SV650 or similar?

[Gizzit]

Has anyone got any constructive ideas for a midsize bike ? I have been looking around on the net, but have yet to ride an SV650 or anything else.
I have read that the ER6N is a good bike. Possibly the new Z750 ... Also ... if buying new, I want to keep it to under $12,000 if possible.

I want to keep it light, and easy to get both feet down on. Mid size is all I need, for general "do everything" kind of riding. Not interested in any dual purpose bikes. I've been there recently. I do like the "sit up" type of ergos though, and not interested in all out sports bikes with hunched over, weight on wrists kind of thing. I've been there too. I do want to be able to throw a bag on it occasionally and go for a trip. However most of my riding will be commutting and weekend rides.

Anyone suggest an interesting bike with loads of torque and good handling ? I don't want to have something I have to rev the guts out of to get anything out of it, hence the interest in a V-twin.
Any helpful ideas ?
Cheers,
Grant.

[Jerry74]

Have you considered the new GSX 650 ????

Nice looking bike

[CookMySock]

As you are looking at 650 vtwins, I ride the hyo GT650R, but I would not recommend it in this case. Theres a LOT of weight on your wrists, the riding position is well down, and as a general commuter it will be lots of pain and no gain. Different story for an open road tourer. ;)

FYI
Steve

[Pwalo]

They're all good bikes. Get a test ride and see which one suits you best.

[JeremyW]

I have just bought a hornet 900 and am stoked with it. I was in the same situation looking at hornet vs Z750 vs SV650 vs FZ6 vs GSR600. In the end the hornet came out on top, plenty of bottom end, I would say as strong as the SV in the 2-4k rpm range.It is quite light too, I am 5'7 and I can comfortably touch the ground.

Put some aftermarket pipes on and they sound wicked too :rockon:

[Gizzit]

I have just bought a hornet 900 and am stoked with it. I was in the same situation looking at hornet vs Z750 vs SV650 vs FZ6 vs GSR600. In the end the hornet came out on top, plenty of bottom end, I would say as strong as the SV in the 2-4k rpm range.It is quite light too, I am 5'7 and I can comfortably touch the ground.

Put some aftermarket pipes on and they sound wicked too :rockon:

Whats the weight like compared to the SV or GSR600 ? Light weight is important too as I have an injured shoulder which prevents me from using a heavy bike. My CB1300S had to go for that reason.
Thanks.

[Gizzit]

I'm keen to here from owners of the naked version, or anyone who has an SV650S who has modified the clip on's. That's the only thing that puts me off the S version. The naked version is more of a sitting upright kind of ergo, which suits me.
Cheers,
Grant.

[JimO]

get one of these either SV 650 or TL 1000 powered, upright riding position, power to burn

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x67/jim157/DSC01778.jpg

[JeremyW]

Yea there is one of those new at motomail, SV650 with brembos and mazzochi's for $2k extra...makes sense really.

As to the hornet, I find it extremely light for the size, you forget the capacity and spec weight when you are riding. I take mine to work everyday (54km round trip) and I find it a very capable commuter. I havent ridden a CB1300 so I cant make a direct comparison but I would assume that to be more of a battleship than motorcycle and Im sure you will find the hornet much better.

[The Pastor]

the er6f would be a better option imho.

[Bend-it]

I was in the same shoes as you a month ago... see what I got... MMmmmm...

sv motor and gearbox, italian everything else!! Sweeeeeeet!!

[Les]

I ride a SV650 naked and it's been a great wee bike. It's exceeded all of my expectations to be honest. The riding position is good for comfort but still allows you to "lean into it" if you need to. Mine is a 2003 and the seat is a bit on the uncomfortable side although I think that this was fixed on the 04 model onwards. The seat ain't all that low either but if you're not a dwarf then you will be fine. I've done all types of riding with mine from the long runs to rough gravel bush roads and it handles all of it okay if unspectacularly for a middle weight road bike.

[Gizzit]

get one of these either SV 650 or TL 1000 powered, upright riding position, power to burn

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x67/jim157/DSC01778.jpg

Yes they look great! I know the seat is lower on those than the SV, so was wondering if it cramps your legs up more? I'm 5'10" in the old measurement! Whats that .... 179cm ?
They are well spec'd bikes! :niceone:

[Gizzit]

Yea there is one of those new at motomail, SV650 with brembos and mazzochi's for $2k extra...makes sense really.

As to the hornet, I find it extremely light for the size, you forget the capacity and spec weight when you are riding. I take mine to work everyday (54km round trip) and I find it a very capable commuter. I havent ridden a CB1300 so I cant make a direct comparison but I would assume that to be more of a battleship than motorcycle and Im sure you will find the hornet much better.

Yes, I'm sure the hornet is quite a lot lighter than the CB1300 I had. And I had no real trouble with the big CB when out on the open road, it was just around slow speed maneuvering and when stopped and trying to move around, especially with a pillion on. One of those bikes if you over balanced a bit, there would be no way of stopping it from falling over because of the weight. With the DR650 I have at present, if it does lean over a bit while stopped I can easily right it. It's my feckin shoulder that lets me down, and why I need to go for a lighter weight bike. None of them are an issue when flying along ... in my experience.
The hornet does sound like a good bike though!
Thanks.

[Gizzit]

the er6f would be a better option imho.

You like the version with a fairing ? I kind of like naked's with a small screen.
I do intend to try one of the ER6 family though. They all have good reports, from the reviews I have read.
Thanks.

[Gizzit]

I ride a SV650 naked and it's been a great wee bike. It's exceeded all of my expectations to be honest. The riding position is good for comfort but still allows you to "lean into it" if you need to. Mine is a 2003 and the seat is a bit on the uncomfortable side although I think that this was fixed on the 04 model onwards. The seat ain't all that low either but if you're not a dwarf then you will be fine. I've done all types of riding with mine from the long runs to rough gravel bush roads and it handles all of it okay if unspectacularly for a middle weight road bike.

Thanks for that Les. Yes I like the idea of sitting up rather than having to be bent over the bike as per most sports bikes.
I imagine if the seat is uncomfortable, you can always replace it. McDonalds Motor Trimmers in Tauranga do a really good job.
Well I'm 5'10" (179cm?) so the SV shouldn't be too tall for me. My DR, even lowered is still a little bit on the high side, but no problem as it is light.
Do you get good gas/milage out it ?
Any known issues with the bike ? Anything especially to look out for ?
Thanks.

[Bend-it]

Nope, you want a cagiva mate! :) Sure head-turner...

[Squiggles]

Yes they look great! I know the seat is lower on those than the SV, so was wondering if it cramps your legs up more? I'm 5'10" in the old measurement! Whats that .... 179cm ?
They are well spec'd bikes! :niceone:

Old man has one of these now, he scored an 07 with 4km on the clock for $9.3k , he's 6'2" and hasnt found it uncomfy at all...

[svr]

I'm keen to here from owners of the naked version, or anyone who has an SV650S who has modified the clip on's. That's the only thing that puts me off the S version. The naked version is more of a sitting upright kind of ergo, which suits me.
Cheers,
Grant.

Easy. Get an SV650s (there's a new '06 black one - the best sv so far - going real cheap at Darryl August here in Taupo), and some higher clip-ons custom made by Flo at F1 engineering in Hamilton.

[forkoil]

SV650 naked K4. A lovely bike, only thing lets it down is the front susp (back not much better but acceptible). But that depends on your riding style a bit, if you like the twisties then the susp leaves them wanting. The fix is either GSXR front forks off ebay (US$200 odd) or springs/spacers/emulators from Robert Taylor (what I did). These latter come to about NZ$300?? maybe bit more. Also I now find the bars a tad high, want to get some flat ones, but bars with the Suzuki clamp width are not easy to find. I'm planning a long trip around Sth Isl this xmas with friends and the SV will take me not the GSXR 600 which is reserved for fun weekends. But want to get those bars... Good luck, I would go with the SV, plenty around and good market for them

[zeocen]

ER6-F would be my pick, but of course it would be. :)

For your consideration I am 6'1 at about 93kg.

I've had nothing but pleasant experiences on my 6F. I actually had an SV650 loan bike for a few days while mine was getting a service and I can see why they are direct competitors, I think you would be better with either bike but in MY opinion, out of the box the ER6F comes out slightly on top. I wasn't too keen on the SV650's suspension and the ergonomics were something I couldn't get used to, whereas the very (VERY) thin tank and seating ergonomics of the ER6F makes you slightly ooze into the bike and makes it very manageable around the corners. You literally don't have to do any work, if you don't want to.

Power wise I would say the SV650 has more top end game than the ER6F, I could well see it pulling away on a long stretch of road, but we don't buy twins for that, do we :innocent: I find the ER6 has great power in low and mid, which is an absolute stunner for around town, but also allows you to click right up to 6th and be manageable without shifting down in most scenarios on faster roads.

Along with the ER6's mass centralisation ala buell (but, not as well as the buells), it really makes it a superb pleasure for corners.

I could literally go on for days about the pro's of the ER6, but I've said enough so far! So I will give you a run down on some of the cons.

Seat: Pathetic, while it wasn't as bad to sit in as the SV650, it is *HARD*. Like, 20 minutes and you're sitting on plastic, hard.

Mirrors: If you're getting one new, get some OEM kawasaki mirror extenders thrown in for free, they are $80 which is ridiculous for 2 pieces of fabricated metal, but they are required unless you plan on doing suicide checks every 5 seconds or so.

Apart from that, it's a straight out of the box - do it all bike. I tour, commute, back road blast and even been caught by stretches of road works and the bike just smiles along and asks for more. I have done plenty of mods on my bike just for personality and making it "my" bike, none of them would be called performence mods because quite honestly I am straight up perfectly happy with the bikes power.

Had I not bought this bike, and wasn't a Kawasaki fanboy, I would have gone for the Hornet 900, that bike is LUCIOUS, so cheap and you get SO MUCH BIKE for the price. Not to mention it is incredibly comfortable and smooth to ride!

I'll attach some various pics, in no particular order! Hope this helps somewhat with your decision, honestly though there are so many satisfied riders with the ER6F and the SV650 that you'll be happy on either one (don't forget to consider the Hornet 900!), so go get one that suits you the best! (I actually have faux clipons on my ER6F now, as I love the clipon feel and gives far better front end feedback, now it is *so* me ;))

[slofox]

I'm keen to here from owners of the naked version, or anyone who has an SV650S who has modified the clip on's. That's the only thing that puts me off the S version. The naked version is more of a sitting upright kind of ergo, which suits me.
Cheers,
Grant.

I have the SV650S and have not modified the bars - I have no problem with riding position at all. When I first bought it I thought I might have trouble with the forward seat but not so in practice, either round town or out on the highway. It is not that tilted anyway. Just use ya abs a bit and the hands are sweet.....

Overall I love the bike - light, responsive engine with great flexibility, great handling. Front forks are less than they should be is the only negative.....

[RantyDave]

You should try a (Triumph) street triple. It's a few k$'s more than you're looking at, but buying one now is going to be cheaper than buying an ER6, then trading it in for one later.

Get a ride, at the very least. I don't have the energy for the whole fanboy thing right now so all I can do is suggest you ride one :)

Dave

[zeocen]

If you're going to spend more money, then I would also agree on a street triple, they just grow, grow and grow on you the more you look at them. Have never ridden one but sitting on one gave me the smiles just thinking about it.

[phantom]

I am more than happy with my ER6f, just didn't like the styling of the ER6n - my problem I suppose. I havent had any problem with the seating or the mirrors but being just a little fella ( why waste all that growth on height ) at 5ft 9 ish and about 70kg I am probably closer to the designer's idea of average size than some of the big boned lads on KB.:dodge:

[AllanB]

Street triple is sweet but quite a bit over the budget.

There is a new model Hornet 600 landing very soon but i think this is going to be $14 ish so too expensive.

The Suzuki 650/4 is a very nice bike and you may find a few deals.

SV650's are highly under rated and good value - in many ways sweeter than the 1000.

Hornet 900 - find one fast if you are interested as the new model is due in a few weeks (and the new one is $19k).

I'd go the 900 but then I a bit biased. :yes:

[zeocen]

I am more than happy with my ER6f, just didn't like the styling of the ER6n - my problem I suppose. I havent had any problem with the seating or the mirrors but being just a little fella ( why waste all that growth on height ) at 5ft 9 ish and about 70kg I am probably closer to the designer's idea of average size than some of the big boned lads on KB.:dodge:

Quite right!
Us tall blokes need the mirrors out a bit otherwise we get a screen full of elbow!

[slofox]

Quite right!
Us tall blokes need the mirrors out a bit otherwise we get a screen full of elbow!

Short arses like me have the same elbow problem....need to modify your elbows - replace with transparent ones.....

[Gizzit]

Thanks all you guys for your constructive input.
I rode an 06 SV650 this afternoon, and it was pretty quick for a 650, but the ergo's didn't suit me even with the regular bars. Suspension was a little bit under par for some of the fast and bumpy twisties, but overall a very good little bike.

I am going to try the ER6F or N now, and maybe the Z750 while I'm at a Kawasaki franchise.

And yes I will try a new old model 900 hornet if I can. They are obviously a lot of bike for the money.

Perhaps the new GSXF650 may be worth a look, but I sat on one and found the ergo's were a little bit to far forward. Maybe it's better when riding with a bit of wind pressure on the chest ... ?

The Street Tripple sounds like a good bike from all the reviews, but it is definitely out of the budget.

And no ..... I haven't got see through elbows either, and do like to see whats behind me without having to crane my neck around every 5 minutes!

Cheers guys. Any other comments welcome.

[AllanB]

One thing to remember on the 'standards' is if they have normal handlebars (not clip-ons) its a easy job to change them for something a few cm's lower or taller than stock to get the position you desire. Most bikes have enough freeplay in the cables to do this. I've put lower ones on my Hornet.
The same applies to mirrors etc.

[zeocen]

The ER6F may be your ticket, or ER6N.. depending on what style you like. They both have the same bars which is very neutral and oh so comfortable! I'm a clipon guy at heart though so my faux clipons make me slightly forward and under the screen a bit more

The hornets even have adjustable forks, which just adds to the lot of bike for little money argument, they really are great bikes.

[jrandom]

What's with folk recommending all these pansy bikes that disappear up yer arse crack when you sit on 'em?

:blink:

HTFU and buy a GSX1400; you'll never regret it.

:niceone:

[Gizzit]

One thing to remember on the 'standards' is if they have normal handlebars (not clip-ons) its a easy job to change them for something a few cm's lower or taller than stock to get the position you desire. Most bikes have enough freeplay in the cables to do this. I've put lower ones on my Hornet.
The same applies to mirrors etc.

Yes thats a good point Allan. I'd forgotten about the fact you can change the stock handlebars. Your Hornet looks real nice. Do you find them to be a smooth engine, and not peaky ? The new (old model) one is a very good price at the moment.
Thanks.
Grant.

[Gizzit]

The ER6F may be your ticket, or ER6N.. depending on what style you like. They both have the same bars which is very neutral and oh so comfortable! I'm a clipon guy at heart though so my faux clipons make me slightly forward and under the screen a bit more

The hornets even have adjustable forks, which just adds to the lot of bike for little money argument, they really are great bikes.

Yes ..... I agree the ER6's are looking quite viable, and of course .. the Hornet 900. I will try and get to ride all of them as soon as I can, which could be next week sometime, as the demo's are all in Auckland, and I'm unable to get down that way any sooner. There are very few demo bikes in Whangarei, and definitely no Kawi's unless they order one up specifically to try. I'm pretty sure Planet Honda up here hasn't got any of the old model Hornets around any more.
I'm looking forward to it!

[Gizzit]

What's with folk recommending all these pansy bikes that disappear up yer arse crack when you sit on 'em?

:blink:

HTFU and buy a GSX1400; you'll never regret it.

:niceone:

...... no one can help you if you have a huge arse .....
Most people that have READ the thread obviously don't have the kind of arse issues you do .... :confused:

[jrandom]

Most people that have READ the thread obviously don't have the kind of arse issues you do .... :confused:

So you'll have a go on a GSX1400 before making your final decision, then?

Good man.

:yes:

[AllanB]

Yes thats a good point Allan. I'd forgotten about the fact you can change the stock handlebars. Your Hornet looks real nice. Do you find them to be a smooth engine, and not peaky ? The new (old model) one is a very good price at the moment.
Thanks.
Grant.

I'm very happy with mine - for the price I did not expect to get a new bike!

The engine is smooth, powerful, however its a very uniform power with no sudden peaks. For this reason its often been described as boring without the kick of the CBR900 or 929 pure sports versions the engine is based on.

I find it has a very real-world power and with a twist of the wrist there is plenty there to keep your anal muscles worried :laugh:

Handles nice and for my weight (73kg) the suspension is fine (adjustable front and rear).

Basically I just find it FUN :niceone:

[Gizzit]

I'm 89kg and 179cm. I hope I'm not too short for comfortable "both feet flat down at stops" ... I'm kind of keen to have that.
The bike certainly sounds like it could be ideal for my needs of daily commuting and travel, with weekend fun rides, sometimes with a pillion.
I'm pleased to hear that it's not a peaky motor. As you said ... in real world every day kind of riding, ...... well I just don't need it. Smooth and predicable is fine for me.
Thanks for your opinion Allan. :niceone:

[JimO]

I'm very happy with mine - for the price I did not expect to get a new bike!

The engine is smooth, powerful, however its a very uniform power with no sudden peaks. For this reason its often been described as boring without the kick of the CBR900 or 929 pure sports versions the engine is based on.

I find it has a very real-world power and with a twist of the wrist there is plenty there to keep your anal muscles worried :laugh:

Handles nice and for my weight (73kg) the suspension is fine (adjustable front and rear).

Basically I just find it FUN :niceone:


73 kg you a pow???

[maybe]

Theres always the 650 Burgman;):calm:

[nallac]

I'm 89kg and 179cm. I hope I'm not too short for comfortable "both feet flat down at stops" ... I'm kind of keen to have that.
The bike certainly sounds like it could be ideal for my needs of daily commuting and travel, with weekend fun rides, sometimes with a pillion.
I'm pleased to hear that it's not a peaky motor. As you said ... in real world every day kind of riding, ...... well I just don't need it. Smooth and predicable is fine for me.
Thanks for your opinion Allan. :niceone:

jeezz whats up with all the bloody hornet lovers????

i'm 5'10" and can flat foot on my, ummm,
.......... 900hornet
as has been said there a not too bad a bike..
i use it for the same uses as you have described
commuting, travel,weekend play thing.

[McJim]

If it's handling you want try a Ducati 600ss or M600 Monster, for a little more oomph try a 750ss or M750....or you could even go for a M800ie or a 900ss.

These are cheap bikes for what you get and they're more reliable than their japanese counterparts.....the parts are cheaper and the service intervals longer anyway.

[2wheeljunkie]

You like the version with a fairing ? I kind of like naked's with a small screen.
I do intend to try one of the ER6 family though. They all have good reports, from the reviews I have read.
Thanks.

i like the naked version..sister's boyfriend has got one and had a test go on it..cool bike mate..i have a hornet however and ofcourse am biased abt it..beautiful bike...not sure of weight difference in comparision to the cb1300 while slow riding bt im 5'6 and proly not the strongest bt i have no trouble moving it at slow speeds..however it does weigh 194kg's and its a little annoying for me when i have to move it while stationary..then again im small built..other than that trust me when i say their awesome bikes..nothing bad to say abt them..and on the topic of grunt..there's plenty of it..heaps down low and grunty as fark through mid range..being a detuned 919 engine it doesnt have the top end of a sports bike but then again yer looking for torque and the hornet has alllloooootttttt of it....hope this helps..:)

[Number One]

I've got the S and hubby has a naked. One day if I have an oopsy or before when my wrists finally give out I'll be turning mine into an upright with new bars. They are great!!!!

[Gizzit]

I've got the S and hubby has a naked. One day if I have an oopsy or before when my wrists finally give out I'll be turning mine into an upright with new bars. They are great!!!!

Well I hope you don't have an oopsy, but yes I find it a bit hard on my wrists, neck, and lower back after a long ride bent forward.
The SV650 I rode the other day certainly could get along pretty quick, but in a 30 minute ride I was aware of being in a lean forward position. Not too much of an issue once I got a bit of air pressure lifting me up, but wouldn't like to ride around town for to long. I guess I have been spoiled by the DR650, which is a real "sit upright" kind of bike.
Thanks for your input.

[Gizzit]

i like the naked version..sister's boyfriend has got one and had a test go on it..cool bike mate..i have a hornet however and ofcourse am biased abt it..beautiful bike...not sure of weight difference in comparision to the cb1300 while slow riding bt im 5'6 and proly not the strongest bt i have no trouble moving it at slow speeds..however it does weigh 194kg's and its a little annoying for me when i have to move it while stationary..then again im small built..other than that trust me when i say their awesome bikes..nothing bad to say abt them..and on the topic of grunt..there's plenty of it..heaps down low and grunty as fark through mid range..being a detuned 919 engine it doesnt have the top end of a sports bike but then again yer looking for torque and the hornet has alllloooootttttt of it....hope this helps..:)

Interesting you say that the Hornet has lots of grunt low down, as I was in my local Honda agent today discussing the 900, and he said I would find them quite rev hungry to get them going .... ?? Guess it depends what you are used too. And yes I'm sure the Hornet wouldn't be too much of a problem weight wise, and they aren't a particular big bike for a 900.
I'm looking forward to trying one ..... and the ER6 bikes. Maybe a Z750 too !!
Thanks for your input.

[discotex]

Interesting you say that the Hornet has lots of grunt low down, as I was in my local Honda agent today discussing the 900, and he said I would find them quite rev hungry to get them going .... ?? Guess it depends what you are used too. And yes I'm sure the Hornet wouldn't be too much of a problem weight wise, and they aren't a particular big bike for a 900.
I'm looking forward to trying one ..... and the ER6 bikes. Maybe a Z750 too !!
Thanks for your input.

Make sure you test ride the Z750 on the type of roads you ride on. I found the suspension/chassis total crap apart from on the motorway. Felt like it was trying to break my back as soon as the road had bumps. It's all soft and plush then goes rock hard on the bumps.

That was an '05 model but the reviews I've read suggest the new model is similar.

Pity as the engine is nice and torquey yet still revs pretty well. Would make an awesome commuting fun bike (suspect you'd spend a lot of time on one wheel or the other :2thumbsup)

Aftermarket rear shock is probably all it would need to sort it now that I think about it.

[nallac]

[QUOTE=Gizzit;1732124]Interesting you say that the Hornet has lots of grunt low down, as I was in my local Honda agent today discussing the 900, and he said I would find them quite rev hungry to get them going .... QUOTE]

peak torque's at 6500rpm so its got good down low get up and go
more than enough to get in trouble with mr:Police:

sure is fun bouncing of the rev limiter as well

[zeocen]

Riding the Hornet 900, I found it extremely smooth and not revvy at all? It would take off without any complaint, it's great.

I don't think you would like the Z750, assuming you are buying new, I've heard (non confirmed) that their suspension has been somewhat downgraded and seem a bit hard to turn on corners now. But definitely try it anyway! You might like it.

It sounds like you would really like the ER6N with stock bars.. no I'm not trying to convert you... honest !

[FROSTY]

Ive been lucky enough to ride a fair few mid sized bikes.
In FACTORY setup I'd look at an ER6 for the riding position and OK suspension setup.
If I had the money you're talking about Id concider a VFR800 -fairing and slightly less sporty riding position

[carver]

fuck the zed...
the sv didnt do it for me...
the ER is one of my fav all time bikes, a true "do anything" bike

easy to ride fast too, good on gas, nice torque, and good at wheelstands (thats one thing the SV does better)

[carver]

Interesting you say that the Hornet has lots of grunt low down, as I was in my local Honda agent today discussing the 900, and he said I would find them quite rev hungry to get them going .... ?? Guess it depends what you are used too. And yes I'm sure the Hornet wouldn't be too much of a problem weight wise, and they aren't a particular big bike for a 900.
I'm looking forward to trying one ..... and the ER6 bikes. Maybe a Z750 too !!
Thanks for your input.

oh, i rode the hornet when i owned the ER6

the hornet is shit....compared to the ER
because of...

baggy suspension
weighty feel to it
ponderous handling
its not very quick

[Les]

Thanks for that Les. Yes I like the idea of sitting up rather than having to be bent over the bike as per most sports bikes.
I imagine if the seat is uncomfortable, you can always replace it. McDonalds Motor Trimmers in Tauranga do a really good job.
Well I'm 5'10" (179cm?) so the SV shouldn't be too tall for me. My DR, even lowered is still a little bit on the high side, but no problem as it is light.
Do you get good gas/milage out it ?
Any known issues with the bike ? Anything especially to look out for ?
Thanks.

Yeah I reckon that a replacement seat is the go if you're gonna spend a lot of time on long rides, etc. I'm 5'11" and I find the seat height fine although wouldn't want the seat any wider because on flat ground I still can't get my feet totally flat on the ground. From '04 onwards I think that the seat was narrowed up a bit to fix this.

As far as gas mileage, I've just worked out that its about 18km/l or 52 mpg that I get with general "play" riding and a bit better on a long trip, which I think is not too bad. Mindyou, mine got a lot harder on gas after I fitted an aftermarket can and got it remapped. Goes and sounds better tho..!

The only known issues that I'm aware of is little detail things. I've had mine since new and got bad lower triple-clamp corrosion after a year or so which I thought was shocking since I live in Canterbury. Got it fixed under warranty but they did a shit job and ended up redoing it myself. The swingarm bushes are known to slog out after a bit. Not serious to fix. I'd also make sure that a full top-end service, ie. valve clearance shims, has been done as per the book.

Check out svdownunder.com and have a browse thru the forums to see what other owners are dealing with.

The SV continuously impresses me with how it can handle most types of riding no problem. The most reliable and versatile road bike I've ever had. I've not had anywhere near the issues with it that mates have had with other bikes of the same vintage, etc. Buy one! I've never regretted it.

[StormRider]

I was looking for the exact same thing, and finally got an SV650. It is similar in performance to ER6 but I felt the ER was a bit more upright for me. SV is more crouched and very comfortable to drive. I am very new to biking so i guess can't say much about performance and other things, but it handles very well.
i am only 5' 8" and it feels good and i thoroughly enjoying it so far........

[Bend-it]

.... SV is more crouched and very comfortable to drive. ....

Drive?!?! Drive!??! Go wash your mouth out before coming back to the keyboard!

Pffft drive indeed...

[Gizzit]

I was looking for the exact same thing, and finally got an SV650. It is similar in performance to ER6 but I felt the ER was a bit more upright for me. SV is more crouched and very comfortable to drive. I am very new to biking so i guess can't say much about performance and other things, but it handles very well.
i am only 5' 8" and it feels good and i thoroughly enjoying it so far........

Hi there,
Thanks for your input. I have heard/read that the SV and the ER6 bikes are very similar in performance too. My preference is to ride something that IS more "sit up", rather than leaning forward. Certainly leaning forward putting more weight over the bars adds to more precise control maybe, and more feel, but it probably depends on how aggressive you intend to ride. I want a bike I can ride quickly sometimes when I find some good twisty roads, and cruise more sedately when I feel like it. Both bike are very good. However, I haven't ridden the ER6. I rode an SV the other day, which was quite good, but I'm also looking outside those two bikes before I make any choices.

It's good to get everyone's ideas and views, and I have picked up more information about suitable bikes from listening to other peoples views. More so about the bikes ... that wouldn't suit me, so eliminating bikes that really won't be right for me. That saves time with trying the suitable bikes. But .....
Basically ..... you just have to ride em!
Cheers,

[Gizzit]

After dropping off my DR650SE at the Auckland airport today to it's new owner, I test rode a second hand Hornet 900, an SV650, an ER6F, and a GSXF650.
No contest for me. While all the others were excellent bikes .... the Hornet fitted/suited me best, so I bought a new red one from Cyclespot in Takapuna this afternoon and road it home to Whg on dry roads, and in the sun!
Really nice bike, and I enjoyed the ride.
I'll post a picture shortly.

Thanks for all the input people. :niceone:
Cheers,
Grant.

[discotex]

No contest for me. While all the others were excellent bikes .... the Hornet fitted/suited me best

Funny how that happens eh. I rode all the 600cc sports bikes (plus a few others) and the CBR just fit best.

Love my red Honda and I bet you'll love yours just as much :yes:

[Gizzit]

Funny how that happens eh. I rode all the 600cc sports bikes (plus a few others) and the CBR just fit best.

Love my red Honda and I bet you'll love yours just as much :yes:

Good bikes Honda's. I can see a Rider seat being installed though! I have yet to find a really good stock seat. So, ... I'll be off to McDonald's Motor trimmers in Tauranga again soon to get another bike seat done. Also probably a small screen.
Obviously if you did 600K today, you find the seat on your bike ok. Thats a real nice ride. I've been around that loop a couple of times in the past.