600cc V-Twins. Fill me in?

[Anarkist]

Hey all.

Searched but I couldn't find anything helpful.

Can anyone do me a favour and let me know a couple of names of bikes that are around the 600cc mark with V-Twin engine configurations?

Also, as well as naming them can you point out any huge bonuses, or flaws with relation to the different models? (e.g. prone to going bang .etc)

I ride a VTR250 at the moment and am looking to upgrade in a bit. I know of the SV650 and I like the naked look but I'm a bit stuck for alternatives to compare it to as my bike knowledge is relatively slim.

Cheers :woohoo:

[Anarkist]

Eh, found this with a little more searching: http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/sport-twins-1997-3360.html

[98tls]

Ducati do a nice 600.

[davebullet]

I upgraded from a VTR250 to the SV650. The handle bars are a little lower and tank a little wider. Apart from better brakes and more grunt, there isn't much between them (which in my opinion is a good thing). At 164Kg dry it is one of the lighter 600+ cc bikes out there.

Cheers,
David.

[YellowDog]

I upgraded from a VTR250 to the SV650. The handle bars are a little lower and tank a little wider. Apart from better brakes and more grunt, there isn't much between them (which in my opinion is a good thing). At 164Kg dry it is one of the lighter 600+ cc bikes out there.

Cheers,
David.
Agreed, the SV650 would make a good step up from your 250.

Good reliable bike.

Pretty nippy and reasonably priced.

Just a bit too small for me.

[SlashWylde]

Yamaha (http://www.yamaha-motor.co.nz) make a couple of 650cc V-twin cruisers - XVS650 and XVS650A. If a cruiser would interest you...

[Gubb]

What you want is a Hyosung........

[kiwifruit]

what you want is a hyosung........

+ 1

[short-circuit]

What you want is a Hyosung........

I'm telling Mr Whippy on you

[325rocket]

id go for the SV650

[Hitcher]

Aprilia Shiver FTW.

[Choco]

Why doesn't Honda make any 600 twins? :crybaby:

[98tls]

Why doesn't Honda make any 600 twins? :crybaby: VLX600 and Transalp.

[SlashWylde]

Yamaha (http://www.yamaha-motor.co.nz) make a couple of 650cc V-twin cruisers - XVS650 and XVS650A. If a cruiser would interest you...

Having said that, I would actually consider the Kawasaki VN900. I also note that Yamaha have countered Kawasaki's 900cc offering with a 950cc belt-driven fuel injected cruiser which looks pretty tasty.

I stepped up from a 250cc Yamaha Virago to an 800cc Kawasaki Vulcan and had no trouble with the transition. In hind sight, and if I'd had the budget I probably would have gone for an 1100cc Yamaha or a 1200cc Harley.

[Choco]

VLX600 and Transalp.

something sporty please :yes:

[discotex]

ER6n or ER6f (aka Ninja 650r) from Kawasaki have 650cc parallel twins.

Any reason for sticking with twins? There's lots of other fun bikes out there.

KTM 690SM (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports//auction-159704831.htm) or Duke (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-212318529.htm)?

Or how about a Hornet or Bandit?

Or go triple with a Triumph Street Triple (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-203370311.htm).

If you're going second hand then the sky is the limit. Maybe a Buell XB9 (http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz/motorcycles.php?bikeId=578) or a Ducati (http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz/motorcycles.php?bikeId=432).

Better get out there and test ride them all :msn-wink:

[98tls]

What price are you looking to pay?

[Anarkist]

What you want is a Hyosung........

I've heard great things :whistle:

But yeah, it has to be a sports bike. I just couldn't see myself riding anything else, as I've never been one to just 'cruise'. The SV650 sounds good and nice too. I'm a big fan of the look of a naked bike.

The Ducati 696 Monster and stuff look great. I just don't think I could justify the cost as I'm under the impression they're expensive in terms of parts, and finding someone who'll service them properly.

Keeping in mind I've only ever ridden a 250, are the 600 series of bikes powerful enough to lift the front wheel rolling on the throttle, or does that generally just come from your bigger bikes? I got the 250 and adjusted to the power very quickly and am wanting something that's going to push me a little bit and able to give me a bit of a scare every now and then.

[Anarkist]

ER6n or ER6f (aka Ninja 650r) from Kawasaki have 650cc parallel twins.

Any reason for sticking with twins? There's lots of other fun bikes out there.


Just the sound and the feeling really. I've ridden with a few of the bigger Ducati twins and pulled up next to a VTR1000 which sounded absolutely magic. I've heard others but I liken it to the rumble of a V8. Chest thumping, awe inspiring sound is the main thing. I've heard they tend to be torquey as well, which I'm a also a fan of, as opposed to all the power at the top end.


What price are you looking to pay?

10k, with room to sway either side.

[YellowDog]

I've heard great things :whistle:

But yeah, it has to be a sports bike. I just couldn't see myself riding anything else, as I've never been one to just 'cruise'. The SV650 sounds good and nice too. I'm a big fan of the look of a naked bike.

The Ducati 696 Monster and stuff look great. I just don't think I could justify the cost as I'm under the impression they're expensive in terms of parts, and finding someone who'll service them properly.

Keeping in mind I've only ever ridden a 250, are the 600 series of bikes powerful enough to lift the front wheel rolling on the throttle, or does that generally just come from your bigger bikes? I got the 250 and adjusted to the power very quickly and am wanting something that's going to push me a little bit and able to give me a bit of a scare every now and then.
You will find that the bigger engine bikes are smoother and easier to ride slowly. They have more power so they take less effort.

I am riding a Bandit 1250 as a loan whilst my Tiger is being serviced. I am finding it very small and too slow (compared with my Tiger). That's just me. Of course I can easily make it go faster, but I prefer a bike to be more responsive and have a wider power band than the Bandit has. At high revs it is very good indeed.

The SVs are fine and a great starter bike however you will find that you will get used to the 650 very quickly and want a 1000. Best not to start at 1000.

As has already been said, get a shortlist together and then test ride all of them. The looks are important (like with a girlfriend) however your riding comfort and feel (like with a girlfriend) are far more important.

The Bandit was on my shortlist and was a great deal however I found the right bike for me with my Tiger, which may well not be the best bike that I test rode.

BTW - Cruisers look great and you my grow to like them, but they are just not for me. IMO- Too slow, too cumbersome to manouvre, and just too big. My mate has a Boulevard M109. He says the same things I say about my Tiger about what a perfect bike for him it is.

Each to their own, just make sure you find the right one for you.

[YellowDog]

Just the sound and the feeling really. I've ridden with a few of the bigger Ducati twins and pulled up next to a VTR1000 which sounded absolutely magic. I've heard others but I liken it to the rumble of a V8. Chest thumping, awe inspiring sound is the main thing. I've heard they tend to be torquey as well, which I'm a also a fan of, as opposed to all the power at the top end.



10k, with room to sway either side.
You'll get a brand new SV for $10K, but they have a new model I saw today which looks the business. I think it's called a Gladius or something similar?

[Anarkist]

The SVs are fine and a great starter bike however you will find that you will get used to the 650 very quickly and want a 1000. Best not to start at 1000.

As has already been said, get a shortlist together and then test ride all of them. The looks are important (like with a girlfriend) however your riding comfort and feel (like with a girlfriend) are far more important.

The Bandit was on my shortlist and was a great deal however I found the right bike for me with my Tiger, which may well not be the best bike that I test rode.

Each to their own, just make sure you find the right one for you.

Cheers for the advice mate, definitely agree. The main point of this thread was to get together a good idea of what's available to build the short list from.

Just looking at Ducati 999's on Trademe with the full Tergi exhausts... Maybe I should stop looking (read: drooling) :shutup:

[98tls]

You'll get a brand new SV for $10K, but they have a new model I saw today which looks the business. I think it's called a Gladius or something similar? Not to mention the low km ones for bugger all.

[xwhatsit]

KTM 690SM (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports//auction-159704831.htm)
Well that's a thumper of course. Most powerful production single ever. I want!

I know it's bigger than 600cc, but the Yamaha TRX850 is an absolute laugh. It doesn't make tremendous amounts of horsepower (roughly the same as an SV650? Maybe a touch more? The propeller heads around here would know). It's a very usable sort of engine, really fun to play with, although I wish the redline was a grand higher -- it doesn't do much at low RPM and runs into the redline very quickly.

In terms of size, weight etc. it was nothing out of the ordinary for a modern big bike, very manageable by a lightweight such as myself. Attractive to look at, and, most importantly, still fun to punt around twisties despite being a `grown-up bike'.

Of course they're getting on a bit now.

[Anarkist]

Well that's a thumper of course. Most powerful production single ever. I want!

Might be powerful, but I wouldn't be seen dead on it! :sick: Hahaha

[BMWST?]

Well that's a thumper of course. Most powerful production single ever. I want!

I know it's bigger than 600cc, but the Yamaha TRX850 is an absolute laugh. It doesn't make tremendous amounts of horsepower (roughly the same as an SV650? Maybe a touch more? The propeller heads around here would know). It's a very usable sort of engine, really fun to play with, although I wish the redline was a grand higher -- it doesn't do much at low RPM and runs into the redline very quickly.

In terms of size, weight etc. it was nothing out of the ordinary for a modern big bike, very manageable by a lightweight such as myself. Attractive to look at, and, most importantly, still fun to punt around twisties despite being a `grown-up bike'.

Of course they're getting on a bit now.

10 k could get a 900 tdm

[RocKai]

All street ones are Yamaha XJ6, Suzuki Gladius, or better CB1000R. Around 12k new. Wide range of powerband from low to mid. Cheap thrills.

[davebullet]

I got the 250 and adjusted to the power very quickly and am wanting something that's going to push me a little bit and able to give me a bit of a scare every now and then.

With the SV650 - a twist of the wrist is a scare! The problem with all nakeds is wind buffeting at higher speeds - regardless of engine displacement.

If I wanted a 1000+ bike, I think I'd go for one with a fairing and sports position (ie. clip on) bars. to take advantage of its speed.

According to the specs, the SV650 is good for 190 / 200kph - more than enough to scare you (and lose your license).

I chose a twin because I wanted a lazy ride... ie. roll on the throttle and it pulls cleanly, unlike the VTR250 where you have to work the motor.

My bike of choice was the Street Triple. But I couldn't justify double the price tag of what I got the SV for. A 2007 one sold for $6,200 last night on trademe with only 9,000kms on the clock -> bargain.

David.

[Anarkist]

Let's put this on the list.

Anyone know how much they cost? :sweatdrop

[xwhatsit]

Ask the Hitchman.

[Hitcher]

Let's put this on the list.

That's the 2009 SL750 GT, with ABS. It has OEM Metzeler M3s. Not in New Zealand yet, but a nice choice!

[FROSTY]

600/650 twins.
SV650 as noted already Nice engine but let down by cheap suspenders.--new about 10k
Kwakka er6 --My opinion a bit nicer to ride -slightly better factory suspenders-similar power. same sorta money
TRX850 -semi nekkid (small fairing) same sort of HP -older bike so suspenders normally well sorted out. -5-8k
Gladius--newer version of the SV --slightly smaller/lighter aparently same suspension issues if ya start to push matters
Ducati do a 650 twin but based on the old air cooled engine--lovely to ride but down on HP
Cagiva raptor 650 --this is mechanically a SV650 but has be wrapped up in nice suspenders -lower seat height than an sv too.14k
Honda Bros 650 --again older bike but by gosh it slipped under the radar in its day. -good suspenders so handling is really nice 6k

Ive personally ridden all of these bikes on road or track except the gladius.
Me Id probably buy a SV thats had a few bucks thrown at it in the suspension area -only because being common means parts are readilly available.
EDIT- SORRY I left off the hyusung 650 which comes both faired and unfaired.-Rode a faired one basicly brand new and must say not impressed by the brakes or suspension. Might have just been that particular bike

[popelli]

wife has a 600 monster

brilliant little bike and a lot of fun to ride

fantastic handling and more than adecuate power

reliability wise it is far better than any jap bike I have ever owned

obvious alternative to this is a SV suzuki that can be summed up with one word - bland

I was so impressed by shona's monster I went and bought a 900ss

[slofox]

If you want a sports bike, I would think that counts the Gladius out. Very upright seat compared to the SVS (which is what I have). The SVS has the half fairing and clip ons so you are tilted more forward than on the nekkid SV or the Gladius.
Suspension issues with the SV are mostly related to the forks which I fixed for $1000ish but then I got it done at the shop and paid full price. The biggest improvement I made was to put on decent tyres (Pilot Road 2's). Oh and I put an audible horn on it as well but that's just my wish.
Engine and frame wise I cannot fault it. One year and 18,000k's later it has not gone bang at all...just ROAR mostly...

[rocketman1]

Buy a Suzuki SV650 all the power you need, reliability, handling and fuel consumption...No need to look any further.

[Hiflyer]

if you get a 1000 and dont ride like This guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtZNF7AhFno) then you'll be fine, i know a guy who went from a 250 to a brand new Gixxer thou and hasn't crashed cos hes sensible, lost his licence tho, but knows his riding limits.

I think that if you dont ride like a psyco to start with then with a pinch of luck you will be fine.

so yea maybe an SV1000? they sound way better than the 650 as well in my opinion

[davebullet]

Let's put this on the list.

Anyone know how much they cost? :sweatdrop

Or go for a Shiver. A while ago they were approx $15k - $16k new - but I'd be surprised if you could still get one at that price now.
New model so not many if any second hand (not many.... if any... sorry - couldn't resist).

Nice bike though. Never ridden one of course, but I think fully adjustable suspension, 4 pot brakes, 750 vtwin. They have quite wide handlebars. Suit a larger rider better IMHO compared to the SV650.

[KX500]

Agree with Highflyer, mate brought brand new 600 gixser, wished had got the 1000 a month later, and he went from a cbr400r :)

[Choco]

600/650 twins.
SV650 as noted already Nice engine but let down by cheap suspenders.--new about 10k
Kwakka er6 --My opinion a bit nicer to ride -slightly better factory suspenders-similar power. same sorta money
TRX850 -semi nekkid (small fairing) same sort of HP -older bike so suspenders normally well sorted out. -5-8k
Gladius--newer version of the SV --slightly smaller/lighter aparently same suspension issues if ya start to push matters
Ducati do a 650 twin but based on the old air cooled engine--lovely to ride but down on HP
Cagiva raptor 650 --this is mechanically a SV650 but has be wrapped up in nice suspenders -lower seat height than an sv too.14k
Honda Bros 650 --again older bike but by gosh it slipped under the radar in its day. -good suspenders so handling is really nice 6k

Ive personally ridden all of these bikes on road or track except the gladius.
Me Id probably buy a SV thats had a few bucks thrown at it in the suspension area -only because being common means parts are readilly available.

Thanks Frosty!
I'm in the same sorta position as this dude, but still waiting on my full to test ride everything i can get my hands on! only 12 days till my full test!!!:banana:

[CookMySock]

I've heard great things :whistle:Don't give up on them too quickly. They really only need the rear shock sorted and they ride quite well. It's a 3-4 year old bike in new condition, plenty of go, cheap to run, crash, and rebuild, and they look good.


I got the 250 and adjusted to the power very quickly and am wanting something that's going to push me a little bit and able to give me a bit of a scare every now and then.Stop reading here if you don't want advice. Scare? That is the wrong way to think. They won't give you a scare in a straight line at all - its just exhilaration, not fear. Even at 190km/hr there is little or no fear - its just good fun.

If you DO get a fright at speed in a corner, you are going straight to hell.

a. You are going much quicker than you are used to ;

b. You will almost certainly brain-lock and refuse to the lean the bike further or stand it upright ;

c. Everything happens in the blink of an eye ;

d. You die.

Basically, you slow right down and start again from scratch. Don't try to corner it hard for some weeks.

Be careful out there.

Steve

[Bend-it]

And of course a Cagiva Raptor!

SV motor with uprated styling, brakes, suspension and of course, the flair!

Bellissimo!

[Winston001]

Well I'm going to surprise everyone and suggest a..............Ducati :2thumbsup

It depends upon what fits you best at this point in your life. Any modern 650 is the equivalent of a 1000 from the 1980s plus is lighter, more reliable etc etc. So you are spoilt for choice.

Don't be put off by the myth about Ducati reliability and being expensive to service. It isn't true. I'm way past the days of doing my own servicing and wouldn't own a Ducati if reliability was an issue.

Couple of thoughts: any bike you buy will eventually become hum drum, and you'll start to lust after bigger and newer bikes. It's just part of the motorcycle addiction. :D So an SV650 won't be your last bike, or the wrong choice, its just a step along the way. And a very good one.

Do you see yourself eventually getting an Aprilia, Buell, Ducati, SuperDuke etc? If so, plan it for say 3 years time and enjoy a 600 now.

If instead you'd like something different right now, I'd suggest a late model Ducati 750SS. These are not superbikes (which tend to be multi-valved, water-cooled, complex machines) but are easy to service, classic, hold their value, and stand out from the crowd.

If you want a motorcycle which you'll not only enjoy riding but also owning, consider a 750SS.....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-213613015.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-208130260.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-209363304.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-212920836.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-212528156.htm

and this looks like a good deal and an indication that some of the above asking prices are optimistic - buyers market at the moment

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-211853093.htm

[kevfromcoro]

Have a look at a v-strom

Best bike for your buck

[Aa7]

<snip>i know a guy who went from a 250 to a brand new Gixxer thou and hasn't crashed cos hes sensible, lost his licence tho, <snip>

:oi-grr: what a complete knob-jockey!!!!!!!!! how is losing your license in any way being sensible!!!! oh that's right, he hasn't crashed it so he must be a sensible idiot..... grow up before you ride a big boys bike please :girlfight:

back to the 600s and the OP, get the bike that YOU like best and suits YOU not what every cool kid is riding. Take them all out and find YOUR bike not someone elses dream machine.

My 2P, go the Cagiva maybe as its basically an SV with better brakes and suspension or spend the cash to upgrade an SV as it will be more common for any parts you may require. If you do want to jump to a thou rather than a 600, go for a TL-R mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Hiflyer]

Haha well your a wanker aren't you?

Maybe if you take into account the fact that he hasnt got any other speeding fines then that would be better for your widdle bwain. (Or do you need smilies and other assortment of pictures to help you understand?)

am i not a sensible rider cos i got a ticket for doing 65 in a 50 when i was in a hurry?

[Aa7]

he hasnt got any other speeding fines and he loses his license... basically he must have been riding a heck of a lot faster than the posted speed limit to accomplish the loss and that is in no way being sensible on the road. you are also a complete knob-jockey because you cant see the fact your mate is a fuckwit and should keep speeds like that to the track or away from coppers at least... dont upgrade your almighty sports commuter just yet please

so sensible your mate lost his license but your right he still hasnt crashed yet.... crashing is so cool!! fool!! at least it keeps me and other road users safe from him for another six months or so because of the loss so actually i say to him, nice work and enjoy polishing rather than riding your new bike...

and it's good to see your widdle bwain as you like to call it was able to add some useful and well thought out comments about the topic of the post... 600cc Vees... oh that's right, you thought that gixxers are cooler so lets talk about those instead and my mates leet skills at license losing. later knob-jockey

[Anarkist]

Take your arguing out of my thread niggers.

Thanks for all the suggestions and stuff guys. I've got some great info from this thread about what's out there and available in the market.

Looking forward to making the upgrade after I've been able to test ride a couple. Am digging the Suzuki SV650/1000 :2thumbsup

[Hiflyer]

he hasnt got any other speeding fines and he loses his license... basically he must have been riding a heck of a lot faster than the posted speed limit to accomplish the loss and that is in no way being sensible on the road. you are also a complete knob-jockey because you cant see the fact your mate is a fuckwit and should keep speeds like that to the track or away from coppers at least... dont upgrade your almighty sports commuter just yet please

so sensible your mate lost his license but your right he still hasnt crashed yet.... crashing is so cool!! fool!! at least it keeps me and other road users safe from him for another six months or so because of the loss so actually i say to him, nice work and enjoy polishing rather than riding your new bike...

and it's good to see your widdle bwain as you like to call it was able to add some useful and well thought out comments about the topic of the post... 600cc Vees... oh that's right, you thought that gixxers are cooler so lets talk about those instead and my mates leet skills at license losing. later knob-jockey


na my point was that you can still ride a fast bike without causing injury to yourself. you seem to be easy to wind up, i like you :niceone:

[Hiflyer]

and sorry anhrax, didnt mean to hijack the thread, i was just trying to say 1000's can be ridden safely with little experience

[discotex]

and sorry anhrax, didnt mean to hijack the thread, i was just trying to say 1000's can be ridden safely with little experience

And a random member of the public could land a 747 if the pilots were dead. Doesn't make it a common occurrence.



On ya Anarkist. Nothing like test riding a few to get an idea. SV's are great bikes.

[McJim]

I have a Ducati 600ss. people take the piss out of me coz it doesn't pump out a million horsepower but it's enough for me and sounds waaaaay better than any SV650, ER6 or Cagiva 650 I've ever heard.

Advantages are it is a simple understressed engine so it's very reliable so long as you change the oil & filters when required, check the tappets every 10,000km and replace the belts every 20,000km. Parts are cheaper than for the VTR250 as I found out.

Ducatis are not as expensive to run as people think nor are they as temperamental.

Look at my albums and profule pics to see what I'm talking about.

Alternatively if I was going for naked and the choice was a SV650 or a Monster 696 you will get no points for guessing the suzuki would get ditched.