Lumpy as hell maybe, but bland, not really :wink:

The main issue I had, with the test bike I rode, was not being able to see the speedo properly, out of the bottom of my visual range! :evil: It was a current model. The older one might have the smaller tank, but the speedo's in a better place :roll:

To my mind, it much a case of doing the job well, just not as involving as other metal out there.

Much like (and this should get Pete going) the old 748 was an awesome bike to ride (when it worked) and as an overall package the 749 (apart from style of course) is probably better for most, I'd still stick to the older model 8)

the VTR is a good road bike and enough for most, but even Honda make a (more charectorful) better riding bike in the SP 1/2.

Cheers Mark.

Might keep a copy of this chat.

I am going to change the SV in about March 2009.

The VTR could be it. If anyone knows any available bikes around that time, giz a buzz :wink:

Thanks Mark - I think that was what I was trying to get at - a good bike yes, but not a great one...

Mark...Not at all mate. :wink: I understand fully what you are saying regarding your comparison of the 748 with the 749. 8)


Footnote: Nice though that my 749 has as much bhp as the 916 did when it was launched! :shock: Progress hey? :P

Thanks Pete, when I saw it sat in the shop I knew I just had to test ride it. Smitten from then on and had to buy it. Got a good deal as well. :D

No way is the Firestorm a better bike than the SV Peter Henry!
I have ridden many a mile with my best mate on his Firestorm, swapping bikes sometimes. The SV is far more exciting, handles better and is not much slower than the Honda. He even agrees with me and owns the Firestorm!!

Steve...I note your comments,though personally I found them amusing! Don't pick me out as there are several others that have sung the praises of the Firestorm. Some of your comments though,to my mind border on the ridiculous. :P

Please feel free to disagree in part or entirely*

Why do people slate Honda just because they produce bikes that do what they're supposed to ??

It's not what you ride, it's the way that you ride it - FACT.

Just ride it a bit harder and you'll find you get so much more out for putting just a little more in...

.

Interesting thread this as I'm picking up a Firestorm tomorrow, It's identical to the one in the picture at the start of this thread but with only 3800 miles on it. I'm upgrading from a curvy 650s and I did try the SV1000s first but to be honest I have always prefered the look of the curvy (ducks for cover). Although the SV1000 was nice I found it more sporty than my curvy and as I use it for commuting everday I prefer a more relaxed ride. The VTR did feel more sanitised but as I said I commute 5 days a week on it and only have time for the odd scratch at the weekends this was preferable to me. I'm also interested to see if the build quality is as good as everyone says as it was a constant battle keeping the SV looking respectable.
With everything I've said above I will be really sad to see the SV go tomorrow, if I had a garage to store it and could afford it I would not be parting with it as they are lots of fun. I've had a good 2 1/2 years with it even with all the known problems and if anyone ever asked my if I could recommend one it would be a hearty yes.
As for the Firestorm, time will tell. :D