Is the Sv650 a suitable first bike? [Archive] - SV650.org

maviczap

09-01-12, 10:19 AM

Is it possible to restrict a sv1000?

Don't know & IMHO wouldn't be worth the hassle.

Its physically heavier than the 650 and an altogether different bike.

One of my team bought a 1200 Bandit straight after passing his test, just to Top Trump everyone else in the 'I've got more CC's than you'. But he wants to move to a smaller bike as the Blandit can only do one thing really.

The SV1000 is much better than the Blandit, but serve you biking apprenticeship on a smaller bike before moving up to the bigger bike

You'll have more fun on the 650

BBadger

09-01-12, 10:25 AM

go for the 650.
i got mine at 17 and 3 years later i still love it, even though ive just moved on to a zx6

Geodude

09-01-12, 10:30 AM

+1 on whats been said, the 650 is a great bike. Give it a go :cool:

-Ralph-

09-01-12, 10:46 AM

tom-k6

09-01-12, 11:31 AM

SV650 is the way forward young padwan :) its a brilliant bike and keeps getting better with experience. its a good bike to have restricted too as you get alot of torque to play with and it will keep you grinning from ear to ear.

SVMAT

09-01-12, 12:13 PM

Def get the 650, itl inspire confidence and get you riding corners rather than blasting straights with the 1000 when your 2 years is up (or the restrictors fall out.....) you'll muda clukin luv it

MJC-DEV

09-01-12, 12:30 PM

650 Bandit is a good first bike as the 4 cyl engine is smoother and more forgiving for the less experienced but way heavier than the SV. I would try both before parting with cash.

-Ralph-

09-01-12, 12:39 PM

650 Bandit is a good first bike as the 4 cyl engine is smoother and more forgiving for the less experienced but way heavier than the SV. I would try both before parting with cash.

Smoother and more forgiving it may be, but as I said in my last post, it takes a couple of hours to get used to the SV, after which it's not a problem any more. The difference between the two is noticeable and relevant on a 10 minute test ride, but if you could buy both, then after 1 day you'd be able to jump from one to the other without having any issue. This issue is because it's smoothness in the riders throttle use that is the problem, not the engine configuration. It's the wrong thing to have based your decision upon IMO. Buying a bike is a long term decision, and the difference between the two engines is a very short term problem.

The Bandit is a good first bike, but they are not called Blandits for nothing, a few folk I know have had bandits first, then after a few months got bored stiff and flogged them for something else. The SV is a bike which can entertain you as you gain experience and grow with you as a rider.

MJC-DEV

09-01-12, 12:43 PM

Sorry Ralph, I didn't realise you were on commission, :)

kiggles

09-01-12, 01:00 PM

sv650 alot easier to ride then inline fours (i find any way) and alot more fun and low speed (due to torque and power at low end).

cheap insurance class, lots of spare parts, fairly light, cheap to buy.

and has a great forum dedicated to it.

-Ralph-

09-01-12, 01:14 PM

Sorry Ralph, I didn't realise you were on commission, :)

No financial reward, I'm banking on the karma from giving good advice! ;)

Fallout

09-01-12, 02:52 PM

The only negative I have to say about the SV from a noob perspective is, I find you need to ride the clutch a bit more at junctions than on 4 cyls, which I found disconcerting as a new rider. If you let the clutch out all the way and just throttle it on slow bends, it's more jerky than a bandit for example, as the twin feels twitchy. It's no biggy as you just slip the clutch, and in fact I think the manual says you can expect to be slipping the clutch even up to 5k rpm (so I was told - I don't have a manual), but having learnt on a low powered 125DT and then a bandit during my lessons, that took me a while to get used to.

That's more of a heads up than a complaint. If it feels jumpy at junctions, just get used to slipping the clutch. It's worth a bit more junction based clutch slippage for v-twin giggles.

andreis

09-01-12, 03:37 PM

I've also started on the sv650 and haven't had a problem. After 3 years its still great and although I'm looking to add something bigger to the garage for the 2up long trips, the sv will probably still get 80% of rides.. Its just a great twin, nice medium weight, very forgiving and if you get some good tires and decent suspension you'll have mega fun for ages.

Oh yeah, and curvy's rule!

DJFridge

09-01-12, 05:26 PM

Yes, if you find it a bit jerky on a test ride, because you've been riding a 125 or a 500cc, with zero throttle response, stick with it. The SV650 is a torquey V-Twin with a lot of throttle response and a lot of engine braking. It's your throttle hand that's the problem, not the bike, you will get accustomed to it within an couple of hours riding and it won't be a problem anymore.

What -Ralph- says.

I went from a NSR125 to the SV and loved it almost immediately. Get smooth with your right hand, get used to slipping the clutch a bit more than you might expect (I prefer slipping the clutch in second on roundabouts for example, rather than kangarooing in first) and you'll be a happy bunny.

Tomor

09-01-12, 07:26 PM

I got an SV for my first bike and it does take getting used to as -Ralph- said, coming from a 125, but I love it now and I am counting the days till my restrictors come out :)

britaxcooper

09-01-12, 07:43 PM

I've only had my SV a week now, Never owned a V-twin before but I race a classic 2 stroke, and also a big single 4 stroke.... so to me the SV doesn't have alot of engine braking, and it doesnt require much clutch slip.

Turning into junctions in villages you do slip the clutch but its only a tiny amount, I would do the same in a car. If your very careful with the throttle you dont always have to.

The torque is what makes the SV (only ridden the bike a handful of times) but thats what stands out to me. You better watch the speedo though, it seems to have a habbit of trying to break the law! Will you be riding it 33bhp? I'm buying a restriction ECU off Maz on here so my other half can ride the SV aswell, I feel it will be a pretty good bike with 33bhp and you'll find it fantastic at full power!

BBadger

09-01-12, 08:05 PM

at 33bhp its still just as good low down, just that top end punch goes so abit of short shifting is in order, but you can still keep up with everything else on the road and watch it disappear in the mirrors without even trying.

andrewsmith

09-01-12, 10:26 PM

Yes, if you find it a bit jerky on a test ride, because you've been riding a 125 or a 500cc, with zero throttle response, stick with it. The SV650 is a torquey V-Twin with a lot of throttle response and a lot of engine braking. It's your throttle hand that's the problem, not the bike, you will get accustomed to it within an couple of hours riding and it won't be a problem anymore.

What Ralph said.
It was about 20 miles to get used to the engine response. You need the clutch more at first then you'll learn how much you need.
The engines can go almost to stall and pick up rapidly onto the torque. I jumped from a YBR to the SV (albiet I did do 5k in 5 months on the YBR)

at 33bhp its still just as good low down, just that top end punch goes so abit of short shifting is in order, but you can still keep up with everything else on the road and watch it disappear in the mirrors without even trying.

Seen plenty of restricted bikes keep up with quick stuff.

BBadger

09-01-12, 10:56 PM

Seen plenty of restricted bikes keep up with quick stuff.

i was one of them.

:smt040

85jas

12-01-12, 07:35 PM

Lovely bike, I've had mine for about 6 months now after getting on it straight after my DAS. Having passed (no previous experience) on a CBF500 it took me a little while to get used to, as everyone else has said re. engine braking, slipping the clutch etc. My bro has a 600 hornet which I ride and though it's 'easier' it's far less fun - the midrange torque of the SV is just awesome, sounds fantastic, goes 'round corners with serious style and uses far less juice! :)

Mrs DJ Fridge

12-01-12, 09:47 PM

If the smile on hubby's face is anything to go by every time he looks at his SV650 curvy I have to say you will love it as a first bike.

Destruktor77

12-01-12, 11:45 PM

Had my SV650 (Curvy =D>) for 2 months now, after moving up from riding many different 125 (and some field miles on a CRF450) straight into full power as there's no restriction here. Can say it's bloody awesome. After a couple of days I could jump on it like normal and ride comfortably. And then crank it up when ever I fancy some fun (a little too often perhaps).

Picked up a mates '99 Hornet last week and I have to say it bored me instantly, no character and a flat engine. The SV is probably the best big bike to move up on first time. Cheap and perfectly reliable.

timwilky

12-01-12, 11:55 PM

I had a friend who bought an R1 after she passed her DAS. ?God she was quick on the motorway. Otherwise it was painful on the twisties being behind her as she struggled to get that cute ass of hers round the bend. (Why you think I put up with being at the back). The SV is no flying machined. But no slouch either

It is a very forgiving bike. You will be sick of it after a couple of years. But you will be a better rider for it.

Why do you think there are so many ex SV riders still round her. We appreciated what it was, what it does.

Jayneflakes

13-01-12, 11:18 AM

I have just passed, my full bike test, im 17.. Is the Sv650 a suitable first bike? :)

Hell yeah! :smt118

Yes, as long as its not one of them pointy things ;)

This is lies! Get yourself a pointy and restrict it via the ECU for a full throttle action and big smiles! :D

Seen plenty of restricted bikes keep up with quick stuff.

This is true, my pointy is restricted and can be wickedly fast when I want it to be. However, for most of my riding, I barely notice that it is restricted. I have recently had the odious pleasure of riding a CBF600, inline four knitting machine, compared to the spritely feel of the SV it was vile! :why:

musne

13-01-12, 12:24 PM

Yes, as long as its not one of them pointy things ;)

Wait what's wrong with a pointy?

MJC-DEV

13-01-12, 12:25 PM

Nothing, they're just jealous we have more modern bikes! :)

musne

13-01-12, 12:28 PM

Haha, cool! :)

Jayneflakes

13-01-12, 12:39 PM

Wait what's wrong with a pointy?

Ooh that would be our new fangled fuel injection, superior looks and prettier plastics. Them Curvy owners are a funny bunch! :D

Yay for Pointies... :why:

Jayneflakes secretly wants a curvy frame project though, but is too skint to afford one! Don't tell anyone... :smt107

NTECUK

13-01-12, 02:33 PM

Ooh that would be our new fangled fuel injection, superior looks and prettier plastics. Them Curvy owners are a funny bunch! :D
Jayneflakes secretly wants a curvy frame project though, but is too skint to afford one! Don't tell anyone... :smt107
You Have a Frame from a marcarno set!:smt118
CURVES are Sexy!!

-Ralph-

13-01-12, 02:44 PM

Them Curvy owners are a funny bunch![/FONT][/SIZE] :smt107

They can't spell either.

You Have a Frame from a marcarno set!:smt118
CURVES are Sexy!!

musne

13-01-12, 02:45 PM

meh, I'm not hating on anyone's curvy or pointy. I have a pointy and I personally prefer the pointy's modern, sporty look.. doesn't mean I dislike the curvy's though... each to their own.

andrewsmith

13-01-12, 02:49 PM

Jayneflakes secretly wants a curvy frame project though, but is too skint to afford one! Don't tell anyone... :smt107

Welcome to the light Jayne

NTECUK

13-01-12, 02:53 PM

They can't spell either.
Nope thats only me :(
Never meet a mechanic that can tba;)

Geodude

13-01-12, 07:33 PM

Wait what's wrong with a pointy?

They're to pointy and i'm not allowed pointy things :smt022

Welcome to the light Jayne

+1 :D

Paul the 6th

13-01-12, 07:40 PM

I had an sv650 & an sv1000 - the thousand is heavier & less nimble but has stacks of power (lopped off by restriction).

The 650 will be plenty enough for a new rider and is generally more nimble/lighter & will make more sense to a new rider :) congrats on passing your test!

Urbanfireblade

14-01-12, 07:38 PM

Lol, the old 'pointy vs curvy' arguement! Love it! :P
Yes they make an excellent bike for new riders and experienced ones too. I've had the 1200 Bandits, Fireblades etc and i have ended up buying a new pointy 3 months ago. Because they have such great charactor, a super engine, are lightweight, good on fuel and above all, fun!!! Speed isn't my main focus anymore, you can have easily as much fun on these smaller machines as you do on Fireblades, just without the huge running costs.
Definetely a bike you will grow to love the more you ride it.

Jayneflakes

14-01-12, 07:51 PM

Welcome to the light Jayne

+1 :D

If only you knew what my terrible plan would be though... :smt077

I think that the best thing to do with a curvy frame is to shroud it in Pointy plastics, lights and engine... It would look lovely. :smt045 =D>

Geodude

14-01-12, 07:53 PM

I would like to see it done as i like the pointy rsend alot :cool:

musne

14-01-12, 08:00 PM

andrewsmith

14-01-12, 08:01 PM

If only you knew what my terrible plan would be though... :smt077

I think that the best thing to do with a curvy frame is to shroud it in Pointy plastics, lights and engine... It would look lovely. :smt045 =D>

Engine yes, electrics yes.

Bodywork each to their own. RSV4 plastics :thumbsup:

Littlepeahead

15-01-12, 12:01 AM

Test ride? What's that? I had mine delivered new onto my drive from the dealer and bought it because it was black with sexy black bits, and I'd heard that if I got a pointy then some chap called Bear would take care of my curvy bits. But I digress...

Yep, great first bike, and the £75 crash bungs are worth every penny in case you do just accidentally park it side down.

Go ride a clunky ER6 which is also a popular newbie bike and then see how lovely the SV feels afterwards.

NTECUK

15-01-12, 03:32 PM

I would like to see it done as i like the pointy rsend alot :cool:

I'll up load a pic of a blue one with usd forks.

Geodude

15-01-12, 03:50 PM

I'll up load a pic of a blue one with usd forks.

Ta :D

NTECUK

15-01-12, 06:28 PM

http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m556/Juke-of-earl/sany0822.jpg

Geodude

15-01-12, 06:40 PM

Interesting, anymore info?

NTECUK

15-01-12, 06:43 PM

Somone on hear must know a bit about it.
Its not got the SV taill though.

Geodude

15-01-12, 06:45 PM

Thought the back end didnt look like a pointy one :(

NTECUK

15-01-12, 07:24 PM

Its lots of agro to mount it to the subframe .
Somone did it with a TL1000 subframe ,still lots of work to do that i'm told so you'd probly use somthing more sexy;)

Geodude

15-01-12, 07:34 PM

Yeah i looked into the tl sub a while back but never got any further, maybe worth another look. http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=146904

Destruktor77

16-01-12, 01:26 AM

If my memory serves me right I'm sure that's from a thread off svrider.com, had a quick look but can't find it. Doesn't help being so early morning...

Jayneflakes

16-01-12, 10:49 PM

http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m556/Juke-of-earl/sany0822.jpg

Now that is what I am talking about! Sexy plastics on a pretty frame. :D

I think that the pointy front fairing looks great on a curvey, I believe some one on here fitted a pointy rear to their curvy and it looked nice too. As soon as you lift the tank on a pointy though, you can see where the money saving went just by looking at the frame. I do not like the castings and would prefer real tubes. :smt107

Sabarius

16-01-12, 11:13 PM

What's that coppery bit on the side?

Geodude

17-01-12, 09:14 AM

Clutch cover. Like this (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=161458&highlight=clutch+cover).

TheRamJam

17-01-12, 12:25 PM

Yes it was my first big bike back in 2009. Was a great bike!

ScottishRawker

22-01-12, 12:18 PM

was my first bike in 2007 and still have it (well currently for sale)

but still tempted to keep it, brilliant fun!

ogden

23-01-12, 12:47 AM

First bike is *all* an SV650 is suitable for!

Bluefish

23-01-12, 12:49 AM

First bike is *all* an SV650 is suitable for!
Well it was my 4th bike, it all depends on how much money you have at the time eh.

ogden

23-01-12, 12:52 AM

Well it was my 4th bike, it all depends on how much money you have at the time eh.

It was my, er, *counts on fingers*, 6th bike.

I've got a good excuse.

NTECUK

23-01-12, 07:38 AM

It's a good commuter bike ;)

mcphillips

23-01-12, 09:08 AM

I am 34 just passed my bike test in dec 2011 and i got a 2000 sv 650. Best thing I did you can learn what not to do with that bike and safe it easily.. overtaking is a doddle even in six gear..Go grab yourself a bargin.

Steve_God

24-01-12, 01:51 PM

Was my first bike - definitely recommend it!

MattCollins

24-01-12, 02:07 PM

First bike is *all* an SV650 is suitable for!

Or cheap fun once we're over suicidal tendencies.

ogden

24-01-12, 07:22 PM

Or cheap fun once we're over suicidal tendencies.

Nah, that's what RGV250s are for.

Or does that still count as suicidal?

big jc

06-04-12, 08:50 AM

I bought my 02 sv after being taken out on my cbr600f, partly because the insurance was so low even after a claim but it's the best thing I did, I love the feel of it it's so easy to throw around. No problems keeping up with my pal on his 07 hornet through the twisties, he has the upper hand on the straights but the noise from my twin is amazing! I've had my sv for a little over a year now and although it still makes me smile every time I ride it I'm looking for a bit of a change simply due to the fact I'm looking at doing more two up touring. If I could afford to keep both I would, however I am still asking and looking for options to mod the sv with updated suspension etc do I can keep her and not bother with a new one!
IMO the best 1st bike going my only regret is That I bought a cbr first!

ogden

06-04-12, 08:56 AM

the noise from my twin is amazing! I've had my sv for a little over a year now and although it still makes me smile every time I ride it I'm looking for a bit of a change simply due to the fact I'm looking at doing more two up touring.

If you want something that sounds (and goes) like an SV on steroids, but more suitable for two-up touring, *points at sig*