View Full Version : SV 650Sport or GSX 650F ?
Hi Folks
I'd like some advice if you dont mind!!
Abit of background first!! I've owned from new a Kawasaki er6F 06 reg done 25k on it and its been unrestricted for a year now. Alas due to it being my first bike (crashed it once) and vandals trashing it, its getting too costly too repair :(! Its missing a left mirror and long story short its either lay down 600 quid for a repair or part ex it for a new 09 reg SV650 Sport (the full faired version) or a GSX 650F.
Reason its one of those is i'll get 1grand for the part ex (its really beat up :() and the rest is 0APR finance from Suzuki. I was hoping for a bigger engine but atm its all i can afford and my bike is my only transport so i need it! Plus they are group 9 / 10 respectively for insurance so that keeps things low.
My main question really is which would be more fun compared to my kawasaki er6f? I'm looking for abit more power which i think is the GSX605F but the SV650 is alot more "sporty" which is what i wanted from a new bike IF I'd have got it when I had planned to upgrade. If it helps it will be used for some communting when i cant get a lift and sunday fun / touring europe for the first time (my folks have a home in fance!!).
Honest Opinions welcome :D
the gsxf is the more practical in my opinion and it's a jack of all trades so happy commuting touring and a bit of scratching but the sv is just plain fun which is why i got one so i guess you'll just have to try them both out and see which one you get on with the most.
Personally I'd go for the SV.
I came back to an SV after having a K7 GSXR750. They are fun and commutable.
The V-twins have a certain something that other configurations lack.
Jamiebridges123
23-05-09, 10:57 PM
Test ride both for half a day and decide then.
I'll try and test em but i dont think the garage has em on test :(.
My concern with the SV is that it may not be suited to touring (something i've always wanted to do). I know the tank on the GSXF is bigger and petrol is always a concern on tour i'm told. How does the SV handle the petrol/luggage, n general touring requirements?
Jamiebridges123
23-05-09, 11:19 PM
Gently my SV will get 180 miles till the light. Ragged it a bit and still the light wasn't on after 130 miles today..
jamesterror
23-05-09, 11:48 PM
I got 84 miles out of a fiver (97.9p/litre), at 65 the fuel light came on so didn't want to risk the chance of having to push the bike.
Just one other thing before i go to bed! (Damn insomnia)
How much of a change is it from a upright ER6F handlebars to the SV style handle bars?? How easy is it to adapt to that different riding style (more sporty).
If it helps i'm 26 so still fairly flexible!
Jamiebridges123
24-05-09, 01:18 AM
Not hard at all.. went from a Z750 to SV without issue..
The SVS is a much more sporting riding position, more prone riding position than the more nuetral position of the GSX, better when making progress but more uncomfortable on the shoulders and arms at lower speeds and around town. The GSX is a far more rounded bike and should make a better tourer, more comfortable over longer journeys and more relaxed with it. The SV being lighter is arguably more involving on the open roads though.
A chap 3 doors down from me has a GSXF, he looked at the ER6Fs and the SV at the time.
I would still go for the SV though as when I tried a GSXF I thought it was souless and boring to ride.
Tiger 55
24-05-09, 09:09 AM
My main question really is which would be more fun...it will be used for some commuting...and sunday fun / touring europe.
More fun - SV
Commuting - GSX
Sunday fun - SV
Touring europe - GSX
HTH :)
The SVS is a much more sporting riding position, more prone riding position than the more nuetral position of the GSX, better when making progress but more uncomfortable on the shoulders and arms at lower speeds and around town. The GSX is a far more rounded bike and should make a better tourer, more comfortable over longer journeys and more relaxed with it. The SV being lighter is arguably more involving on the open roads though.
A chap 3 doors down from me has a GSXF, he looked at the ER6Fs and the SV at the time.
I would still go for the SV though as when I tried a GSXF I thought it was souless and boring to ride.
You see this is the thing, my er6f is an awesome starter bike. It behaves nicely and unless your stupid (like i was trying to get my knee down in damp conditions) it wont spit you out onto the tarmac.
However now its abit well boring, i'm looking for something with abit of something different. I was thinking of a Z750 but thats not an option as i'm upgrading because I have to. So my only choices are the ones I listed, the appeal of the sv650 sport is its different more sporty and abit faster/more poke than a ER6-F(i think)+ (i'm hoping this is true of the GSX6F too compared to a ER6-F). After ****ed chavs trashed my er6f i've dropped out of the biking for fun only using it for work.
I'm hoping a new bike and something with abit of fun to it will make me want to tour europe again and get out on the sundays and upto the lakes!!!
Tiger 55
24-05-09, 09:34 AM
a bit well boring...i'm looking for something a bit different.
bit boring - GSX
bit different - SV
had both bikes....as its been said the gsxf is more suited to touring/commuting...isnt so good in bends(wallowy)..and u will be forever playing on the gearbox..up and down, whereas the sv will pull in any gear'..much more fun in the corners( mine handles on rails)..as for getting used to the sv's position, im nearly 42 and manage fine...so id defo say sv'..but it all boils down to what U LIKE
More fun - SV
Commuting - GSX
Sunday fun - SV
Touring europe - GSX
HTH :)
Lol yea welcome to my choice :D, its looking like the SV is more fun though.
I've been checking the stats and the GSX650F has 86 BHP and the SV 70 BHP, now i'm no mechanic but isnt that showing the GSX650F is more powerful? Other stats wise they seem similar bigger tank on the GSX but the SV seems to get a nice mileage from a tank neway (so no problem touring it) official seat height for the SV is 3cm higher than the GSX. Which shouldnt be an issue as i'm approx 5.8 / 5.9 and i can firmly plant both feet on the floor with my ER6F.
Only other big difference I notice is the engines. Which one of these 2 has more grunt/reponse?
Argh i hate choices sometimes.
PS :safe: not seen that on a forum before!
Alpinestarhero
24-05-09, 09:56 AM
SV 650. he GSX may at first apear more practicle, but the SV is easily made practicle too. Just add one topbox, some heated grips, handgaurds and a taller screen. Right there you have a bike that'll do everything, all year round, and it'll do it in a more fun manner. &) bhp against 86 bhp is much of a muchness really - personaly, I find the 70 bhp of an SV lump is more fun than the 86 bhp of a GSX lump
and dont forget the sound of a V-twin, oh yea, thats good stuff
I commute into London on my SV, used bandits for the journey previously and I can state categorically that the SV manages just as well, and for me is more fun when I get into the roads thru Epping Forest (I don't bother with the M11 much, motorways ain't fun on any bike for me)!
I put a topbox on my SV because I have a back condition that makes rucksacks painful, but the riding position on the SV doesn't aggravate my spine at all.
Another thing that weighs in the SVs favour is that it's so much lighter, a GSX650 is probably going to be around 60 pounds heavier
I commute into London on my SV, used bandits for the journey previously and I can state categorically that the SV manages just as well, and for me is more fun when I get into the roads thru Epping Forest (I don't bother with the M11 much, motorways ain't fun on any bike for me)!
I put a topbox on my SV because I have a back condition that makes rucksacks painful, but the riding position on the SV doesn't aggravate my spine at all.
Another thing that weighs in the SVs favour is that it's so much lighter, a GSX650 is probably going to be around 60 pounds heavier
Thats another tick for the SV since my er6 is lightweight (my m8 who owns a bandit 650 couldnt believe how light it was), it would make the transition to a new bike easier.
Thanks for all the opinions so far :D
Tiger 55
24-05-09, 10:51 AM
more grunt/reponse
SV
Just had a quick look, SV quoted at 169kg, GSX at 216kg, so there's more of a weight difference than I thought.
timwilky
24-05-09, 11:00 AM
forget them and go for a GSXR 750. It is the best put together package, a totally practical bike for the commute, weekend blast or track day and would be wanting it as soon as you had either an SV or GSX 650 for 6 months
forget them and go for a GSXR 750. It is the best put together package, a totally practical bike for the commute, weekend blast or track day and would be wanting it as soon as you had either an SV or GSX 650 for 6 months
Money is the problem :( its on a 0APR deal from suzuki but its almost 100quid more pcm. Then theres the fact it jumps up the insurance ratings meaning for myself with 3 points for speeding on my license its going to get even worse.
I will admit i've heard the GSXR 750's are awesome bikes but I cant afford that at this stage in life maybe when i'm 30 ish lol :P. Plus i'm not a massive speed freak and something with just abit of zip for when i'm feeling in the mood is fine rather than a beast of a bike which is what the GSXR is!
Alpinestarhero
24-05-09, 11:14 AM
I would love a GSXR750, its (IMO) the ultimate do-all bike.
My insurance company thinks otherwise for a 23 year old :smt097
GSXR 750 would blow both away, but the title of the thread sort of narrowed the field down :D
Dave20046
24-05-09, 01:10 PM
Just one other thing before i go to bed! (Damn insomnia)
How much of a change is it from a upright ER6F handlebars to the SV style handle bars?? How easy is it to adapt to that different riding style (more sporty).
If it helps i'm 26 so still fairly flexible!
the gsxf handles like a naked sv very comfy.
yorkie_chris
24-05-09, 01:49 PM
You have a working bike? Why do you want to get another bike that is same idea on finance?
Start at the beginning before you go signing your life away, what is wrong with your ER6?
You have a working bike? Why do you want to get another bike that is same idea on finance?
Start at the beginning before you go signing your life away, what is wrong with your ER6?
Its knackered and not reliable its also costing me a fortune to repair atm. I recently had some work done which was approx 400quid it now needs the front suspension forks replacing (there pitted) and it also needs the seals on the front brakes replacing. Add to that its got to be MOT'ed (not expensive i know) but there may be other bits to do. Garage quoted me 600quid to do it on a bike thats worth 1grand to trade max. The bike itself is knackered and not suprised as its had afew knocks, had some morons kick it off the stand and drop it (so missing front left mirror). To be fair since said morons trashed it I've not maintained it as I should have so i only have myself to blame abit. Normally I'd wait for a proper upgrade but although i dont use it to communte to work much now i do need it now and then for when my mate cant give me a lift. (Plus of course the riding for pleasure, which atm i aint doing cos its trashed :( )
I can see what your saying but imho it breaks down like this;
+ New bike in perfect condition
+ Different make model and style
+ No stupid repair costs to worry about (its only done maybe 800-1k miles since last service :( )
- Its on finance
As you can see its more pluses that minuses.
yorkie_chris
24-05-09, 02:25 PM
So bodge it up and run it into the ground?
Alpinestarhero
24-05-09, 02:29 PM
If you feel you want a new bike, then go for a new bike :) someone else might look at your bike and go "hmm, i'll have that sorted in a weekend" but thats someone else.
Do keep in mind that the build quality of SV's isnt great either, and the newer they are the worse it would appear to be (judging by my own observations and reports on this forum). If you get an SV, keep it clean, keep it coated with ACF50 (its the best stuff apparently), keep ontop of any problems and keep it well maintained and serviced (that includes yer final drive chain and oiling bits like the gear shift lever, clutch cable etc etc!!). Do this, and you'll have many happy happy, trouble-free miles :D a dab of oil here and there goes a long way :cool:
I'm an IT guy i dont know one end of a spanner from another (ok maybe i aint that bad). But the work is beyond me to do plus i wouldnt feel safe without a pro doing the work (and i trust my garage).
I could what leave it another 3 months max until its MOT but its leaking fluid from the right front fork and that worries me.
Waiting 3 months would not save me the cash i needed to get another bike. Plus I dont want to upgrade to a super sports anyway (insurance + crazy bhp!). My ideal upgrade would have been a bigger engine mebbe something like the Z750 but thats not possible without a finance deal anyway which kawasaki aint offering.
I know its not a massive upgrade from what I have but its a nice option to get out of my sticky situation.
If you feel you want a new bike, then go for a new bike :) someone else might look at your bike and go "hmm, i'll have that sorted in a weekend" but thats someone else.
Do keep in mind that the build quality of SV's isnt great either, and the newer they are the worse it would appear to be (judging by my own observations and reports on this forum). If you get an SV, keep it clean, keep it coated with ACF50 (its the best stuff apparently), keep ontop of any problems and keep it well maintained and serviced (that includes yer final drive chain and oiling bits like the gear shift lever, clutch cable etc etc!!). Do this, and you'll have many happy happy, trouble-free miles :D a dab of oil here and there goes a long way :cool:
I think build quality on all "budget" bikes isnt that great.
Upkeep and cleaning etc isnt an issue and my ER6 was always taken into the garage regularly for checkups. Like i said i let it slide when it got damaged (like most people when they get a sratch on thier *insert item name*). Plus i was a noob with my ER6 and it was my first bike.
I've got a nother shot with a new one and i indeed to do a lot more :D.
BTW I've got some Duck Oil from the garage (http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/SWASDO5L.html) I was intending to use this to clean out the gunk and keep it rust proofed. would anyone recommend this my m8 swears by it.
yorkie_chris
24-05-09, 02:42 PM
I'd say more debt is making the situation worse but there ya go.
Wherabouts are you?
Though back to the topic;
I'd have the SV, riding position on the S is fine, it's not a supersport riding position at all. Engine has more character than the GSXF.
If I was going to get a GSXF I'd have the GSX750F, they're absolutely cheap as chips and the extra cc makes up for the low state of tune. They make a lovely tourer. And being an old, boring bike the insurance is next to nothing. And when you get bored an 1100 engine fits... I would be surprised if you couldn't find one for £600.
I'd say more debt is making the situation worse but there ya go.
Wherabouts are you?
Though back to the topic;
I'd have the SV, riding position on the S is fine, it's not a supersport riding position at all. Engine has more character than the GSXF.
If I was going to get a GSXF I'd have the GSX750F, they're absolutely cheap as chips and the extra cc makes up for the low state of tune. They make a lovely tourer. And being an old, boring bike the insurance is next to nothing. And when you get bored an 1100 engine fits... I would be surprised if you couldn't find one for £600.
The current ER6 is mine theres no finance on it, I paid for it upfront :). The SV would be bought on 0%APR over 3years (approx 130pcm) so thats a good offer imho. Plus it'd be brand new so 2yr warranty from Suzuki.
I have nothing on finance and traditionally i'm against it but some things I just cant afford to laid down straight cash for :(. And the 130pcm i can afford comfortably without losing too much (tho i cant get a sky subscription now lol).
timwilky
24-05-09, 06:45 PM
I'm an IT guy i dont know one end of a spanner from another (ok maybe i aint that bad). But the work is beyond me to do plus i wouldnt feel safe without a pro doing the work (and i trust my garage).
I could what leave it another 3 months max until its MOT but its leaking fluid from the right front fork and that worries me.
Waiting 3 months would not save me the cash i needed to get another bike. Plus I dont want to upgrade to a super sports anyway (insurance + crazy bhp!). My ideal upgrade would have been a bigger engine mebbe something like the Z750 but thats not possible without a finance deal anyway which kawasaki aint offering.
I know its not a massive upgrade from what I have but its a nice option to get out of my sticky situation.
Please don't tar us IT guys with your ineptitude, I have built steam engines, classic car engines, tank, truck,& train engines, steam and gas turbines etc. Oh bike engines as well, plus chassis/bodies for the above.
Not bad for a Java/c/linux type. with a large collection of spanners, sockets, micrometers and hammers
Please don't tar us IT guys with your ineptitude, I have built steam engines, classic car engines, tank, truck,& train engines, steam and gas turbines etc. Oh bike engines as well, plus chassis/bodies for the above.
Not bad for a Java/c/linux type. with a large collection of spanners, sockets, micrometers and hammers
Chill :P
I only ment i'm an IT guy with no history of fiddling with bike engines / parts, didnt mean it to sound like all IT guys dont know how to fix otherstuff.
Plus theres no one with a history of fiddling with mechanics in my family so i couldnt learn it that way.
I've gone the opposite way and recently traded in my sv650s for a Kwak ER6f. Loved my sv [fully faired], but the riding position gave me a sore neck on long journeys.
Go for the sv. Amazing, responsive, great engine braking, more smiles than the er6f!
Feel I've downgraded to a 'beginners bike'!
You live and learn:smt041
I've gone the opposite way and recently traded in my sv650s for a Kwak ER6f. Loved my sv [fully faired], but the riding position gave me a sore neck on long journeys.
Go for the sv. Amazing, responsive, great engine braking, more smiles than the er6f!
Feel I've downgraded to a 'beginners bike'!
You live and learn:smt041
I think that comment sealed the deal, i'll be off to the garage in the morning.
:drink:
fatneck
25-05-09, 01:35 PM
Test ride 'em both! Its the only way you'll know. Or better yet, streetfighter the ER-6, keep it going for a bit longer and then buy the bike you really want!
urbane1
25-05-09, 03:31 PM
My 2008 SV650S is my first bike at a geriatric 49, and I find it really comfortable, even on long rides, but then I have cycled on road bikes since I was 11 so I found the riding position very similar to that.
As for the engine and response I dont think you could ask for more an engine of that size.
Professor
25-05-09, 04:00 PM
My 2008 SV650S is my first bike at a geriatric 49, and I find it really comfortable, even on long rides, but then I have cycled on road bikes since I was 11 so I found the riding position very similar to that.
As for the engine and response I dont think you could ask for more an engine of that size.
My 2003 SV650S also was my first bike. At the time I was of a slightly
less geriatric age of 47. I find it reasonably comfortable. However, if
I were thinking of doing extensive touring I would buy something else.
When I was buying my SV the low weight was a decisive factor in my choice.
There we go!
I went to the garage had a look at both bikes and in the end decided on the SV650 Sport model as its more sporting and a change from my previous bike. The GSX650F was a carbon copy almost of my ER6F in looks and riding position etc i wanted something different. Plus the sv was slightly cheaper :P.
Gonna get some crash bungs and a tank protecter then its rdy to go!!
Tho this isnt my bike its the same paintjob as mine, and thanks for everyones advice in this thread. I'm one happy biker :D.
http://www.bsvrc.com/clubpages/ShowReports/NEC2008/SV650%20Sport(2).jpg
Tiger 55
25-05-09, 07:35 PM
Good choice :-)
stevoA4
25-05-09, 07:51 PM
Looks spot on hope your happy with it
Jamiebridges123
25-05-09, 07:53 PM
Remove the fairing lowers ASAP, sell them, buy a bellypan and a fuel exhaust with the change... then get a tail tidy and you'll be sorted..
Dave20046
25-05-09, 08:02 PM
looks lovely how it is.
Remove the fairing lowers ASAP, sell them, buy a bellypan and a fuel exhaust with the change... then get a tail tidy and you'll be sorted..
I like my full fairing :P, i was thinking of a scottoiler next month :D.
Again thanks all, i've got a cool new ride and you folks seem like a really nice community!
Anyone near manchester give me a shout when i've finished running in the engine :(.
Signed one happy sv650 sport owner.
Jamiebridges123
25-05-09, 09:08 PM
I like my full fairing :P, i was thinking of a scottoiler next month :D.
Again thanks all, i've got a cool new ride and you folks seem like a really nice community!
Anyone near manchester give me a shout when i've finished running in the engine :(.
Signed one happy sv650 sport owner.
Well it's all personal but I believe the pointys are better with a bellypan. Buy a gixxer for the fully faired look. :D
i dunno i think the fairing's on the svs are really tastefull unlike other bike's thinking fazers and the gladius with fairing's which don't look right.
Well it's all personal but I believe the pointys are better with a bellypan. Buy a gixxer for the fully faired look. :D
I can see it now, i own a gixxer and you'll see my kidneys on ebay to pay for the insurance! :D
Sometimes it sucks being 26 :P
Tim in Belgium
25-05-09, 09:24 PM
Does it come with the white stripe?I like the white stripe.
Enjoy :thumright:
Does it come with the white stripe?I like the white stripe.
Enjoy :thumright:
O yes theres only 2 colour choices plain black or the blue with the racing stripe. I've never owning a black bike again they scratch so easily :(.
:smt038
Dave20046
26-05-09, 07:36 AM
I can see it now, i own a gixxer and you'll see my kidneys on ebay to pay for the insurance! :D
Sometimes it sucks being 26 :P
what you mean insurance isn't even affordable by the time your 26?! ah man, I was hoping to upgrade by 21. gsxr6 insurance for me's around £2.4k at the mo!
think you've done well with the sv :salut:
-Ralph-
26-05-09, 06:23 PM
Not bad for a Java/c/linux type
Your a Java/c/linux coder? I'm surprised you can type in English! :mrgreen:;)
Alpinestarhero
26-05-09, 07:09 PM
I can see it now, i own a gixxer and you'll see my kidneys on ebay to pay for the insurance! :D
Sometimes it sucks being 26 :P
I want an R1. I'll have to wait till im 40 at this rate!
still, least then my older age will go some way to justify the topbox i'll put on it
fatneck
26-05-09, 07:15 PM
Topboxhero strikes again !!! :-)
Alpinestarhero
26-05-09, 07:17 PM
Topboxhero strikes again !!! :-)
yer damn right! tour down to the nurburgring on the topbox'd R1, then use it round the 'ring and enjoy its fine handling and excellent engine
and back home in time for tea
fatneck
26-05-09, 07:20 PM
Even Nick Sanders didn't have a top box, and he went round the world on his! Just tried to find a pic of an R1 with a topbox and there aren't any...somebody prove me wrong, quick. I gotta see one now...
I want an R1. I'll have to wait till im 40 at this rate!
still, least then my older age will go some way to justify the topbox i'll put on it
I'm 29, was messing about the other day with insurance quotes on the Bennetts site.
A 2005 Fireblade worth 4 grand...............
£27,000 a year!!!
I'm 29, was messing about the other day with insurance quotes on the Bennetts site.
A 2005 Fireblade worth 4 grand...............
£27,000 a year!!!
ROFL
Yea my quotes for the SV are still high on fully comp bout 650 fully comp yet 250 TP/F/T :(
Jamiebridges123
27-05-09, 12:42 PM
I'm 29, was messing about the other day with insurance quotes on the Bennetts site.
A 2005 Fireblade worth 4 grand...............
£27,000 a year!!!
PMSL!
To be fair Bennets were never cheap for me.. I guess if you fit into their box......
As has already been said: test ride is the only way you're gonna know.
GSF - Akin to your ER6 in many many ways... I presume you'll go for ABS, a nice to have maybe.
SV - Something different and definately more fun factor.
I've loaded up my SV and done a few trips and never had a problem. This is of course the minority of its use, so for those times it's more than adequate. The majority of its use is commuting (circa 10 miles each way) and it's much more fun than the old GSF I had.
yorkie_chris
27-05-09, 02:18 PM
You lot getting the daft quotes, try some comparison websites you may be pleasantly surprised.
Just got mine sorted for £203 fully comp, although I am 40 this is without any NCB and havent' ridden for 20 years so thought that wasn't too bad
Just got mine sorted for £203 fully comp, although I am 40 this is without any NCB and havent' ridden for 20 years so thought that wasn't too bad
26 with SP30 fine and minor crash claim against my doesnt help :(.
Still it could be worse :rolleyes:
did a quote a while back on a r1 and a fireblade came out at £250 fully comp and im 28 :P the higest was a busa which was £450
did a quote a while back on a r1 and a fireblade came out at £250 fully comp and im 28 :P the higest was a busa which was £450
holy thread revival batman!
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/es300-and-es330/113727d1194053211-es300-a-c-or-cabin-filter-change-97-01-holy-thread-revival-batman.jpg
carternd
15-04-10, 07:46 PM
GSXF is a Bandit that's been on the pies and dressed up to look like a Gixxer. SV had low HP but is v. torquey, and an even spread of power. The extra HP on the GSXF will be wasted hauling the lard around, IMO.
Downside, the SV can be a bit wristy and cramped on the legs, especially on slow/boring rides. Best bet is a test ride.
I'd say SV, but I'm not paying!
i just swapped my sv650 for the gsx650f to be honest depends if you want low down power or top end rush. In the past ive ridden 2 stroke race bikes and v4s the sv was my first twin the reason i got it at the time is cause i got a really good deal on it and was the same bhp as the bandit k5. But this time i was after a bigger bike to go on little blasts with my brother who used to have a sv650 untill he got his bandit after his crash which he loves, when he got his i found it harder to keep up with him, the new bandit engine has a lot more torque in the mid range that the old k7 and previous the new k8's and above have a lot more pull to them to be honest i can tell the dif between the 2.
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.