Would you buy a new SV?

Having previously owned an SV650s (2002 model) and thoroughly enjoyed it, I'm considering buying another. I've had a VFR vtec for the last 5-6 years but no longer use it for pillion much and therefore prefer to have something lighter and more "flickable".

Given that the SV remains a well priced basic machine with some sporting slant - and I am fully aware it's no supersport bike - getting a new one with warranty and all seems like a sensible idea. It is however getting on a bit.

Therefore, given the recent popularity of this sector I'm wondering what people's opinion is on the SV vs the latest competition? I've tried an ER6-F and was surprised to find it didn't do much to excite me.

[squirrel_hunter]

The first thing to say is the ER6 is a great bike. I've owned one. Cant fault it. But I sold it and kept my SV. As for the new models, the SV is more or less the same but I found the Pointy not as comfortable. The Gladius felt detuned so wouldn't touch one no matter how good they look in race trim.

My advise, but an original Curvy SV, the best condition you can find. Spend a little bit more on a very good service a couple of upgrades and then get on and enjoy the money you saved by filling the tank as the original is still just as capable.

Buy mine. £1500 19k miles.


Sent via the medium of interpretative dance.

Like squirrel_hunter said, get a second hand SV ( maybe even a pointy ) even the 2008+ ones are fairly cheap, spend some cash on sorting the front end out and a new spring and hey presto, a nice flickable bike!

[Bibio]

yes i would. comfort can be sorted. the SV is a great bike for what it is but throw some reddies at it and they get even better.

[rictus01]

I wouldn't, but then I've said it before, the pointy style does nothing for me, a shame as when riding you can't see it, the engine is still fun, but does feel a little dated & heavy (which has it's own merits); these days compared with the likes of the ER6 lump which has a more "lively" feel IMO, the good thing I suppose; is it's a known quantity so we know what needs doing to it, but even the budget suspension on the ER6N/F & Versys is more sorted than the stock SV, once again IMO.

So given the need for a new bike, with warrenty and all that sort of thing, no I wouldn't buy a SV new, secondhand now that's a different story and all about what you could find and for what money.

[Littlepeahead]

I'd have the SV over the ER6 any day, having ridden both the ER6 really feels like a cheap nasty budget bike, with less oomph and a seat that kills my buttocks!

Originally Posted by Littlepeahead

I'd have the SV over the ER6 any day, having ridden both the ER6 really feels like a cheap nasty budget bike, with less oomph and a seat that kills my buttocks!

I left the ER6 thinking that too. Didn't expect to, but there you have it. Strangely however, considering how similar it is, I quite liked the Versys...

I bought one pre-registered last year (so its nearly two years old now). It's a lot of bike for the money, although the stock suspension isn't great.

If I had to do it again I'd probably buy one a 3-4 years old that someone has already done the fettling on but hadn't put too many miles on.

Some of the members here are naturally biased against the pointy, but for a 11 year old design when mine is clean it still attracts a lot of attention.

Originally Posted by Nyarlathotep

Having previously owned an SV650s (2002 model) and thoroughly enjoyed it, I'm considering buying another. I've had a VFR vtec for the last 5-6 years but no longer use it for pillion much and therefore prefer to have something lighter and more "flickable".

Given that the SV remains a well priced basic machine with some sporting slant - and I am fully aware it's no supersport bike - getting a new one with warranty and all seems like a sensible idea. It is however getting on a bit.

Therefore, given the recent popularity of this sector I'm wondering what people's opinion is on the SV vs the latest competition? I've tried an ER6-F and was surprised to find it didn't do much to excite me.

you takes the money and you makes your choice when it comes to what you ride,and we all know that the vtec isnt as good as the older 800 pre vtec,(but thats a whole different argument)but even so why would you want to go from a vfr back to a sv,as the vfr is a far superior bike,faster better handling more reliable and better build quality,granted its a bit heavier,but if the er-6f didnt excite you the sv wont either,but if you can live with 40hp drop in performance then go for it