Bike magazine.........Sv650 v ER6

[northwind]

No idea for the ER, too new. I reckon that you get minor corrosion faster with Z750s and 636s than you do on the SV, but that it's mainly stuff you can deal with easily- brake lines, fasteners, some minor metal parts. The paint seems better on the Kwaks. So even though the Kwaks look scabby pretty fast, they'd scrub up better. But then, I've never lived with one, so can't speak for how the bikes I'ev looked over were looked after.

I am looking (and saving) for an upgrade on my 250. I am considering the SV650S and the ER6f. The full fairing, top box bracket and the good fuel economy is counting for the ER.

I am waiting for a demo model so that I can do a test ride at a dealer hopefully in the next week or so. Will want to test ride a K5 as well. Here they are priced almost the same.

But if I am prepared to spend on an ER6f with ABS, I might as well hold on a bit and get a Z750S. I rode pillion on one some time ago around Kyalami and it was confortable and totally exhilirating! The sound from that pipe is just MUUUSSSIIIIC!!!!

The dealer (who was selling his SV1000S) said he rode SV650S and the ER6f, and the ER just handles better than the SV. (Don't know if he was just trying to sell the Kawa to me).

[tigersaw]

Picked the ER6F up this afternoon. First thing I noticed, and still my lasting impression, is how light it feels. Whatever they have done with the 175kg I don't know, because once in motion it feels like a 125
Handling - due to the impression of such light weight it is very manouverable. Despite running in, unscrubbed tyres, I was cornering with immediate confidence. The suspension seems just right, maybe a tad harsh at the front, but I threw it over plenty of pot holes and bumps, it never bottomed, or that awful SV clonk!
Engine - I loved the SV engine, and despite being a twin the ER6 is not a V twin, and its nowhere near as nice. None of that low grunt, and no engine braking either, which means I have to use the brakes more, shame as they are crap. Forget stoppies, and I cant imagine why they produce an ABS version either, it would need to be on a frozen lake to lock a wheel. Maybe they'll bed in more, they certainly need to. The engine note is interesting.. maybe when the arrow slip on can arrives in a few weeks I'll be able to appreciate it more, equally when its run in and I can wind it up to that 11000 rpm redline.
Comfort - very nice. Nice upright riding position, nice seat as well. After 50 miles there are no aches anywhere. I have just traded in a Deauville armchair, and this is just as comfortable so far.
The mirrors are useless, I may have to extend them out, or try a handlebar mirror. At best they show 2/3 arm/elbow/glove, with a bit of road behind. Lighting is pretty naff too, maybe the front can be perked up with some bright bulbs. The rear is just a single lamp. weedy. I got confused a bit by the clocks, stage centre is the rev counter with the speedo to the left. Both look identical. Some neat touches, the fuses are all easy to find and properly labelled. The lights are always on, (as all new bikes?), but dont come on until the engine has started - nice if you want the ignition on and want to fiddle about without worrying about the battery.

Overall I'm quite pleased, arrived home with a grin on my face, and rode it across the lawn to the garage, (thats something I never felt confident to do with the Deauville, the SV, the Hornet, the Bandit), which kind of shows how at ease I feel with it.

Nice one Tigersaw, take any pictures?

[tigersaw]

Originally Posted by Razor

Nice one Tigersaw, take any pictures?

Nope. Want some? It looks just like the brochure at the moment - might be worth a pic when the slip-on arrives. Wow, it'll be even lighter with all that cat converter stuff binned....