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

[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

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/x...7/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/x...7/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!

[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.