Is it right for me?

[davereid]

I'm not sure about that particular bike, it seems a bit higher in mileage than may be ideal.

But the modern 650's are great bikes. Far from being "transition" or "learner" bikes, they are great all rounders. Lots of low down torque makes them refreshingly easy to ride well, and suprisingly fast if you want to push things a bit.

They lack the last edge of shocks and brakes - IMHO 99% of riders will never use that last edge - so why spend money on it ?

I rode the SV when looking for a new bike. I felt it was a fraction tighter and possibly a bit faster than the ER650F I actually ended up buying.

I couldn't really fault it for real world riding. I found the ER650F a better fit for me, dont discount them either. They are a great bike, and the fairing makes a great all-rounder even better, although there are some fairing vibration issues.

Mine has also proved to be very economical and easy on tyres and chains, very surprising when it flicks off the line like a scalded cat.

But I have never met anyone who thought the SV or ER6 had been a bad purchase. All owners I have spoken to speak highly of both bikes.

[Morcs]

I second PJ on an NC30.

its lower cost, but high quality - unlike the 'cheap' suzukis.

An VFR has a lot of potential, as standard will out handle and outride the SV, except maybe in a straight line.

It inspires confidence and youll be able to get a lot out of it quite quickly - unlike jumping on a gsxr600 which may take you a lot lot longer to get comfortable with its power.

Shit if someone offered me an RVF400 or a new GSXR600 for the same money, id take the RVF!

[sleeqe2000]

Love my SV and would thoroughly recommend them

Mind you I would consider waiting around a while and just see what appears on the market. Personally I think the one in question is overpriced for a 10 year old bike and I've found that with alot of SV's listed on TM when I was looking especially older ones

I wouldn't pay any more than 3000 for that example and that is a fair offer.

[kave]

I'm slightly taller than you Thani-B (5'5"), and I decided against the SV because I wanted a slightly shorter bike. It's not unridably tall for someone of your height, and it is a lot shorter than my previous bike, it's just that I wanted something that I could easily park on a slope without hanging off the bike to get a foot down. You can ride a bike of any height, it's just more effort required when you stop, and more potential for stationary drops if something unexpected happens. Good luck in your search for a new bike.

[FROSTY:Me]

Thani--I don't know you but I looked at your profile picture.
In the picture you really look like you are stretching to the bars on that gixxer600. In my opinion that could prove to be an issue to you at this stage of your riding. Actually I wanna qualify that for you Its not the RIDING I'm concerned about. Its the stop/starting.
I feel you would be better served by a bike with a slightly more upright riding position created by lower seat height and also higher bars.
I spotted this Cagiva Raptor 650 on tard me and feel its probably going to be a good fit as is and also could be easilly adjusted to suit you later if its not quite right.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-239015186.htm

Mechanically its is a 2001 sv650 but it has good suspenders,slightly higher bars and a lower seat height --and it looks so much cooler

I do also agree that a NC30 might be a good bike for you. and dont worry about top speed if you were -the NC30 hussles along well

[Thani-B]

Hmm well Im still not sure. Ive been talked out of getting the blue SV. Mainly because of the kms, and the slight damage to the bike. Hopefully will be seeing MidnightMikes one on Saturday, and everyone on SATNR has been telling me to test ride! lol so I think I might take a trip to Colemans on the weekend as well and see if I can play on their bikes.

[PrincessBandit]

I test rode a SV650 a few months back. At 5'2" as well, I found it to be rather nice. Reasonably narrow and not too heavy, I'd certainly recommend taking one for a ride.

[Thani-B]

I test rode a SV650 a few months back. At 5'2" as well, I found it to be rather nice. Reasonably narrow and not too heavy, I'd certainly recommend taking one for a ride.

Took an SV out today from Colemans. Weather wasnt the greatest, but the ride was still good. Took a bit of getting used to not being able to put both my feet down flat like I can on the GN, and the riding position is completely different, arms got a bit tired. And I got stuck after pulling a u-turn (thanks Raj for pulling me back! lol). But I had fun. Liked the bike. Liked how it was on the road, and would have tried a bit more speed in the twisties if the road wasnt so wet. And definitely loved being able to overtake without the bike sounding like it is going to blow up. I have nothing to compare it to though (out of bigger bikes), so I think I'll head back next Sat and see if I can take the Bandit 650 out, and possibly the Gladius.

Anyone wishing to volunteer their 600/650 for me to have a blat on? So I can make a justified decision, and not just buy the SV because that was what I rode first lol.

On another note, hoping back on the GN to ride home, it felt like I was riding a chair. Very upright lol. And I missed the power that the SV had. hopefully!

[hospitalfood]

i think you should take a 600 ducati monster for a test ride. twins rock my world

[Henk]

I've got a pointy SV650 and love it but the wife, who is about your size, finds that with the steep tank she is pretty much lieing on it. Do the test ride all contenders routine and then decide. When I bought mine I tried the GSXR600/750 SV650/1000s and ended up with the least powerful most budget of the lot. It just seemed the best bike for what I needed, which includes everything from the daily commute to touring and track days. If I could take any one of the three out of the equation I may well have ended up with something else. Decide what you are going to do with it before you eliminate any options. I did have my heart set on a GSXR750 but practicalities determined otherwise. And before someone trots out the "screw practical get the bike that sets your soul on fire" argument, that works fine if it's a sundays only bike but sometimes versatility is more important than outright performance.

[Icemaestro]

whats the fuel economy of an sv650? is there anything that looks just as good but with a middle riding position?like the 08 Er6-n but that looks good from the front?

[boman]

What about trying on a Kawasaki z750 for size. I rode one and found it very short in seat hight. Also as fer as you wanting a Gladius, wait until the Suzukifest at the end of the year. The prices are usually cheaper, and the finance rate is quite favourable too.

[Thani-B]

Took out a Bandit 650 today, and I have to say, I think I enjoyed it more than the SV. I could touch the ground a bit easier, didnt feel as heavy, wasnt putting as much weight on my arms, and it was just so much fun to play with. Cheers to Gwinch for coming out for a ride with me, and for taking Hayley while I was on the Bandit. Am waiting for a sunny Saturday so I can take the Gladius out, and want to try an ER6N as well...

[BigOne]

go for it, you will love the SV650, it's a great learners bike.

[newbould]

Took out a Bandit 650 today, and I have to say, I think I enjoyed it more than the SV. I could touch the ground a bit easier, didnt feel as heavy, wasnt putting as much weight on my arms, and it was just so much fun to play with. Cheers to Gwinch for coming out for a ride with me, and for taking Hayley while I was on the Bandit. Am waiting for a sunny Saturday so I can take the Gladius out, and want to try an ER6N as well...

These less the Bandit are on my shopping list as well. Also 5 ft 2 so choices limited. the Gladius feels good in the shop and so does the ER6N. Neither yet test ridden ands will certainly do this before buying. I took out a BMW F650GS and height wise it was fine - comfort also fine until my head started getting beaten about by wind buffet from the screen - Ok I can change the screen - but then I cruise at low revs and at 3300 to 3500 the whle thing rattlked and so did my teeth. This is normal revs for my commute - 80 k in top and 50 k in 4th so unfortunately she was off the list.

Next a Ducatti Monster 600 as previously recommended. This one was lowered which meant balls of both feet on the ground instead of tippy toes. Loved the sound - who wouldn't. Eyes right everyone as I rode through town! But surely I'm doing something wrong with the throttle as it just chugger chugger chuggers as I pull away from the lights. Slight feather of the throttle helps but then I work it out. this is an Italian blokes bike! Breaks or throttle wide open. Then she rides like a dream. But not my first choice commuter, nor back country cruising.

So Sv 650 or ER6N or if I can find one a Raptor

But definitely I will test ride all before trading in the Scorp. Coz a free ride on a Duc has to be worthwhile. And talking of a free ride I wouldn't moind trying w freewind either.

This is such fun. By the way - how do you Ducati riders manage to keep your licence? or do you just ignor top gear?