SVS or ................

[Wootan]

Afternoon All,

Just about to purchase my 1st large bike for commuting, approx 50 miles round trip. I think I've narrowed it down to SV 650s and a Kalawaki ( as per the Mrs) ER6-f. I realise the responses may be slightly biased but would appreciate any advice.

Ps. Top site chaps

Paul

[G - renamed]

I would go for the SV because you can get them second which tend to be much better value if you're putting a lot of miles on it.

Couldn't comment on performance of the ER.

[northwind]

The ER6 looks a really good package... But I think the SV still wins it, at the moment- it's easier to get a cheap one (and actually possible to get a used one) and there's tons of knowledge, tunign parts, aftermarket nonsense and spares out there. Crash an ER6 and you'll be buying new bits, at the mo. Crash an SV and you can usually fix it from Ebay and breakers.

Try 'em both. They seem to have ppretty different characters.

[Foey]

i'd say the SV for all the above & i prefer the looks, also with a place like this & all the wonderfull peeps on it who are always ready to help in whatever way they can, what could be better. :wink:

[Wootan]

Thanks Guys

I will be buying new which ever I go for, I love the idea of a v-twin but the Kwak just looks superb. I'm yet to see the Kawasaki in the flesh so I guess thats next.

Cheers

[northwind]

I think the kwak's looks divide opinion a little ;) If I got one, it wouldn't last a week with that headlight assembly...

[rob13]

I reckon the Kwak is ugly. Looks like what it is meant to be - a budget bike. Better off with the SV as the opportunities to customise are endless.

[Dal]

I have been considering the same options !

However, I finally decided on the SV for the following reasons

1) I'm not sure about the underslung exhaust

2) Newish model could have teathing problems

3) Steel Frame

4) No real free expertise with them yet (EG Forums with a wealth of knowledge)

5) Looks abit to upright, with will make it a difficult progression to most other bike styles.

IMHO Only

Regards
Dal

[rictus01]

Just as a degree of balance, a faired ABS black (with red frame) ER6 was at Soho Friday night, and it does look gorgous, some very nice styling touches on there, all the bits & bots anodised red to match the frame, nice

I'd have to ride one of course, and I'd get the non ABS version (spending the money on a decent rear shock and upgrading the fork inturnals (same forks as the SV).

although all the points above about new model/ spares and such like are indeed valid.

Cheers Mark.

[empty]

Saw the ER6F at Ally Pally, black with red frame, looks nice and a bit different, seating position/bars are more upright than the SVS. Possibly slightly more comfortable, with the SV slightly more sporty. Not a fan of the ER6N though, headlight looks odd.

Give them both a spin. See which you prefer. I'd also try out a second hand SV (curvy, preferably yellow) and maybe a bandit or hornet sorry ian for suggesting a honda.

MT

[sv650s_guy]

i use my sv for a 50 mile round trip myself and carnt fault it reliable cheap to run and there is a much great resouce of people parts and place if you have any problems.

[Sid Squid]

sorry ian for suggesting a honda.

MT

Outrageous :shock: Mark go wash your mouth out right now.

Back to the point:

See if you can get a buzz on an ER6 as well as the obvious competition, that should tell you which one you want. I don't doubt that the Kwak is a fine bike, and as the reason for building it is to try and wrest some sales from Suzuki and the SV, it's unsurprising that the numbers are similar in many respects.

This being an SV based forum it can be difficult to get a balanced view, whilst the SV is a great bike all the bikes mentioned above are worth your attention.

Except the H*n*a naturally

[Wootan]

What a response!!

I'm going to see a the kawasaki on thursday so we'll see. I am a little concerned that the riding position may be a bit vertical but I do like the styling.

Many thanks

Paul

[Reckless Rat]

but I do like the styling.


I didn't think anyone was going to like this one...
But then I'm not keen on the Supermoto stylee thing that's becoming popular either.
I must be getting old!


RR

[ujoni08]

The SV wins hands down! Aluminium frame, centrally mounted rear shock, nicer styling (and you can add faring lowers if you want), narrower motor, years of R&D, etc. The Kwak is heavier, steel framed, slightly less powerful, and think of the uneven forces on the swingarm with that shock.
Jon.

[northwind]

think of the uneven forces on the swingarm with that shock.
Jon.

Nah, don't. Won't make the slightest difference to the bike.

[ujoni08]

Maybe not to the handling (at first), but I think it may wear the bushes unevenly, and then affect the handling. I could be wrong though. It doesn't seem a sound engineering job.
Jon.

[Dal]

(and you can add faring lowers if you want),

If he goes for the ER6F that is fully faired it's the Er6N that isn't.

Dal

[northwind]

Maybe not to the handling (at first), but I think it may wear the bushes unevenly, and then affect the handling. I could be wrong though. It doesn't seem a sound engineering job.
Jon.

Nah, location of the shock across a stressed member like a swingarm won't make any difference. The SV one's not dead centre either for that matter.

[Stef]

All the above ! But we all forgot something : parallel twins are sooooo boring compared to a V-twin !

[rictus01]

All the above ! But we all forgot something : parallel twins are sooooo boring compared to a V-twin !

Dependant of firing order of course. :wink:

the Norton and the BSA feel totally different.

[Wootan]

Well I checked them both out today and whilst the kwak was very pretty the Sv won hands down. So should be placing an rder shortly!!

Thanks again

[Ceri JC]

Glad you made the right choice :)

Enjoy!

[zunkus]

I think the kwak's looks divide opinion a little ;) If I got one, it wouldn't last a week with that headlight assembly...

The light's not half bad. Its the clock that I hate. UGLY! Looks like an afterthought.
The SV is a classic now, it sold well and any problems (were there any?) have been ironed out. Can't say the same for the Kawa. Cheap parts is a plus too, as is availability.