Step-up bike from a 250?

**CookMySock** · 1st September 2008, 16:15

Originally Posted by mattian

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.

Originally Posted by mattian

I think its the vast difference in overall power and torque that will be the real eye opener

If 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.

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.

Steve

**slofox** · 1st September 2008, 16:42

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** · 1st September 2008, 16:44

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

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** · 1st September 2008, 17:21

Originally Posted by Tank

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.

Steve

**Tank** · 1st September 2008, 17:38

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

**Solly** · 1st September 2008, 18:54

Originally Posted by Tank

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** · 1st September 2008, 19:28

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** · 2nd September 2008, 12:39

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 6th September 2008, 17:44

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 6th September 2008, 18:03

Originally Posted by 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.....

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.)

**aewilliam** · 15th September 2008, 18:59

Originally Posted by 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

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...

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 16th September 2008, 17:43

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** · 17th September 2008, 07:21

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** · 18th September 2008, 17:02

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

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** · 18th September 2008, 17:13

Originally Posted by 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

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...