first "big" bike

im not being pressurised into it, quite the opposite.
i am aware that i should be going to uni next year, so this bike will have to last me 3 - 4 years at least. i dont want to get bored. i also wont have the money to change once i have this next bike (but will be able to cover running costs)

i also do intend to do a couple of trackdays, and IAM or similar is at the top of my list once i get fairly used to the bike.

i find what flamin squirrel said amusing as i am just that, good at going fast, but only in a straight line. i can go round corners, im just not a knee down guru...hence the intention of track days.

jelsters post is useful, toypop, i feel has captured the sentiment of some of my concerns

Paul

If you have set your heart on a traditional sports bike, look at a used Honda CBR600F (not the RR). It is very mild mannered but can also keep up with mainstream sportsbikes. It's very practical and at the same time, it's a sports machine.
Personally, I think it'll be easier to learn to ride on a twin, they're more responsive at low revs and with the SV you get a well balanced bike.

Like I said, make sure you're happy with any bike before you part with your cash, as you've got to ride it.

.

My first ever bike was the SV650S and many people said I was stupid for going for such a big bike as my first bike. Luckily for me, the SV is a generous bike and is very forgiving.

I would suggest test riding an SV before deciding anything. You could have a word with Itchin To Go, he has had a TL1000S in the past and currently has got a TL1000R and he can fill you in on reliability and running costs. I believe they are very thirsty bikes so running costs can be high, also if you are going to be a student then you may end up in not so nice area's and insurance might well be a problem. If you can't garage it and keep it out of sight then the insurance company are going to kick up a fuss.

At the end of the day, if you have your heart set on a TL then thats that isn't it? Most people I think end up on an SV for a couple of years before upgrading so if you have to wait 3-4 years before you can change then maybe something else, as Toypop said, maybe a 600.

Whatever you do, I would suggest getting a few test rides in before making up your mind.

Originally Posted by paulthewitt

would really like to hear from someone who did this step. (if they exist)
Paul

My suggestion is that Paul goes straight for a 1 litre Gixxer but starts up a blog
from day one. This will be most educational for the wider biking community and
will fill a gap in existing literature.

On a serious note, my neighbour, a born again biker, went straight for a GSX1400
and after 4 years and several close shaves he is still with us. So in principle
it is possible to go straight for a really big bike and live to tell the tale.

why stop at a litre bike

go get a turbo hyabusa they are good in a straight line :P

Serious head here, If you feel you have the restraint and confidence to ride a litre bike then go get one.

however saying that, it is a very rare thing that level of restraint before long there will be some pratt buzzing you and annoying you into a race, or just some riding buddies goading you along. it will happen and as you have already stated those corners are not your best fort'e.

my advice (a biker of some xx years ok then 27 years and still here) I would work up slowly the sv650 is a peach of a bike and would soon involve you especially in the twisty sections of road and another thing it is well capable of grossly indecent speeds ie circa 130mph, so i fail to see how it would be boring on dual carriageways

sometimes things you read on here beggar belief.

take it easy and only you can decide (but do test drive them and liten to voices of reason)

My suggestion is that Paul goes straight for a 1 litre Gixxer but starts up a blog
from day one. This will be most educational for the wider biking community and
will fill a gap in existing literature.

a gixxer wouldnt do, my back would be killing me!!!


i would love to have the luxury of upgrading with experience. and i do know the TL would be a HUGE jump. i would have to be very careful.

to be honest, whether or not i can find an affordable bike (SV, TL, etc...) may be the decider.....

would still love to hear from someone who bought a tl (or similar) after a 125.....if they still exist!

Paul

Originally Posted by paulthewitt

i would love to have the luxury of upgrading with experience. and i do know the TL would be a HUGE jump. i would have to be very careful.

No.
Going from a 125 to an SV is a HUGE jump and you have to be very careful.
Going from a 125 to a TL is asking for it IMHO.

Dan

[fizzwheel]

I think the other thing to bear in mind, is that all the TL's are knocking on a bit in age now. Whilst you might be able to find a cheap one chances are its going to need money spending on it to get it up to scratch. Whereas the SV is more common and newer ones can be had for reasonable money £2500 to £3000 buys alot of SV so you wont end up shelling out a fortune in garage bills.

as you say £2500 or more gets a lot of sv, the TLS is costing £2000 for a nice example. low miles etc...

its probably reputation that makes it cheap. as all the reviews from past and present owners are good.

Paul

I don't know if this will help you, it may just confuse you more....but.......I've also owned 2 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R's. One of the finest handling sportsbike's in history, the most stable front end from stock that you could wish for. I spent a fortune on knee sliders as this bike just corners like an absolute rocket (get to the point dammit!). Ok, my point is this: I've just bought myself a 06 plate SV650S. I do roughly 70 miles per day all on the bike so it made a lot of sense to buy something sensible and cheap to run/insure/service/repair should something go wrong. All I can say is that I went up the bike ladder very quickly, in fact the SV is bike number 10 in less than 3 years (lots of bad luck!). I was not expecting much from the SV in all honesty and I am very impressed with it. It handles really well and you can get your knee down easily (technique permitting). I know I've only owned it for a week or so but I am having a right laff on it. I will certainly be keeping it for at least a year and will do a few trackdays and lots of weekends. You also need to think about long term costs of running the bike. Take the figure you think you have in your mind and double it. The SV is very wise choice. But it's your decision at the end of the day, do what makes you happy. Best of luck.

Dan