To SV or Not to SV that is the question!

[Old Git]

Self & Son just passed test yesterday (Friday 13th!!!)have been looking on this site & picking tips etc. but now is the big question..........
I have the legal paperwork, is the SV a good bike for 2 newbies?
One is a 6'2" old git, one is a 6' 17 year old who is restricted to 33BHP.
I could go out & buy say a Ninja 250 to comply with the BHP regs, but reasoned that a restricted 'big bike' would have larger rubber, better brakes etc.etc.
Is my dad logic sound??
Is the SV a good bike for beginners?
Have seen a '99 restricted curvey that could be of interest.
Your expertise gentlemen if poss. would be appreciated.

congrats on passing
I passed sept last year and i got my sv in oct i have found very easy to ride and easy to manage and they are plentry of nice ones out there happy hunting

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Old Git

I could go out & buy say a Ninja 250 to comply with the BHP regs, but reasoned that a restricted 'big bike' would have larger rubber, better brakes etc.etc.

Considering the Ninja weighs almost as much as an SV the brakes and handling are probably going to be similar, the ninja is also insurance group 9 so it's not going to be that much cheaper than the SVS to insure (Group 11)

The massive benefit to an SV is that in 2 years when your restriction is over you can just pop the ECU/carb restriction out and you've got a "new" bike with more than double the power but that you're familiar with the controls and handling

Oh, and I'm not just saying all this because mine's for sale!!!

[Old Git]

Thanks for the note, thought never crossed my mind about the 4sale!!!
Yours is great looking bike, but after I have paid for 2 lots of tests, training etc.etc. the bank is a little low on funds, yours is just a bit out of my price range, but looks a bargain.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Old Git

Yours is great looking bike, but after I have paid for 2 lots of tests, training etc.etc. the bank is a little low on funds, yours is just a bit out of my price range, but looks a bargain.

no worries, there's lots of bikes out there and it's a buyers marker at the moment

SVs are a good bike to start out on.I personally think though that a 4 cylinder bike is much smoother and easier to ride ,and is less "snatchy" on the throttle.
BUT.........If you can get used to the more snatchy(because its a Vtwin)throttle then the SV is a nicer bike to ride restricted.The torque is felt much lower in the revs which helps if you have only 33 bhp.

I would say the Sv would be an excellent choice for you both. It works very well restricted and is a physically bigger bike than the Ninja. I suppose you want to go riding out together otherwise one Sv would be the better bet for you both to share.

Oh, and well done for kicking superstition in the nuts.

go with the SV. When things break on the SV, there's cheap spares unlike the ninja. When you buy an SV if you buy private come on here and you'll find the restrictor for £50 ish or free if you pick you bike up from a suzuki dealership.

Right now if you wanted brand spanking new you can get an SVSport for about £4200 if you haggle well if not cheaper. I know it's £1k more than the ninja but that's if you want new.

2nd hand you can find an 04 SV with 2k on the clock for £2200 which is 1k cheaper than the Ninja. SV is more of a beginners bike than the 250r because of how easy restricting is, spares are and to me more fun ride and saves having to buy another bike in 2 years time.

Go find a decent 2nd hand FI SV and you'll have minimal problems with it for 20k(if not more) if serviced.

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by gid

SVs are a good bike to start out on.I personally think though that a 4 cylinder bike is much smoother and easier to ride ,and is less "snatchy" on the throttle.

what is this snatchiness on the throttle that people keep going on about on the SV??.....personally I think it must be all about your hands, never experienced 'snatchy throttle' on either of mine

Old Git, congratulations to both, an SV is perfect for the both of you, restricted or not

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

what is this snatchiness on the throttle that people keep going on about on the SV??.....personally I think it must be all about your hands, never experienced 'snatchy throttle' on either of mine

Old Git, congratulations to both, an SV is perfect for the both of you, restricted or not

My OH rode mine and complained bitterly about the throttle-I'm used to it. It's very on/off, not much progression, but maybe it's more apparent on the pointies.

Apart from that, great bike, I had mine restricted and it went well.