SV650s as a first bike?

[fontmoss]

I know you're all probably biased and I managed to find a previous thread on a similar topic but how does the sv650s fair as a beginner's bike? Some people said might be a bit lumpy in slow traffic and filtering? It would be for getting to work (SW London out to Surrey) which takes in a bit of town, A3 and one junction on the M25. Bike sounds incredible but after something predictable and forgiving.

Ultimately I need to go have a shot of one (waiting for my license to appear in the post) but even then it'll only be a quick blast. Can hire one locally which I'm tempted to do.

Ta

[Tomor]

I had one as my first bike from a 125, and it was brilliant. I think its a good first bike, but I haven't ridden many bikes and now im on a street triple :)

[chezvegas85]

^as above (but was restricted for 2 years). except i expect to move on to a zx6r next or if i am lucky and money works out a daytona 675

[Bibio]

it's a good bike full stop. learn to ride the SV smoothly and you will have no problems riding any bike. personally i would not use the S version as a commute due to the riding position being a bit wristy but that's me.

[RedTop]

As Bibio has said, I have the naked version K8, and the more upright position is fine for commuting and no problems at low speeds at all. I also do a large part of my commute into the city on dual carriageways and the lack of fairing is no problem. I did however get a windjammer II just to help deflect the breeze from getting into my helmet (cuts noise down a little too as reduces the turbulence effect)

[Nobbylad]

I bought mine from new in July 2008 to get back into biking after many years out of the saddle.

It was perfect from day one and I've been able to upgrade bits and pieces (mainly suspension) as I've started to find it's limitations.

I keep thinking about buying a Gixer, Daytona, blade or Ducati, but after 50k of mainly commuting on the SV, really don't see the need.

The only reason for me to 'upgrade' to something else, would really just be for the sake of change and to maybe go a bit faster on the straights on track days (but then I'd invariably be slower in the corners).

[Mauler]

My SV650S is my first bike after my 125 and it's great. There's a fair bit of clutch-work at low revs to keep the ride smooth but aye, Bibio has it right. :)

[Nobbylad]

Other plus points....

They're relatively cheap, easy to find spares for, easy to modify (if that's your thang), easy to work on and learn routine as well as more advanced maintenance tasks.

[atassiedevil]

SV is a great beginners bike. Not too heavy, plenty of grunt, simple mechanically, and all it's gremlins are well known and understood. Very frugal for a midrange bike too.

I paid £500 for mine, with nearly a years MOT on it...So as you can see they are cheap as well, if you're not after a pristine low mileage example as a first bike.

Naked ones are better for commuting, and work well with a flyscreen, or the raptor screen i use.

I'd say, on the balance the SV is nearly as good as the VF750 i ride. Which says a lot!

[jambo]

Best SV for traffic, SV650S 99-02. Wing mirrors fold in and the bars are narrow. You can get through some very snug gaps :D
That said I rode a naked bike last week and really enjoyed the wide bars. Swings & roundabouts I guess :D

As above, it's a good bike, you can get an awful lot out of one and they don't cost much for what you get. There are plenty out there so be fussy about what you want in terms of budget & accessories.

Jambo

[aesmith]

It depends on how much of your run is open road. I have around 5 miles of town, then 25 miles of open road, so the faired S suits me fine. Downsides - You might find it a bit cramped if you're tall. May take practice to ride smoothly in slow traffic, revs too low and it's jerky, too high and the engine braking can be a bit abrupt.

[Dan505]

Just bought an SV as my 1st big bike after my 250 and its a doodle to ride & handle, providing your not too twist happy as its got more than enough grunt to over do it, buy one, enjoy it and keep grinning

[Glandwr]

My 650S K5 is my first bike after a 30 year absence from motorcycling (apart from the odd scooter, little trials bike on summer holidays) and despite reservations about the capacity/power, it has proved to be a fantastic choice for me - all the good things everyone else has said. My confidence and ability has grown very quickly, to the point where I maybe need to slow down a bit - the learning process that is!
The negatives are (IMO):
A 'snatchy' (some may call it healthy...) throttle response which I think would need a bit of clutch feathering on a wet greasy roundabout. But then I only venture out on dry evenings/weekends so not an issue for me.

Another biker said "that's a bit of a small bike for you" and I laughed because it seemed huge to me when I got it. However I'm only 5' 9" but after an hour in the saddle I have a numb bumb and walk like an ape when I get off. I think it is a bit cramped for the taller person. But then, my age also starts with a 5 so maybe that's just me.

I also agree with other posters that the riding position throws a lot of weight on your arms in town. You can spot me as the biker at the traffic lights who always lets go of the bars and repeatedly opens and clenches his fists! This does not seem to be such a problem 2 months on as I think I've relaxed a bit and my back posture, use of the knees etc. has improved. I'm able to keep up with traffic now, so the airflow helps as well now!

Sometimes it puts the biggest grin on my face often and pedestrians have also been known to stare at the strange young, handsome (well they can't tell) passing biker whooping out loud under his helmet.

I feel like Wayne Rainey (perhaps that should be Kevin Schwantz) these days "Who?". Never mind.

Get one if you're not too tall. They're brilliant

[Bibio]

adding a comfort kit to a sport model is the way to go in my opinion as you get the best of both worlds. i know i keep saying this but it does turn the bike into something completely different and better to ride.

also for the pointy, adjusting the TPS properly makes a huge difference to low speed riding.

i have often thought about a change but as soon as i get on it and go places i'm more than happy with what i have got. 60+mpg, fantastic handling, superb brakes and a lovely engine. my bike is not standard though.

[shiftin_gear98]

Like many others it's also my first big bike, i've had it two years and I still love it, always makes me smile.
Sometimes I dream of getting something different, Daytona 675, CBR600 etc etc, but I couldn't afford the insurance - yet.

Oh and I'm 6' 2", and as it's my first big bike, i've nothing to compare it too! So it feels just as it should. Like my bike.

Still makes me grin remembering that first ride home, scared the shizz out of myself overtaking! When you are used to the acceleration of a 125 (ie none) it sure makes you grin!! :D

Get one, you'll love it, and get used to it.

[collis]

I did the same as Nobbylad, bought one to get back into biking (wanted one anyway).
The S version was brilliant to use but i found it heavy on the wrists in heavy traffic and not nice when filtering otherwise it was perfect.

To play devils advocate however, my first bike was a Suzuki GS500 K2, if you need a restricted license these are perfect as they are low powered regardless so dont notice the restriction too much. they also handle well in traffic and have enough engine power to have some fun on, granted they done have the same performace as an SV650 but it opens some options for you

[fontmoss]

Yeah it's the jerkiness I'm worried about. License finally appeared today (I'm 31 so don't need restricted) so hopefully get a chance to testride a sv650s soon :D

[andrewsmith]

it's a good bike full stop. learn to ride the SV smoothly and you will have no problems riding any bike. personally i would not use the S version as a commute due to the riding position being a bit wristy but that's me.

What this man said!

The riding position on the curvy is spot on for me even commuting (Granted I'm a bit aggressive on the commute), its just Bibio is only visible through a mircoscope ;)

[rapidgaz]

Yeah it's the jerkiness I'm worried about. License finally appeared today (I'm 31 so don't need restricted) so hopefully get a chance to testride a sv650s soon :D

Not sure if it's cuz its new but mine shows no jerkiness at all its smooth all the time. The only thing that threw me at first was the engine breaking. But like that now, really assist in the twistys.

[fontmoss]

The other problem is that it's a rubbish time of year to sell my car and get a bike. Don't want to bin it before I even get properly started.

[TheRuffellator]

As others have said, ride it properly with smooth input and it's absolutely fine at slow speed and in traffic. I commute everyday on an S and have no problem with it :) great first bike I think!


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[Gimerk]

As others have said, ride it properly with smooth input and it's absolutely fine at slow speed and in traffic. I commute everyday on an S and have no problem with it :) great first bike I think!


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Same experience for me. 9 miles each way for work with some motorway and some filtering in queuing traffic.

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[Roberrrrt]

I'm about 6' 1" and I'm on my third SV. Yes they're a little small but you get used to it and they're so light it means they're very easy to flick about.

Personally, I'd suggest an S model for a couple of reasons. Firstly the narrow handle bar style makes tight gaps easy. Secondly there are far more on the used market so choices are greater.

Can be wristy to start with but I found that loosening my grip and using my knees more helped no end. I can do full days in the saddle no problem. Bear in mind if you are tall that the fairing doesn't make a huge difference as standard.

Very torquey engines for the capacity so dancing through the gears is less than on an iL4 and the grunt is low down the revs making it easier for beginners.

Most importantly? They sound like the underworld is trying to escape from the exhaust :)

[Nutsinatin]

SV650S is my first big bike after my 125, you can learn to ride it smoothly, it's narrow so slips through the traffic, where the grunt really helps, used to find the riding position quite uncomfortable at the start, but got used to it and now commute 45mins (24 miles) each way on B roads, A roads, motorways and town center with lots of filtering with no discomfort (although if I do a 200 mile stint I do need a stretch) I absolutely love it and can't see any other bike I would prefer at the moment. I'm 5'10".

[fontmoss]

Sounds good guys! Still bit apprehensive about selling the car for bike as sole means of transport at this time of year....

[Bibio]

Sounds good guys! Still bit apprehensive about selling the car for bike as sole means of transport at this time of year....

unless it was a must there is no way i would give up the car. especially in winter.. feck that.

[mister c]

I dont think that you can find a nicer bike to try the "big bike experience". I've had 2 & loved them both. I have since had 2 - 1000cc Triumphs, but am itching to get another SV, they have made that much of a mark on me.
They are easy to ride slowly, plus, when you get more aquainted, help you ride quickly. The only bug bear I found with them is that if, like me, you are of the larger persuasion, they do tend to be a little lethargic 2 up, hence why I bought the Triumph.

[fontmoss]

Actually that's not strictly true as I can use the train to get to work. It's just not as convenient as a bike or car

[YannG]

great thread and very helpfull as im looking to get one as my first big bike :)

[atassiedevil]

I rode one when i decided to return to 2 wheels, after 10 years. It made such an impression on me i bought one as a 2nd bike, to pass on to the mrs if she ever does her DAS.
Enjoying it muchly so far. Thats how good they are.

[Littlepeahead]

Mine was my first big bike, I loved it and at under 5'3 it's nice and light. But after developing a bone spur on my heel I was finding the riding position uncomfortable so I bought a 798cc F650 GS. I find the upright position much easier in traffic and it's more comfortable on long rides with far better brakes. However it just doesn't have the same fun factor as the SV, which is why my K8 s is still tucked up in my garage until my foot is fixed and I can get back on it.

I've ridden an ER6 a fair bit and considering they are both in the same target market, the ER6 feels clunky, gutless and cheap compared to the SV.

[Nutsinatin]

Well I was going to start riding in November 2011 then on advice not to start in winter I started March 2012 and it ****ed down, think it was the wettest year on record, so it doesn't always work, but I would personally stick with the car if you're happy and pick up a bike in the spring when the weather might be okay, up to you.

[BigFootIsBlurry]

Personally I'd never ditch the car entirely but if you're set on it do it, get the train when it's bleak.

[fontmoss]

Tbh I might try the train for a couple of weeks anyway. Fed up of traffic on M25 and idiots pulling into a lane to make up a few car lengths.

[BigFootIsBlurry]

Do it, depending on the train it can be afairly relaxing way tostart the day. The buses near me however, that's a whole.different story!

[Bibio]

i admire you peeps down there having to endure all that traffic. i would go completely feckin nuts within a week. i have it way to easy up here in jockland.

[fontmoss]

I left Scotland about 6 years ago but I'll be back one day. No traffic but the fecking weather!

[apchara]

i mix up cycling and the SV. For london the sv is ideal, if you plan on a long ride at a weekend and like the idea of something sporty for the twisties, S version If your all about comfort and practicality and dont mind being a bit exposed, N it is

[Bibio]

TBH not that much difference in weather, well this year anyway.. lol

looking at metoffice same sort of day but only 1-2dgr hotter in London as to where i am. but we have less wind right now.

as i say i admire people living or commuting in london or any large city.

[BigFootIsBlurry]

Living and commuting in Manchester is easy enough. It's helped massively by good, reliable and reasonably priced public transport.

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[Dalerst]

Just picked up my first bike on Saturday which is an SV650 on a 04 plate with 34k on the clock so far I love it but mine is purely for fun not commuting.