Is the Sv650 a suitable first bike?

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Yes, if you find it a bit jerky on a test ride, because you've been riding a 125 or a 500cc, with zero throttle response, stick with it. The SV650 is a torquey V-Twin with a lot of throttle response and a lot of engine braking. It's your throttle hand that's the problem, not the bike, you will get accustomed to it within an couple of hours riding and it won't be a problem anymore.

What -Ralph- says.

I went from a NSR125 to the SV and loved it almost immediately. Get smooth with your right hand, get used to slipping the clutch a bit more than you might expect (I prefer slipping the clutch in second on roundabouts for example, rather than kangarooing in first) and you'll be a happy bunny.

[Tomor]

I got an SV for my first bike and it does take getting used to as -Ralph- said, coming from a 125, but I love it now and I am counting the days till my restrictors come out

I've only had my SV a week now, Never owned a V-twin before but I race a classic 2 stroke, and also a big single 4 stroke.... so to me the SV doesn't have alot of engine braking, and it doesnt require much clutch slip.

Turning into junctions in villages you do slip the clutch but its only a tiny amount, I would do the same in a car. If your very careful with the throttle you dont always have to.

The torque is what makes the SV (only ridden the bike a handful of times) but thats what stands out to me. You better watch the speedo though, it seems to have a habbit of trying to break the law! Will you be riding it 33bhp? I'm buying a restriction ECU off Maz on here so my other half can ride the SV aswell, I feel it will be a pretty good bike with 33bhp and you'll find it fantastic at full power!

at 33bhp its still just as good low down, just that top end punch goes so abit of short shifting is in order, but you can still keep up with everything else on the road and watch it disappear in the mirrors without even trying.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Yes, if you find it a bit jerky on a test ride, because you've been riding a 125 or a 500cc, with zero throttle response, stick with it. The SV650 is a torquey V-Twin with a lot of throttle response and a lot of engine braking. It's your throttle hand that's the problem, not the bike, you will get accustomed to it within an couple of hours riding and it won't be a problem anymore.

What Ralph said.
It was about 20 miles to get used to the engine response. You need the clutch more at first then you'll learn how much you need.
The engines can go almost to stall and pick up rapidly onto the torque. I jumped from a YBR to the SV (albiet I did do 5k in 5 months on the YBR)

Originally Posted by BBadger

at 33bhp its still just as good low down, just that top end punch goes so abit of short shifting is in order, but you can still keep up with everything else on the road and watch it disappear in the mirrors without even trying.

Seen plenty of restricted bikes keep up with quick stuff.

Originally Posted by andrewsmith

Seen plenty of restricted bikes keep up with quick stuff.

i was one of them.

Lovely bike, I've had mine for about 6 months now after getting on it straight after my DAS. Having passed (no previous experience) on a CBF500 it took me a little while to get used to, as everyone else has said re. engine braking, slipping the clutch etc. My bro has a 600 hornet which I ride and though it's 'easier' it's far less fun - the midrange torque of the SV is just awesome, sounds fantastic, goes 'round corners with serious style and uses far less juice!

If the smile on hubby's face is anything to go by every time he looks at his SV650 curvy I have to say you will love it as a first bike.

Had my SV650 (Curvy ) for 2 months now, after moving up from riding many different 125 (and some field miles on a CRF450) straight into full power as there's no restriction here. Can say it's bloody awesome. After a couple of days I could jump on it like normal and ride comfortably. And then crank it up when ever I fancy some fun (a little too often perhaps).

Picked up a mates '99 Hornet last week and I have to say it bored me instantly, no character and a flat engine. The SV is probably the best big bike to move up on first time. Cheap and perfectly reliable.

[timwilky]

I had a friend who bought an R1 after she passed her DAS. ?God she was quick on the motorway. Otherwise it was painful on the twisties being behind her as she struggled to get that cute ass of hers round the bend. (Why you think I put up with being at the back). The SV is no flying machined. But no slouch either

It is a very forgiving bike. You will be sick of it after a couple of years. But you will be a better rider for it.

Why do you think there are so many ex SV riders still round her. We appreciated what it was, what it does.