Why choose the sv650s over a sportier bike?

Hello,
I am thinking about getting a sv650s, but I have a couple of questions to ask: Why should I get the sv650s as a beginner bike over......let's say a cbr600f4i? What is the big difference betweem the sv650 and the inline 4 cylinder competitors? Is their something about a sv650s that I have not seen or understood? Please convince me to wanting a sv650s, I really want one, but I am not sure as to how long they hold up or how long they will last.
Thanks

[mister c]

I have ridden a lot of twins & 4s in my lifetime, but I must say for a medium capacity bike, this does everything I want it to do & more. I haven't ridden another bike that is so easy to control at low speed, but, when you hit the loud switch, it takes off like a thing possessed, so you can have fun at some silly speeds. It handles fairly well and the power delivery can be very smooth. You also don't feel as though you are thrashing it neither (not like a 4 where you are up & down the box to get the best from it). I have to say that I have only owned mine for 3 weeks, but I have done nearly 1000 miles in that time & I smile every time I get on it. It makes the ride to work a joy & not a chore. Add to that a race can & they just sound fkin ace

So, you are saying that is an all-around better bike because it handles, has more low end power, and is fun to ride? Is that is so then I think I will have to get one. You described the bike just how I wanted to hear. Thanks, any other suggestions?

SV does everything it says on the tin. Great for new and experienced riders although the build quality can be a little lacking in places. The Vee Twin engine gives more low down grunt than an IL4 600. It's handles well but not the most comfortable of bikes and it's budget price is reflected in it's suspension.

The CBR600F is more of a modern day middlewight sports tourer. It's quick comfortable and very reliable but maybe a touch on the "bland" side. New riders may not notice this, but more experienced riders will. There's nothing wrong with it, it just doesn't have the "bite" of a modern Supersport 600. Better suspension than the SV too.

I'm a big Honda fan, but of the two I'd probably go with the SV for the fun factor (as long as I could keep my FireBlade). Have you considered the Z750 also ?

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Yes I have, but what is the difference? All I knew was the sv650 was better supported and has many aftermarket parts and their are lots of them around.

Originally Posted by Rangerman

Yes I have, but what is the difference? All I knew was the sv650 was better supported and has many aftermarket parts and their are lots of them around.

Well there's certainly more Suzuki dealers than Kawasaki in this end of the woods. It does have a good range of after market parts and "most" of the dealers seem pretty good.

Try both and see how you get on. I started with an SV over 5 years ago now, progressed onto a big Aprilia, then went down the IL4 route. When I had the chance I still got myself another SV as a 2nd bike though, but it's now in that big bike park in the sky

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Sorry for the misunderstanding, but I have not even heard of or thought of that bike yet. Because, I live the US and I have not seen the bike. What else would you suggest along with the sv650?
Thanks

Originally Posted by Rangerman

Sorry for the misunderstanding, but I have not even heard of or thought of that bike yet. Because, I live the US and I have not seen the bike. What else would you suggest along with the sv650?
Thanks

OK, the Z750 is naked (or semi naked) Kawasaki which gives very good account of itself for the money.

Our (UK) CBR600F is the as you F4i I think....

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Welcome to the site Rangerman. Seems like you're a bit of a night owl! (Posting at what? somewhere 2-4am your time depending on timezone?)

Since you asked "why should I get one as a beginners bike," I did just that.

My SV is really the first bike I've ever owned. Well, unless you count a CG125 for a month.

I like the SV because of it's cost (yes, it's a budget bike, but that's perfect if you're on a budget). I also like the SV because as my neighbour rightly said when I brought it home "Nice choice, probably the most mod-able bike out." Highly customisable.

Since owning it, I've also found that it's easy to work on mechanically. I knew nothing about engines in total before buying the SV, and it's taught me a lot.

Build quality isn't that great & mine is starting to show the signs of a british winter I need to learn to look after paintwork etc. But saying that, I have a pointy (actually an '06 model - K6) & it's never failed to start on the button unless it was something silly that I had done (self wired alarm causing a flat battery).

Saying that about build quality, my bike is around 8months old, and is the wrong side of 15,000 miles.

I love the ability to filter, and you could argue that you get that with any bike, but on an IL4 to get the most of the torque available you'd have to be in a lower gear to filter, and you'd probably have less engine braking too.

15,000 miles after buying it, and I'm looking around for something with more power. But then, the SV isn't really lacking, it's just that personally, I'd like more. My new numberplate has a tag line (small area under the guts of the plate) which reads "Caution - Suicidal Tendancies" so that probably explains my thrist for power.

I don't regret buying the SV at all, and to be honest, when the upgrade time comes, if I can afford it, I'd love to keep the SV.

It is actually 1:15 here now. It's not the fact that I am a beginner at all, it is I am a beginner on the street, but I am not a beginner on dirt. I am a night owl and I could probably discuss this for hours on in. But, to the important stuff. So, what you are saying is the SV is all what you asked for and that you just personally like more power, correct? I am still juggling if I want the SV or get another twin......like the Ninja 650r, which is a very impressive looking bike, what are you thoughts?


And, their is no z750 available from Kawasaki in the U.S. The only (I think) twin is the Ninja 650r)