Sv400 vs. Sv650

has anybody actually had a go on a sv400 anyway i'm gonna break the trend and say yeah why not let him have a go on both see which one feel's right for him.

Originally Posted by zsv650

has anybody actually had a go on a sv400

Yes

would never bother with a 400. get the 650 but fit a restrictor to get used to it first.

graham

I own both an sv400 and a 650 curvy, so here's my comparison for you.

Both handle exactly the same
Single disk on the 400 is still plenty for such a lightweight bike.
Both have identical rolling chassis, the difference is the engine (400 is not a sleeved down version of the 650) and a 520 chain.
There is little difference in weight and no difference in height.
The 400 has a shorter stroke, therefore revs higher
0-30 there is little discernable difference in power
Motorway riding, get the 650, the 400 feels like it's being thrashed
Fun, get either.
Insurance - no discernable difference

The 400 is a little awkward to find a chain and sprocket kit for, but all other parts are the same as the 650

I personally prefer the higher revving motor of the 400, it suits the way I ride. I have not sadly been able to ride the 400 since I bought the 650 as I wrote it off in October and am in the process of rebuilding it, however as I only have a bike license I will be keeping both bikes, so I intend to set up the 400 for fun, single seat unit, suspension set up for solo riding, ditch the pillion pegs and enjoy the high level twin cans it has. The 650 will be my workhorse, 2up riding, long distance stuff.

I chose the 400 because I beleived there was a difference in the seat height, I was wrong. I've been riding for 17 years, so power was not an issue but at 5'1" height and weight is.

After buying the 650 to keep me on the road after my accident I would recommend that your friend goes for the 650, there are few 400s around, you will get a better condition 650 for less money than a tatty 400, he will need as much restraint with the 400 as he would with the 650 while he gets used to the power anyway.

DK have no 400s in at the moment anyway and their 650 are a good £300-£400 dearer than a similar age & condition one from my local suzuki dealer (I live on DK's doorstep and only bought my 650 in November)

On a different note, someone made a comment that I was unlikely to get a payout from the farmer's insurance company when I wrote off the 400 due to the mud he left on the road. The insurance company have held their hands up and accepted liability without arguement, we are in the process of agreeing a settlement figure for my claim

Doof

I'm a 6"3 clumsy oaf and my first ride on the SV was easy and a heck of a lot of fun. Worth the extra pennies on the insurance.

i followed a sv400 for alot of AR06 and on the straights my 650 couldn't pass it! there virtually the same bike so id go with what the others have said and say 650, the parts are going to be more available than the 400 single disk bike.