WHich Bike .... Help needed

[touch107fm]

Hi guys

Just a quick question, My friend just passed his bike test and is looking to get a bike.
Apart from the sv 650 what other bikes are in the sv range. He is looking for a small bike which the cc range of the sv 650
Thanks

[Geoffrey]

The SV's biggest competion comes from; Suzuki Bandit 650, Kawaski ER-6, Yamaha FZ6, Honda CBF600 or the Honda CB600F Hornet.

[Ch00]

Or if your a bit taller you can get the DL650 with the same SV engine just in an adventure style !!!

Ch00

[nwmotors]

Kawasaki zx6R

[ThEGr33k]

Kawasaki zx6R



Erm... Not really a good example of a first bike imo. :rolleyes:

[philbut]

RIDE did an article this month about good bikes for people who have just passed their DAS. They reviwed a new SVs, a '98 ZX6R and an RVF400. Strangly the SV didn't do very well, down to its snatchy throttle response (I have a curvy so no idea babout the injected bikes). The ZX6 was meant to be the best, with the 400 loosing marks for being a bit overpriced. i'd have said the SV would be a much better choice for a beginner TBH but there we go.

Maybe an older ZX6 would be OK as they are not a hardcore as the new crop 600s. the 98/99 are meant to be a very good alrounder.

[nwmotors]

What style of bike is he looking for? sports bike? touring bike?

[ThEGr33k]

RIDE did an article this month about good bikes for people who have just passed their DAS. They reviwed a new SVs, a '98 ZX6R and an RVF400. Strangly the SV didn't do very well, down to its snatchy throttle response (I have a curvy so no idea babout the injected bikes). The ZX6 was meant to be the best, with the 400 loosing marks for being a bit overpriced. i'd have said the SV would be a much better choice for a beginner TBH but there we go.

Maybe an older ZX6 would be OK as they are not a hardcore as the new crop 600s. the 98/99 are meant to be a very good alrounder.


Aye, they are probably only putting 90ish BHP to the floor as well, so might not be too extreme there either. I think the thing that went against the SV is people didnt know how to ride the thing, im pretty sure they said something like that as well. :rolleyes:

[chakraist]

Yes, and at the end of the test there was a bit saying that the 'testers' were a bit harsh on the SV and that it's a great bike.

[touch107fm]

Hey Thanks for all your reply's.
He a small guy about 5'8 and he is looking to for a sporty looking bike,
He said he is looking to spend around 2400, I am driving a r6 at the moment while i am fixing my sv, The r6 is so much faster than the sv but i feel safer on the sv.
I pass on the recommended bike to him.

[Alpinestarhero]

The SV can be a little snatchy, but balance the carbs / synch the throttle bodies (which way round does that go?!?!) and keep the chain well lubed...oh, and use the engine hard, and it is really very smooth. I converesed with my dad the other day about how using an engine (I mean varying the revs, not just plodding along) ends up for a smoother throttle response.

But granted, I have found the throttle snatchy, sometimes this makes it unsettling mid-corner. I have read that V-twins are prone to such a trait though.

Never the less, the SV was my first bike (before I had a scooter!) and it has been so far an excellent school to learn all about the craft of riding a bike from.

[philbut]

the ZZR600 is similar to the ZX6 but a bit more relaxed (heavy) but it is popular with shorter riders cos it has a low seat. not very cool but still a competent bike.

[ThEGr33k]

You are right Hero. The SV has a reasonably simple FI system, hence the on/off'ness of it. It isnt so bad though to be honest, I never had any major issues with it, you just have to get used to the throttle on it, be gentle when getting on the power, no hand fulls.

The reason V2's seem to have snatchy throttle issues more than others is mostly down to the throttle bodies not being sync'd right as you say. Sort these out and its not snatchy at all. Also when you get the revs up a bit its a lot smoother. :)

[philbut]

You do notice coming from an IL4 back to a twin that the throttle response is a bit less refined. i hopped on my SV today for the first time in months and it took a while for me to get into it again - mainly due to the throttle being a bit more snatchy than my ZZR. but you doin't need more than a few minutes to get it right and it certainly shouldn't put off new riders - everything else about the ride is so forgiving.

[thedonal]

As per Alpinestars, I only really find it snatchy at the bottom of the revs- so if you use clutch smoothly in 1st and generally keep it above 3000rpm, it's not such an issue. I normally corner at around 6-8k revs, which is easier all round.

I considered a ZZR600 for a first bike- several people advised that despite their weight, they're still very fast machines and probably would not be appropriate. I got the SV and haven't regretted it once.

[philbut]

As per Alpinestars, I only really find it snatchy at the bottom of the revs- so if you use clutch smoothly in 1st and generally keep it above 3000rpm, it's not such an issue. I normally corner at around 6-8k revs, which is easier all round.

I considered a ZZR600 for a first bike- several people advised that despite their weight, they're still very fast machines and probably would not be appropriate. I got the SV and haven't regretted it once.

+1 - I love the SV, and its far more fun than the ZZR. the Z may be quicker in a streight line but round the bends the SV is so much more flickable and responsive. i've just sold mine actually and today will be my last chance to ride her :(:(:(