sv650 vs sv650s beginner bike?

[florida650]

im a complete newb to biking and this particular forum..im not a complete newb to the internet....

anways my question is..i know im beating a dead horse with a stick ..but is the sv650 a good beginner bike?..

i really want to get into biking... ive been researching on the net..and they say the sv650 is a good beginner bike..and others say its not a good beginner bike..some say the sv650 is an awesome first bike.

also...should i go with the sv650 ,sv650s , should i even worry about the ABS version...any input would help .. thanks!!

[Biker Biggles]

Welcome to the madhouse.:p
Yes is the answer to your question,and when you are no longer a beginner it remains a good rider's bike.In sunny Florida I'd go for an unfaired one.

[kwak zzr]

perfect bike for all people.

[KnightRider]

I got my license 3 weeks ago via a 5 day DAS and picked up a brand new SV650s today as my first ever bike. Although I was pretty nervous when pulling out of the dealership the SV put my mind completely at rest and was an absolute joy to ride. After a days riding (including central London) I am positive that I made the right choice. The bike is nimble, easy to manouver and has a lot of low down torque - exactly what you need as a beginner!

Welcome to the forums by the way!

[Alpinestarhero]

Its my first bike, before my SV i had only ridden as big as the training schools 125cc machine. The SV is a perfect first bike - mine is the faired "s" version and I find it really agile and easy to ride, even in town.

Matt

[d8mof]

go for the s version, mine is also my first big bike going from an ar50 many years ago to the sv, top bike

[northwind]

I don't think it's a great beginner's bike- something like a DT125 or an SR, or maybe a 4-stroke 250 like the wee Ninja. Something just a bit lighter, easier to pick up :) Also more forgiving, not got the engine braking which can cause noobs problems. Especially for the states when the standard of rider training available is so poor- do your MSF, for sure. But, well, for comparison MSF is a lower standard than the first half of the CBT training all UK riders have to do before they're ever allowed on the road- before we get on an SV most riders will have had 3-5 days constant training so it's a much better springboard.

So do bear that in mind folks, the US approach is typically "Just jump on and ride". Our idea of beginner is slightly different.

But, it's a great learner bike. Not good enough to coddle you, not bad enough to drastically hold you back. Possibly the 400cc race reps are better, though, but they're also becoming rarer for a good one, and expensive to fix too.

[dyzio]

it's ok for a first bike. I know this because it's my first :)
Like Northwind said, be careful with engine breaking and with the rear brake, the rear locks up easily.
If you'll go for the "N", you'll have less to replace if you drop it :(
I went for the "S" 4 months ago and I think I'll love it for many years :)

[clm2112]

Welcome aboard fellow Floridian. To answer your question: If the SV650 fits you physically, (Try it on for size...if you feel all cramped up on it then look for something different) Beyond that, It's a great bike for both beginners and more advanced riding.

We can even strip it down and send you out on the racetrack on it. I would put it up against my old CBR600F and VFR750 on the track...they are different in feel, but bottom line is that they are all stable, predictable, rides with pleasant maners.

Now as to which flavor...it's a personal choice. The S model doesn't do anything differently from the normal nekkid SV650...the upper fairing is small and doesn't really offer much protection from the bugs and wind..it more of a style choice.

The ABS model is a different story...waste of money in my personal opinion. The SV650 light weight and simplicity are it's strong suits...no sense adding extra useless tech to it. Take the money you would spend on the ABS gear and go attend a few MSF courses. You'll come away from the classes with a better feel for how much braking force you have on tap in that front wheel. You don't need any automatic gizmo to keep you from locking up the wheels..the bike will tell you where the edge is all by itself, you just need to learn the signs.

Last, hang out on this list. There's a lot of good tech stuff here. The TPS adjustment is probably the first one your should carry out. Stiffening up the front forks is probably number two on the list of improving the stock SV650 and making a quicker, tighter ride.

[northwind]

Disagree on the ABS... In every test, even top racers stop ABS bikes faster than standard bikes, in the damp or wet at least, and the numbers are very close even in the dry- a matter of feet. Last one I saw was Jamie Whitham, so unless you're better on the brakes than him...

And that's in totally controlled circumstances- emergency stops by definition are unexpected so you'll almost never use the bike's whole braking potential from start to finish. ABS avoids the risk of the panic lock, and likely crash (for the noob at least) and even if you save a locked front (not actually that hard) you'll still take much longer to stop than if you'd not locked it) Maybe more importantly it takes away the risk of underbraking- even an experienced rider rarely uses all of the available brakes, never mind in the wet, at the end of a 400 mile ride, in winter... On track, or for a weekend toy, sure it's not such a big deal though.

If I could magic ABS onto my bike today, I would- though I'd want an offswitch for trackdays. I totally understand the argument about becoming dependant on technology, but I don't think it stands up, and the technology's getting better all the time. And for a beginner, saying "Just learn the signs" isn't all that useful- far too many people learn about the front brake by crashing, either from using too much or too little.

[florida650]

Welcome aboard fellow Floridian. To answer your question: If the SV650 fits you physically, (Try it on for size...if you feel all cramped up on it then look for something different) Beyond that, It's a great bike for both beginners and more advanced riding.

We can even strip it down and send you out on the racetrack on it. I would put it up against my old CBR600F and VFR750 on the track...they are different in feel, but bottom line is that they are all stable, predictable, rides with pleasant maners.

Now as to which flavor...it's a personal choice. The S model doesn't do anything differently from the normal nekkid SV650...the upper fairing is small and doesn't really offer much protection from the bugs and wind..it more of a style choice.

The ABS model is a different story...waste of money in my personal opinion. The SV650 light weight and simplicity are it's strong suits...no sense adding extra useless tech to it. Take the money you would spend on the ABS gear and go attend a few MSF courses. You'll come away from the classes with a better feel for how much braking force you have on tap in that front wheel. You don't need any automatic gizmo to keep you from locking up the wheels..the bike will tell you where the edge is all by itself, you just need to learn the signs.

Last, hang out on this list. There's a lot of good tech stuff here. The TPS adjustment is probably the first one your should carry out. Stiffening up the front forks is probably number two on the list of improving the stock SV650 and making a quicker, tighter ride.

ah.. thanks bro... every has been informative..i think you have been the most tho

i didnt realize this site was a UK sight :).. its all good we all speak english

ive also just learned about the yamaha fz6 it seems like a comparable bike to the sv650..you got any thoughts on this bike?

i have a lot to learn about bikes.. im a complete newb..im usually on this honda sight..im a car guy..transitiong to bikes as a secondary or primary means of transportation

so far the sv650 has got my attention the most..i plan to have one in the next few months!!!

if i dont get the fz6 that is :)..

thanks again!

and cheerio! :D

[clm2112]

If I could magic ABS onto my bike today, I would- though I'd want an offswitch for trackdays. I totally understand the argument about becoming dependant on technology, but I don't think it stands up, and the technology's getting better all the time. And for a beginner, saying "Just learn the signs" isn't all that useful- far too many people learn about the front brake by crashing, either from using too much or too little.

We will dissagree then. As for "just learn the signs", that's taking my comment a bit out of context. What I am suggesting to him is getting rider training to know what those signs are, which IS the only way you will learn where the maximum braking points are. And on the street, if your head is screwed on straight the way it should be, you are not putting yourself in the kind of situations where the 10-10th engineering ABS makes any difference. In other words, if I've allowed myself into a situation where I need that extra little edge ABS offers, then I have already screwed up badly and will likely be going for a tumble.

[clm2112]

ah.. thanks bro... every has been informative..i think you have been the most tho

No Sweat.

I haven't ridden the FZ6, yet (maybe take out for a spin during Biketoberfest this year) but one thing it is already loosing on is price. Like Honda's CB599R, the FZ6 is heavier than the SV650 (by about 40 lbs dry.)

It's simple really...both the Honda and the Yamaha FZ6 are inline 4-cylinder bikes. Quite literally they are nekkid versions of their middleweight supersport bikes, de-tuned.

In terms of bang for buck, the SV650 is a hard act to beat. It's older technology and has a few weak points (in the suspension), but it's still a solid ride. If you are on the fence, take a look at a used one that has already been depreciated. It will give you some cheap saddle time.

[KnightRider]

I don't think it's a great beginner's bike- something like a DT125 or an SR, or maybe a 4-stroke 250 like the wee Ninja. Something just a bit lighter, easier to pick up :) Also more forgiving, not got the engine braking which can cause noobs problems. Especially for the states when the standard of rider training available is so poor- do your MSF, for sure. But, well, for comparison MSF is a lower standard than the first half of the CBT training all UK riders have to do before they're ever allowed on the road- before we get on an SV most riders will have had 3-5 days constant training so it's a much better springboard.

So do bear that in mind folks, the US approach is typically "Just jump on and ride". Our idea of beginner is slightly different.

But, it's a great learner bike. Not good enough to coddle you, not bad enough to drastically hold you back. Possibly the 400cc race reps are better, though, but they're also becoming rarer for a good one, and expensive to fix too.

What he said :)! Make sure you get some really decent training before getting on it. If I hadn't done 5 solid days of training with a professional instructor I wouldn't touch the SV.

[northwind]

We will dissagree then. As for "just learn the signs", that's taking my comment a bit out of context. What I am suggesting to him is getting rider training to know what those signs are, which IS the only way you will learn where the maximum braking points are. And on the street, if your head is screwed on straight the way it should be, you are not putting yourself in the kind of situations where the 10-10th engineering ABS makes any difference. In other words, if I've allowed myself into a situation where I need that extra little edge ABS offers, then I have already screwed up badly and will likely be going for a tumble.

Fair enough- it's definately a matter of opinion. Still, I'd say that those situations where the ABS really comes into its own are either when someone else has created a bad situation- ie, someone pulls out on you, for instance- or yes, when you've screwed up. But we all do sometimes. In day to day riding, slowing for corners etc, it should just never be an issue I feel but for those "oh s**t" moments, I wouldn't object to carrying around the extra kg with me. It's easy to ride in total safety if you ride in total isolation, but no matter how cautious you are there's times when Bad Stuff can happen.

As for rider training, yes, I completely agree... Sorry, I did take you out of context there. But I'm not really convinced that MSF is a great option, it's the absolute basics really. Like I mentioned earlier, it takes you to a lower standard than we have to train to before we're even allowed on the road on a 125cc street bike clearly marked with learner plates, accompanied by a trainer- and then, we complete a further observed ride before being allowed out unaccompanied, still on a 125. I wouldn't discourage anyone from doing MSF, but at the same time I would discourage anyone from thinking that once they've done it they're trained.

[clm2112]

But I'm not really convinced that MSF is a great option, it's the absolute basics really.

Hmm.. I'm wondering which one you took. It's been about 15 years ago for me since the last MSF advanced course. There's a introductory course taught in two days on their motorcycles. Was intended to just teach a new rider how to keep it on it's wheels and operate the controls. (Enough to feel comfortable in daylight riding on the learner's permit.) The rest of the courses are progressively harder, with heavy emphisis on counter-steering drills and emergency stops. When I took it, the intro course wasn't enough to get your license in lieu of the state test, the follow on course did count as your license exam.

Personally, I would recommend a rider goes even further..on to one of the track schools, but it's not what everyone is geared towards. I took the California Superbike School a few times (first to get my AMA/CCS and WERA licenses, followed by a refresher, and last as corner worker for free track time ;-) There's plenty to learn by pushing hard on the track.

Still, there's plenty the SV650 can do. We have few sub-600cc models imported to the states, so the selection of "beginner" motorcycles are a bit thin. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the SV as a beginners bike. That it has room for a rider to grow is better still.

[northwind]

Hmm.. I'm wondering which one you took. It's been about 15 years ago for me since the last MSF advanced course. There's a introductory course taught in two days on their motorcycles. Was intended to just teach a new rider how to keep it on it's wheels and operate the controls. (Enough to feel comfortable in daylight riding on the learner's permit.)

I've not done it myself, kind of in the wrong country :) But I have to admit I'd more or less overlooked the advanced course, since so few people do it- it seems to be very unpopular now, and people who I know who've wanted to do it have often been unable to find a place. Crazy stuff. So yes, I do apologise, we were talking about 2 different things and it was entirely my fault :rolleyes: