Which should I buy?

[Usarka]

i've a mate who downgraded from a busa to a sv650 and absomuthafookinshitballlicking loved it.

[samgab]

I was in a similar position. As i recently went from an rg150 to a new SV650s. I liked how when I test rode it, it felt similar to the rg but way better. I felt comfortable straight away. I wanted a faired bike and the ER6f just seemed too much like a naked bike with it's upright seating and no clipons I still think the ERs are cool bikes though. For me the new GSXf is just too heavy for commuting. I wouldn't concern myself with power output figures as all the bikes you are looking at will seem like warp9 compared to the fxr.

I use mine mostly for commuting. I have also been on some long trips and I start feeling like I need a rest stop at around 250Ks depending on how straight the road is (the straighter the road the lower the comfort level). I get about 24Km/l and get over 300Km between fuel stops.

Three posts showin' love for the SV in a row! That's very interesting...
Another other interesting thing about the SV is that with Suzuki fest at the moment, Suzuki is throwing in a full fairing, rather than jus the usual slip fairing.

Correction edit: On the global Suzuki website they show the Bandit 650 has been updated this year with new headlights and I'm not sure what else different.

I like the idea of fuel economy, and I guess being lighter will help with that, as well as being more manoeverable too... I'll put the SV back on my test ride short list.
I actually had in mind a 400cc bike as a better step up from a 150cc, but there are no good 400cc road bikes anymore
gone are the days of the CBR400RR Fireblade, the VFR400, and the GSX-R400, and even the Impulse GSX400...
Maybe I should get an older, smaller bike like a CBR400RR as an interim step before the new 650cc?? I do like the idea of buying new; having a 24 month warranty, not having to worry about whether it's been maintained or broken in properly, etc...
Someone's selling a sick 1998 CBR400RR on trademe ATM for only about 4500. And even though they're old, I still reckon they look cool. Or hot. Whatever.

[samgab]

Good thread Sam, - I like your chart too, - thats the sort of thing I'd do. I've bought a demonstrator in the past and saved some $1000's, and picked up extras with the deal, something to consider with todays engineering. Also, haggle hard Mate, they will want every sale at the mo - and even later in the piece

That's a pretty good idea, an ex demo if one comes up at the right time. It's a pity I can't go out and get one ATM, cos they have interest free loans on the GSX650F. Maybe there will be another deal going closer to the time. Maybe the SV will be cheaper still when the new Gladius comes out...
and from what I hear, the Gladius is heavier than the SV... Although it looks nicer, IMHO.