View Full Version : Should I, shouldn't I? - SV1000 as first bike.
Chefums
05-03-10, 10:27 PM
Ok guys here is the Deal.....
I have been lookin High and Low for a bike..... :D
Now I have decided on a SV thats for Definate .... But problem is I would Really Like to get a SV1000... But am worried it might be a bit much for me as a new Rider, It would be my 1st ever bike....
But I am quite a big Guy so I am thinkin a sv650 aint gonna be big enough or powerfull enough for my fat a$$ lol .... I am 6'3-6'4 .. and about 19 Stone......
I am just wondeirng if I am justiflably worried about the SV1000 being to big a bike for a newbie like me ........
Now Try to be open minded lol I know most of you have SV650's lol :)
Dave
Dave
Dave20046
05-03-10, 10:29 PM
H Dave Dave
It's true the sv1000 was designed as a 650 for fatties but how new to riding are you? A 650 should still pull you well, have you ridden one before? Can you get test rides on both from a main dealer?
Chefums
05-03-10, 10:31 PM
Dave.... I am NEW NEW NEW lol I passed my test 4 days ago lol .....
I could prob get some test at dealers .. The SV1000... I am lookin at is in Guildford near the new job I am lookin at ... and they have a 650 aswell .....
Dave
errr you might want too stick too the 650 the 1000 can be bit of an animal in the wrong hands.
Chefums
05-03-10, 10:36 PM
errr you might want too stick too the 650 the 1000 can be bit of an animal in the wrong hands.
Thats what I am worried about .... I have read a few reviews on both bikes and the 1000 tends to me twitchy in Corners compared to the 650 something to do the with centre of gravity being different lol.......
It just seems like a harder bike to ride....
Dave
Chefums, why the 1000? is it the twin exhausts? - does it for me tbh, that's why I want one :-)
Dave20046
05-03-10, 10:40 PM
Dave.... I am NEW NEW NEW lol I passed my test 4 days ago lol .....
I could prob get some test at dealers .. The SV1000... I am lookin at is in Guildford near the new job I am lookin at ... and they have a 650 aswell .....
Dave
If I was you I'd go to the dealers walks around like a rich man who's buying new and try both bikes respectively back to back if possible.
A bike'll only go as fast as you want it too but (in my opinion) if you work up to riding ''fast' too fast there's a good chance you'll get stung. Personally if I went straight for the 1000 I'd be concerned about falling into that trap, but I'm impatient and stupid.
Chefums
05-03-10, 10:42 PM
Chefums, why the 1000? is it the twin exhausts? - does it for me tbh, that's why I want one :-)
LoL to be honest Its more about the fun factor lol ..... I dont wanna buy a 650 and find out the power and size of it cant cope with my fat a$$ and spoils my fun...... ALL off my instructors while doing my test were tellin me to go for a 1000cc bike because off my size... Saying its not the size off the bike that causes problems it is the attitude off the rider.....
And apparently I have a good attidue towards riding..... I am confident but Still have a slight Fear off the bike and want can happen if it goes wrong .... which helps me hold back sometimes...
Dave
Dave20046
05-03-10, 10:44 PM
LoL to be honest Its more about the fun factor lol ..... I dont wanna buy a 650 and find out the power and size of it cant cope with my fat a$$ and spoils my fun...... ALL off my instructors while doing my test were tellin me to go for a 1000cc bike because off my size... Saying its not the size off the bike that causes problems it is the attitude off the rider.....
And apparently I have a good attidue towards riding..... I am confident but Still have a slight Fear off the bike and want can happen if it goes wrong .... which helps me hold back sometimes...
Dave
I see why you're considering the thou now, personally I wouldn't have gone for the thou based on my own judgement - but the instructors knowing your riding validates it a bit.
I'd go with the test rides and see how you get on.
Chefums
05-03-10, 10:46 PM
I see why you're considering the thou now, personally I wouldn't have gone for the thou based on my own judgement - but the instructors knowing your riding validates it a bit.
I'd go with the test rides and see how you get on. I'm not the lightest of chaps (but I'm not your weight) and I find the 650 fun.
I am wondering to be honest if they will let me take a bike for a test drive lol ... when they see that I have only had my License less than a week lol ....
Dave
Dave20046
05-03-10, 10:48 PM
I am wondering to be honest if they will let me take a bike for a test drive lol ... when they see that I have only had my License less than a week lol ....
Dave
Worth a pop, just don't draw attention to it. If they wanna sell bikes they'll have to let you.
Chefums
05-03-10, 10:55 PM
lol.... well i better wait till i get my Licence back before I organise the test ride lol ......
might bring attention to it when they ask for it and I have to say i dont have it back yet lol .....
Dave
rotax81
05-03-10, 11:10 PM
the throttle goes both ways, i would go for the 1000 if thats what you want ;)
Thats what I am worried about .... I have read a few reviews on both bikes and the 1000 tends to me twitchy in Corners compared to the 650 something to do the with centre of gravity being different lol.......
It just seems like a harder bike to ride....
Dave
My SV1000 was not at all twitchy in corners. The better suspension (and a bit more weight) meant it felt more planted to me than my 650 ever did. It did however need more input to get it in to the corner in the first place.
Both bikes will get you in to trouble if you feck up - the fact that the SV1000 has around 50% more power makes it easier to get in to trouble in the first place if you are not careful.
I would seriously consider the 650 to be honest. Size wise, they are the same bike so your height makes no difference. The weight thing doesn't hold much either since a 650 is very capable of hauling rider and pillion at a fair pace, and even the very lightest couple is gonna be 20stone plus kit.
Also, it's your first bike. There is a good chance you'll drop it along the way, pretty much everyone does! Not a reflection on you personally, just your circumstances. Would you be really annoyed if the worst happens? So, bearing that in mind why not get an older 650 for a while to get experience and after 6mths if you still need more power go for the thou. You'll be a wiser rider by then, so more able to use it's power to benefit you rather than scare yourself and ride with fear in the back of your mind.
Let me put it this way. Would you rather trade up to a thou in confidence or trade down to a 650 in disappointment after 6months?
Your choice tho, good luck.
rotax81
05-03-10, 11:51 PM
the other thing to consider if you have to take cost into account is the insurance difference.
Dave, Where you going for the test rides? If you want someone to come along...?
It depends if you want to work your way up through bikes or if you want to get what you want now - both routes have their advantages.
I wouldn't worry about the SV650 not being powerful enough. You only weigh 3 stone more than me, and mine pulls me well enough compared to skinnier people on the same bike.
ScottWilson
06-03-10, 10:28 AM
A friend of mine bought a naked SV1000 for his first bike and got on with it just fine, and he loves it to peices!
Fill your boots and go for it! :-)
tommo891
06-03-10, 11:05 AM
Im also very new to riding although ive had a license for over 10 years but who ever told you a 650 cant handle your weight is telling you porkies ive had 23 stone on my bike and there was plenty of power you might feel alittle fat, but the bike can handle it, you fall under the maximum weight limit so the bike is more than capable of carrying your weight, i think your issue would be your height, get yourself down a dealership get on a sv650 if it doesnt feel to small go for it, the power will be there, if its like sitting on your kids little push bike try the 1000, but i was warned off them just for being so new to riding..
i wouldn't worry about your weight i was 22 st when i started riding in 2006 i had a bandit 600 mk1 and that was spot on. my wife had a Kawasaki er 500 and i did a few good miles on that as the same time as me 6 and it had enough poke as well , i then progressed to a bandit 12 spot on but i did have 14 -18 months on me 6 first the 12 was a bit of a animal ! i now have a sv 1000 and compared to my b12 its a different animal and would not recommend one as a first bike don't get me wrong its ace but very easy to get cocky my advice get a 6 of some description i would also say get a sit up type much more comfortable and especially the sv 650 naked as slightly lower gearing as its nuked which gives you more pull and trust me they go well my wife has one now and im very impressed with it , and just a side note i now weigh 12 st 7 lb and lost the weight in 6 months and have nearly been down a year ! and now every bike feels super fast. what ever you get enjoy and remember most bikes will bring a smile to your face , take it easy. p.s as you may find insrance my also be a issue on a bigger bike.
Chefums
06-03-10, 04:03 PM
Dave, Where you going for the test rides? If you want someone to come along...?
It depends if you want to work your way up through bikes or if you want to get what you want now - both routes have their advantages.
well a dealer called
SGT Motorcycles
160-162 Merton Road
Wimbledon
London
SW19 1EG
Has a 2004 SV1000 in silver for £2.5k ................ they did have a 650 but it aint on there site anymore so I think it must have gone .... but i would love to test it out.... Would appreciate the Extra guidance I when looking at it if you dont mind mate thanks..
the other thing to consider if you have to take cost into account is the insurance difference.
The Checked the insurance for this bike aswell and it was £300 ish..... so not to bad ....
Chefums
06-03-10, 04:03 PM
Sry posted same thing Twice....
dave
Alpinestarhero
06-03-10, 05:39 PM
Well, its a big ol' bike, and the power will come in really easily. the 650 has alot of low down power and can take a newbie by suprise. But you know what, the throttle isnt a switch, you can make an SV1000 make less power than a CG125 if you use it in the correct manner!
Girth had his SV1000 restricted to 33 bhp. You can use the throttle to keep it under 33 bhp....and get usd to the handling :D
SVGrandad
06-03-10, 06:17 PM
H Dave Dave
It's true the sv1000 was designed as a 650 for fatties............ ?
Oi! Cheeky git!
You can use the throttle to keep it under 33 bhp....and get usd to the handling :D
If you stay under 3200 rpm (http://www.twobros.com/Cust_Service/Dyno_Charts/Suz_SV1000_SO_Dyno.pdf)!
Alpinestarhero
06-03-10, 08:03 PM
If you stay under 3200 rpm (http://www.twobros.com/Cust_Service/Dyno_Charts/Suz_SV1000_SO_Dyno.pdf)!
thats on a full throttle though ;)
genesismike
06-03-10, 08:27 PM
i love my thou and im a short fat guy, i reckon the 650 would be a good bike to gain some experience on first, even if its only for 12-18 months. should have plenty of power to make you grin. i have had quite a few bikes over the years and the thou needs to be hauled about a bit to make the most of it. other thing to think about is insurance with your experience might be a bit high. feel free to pm me if you want to know any more.
Cymraeg_Atodeg
06-03-10, 09:05 PM
I wouldn't say that getting a Thou' is a bad idea as a first bike. It is all about how you approach riding the bike. If you do it ham-fisted and try to ride it like it is a super-light hyper-sports bike it will bite you in the ass wholesale.
I had a 2000 SV650SY as my first bike and I had her for about 4 months before I was taken out by a lorry and I now have an SV1000S K4, so, I would say there is a huge leap between the two, but, it is not like going from a push bike to a motorbike.
I have found that the Thou' is a bit harder to turn, but, when you get used to that it is really stable.
As long as you take it slow and accept that you need to treat the bike with respect you will get loads of pleasure from a Thou'. Also, POWER! SV1k's have loads! ha ha
davepreston
06-03-10, 09:35 PM
well im 6"8 and i loved my 650 and would and probably will get another, im now on a gsxr 750 and looking for a sv1000 to go with it,
everyone gets on with bikes differntly so i would suggest deffinity trying both
why not try a 650 thats someones selling private if you cant test ride at a dealer,
as for the 650 not taking your weight, as said before its more than enough engine wise and as also said the thou can be controled and ridden as you wish ,so both are valid options,
simply put engine size isnt that big a deal, how you feel riding both is,
enjoy finding your perfect bike and welcome to the org
dave
fizzwheel
06-03-10, 09:39 PM
I'd get some insurance quotes before you finally make your mind up. I cant remember what group the 1000 is, but it'll be more expensive than the 650 is I would have thought, especially as you are such a new rider.
Cymraeg_Atodeg
06-03-10, 09:40 PM
I had £240 for my 650SY and £340 for 1000S, so, insurance isn't that much of a jump
I had £240 for my 650SY and £340 for 1000S, so, insurance isn't that much of a jump
as for insurance depends where you live and what cover you want / need. and rember with the thous the black framed ones are the updated version !
ethariel
07-03-10, 10:14 AM
6'4", 19 stone, fully packed throwovers, tailpack, tankbag - 2300 miles in 9 days. Still easily capable of a ton plus on the err track in that state.
Warthog
07-03-10, 11:05 AM
The 650 is not sluggish, so what if you are on the heavy side, 650 will still be absolutely more than fine for a first bike!
dizzyblonde
07-03-10, 12:07 PM
650 perhaps a better start to biking than the 1000. Know many a larger framed bloke that ride them.
I've pondered for the last three years about a larger capacity machine, and always decided that the 650 is enough. After holding a full license for six years, most people would say I'm a very slow decision maker!
Its only this year after getting one of the SVs all singing and dancing again, that I have decided the lesser of the two may get sold and the Xtra Raptor I've been hankering after will be bought...after I have had my baby.
The SV is still more than enough for me, but I've missed the roar of my ex's Raptor being around, and want my own. Having been around one for three years I know all its little quirks without even setting foot on it. Obviously one mans perspective of a bike to someone elses is completely different, but I know exactly what to expect from one, because I've always had inside, and first hand information rather than reading a strangers input on a forum.
An SV1000 has been thought of, but I haven't been convinced by the owners on here to buy one. Theres plenty of them about, just the right info to my ears hasn't got there yet. Raptor still wins every time, but thats my personal choice.
See if you can find someone who lives with one, and get a good personal account of them, then if you can find somehere to test ride, take it ffrom there
yorkie_chris
07-03-10, 09:54 PM
Either bike will be fine engine wise. My 650 hauls me at 12.5 stone plus my Girlie at some lesser amount, plus a load of camping kit that puts the combined weight well above your 19 stone. It does this at a reasonable pace and you can get a serious shift on. (ask fizzwheel :-P)
You will completely overwhelm the suspension on both of them, however some springs are a cheap way to solve the worst of any problems as you notice them.
IMO the 650 is plenty bike. Still fast enough to get into trouble on and a LOT more forgiving at getting you out of trouble when you do. The 1000 has a lot of very instant torque, loads of grunt right from the bottom, you can get into a lot of bother very quickly!
Also I would not recommend test riding them. IMO you don't have the experience to say which is right for you based on such a short ride.
What I would recommend you do is buy a cheap 650, do a few thousand miles on it to build experience and a working knowledge of what a bike is like, feels like, handles like, goes like etc. THEN test ride a thou and upgrade if you feel the need.
jimmyb96
07-03-10, 10:22 PM
Hi,
they will let you but you need to contact them beforehand and ask them to have both bikes restricted as if you just turn up they probably wont have time then at that point to restrict them, but they are happy to help in most dealership i found anyway.
happy buying
He hasn't mentioned restriction so i guessed he did the DAS test.
If it's a restricted 650 or 1000 to choose then its pretty simple, 650 every time. Otherwise you're just paying an insurance premium for nowt and the fuel economy goes to hell on 33bhp in a 650, with a thou that's gonna be even worse i assume.
Chefums
08-03-10, 12:16 AM
I did DAS :D ...... So no Restrictor needed :eek: ...............And as for insurance as previously mention it is a minimul difference about £200 for the year....
To be honest from the sound off all these post the only thing to do is make a decision myself :smt017 about what I want do and hope it is the correct one.... if not i get splatted :-| or bored lol :(:-| ......
Thanks For all the input guys ....
Will read through this again and then make a decision....
Dave
I did DAS :D ...... So no Restrictor needed :eek: ...............And as for insurance as previously mention it is a minimul difference about £200 for the year....
To be honest from the sound off all these post the only thing to do is make a decision myself :smt017 about what I want do and hope it is the correct one.... if not i get splatted :-| or bored lol :(:-| ......
Thanks For all the input guys ....
Will read through this again and then make a decision....
Dave
If you're looking for us to make a decision, then it's clearly go for the 650. I guarantee you won't get bored for at least 6-12 months. So it's up to you if you only ever want to buy one bike, or if you want to look forward to getting something better in a year's time.
Liam9188
08-03-10, 05:38 PM
I have to agree with earlier posts. Get an older 650, get some miles under your belt on that and then decide if you want to move up to a newer thou or even just a newer 650. The 650 is definately a more user friendly bike, and arguably quicker around a race track thanks to the quicker steering (waits to be grilled by thou owners).
One thing is for sure though, if you are looking at an SV, you have good taste. Enjoy whatever you pick and we'll see you at AR10
Cymraeg_Atodeg
08-03-10, 07:28 PM
@Liam; If the race track has lots of straights how is a 650 going to win out!? Lol
A 650 does have "quicker" steering then a Thou', but, the Thou' does and a sterring dampener, for good reason I might add!
I wouldn't say if set up correctly that a 650 is any quicker through corners though, as it is very stable and quite willing to be thrown about
i had a thread the same as this for my bro when he first started riding
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=132790&highlight=sv1000
Dave20046
08-03-10, 08:29 PM
@Liam; If the race track has lots of straights how is a 650 going to win out!? Lol
Better rider :D
I'm pretty convinced the 'canal boat' comments the though gets are exaggerated.
Cymraeg_Atodeg
08-03-10, 08:38 PM
Damn right! I can turn my Thou' in quite tight spaces and have gone through corners faster then I ever did on my 650 (although I have come to believe the rear-shock on my old 650 was shot)
yorkie_chris
08-03-10, 08:39 PM
Shock on 650 is knackered from factory.
Dave20046
08-03-10, 08:46 PM
Shock on 650 is knackered from factory.
True, I get on with my 650 rather well (bar the footpeg position and front suspension)...but it does have a gixxer shock.
cymraegwelshstuff: it'd be interesting to see one rider do a really twisty technical track a few times on each bike. Although doubt any magazine or anything would ever really bother :(
Cymraeg_Atodeg
08-03-10, 08:55 PM
I doubt it, and as they have stopped making the Thou' now, I doubt anyone ever will. Perhaps we need to set up a track day meet for some Org exclusive testing
Dave20046
08-03-10, 08:58 PM
I doubt it, and as they have stopped making the Thou' now, I doubt anyone ever will. Perhaps we need to set up a track day meet for some Org exclusive testing
I agree...although to make it fair we'd need someone who's equally experienced (or inexperienced) with both models.
Bet it'd help loads of people decide between the two in the future.
yorkie_chris
08-03-10, 08:58 PM
The 650 will carry more corner speed than the thou.
Of either to use on track I'd rather a tuned 650 than the thou.
With us lot on here it would come down to who's got more balls and skill than inherent properties of the bike.
Somebody bring me a 650SK5 to Anglesey on Easter Sunday and I'll do the test. I've got over 10000 miles on each model so that should be objective :p
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=2060&d=1219761485
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=2187&d=1221083864
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=3529&d=1237150743
Dave20046
09-03-10, 10:08 AM
How you like the thou ratty?
What would you say between the two? (differences/pros & cons)
i have the thou k5 ltd and me wife has 650 k4 i really like both and ride them both in fact was out on 650 yesterday but the 650 feels light and you have to work the right hand / gear box (not a down side just saying )the thou has a reassuring weightier feel and oodles of pull and lets be honest they are both good road bikes, and at the end of the day i would be glad with either in fact i aren't really bothered what i have the feeling of riding makes me feel alive and to that i would ride any bike rather than not have one and we all feel different things on different bikes . god i love the freedom of a bike and that feeling of forgetting about every thing else in life and just enjoying riding keep safe peeps and enjoy , just bear in mind bigger , newer bikes cost more to look after admittedly not much but when your starting out riding kit insurance servicing tyres ....
How you like the thou ratty?
What would you say between the two? (differences/pros & cons)
Dave
I really enjoy the thou and disagree with a lot comments you see on this forum about it being heavy and barge like, from people who don’t own one or have only done a few miles on one.
When I first got mine it handled poorly and I thought I’d made a mistake. I knuckled down to some suspension setting and all came good just a few clicks away from it’s standard settings which I returned it to for a start point. My test roads were The Snake, The Cat and Long Hill.
It is heavier than the 650 but I don’t remember any significant difference when I changed to the thou and find it very easy to turn and it’s much more stable in the corners, holding a good line because of the better quality suspension… and it is a lot better.
Good point compared to the 6 ½ : -
Loads of torque
Miles better brakes
Stability
Comfort
Cheap to buy
Very easy to ride fast.
Bads points compared to 6 ½
( mine ) Runs a lot hotter and boils my balls on a hot day in town.
Lumpier at low revs. ( Character ).
Twice the cost for nice cans.
Very easy to ride fast.
If you interested you should get a decent length test ride and try to stay with black framed variants for better power and clutches. Drop me a pm if you have any specific questions.
Alan
Here's the Thou handling like a barge on the Cat :p
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=2192&d=1221160598
demonicus
10-03-10, 07:58 AM
i have a 650s curvy and i am 6'7" and about 19st, i love mine even if i look like i am riding a mini moto. thing is i didnt want a sensible bike, i have a car for mundane stuff.
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