bikes I may have overlooked?????
I would appreciate any feedback from ya and would like to know about your experiences with your first "bigger than 250" bike.

cheers very much!!!!:lol:

[Aa7]

the biggest thing is to take as many different bikes for a rtest ride as possible and choose the one thats best suits your own riding style.

from what you've posted about doing alot of round town commuting and the GSXR and the SV i'd go the SV as it is a more comfortable riding position for stop start riding like you'll be doing around town and the V-twin will IMO be a bit more forgiving than the inline 4 at low revs but basically it comes down to what you are comfortable on. test ride test ride test ride and go with the one that feels right rather than looks right.


Edit: Doh!!! just saw you said GSR and not GSXR……… pays to read the post properly i guess. Haven't ridden a GSR but they look comfortable and capable for commuting but still stand by what i said already. take as many bikes as you can for test rides and choose the one that suits YOU not the one that looks cool

[FROSTY]

Same sorta bike but the kwakka er6 is another possibility

[mattian]

Thanks guys. yep, I do agree test riding is really the only way to find out what suits....... and the Kawasaki ER6 is a great bike but the riding position was a little bit to "lean forward" for me.

[fatzx10r]

Same sorta bike but the kwakka er6 is another possibility

yeah another good option

[FROSTY]

Thanks guys. yep, I do agree test riding is really the only way to find out what suits....... and the Kawasaki ER6 is a great bike but the riding position was a little bit to "lean forward" for me.
Different type bars will fix that--come over and try the ER6 Ive got here :2thumbsup

[kave]

There is a sexy SZR660 on trademe. Perfect for what you want, and there would be quite a bit of cash left over.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-173872918.htm

[portokiwi]

Mate take a few bikes for a test.
What location are you in?
Have you tried many of the larger bikes yet?
If you just want to get a feel of a bigger bike, You can go for a spin around the block on mine. Shes old 94 ZX9R, Heavy as shit. If you can ride that most of these new fast machines will be a breeze.
i have the next few days off let me know.
allways ready to help another KBer.:niceone:

[CookMySock]

The vtwins are really easy on gas compared to the inlines. Don't worry toooo much about the seating arrangement - your wrists and back etc will adjust to it. I started out riding my bike as a learner and it hurt like hell. Now six months later I am mint az on it.

So what I'm saying, is buy the bike you really really want, and just ride it.

Consider also, if its your daily runner, it needs to be modern and reliable. It will be cheaper than getting some bucket of bolts that lets you down.


Steve

[mattian]

Thanks alot for the offer Portokiwi :rockon:! I am quite convinced that a ZX9 is a little bit too big for me. I will step up to the much bigger bikes gradually...... :gob:

[mattian]

you make a good point dangerousbastard...... I like the idea of just getting the bike you want! regardless of the type of riding you do most. I am sure I will adjust to the size, weight and seating arrangement in no time. I think its the vast difference in overall power and torque that will be the real eye opener

[portokiwi]

No problems mate.
if you see the Bellalani on the road (thats my bike) named after my girls:love:
Say hi.
normaly in the Panmure-Mission Bay area. sipping a latte:o

[NOMIS]

Different type bars will fix that--come over and try the ER6 Ive got here :2thumbsup

I got a set of honda hornet bars that would probally sit you a bit more up right.

[mattian]

I will keep an eye out for sure !! and likewise..... if you see some dude with a white helmet on an SV or GSR looking a bit wobbly........ it probly me...haha

[mattian]

Thankyou very much Nomis..... when I make my mind up about that I will PM you for sure...... cheers so much !!

[CookMySock]

I am sure I will adjust to the size, weight and seating arrangement in no time.There you go then, just go buy that one you want. You already know what it is. ;) You don't need anyones advice for this.


I think its the vast difference in overall power and torque that will be the real eye openerIf you have indeed done all of your learners and restricted recently, and have put a good 10-20,000 km's under your belt, you will have absolutely no problem with it.

Start off where you started with your first learner bike. Go right back to the very same place, and do the very same exercises. Just watch out - its REALLY HEAVY, so if it starts to topple on you while stopped, you will get bitten. Within an hour you will be quite comfy on it.

Sure, when you take it on the open road and squeeze it by the tail its going to fuck off on you really quick. You'll love it. :laugh: Just be aware that your speed can be quite different to what you think it is, and that makes corners get really nasty really quick, unless you are mentally prepared to push hard on those bars and lean way off it and not panic, which you probably won't be. :Oops:

Steve

[slofox]

About six months ago I bought an SV650S as my "back to riding after a twenty year layoff" bike. Found it real easy to get used to, commutes well, not heavy to hold up when stopped at lights etc, not too greedy on gas (55-60mpg), goes like stink if you want it to.......V twin is very flexible when you are getting used to the bigger format. Could have better front forks but within that limitation I have great fun on it. Riding position is not a problem despite my advanced age of (mumblmumbbbleeecough!). So I would have to say it just might suit the task you have in mind.......but try one first.....

[Tank]

Don't worry toooo much about the seating arrangement - your wrists and back etc will adjust to it. I started out riding my bike as a learner and it hurt like hell. Now six months later I am mint az on it.


What utter bollocks - getting a bike with ergo's that suit you goes a HUGE way to your enjoyment of the bike. Thats why people spend all that money on risers, new seats etc.

Get the bike adjusted to fit you, not the other way around.

[CookMySock]

What utter bollocks - getting a bike with ergo's that suit you goes a HUGE way to your enjoyment of the bike. Thats why people spend all that money on risers, new seats etc.

Get the bike adjusted to fit you, not the other way around.This is a public forum. You are entitled to your opinion, and I am entitled to mine, so jam it. :bleh:

Steve

[Tank]

I can see why your wrist got used to it - they obviously get more practice than mine.

[Solly]

Get the bike adjusted to fit you, not the other way around.

There is some value in what you're saying Tank. I think, to enjoy your bike you have to feel comfortable. I also know how important it is to have a ride you like to look at....it may take a wee bit of time to settle on what you are happy with, but I think the advice about "test ride...test ride...test ride" may be what you need to do.

What ever it is .... just enjoy.

[Gubb]

For what it's worth, i'm considering an ER6f (the n is just too ugly), GSX650F, or SV650S. I'm leaning toward the SV at the mo, as a brilliant all rounder, and good step up, but I keep hearing rave reviews about the ER6.

Gotta have some step between now and the Striple.

[slofox]

For what it's worth, i'm considering an ER6f (the n is just too ugly), GSX650F, or SV650S. I'm leaning toward the SV at the mo, as a brilliant all rounder, and good step up, but I keep hearing rave reviews about the ER6.

Gotta have some step between now and the Striple.

ER6 is a parallel twin, SV is V-twin - V-twin has better dynamic balance than parallel; which was a factor in my original choice.......(for what that's worth.....:))

[Gizzit]

Thanks guys. yep, I do agree test riding is really the only way to find out what suits....... and the Kawasaki ER6 is a great bike but the riding position was a little bit to "lean forward" for me.

Was that an ER6N you tried ? I thought they were fairly "sit up" kind of bike?
The Versys has the same engine, and is a more sit up dual purpose style. I would be keen on the SV650 though .....

[Gizzit]

About six months ago I bought an SV650S as my "back to riding after a twenty year layoff" bike. Found it real easy to get used to, commutes well, not heavy to hold up when stopped at lights etc, not too greedy on gas (55-60mpg), goes like stink if you want it to.......V twin is very flexible when you are getting used to the bigger format. Could have better front forks but within that limitation I have great fun on it. Riding position is not a problem despite my advanced age of (mumblmumbbbleeecough!). So I would have to say it just might suit the task you have in mind.......but try one first.....

Hi Slofox .... as another "older bugga" on here, I'm interested in how you find the SV650S ? Do you have to take much weight on your wrists? I can't be bothered with the leaning forward kind of riding posotion these days! Does the SV650S have clip ons, or regular sit up kind of handle bars ?
I am thinking of going to a SV650 or one of the ER6N's, but haven't ridden either as yet.

My DR650SE, even lowered, is still a bit tall for me, and I'm 5'10" in the old measurement! I'm intending to sell my DR and my scoot, and get back to having one "do it all" bike ... for commuting and fun weekend rides, and the odd bit of touring. The SV appeals to me. I like the sound of a V twin!!
Sorry .... no intention to side track the post here Mattian ..... just interested in the mid size bike range myself as I look at options.
Cheers,
Grant

(I hope you have got more ideas to help with your decision now Mattian. Good luck in your choice.) :niceone:

[aewilliam]

you make a good point dangerousbastard...... I like the idea of just getting the bike you want! regardless of the type of riding you do most. I am sure I will adjust to the size, weight and seating arrangement in no time. I think its the vast difference in overall power and torque that will be the real eye opener

ahhh... another who believeth in the bikes of the 'inbetwixt' regions of cc-space - legend is that nought between the 250 and a 1000cc is of use.
Thereagain...im one believe that riding a pushbike or a 50cc is an inmportant step in bike riding...


Thanks guys. yep, I do agree test riding is really the only way to find out what suits....... and the Kawasaki ER6 is a great bike but the riding position was a little bit to "lean forward" for me.

Got meself an ER6. the nekked. its the younger sister of what I was UBER keen on, the z750, but I like em young. SO it was a toss between the SV650, ER6. Numbers stacked pretty evenly on these, so it was purely down to comfort. The GSR600 was sweet too, but being a 4cyl, and me a cheap basket, ongoing $$$ and the initially higher $$$ put me off.

What be your height mattian? I (think) i'm 6'1 and found the SV650 a BIT too cramped in the legs, and the handlebars too far forward...a strange combination. However the ER6 fit like a good, tight...glove.

And ER6n came in orange.

[mattian]

G'day man.... I am about 168 cms and around 70kg. looks like the SV for me. Its about the same size as the 250 I am riding at the moment!! and only weighs a little bit more.

[PrincessBandit]

If you are no so fond of the lean forward position, you might like to look at what i have - the GSF 650 bandit. Not sure how they compare $ wise, but as a short girly I found the SV a little too tall (seat couldn't be adjusted like it can on the bandit), although apart from that I quite liked it. I went to that from the ginny and had a lot of comments about it being a very big step up but I wanted a bike that would "last me" and not feel like I needed to be stepping up again in a few months of getting it. Touch wood not had any offs but then I ride fairly conservatively despite putting 10,000 km on it since buying it new less than a year ago! good luck looking - enjoy, dont rush making your choice, test ride different bikes (I'd suggest even of the same make and model from differnet dealers) and have fun!!

[mattian]

Thanks Princess..... I must admit that is a bike I have overlooked a little bit, only because I prefer the "look" of the SV or GSR being the fashion conscious metro jaffa that I am :rolleyes: but seriously..... they are wonderful bikes, and I have yet to hear a bad word said about the GSF bandit I have to go and take one for a test ride..... Thanks so much !

[Chrislost]

Thanks Princess..... I must admit that is a bike I have overlooked a little bit, only because I prefer the "look" of the SV or GSR being the fashion conscious metro jaffa that I am :rolleyes: but seriously..... they are wonderful bikes, and I have yet to hear a bad word said about the GSF bandit I have to go and take one for a test ride..... Thanks so much !

go ride a SV1000, if you can find one with motox bars on.
the riding position was mint for a 175cm guy...

[mattian]

it certainly is my ambition to own a Thou eventually..... but, like I said earlier on. Getting your full licence doesnt make you an instant expert.... quite frankly, I don't think I could trust myself with so much power between my legs........ I'll step up gradually.:2thumbsup

[Sidewinder]

just get full power 1000cc and just tap it open hard and go for it

[mattian]

ok..... I'll give it a go. Can I borrow yours??

[Sidewinder]

you can sit on the tank

[PrincessBandit]

you can sit on the tank

Thank goodness it was only the tank you offered to let him sit on.........

[Sidewinder]

Thank goodness it was only the tank you offered to let him sit on.........

ill let you sit more than the tank if you want

[PrincessBandit]

and i didn't even have to offer you sweeties.......!:msn-wink:

[Jerry74]

buy a ducati