New bike today
 

Just traded my '99 SV with 27k miles for a 57 plate GSF650SA with 6.5k miles this afternoon.

I have to say I am already missing that V twin, and would have got a newer SV, but they are just a bit too cramped for my lanky frame. The Bandit is a bit more roomy and more suited to my mostly motorway riding. However, that burble on the overrun from the SV was great, and the angry bwaaaarrrp if you caned it. The GSF just goes whirrrrrrrr.

Anyway, first impressions - bit heavier in traffic but easy enough to pilot through gaps at walking pace, quick enough (although slick roads and brand new tyres meant that the performance was not explored to any degree), comfy riding position, effective half fairing, fairly quiet. And heated grips -loverly.

After 14 months with the SV I really bonded with it, first big bike, rode it nearly every day, did lots of work on it myself etc. Not sure I will bond with the GSF the same way, but I think it will frustrate me less, I need a reliable tool that will get me to the office and to meetings without fuss for 90% of my riding. Time will tell if the other 10% is as fun as it was with the SV. Kind of feel sorry for it in a way, in a couple of months the tyres will have squared off and it will be covered in grime from my M62 commute. Roll on spring and finding out what its like on a nice afternoon with a twisty road.

Thanks to all who have answered my dumb SV related questions in the past, no doubt I will have dumb GSF related questions in the future.

Cheers, Jez.