View Full Version : Buy an SV or not?
I'm currently running a Triumph Bonnie that I traded my 2013 Gladius in for. I never really got on with the Gladdy. Prob cos I always thought it looked a bit girly. Anyway a change of job has left me looking for something more suited to commuting and have looked at a used BMW F800st with 7500 miles on its back. For another £1k I can buy a brand new SV. Are they ok for commuting and is there anything I should consider.
Bee Emm is probably a better all round bike although I've never ridden on my self, it will probably stand up to winter a bit better too.
I'd say that as a tool to commute on however they are both as capable as each other.
how far you are commuting and are you going to be using the bike through winter.
DaddyJob's your man. Has had both and done monster mileage on them too.
I'm currently running a Triumph Bonnie that I traded my 2013 Gladius in for. I never really got on with the Gladdy. Prob cos I always thought it looked a bit girly. Anyway a change of job has left me looking for something more suited to commuting and have looked at a used BMW F800st with 7500 miles on its back. For another £1k I can buy a brand new SV. Are they ok for commuting and is there anything I should consider.
You must be the same guy who also has a post on the F800 forum. Feel free to pm me on here or there about the F800ST
You must be the same guy who also has a post on the F800 forum. Feel free to pm me on here or there about the F800ST
Sent you a Pm.
I'm currently running a Triumph Bonnie that I traded my 2013 Gladius in for. I never really got on with the Gladdy. Prob cos I always thought it looked a bit girly. Anyway a change of job has left me looking for something more suited to commuting and have looked at a used BMW F800st with 7500 miles on its back. For another £1k I can buy a brand new SV. Are they ok for commuting and is there anything I should consider.
Why not go for the SV1000? Cheaper on insurance and has all the oomph the 650 is lacking and looks a lot better with the bigger frame, rear wheel, forks and brakes. A lot of people say the thou' is a harder bike to ride, I preferred it, it felt more planted. There was nothing in it as far as turn in speed was concerned, nothing that dropping the triple clamps 10mm wouldn't equal out between the two anyway. Plus two exhausts and a f-off amount of mentalistic torque will have you grinning from ear to ear. I loved it, wish I hadn't sold it now!
Love the thou, same dealer has one of them too. I might pop in for a look tomorrow.
I had the f800s and currently ride a 2002 Sv.
To me the f800 engine is perfect for roads. Belt drive a bonus from a maintenance perspective.
F800 gave me pain across the shoulders and slight hand numbness.
The SV I find more comfortable and less numbness. I do prefer the 800 engine though.
Went down to the dealer today and looked at the F800 and the SV1000. I admit I'm sorely tempted by the SV. I'll keep you posted.
The one at KC's ? Looks good in the pictures, price seems about right.
You on Facebook ? If you are come over and sign up to Galloway Gremlins, I'm admin.
I think the SV650 is very good value for money, and perfect as a commuter, I've had 2 now, and plan to replace this one with another in a couple of years time.
Things I have done to my current SV to make it a bit better at the commuting game:
Fender Extenda, rear hugger, braided hoses, Chewy's mirror risers, hagon springs - and for me, with my gimpy back, a top box :)
I've now done over 50,000 miles on SVs commuting into central London, and the bike has taken it all in its stride.
There are probably better commuters out there (I looked at a BMW 800 myself), but you won't go far wrong with an SV in my opinion
Well guys, I've decided to go for the SV1000S that my dealer had in stock. Getting a good deal and can't wait to get it. Excited like a 5 yr old at Xmas. Thanks to everyone who had an input.
Flybuster
27-09-15, 02:41 PM
Nice one. Get some pics up when you get it.
If you want a better commuter the VFR750 is literally THE best. But I loved my SV1000, chicken strips were gone within a couple of days, scraping pegs on standard suspension is easy. I just couldn't get on with the amount of clutch work needed in bad traffic, it can be very snatchy. Nothing a tune won't sort though, I just couldn't be arsed spending the money to do it.
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