Sv400 vs. Sv650

Hi. i have a friend who is taking his direct access test very soon, he is after a curvy SV. i mentioned about the Sv400, we looked at insurance and its cheaper, and he fancies having a 400 insted of a 650.

So i thought i'd try and find out what i can find out about them. so hear i am.

Which one do you think is best for his first bike, taking everything into account, insurance, power, weight, etc????

Thanks

Personally having recently passed my test I can't see the point of the 400. The 600 is friendly enough for a beginner.

[Biker Biggles]

From memory the 400 is identical to the 650 except it has a single disc front brake and sleeved down cylinders.It therefore has a bit less power,and worse brakes,but is otherwise the same.Id forget it and get a 650.

[ogden]

What on earth is the point of an SV400?

The 650 is hardly a ripsnorting monster.

he's had a flirt on my k3 650 and says he wants something abit tamer he'll soon learn

[fizzwheel]

I'd be inclined to steer him towards the 650, he might be a bit wary of it now, but in a few months time I reckon he'll be wishing he'd got the 650...

Never ridden the 400, but anyone who is conscientious enough to consider one because it is a more "sensible" choice for a newbie is surely sensible enough themselves to have a bit of restraint when it comes to the throttle. Unless the insurance is a massive saving he should get a 650, loads more to choose from too I'd bet.

Tamer! Might as well stick to a 125. Tell him to get a 250 2 stroke :P

Tamer? If the 400 is the same size just with worse handling characterists then surely the 650 will be tamer in the sense it'll be easier to ride, no point in trying to muscle around a bike the size of a 650 that can't perform like a 650.

[ogden]

Originally Posted by vardypeeps

Tamer! Might as well stick to a 125. Tell him to get a 250 2 stroke :P

He seems to want something slower than an SV650, not faster!