V-Twin or the 4 pot ?

[UK250]

Hiya folks,

Could do with some views. I'm within two weeks of getting rid of my L plate (well , I'm "due" on the 24th of Dec but guess I'll have to wait till I can find a test in Jan). After that, being 40 very, very soon, with the "advanced motorist route", I get get something bigger three months and another test later. (Oh, the anticipation)

Have been looking around for a while and have started to settle on the following criteria:

About 600cc (700 would be the limit but I'd prefer not to get there)
Don't fancy a full fairing, half fairing would be good (Just to keep that head wind off - anyone with a naked big must have stronger arms than me !)
There won't ever be a pillion, but a bag rack would be good (Commuting job really but one I enjoy)
Love the look of the cruiser but have heard it's a different riding style so will save that for when I have a few years experience under my belt

I've come down on the following (very close) choices:
Suzuki DL 650K7 V-Storm
Suzuki GSF 650 SK7 Bandit
Suzuki SK 650 SK7

I would really like views on the V-twin versus 4 pot options (obviously the bikes above are all pretty similar). Particularly noting that I'm still a relative beginner !

Many thanks,
Rob

[madandy]

Coming from the little sowellhung any bike around 600cc is gonna rock your socks.
Really it comes down to how fast a bike you want and how comfortable...road only or a bit of gravel exploring once in a while...
SV650 is a great bike for your short list.
Yammy FZ6 is a beaut too.

[UK250]

Madandy,

Thanks for your thoughts. Not one for throwing the bike around (approaching 40 in a few weeks !), all steady stuff with 90% of it will consist of commuting into and out of Welly from the Kapiti Coast (60km each way).

I have to say though that after 5 months to date, every day I like it that bit more. I only wish I had started earlier but can't fix that now.

Cheers,
Rob

[turtleman]

Mate, your best bet is to test as many rides and you can. Being 40+ doesn't really matter - just find what's comfortable for you. Me - I like cruisers - but that's not everyones cup 'o tea.
The 700 cc rating is a good all round space to be in for eonomy etc for a communter/day tripper bike, in my opinion, and not too big a jump from a 250, and still enough for a light tour....

[johnnyflash]

The most important consideration is that you want to ride what you find comfortable, so from that stand point I wouldnt write of cruisers or sporty's because "you heard" something, take one for a spin (plenty around those CC's) yes its a different riding style, its more comfortable, easier on the wrists, arms & back, you sit up not laid out on the tank, you can get full screens or halves.
Before you make your decision ride a cruiser as well as the sporty variety, you might be surprised at your earlier thoughts.

[UK250]

Guys,

All good feedback - really appreciate this. My mind is not set on any specific direction though clearly I have investigate one more than others. One of my attraction (as a relative newbie - one that wants to stay alive (2 kids in tow) and one that knows he still has much to learn) is the higher riding position of the bikes listed over the cruiser style (which I have a soft spot for - middle age crisis some may call it but they are cool !)

I'm certainly in this for the long run, it's not a case of "not this" but "that", more one of "this now", "that later".

I would certainly like to do a number of test rides (once I've got that license ) - what's the deal with sorting that out ? Ask the dealer ? (Having arrived from the UK just 9 months ago that's an alien concept - in the UK they would get their bike back !!! )

Keep um coming - all advice is good !

Cheers,
Rob

[Patch]

be sure to ride the SV 650 - twins are much more user friendly to commute on

[diggydog]

searching for the right bike can be little tiring, you need to ride these for a period of time, its like any thing you buy you discover something could of been better. it comes down to doing a little research and having to what you can afford.

[cowboy]

Most dealers are would be happy to let you take their bikes for test rides so dont be shy.
Ride different styles to see what you fell most comfy with then make your mind up
Most importantly have fun & good luck

[DMNTD:Me]

be sure to ride the SV 650 - twins are much more user friendly to commute on

Agreed but suggest an ER6N instead for rider comfort when commuting as they're more up right than a SV. Don't get me wrong,the SV is a bloody good wee bike but I do reckon that the ER would/could suit better...

[scracha]

Vstrom 650 gets my vote...even if it is a soozooki. Try out a TDM900 if your budget can stretch to it....

[Squiggles]

I'd go V-strom, my old man's looking that route, he doesnt want to go fast, just cruise, commute, all that and none of the hunched over stuff. he looked at an sv for a moment but even though its better than a gsxr, you're still leaning forward!

[James Deuce]

The new 650 Bandit is an absolute peach. Have you seen the fully faired GS650F that has replaced the GSX600 and 750? Absolutely brilliant bike.

[Hellraiser]

V Strom .........

I ride around on one for up to 12 hours a day with out getting a sore arse .......

I have the 650 which is a bit gutless on the open road but great around town and on the motorways, it jumps kirbs well, splits through traffic well and the engine is bullet proof, I've had my DL650 for 2 months now and have run up 12000 k's without a problem.

The only strange thing that i have noticed is that the front tyre is wearing faster than the rear.

[Winston001]

Another vote for the V-Strom 650.

The reason is a mate of mine just bought one. He has been riding bikes for 30 years. Started off with a Kawasaki Z1 900! My mate is a bit anal about stuff - checks and researches everything, has a garage with lots of tools, makes stuff to replace inferior parts, replaces bolts with stainless steel, that sort of guy.

He recently bought a V-Strom 650 saying it was all the bike he needed and the best choice easily in the range. Good for rallies and day trips, dirt and gravel roads, upright position, utterly reliable.

Now....if they just put the name Ducati on a V-Strom I might be convinced.....