SV - a sensible first big bike for me?

Hello all! I've been lurking the for sale section for a couple of months now and there's a few things come up that have made me wonder about this bike.

Am I right in thinking it doesn't like the rain? Is there anything that can be done for this?
I'm looking at getting this as an all year round all over bike, to take me occasionally from sheff to kent but mostly for getting around town.

I'm 17 and currently own a clapped out 97 RS125, got my test a few months back (33bhp obviously) and have been looking out for bikes that match my requirements.
Another important factor is that I'm 6'4 - would I fit on an SV comfortably (long distances etc.)

I'm looking at an S model (not a fan of naked bikes unless they're build by Triumph...) and could anybody please enlighten me on the difference between curvies and pointies (I mean, I know ones carbed ones injected but what difference does that make practically?)

pros and cons of the sv please? (obviously you'll all be a little biased... lol)

cheers very much guys!

The only prob with rain is water in front spark plug - easily sorted with fender extender.

6'4" may be a problem - I am 6'2" and am fine on an SVS but at the limit, I think there at taller people who are quite happy, it may depend on your leg length as I found that the tightest thing.

Curvy to pointy, little diff apart from FI and style.

Pros - cheap, good at everything

Cons - cheap, does not excel at anything.

I came from an RS125 too and i'm also taller than the average Japanese test rider.

I found the SVS pretty much the same comfort wise as the RS, perhaps a little more leg room and space to move around. The standard screen is perfect for my height, no buffetting at all. If you're buying new the seat will be very hard for the first few hundred miles but breaks in.

The water in the front plug problem has only affected mine once but fixes aren't difficult or expensive if it does affect yours.

Pointies have fuel injection and therefore no carb icing or choke problems but may be more difficult to restrict.

You might also find insurance a problem at 17. I was 22 and they still wanted to apply a huge excess (£600) when I got mine but I suppose it depends where you live and wether it's garaged.

Otherwise, I think you will enjoy it starting on the button every time, not needing a new piston every 12,00 kms and not having to warm it up for 15 minutes before every ride.

p.s I wish I still had my RS.



The handling was amazing.

The SV was my first (and only so far) bike, I found it great as a first big bike. I did kangaroo on it for a bit and the v twin took a bit of getting used to. I find my borthers bandit more comfortable and more confidence inspiring around the twisties but its just dull and doesnt excite me! On the other hand he doesnt like my bike. Try to get a test ride on a restricted bike as only you will know for height and the like

Andy

First things first. Welcome to the mad house (but you already knew that, lurking for a few months).

Originally Posted by hangalldjs

Am I right in thinking it doesn't like the rain? Is there anything that can be done for this?
I'm looking at getting this as an all year round all over bike, to take me occasionally from sheff to kent but mostly for getting around town.

Well, on my K6, there's a plastic flap that prevents most of the water getting to the front spark plug (which is the issue you're talking about). However, I've still fitted a fender extender (£18 from a dealership, fit it yourself), just to help the issue. Other than that, bring on the rain! (I live in North Wales, I see a lot of rain!)

Originally Posted by hangalldjs

I'm 17 and currently own a clapped out 97 RS125, got my test a few months back (33bhp obviously) and have been looking out for bikes that match my requirements.
Another important factor is that I'm 6'4 - would I fit on an SV comfortably (long distances etc.)

You'll need the SV restricting. A pointy will cost you around £200 for it done properly, a curvy, MUCH cheaper (in fact, it can be done by yourself, for as little as something like £5). For the distance, look at something with a fairing (prolonged wind blast can ache a little - but some say you get used to it).

Originally Posted by hangalldjs

I'm looking at an S model (not a fan of naked bikes unless they're build by Triumph...) and could anybody please enlighten me on the difference between curvies and pointies (I mean, I know ones carbed ones injected but what difference does that make practically?)

The faired versions have a less 'sit up & beg' riding style, and you're a little more laid down. There's also more weight on your wrists because of this. Carbs suffer from icing in the winter, FI systems dont. Performance wise, there was a thread not long ago, which basically said that pointies were faster as standard. This is probably partly due to the gearing setup, pointies being geared for slightly less accelleration, but more top end.

Originally Posted by hangalldjs

pros and cons of the sv please? (obviously you'll all be a little biased... lol)

Pros, everything about it. Give it enough stick in 2nd or 3rd & you get the front off the floor. Nice lightweight bike for me, easy to throw around & have some good clean fun on.
Cons, as with most bikes, the back slides in the wet when you get on paint/metal etc. The torque can be a bit daunting at first (my first ride I opened it up in 1st like I used to with my OLD CG125 - and well, I was scared witless, but happily so). Treat it with some respect, and do regular maintenance/cleaning, and it's a great bike.

Yes, I am biased.

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Baph

Pros, everything about it. Give it enough stick in 2nd or 3rd & you get the front off the floor. Nice lightweight bike for me, easy to throw around & have some good clean fun on.
Cons, as with most bikes, the back slides in the wet when you get on paint/metal etc. The torque can be a bit daunting at first (my first ride I opened it up in 1st like I used to with my OLD CG125 - and well, I was scared witless, but happily so). Treat it with some respect, and do regular maintenance/cleaning, and it's a great bike.

Wot E Said

David

[Stu]

Originally Posted by andyaikido

Pointies have fuel injection and therefore no carb icing or choke problems but may be more difficult to restrict.

You might also find insurance a problem at 17. I was 22 and they still wanted to apply a huge excess (£600) when I got mine but I suppose it depends where you live and wether it's garaged.
:

No more difficult to restrict than giving me £40 for my restricted ECU and plug it in under the seat (Shameless plug)

You're not going to get a better insurance deal on any 600+ cc than the SV IMHO - shop around

its a good first big bike hangalldjs, fast enuf to get you into trouble but its still never gonna bite ya hand off.

Originally Posted by kwak zzr

its a good first big bike hangalldjs, fast enuf to get you into trouble but its still never gonna bite ya hand off.

Unless your first ride is like my first ride was. Zero to full throttle, in first, instantly. I was lucky to ride out the rodeo! Learnt respect for the bike on the first 200 yards of the first ride.

Originally Posted by Baph

Unless your first ride is like my first ride was. Zero to full throttle, in first, instantly. I was lucky to ride out the rodeo! Learnt respect for the bike on the first 200 yards of the first ride.

Guess thats almost the point in hand here, if it'd been a blade that you'd jumped on not an SV, it would probably have bitten :P