newbie question

Hi everyone

Sorry to ask as this has probably been asked tons of times

I just passed my DAS and was wondering what the SV650 was like as a first bike

I was looking at the 600 bandit when a sales man suggested the SV.

I live on the edge of Edinburgh so I would want to use it for town and country driving.

So I was just wondering what you guys think as I’m sure a sales man would tell me the moon was made of cheese to sell me the Bick (bit unfair I know )

I have a zx6r and the wife has a sv..and I think they are ace, even as a normal bike not just a first bike...

I passed m,y das in sept and not looked back , the sv is a cracking bike..

Perfect first bike.......I had a Bandit 600 before my SV and the SV is a better overall package (and has more credability).

I got the SV as my first bike... its excellent

It can go quite fast so it must be shown respect (so its not for you if you cant control yourself!) but that also means as you become more experienced it'll keep you entertained

[BillyC]

Hi Saffen,

Welcome to the site! My SV is my first bike, and I opted for the naked version as I knew that the bike's first role would be as a commuting workhorse through traffic.

It is definitely an excellent choice for a first bike, and I bought it as it was described as a bike that would grow with me - which it certainly has done! It doesn't have any surprises in store, and behaves really well, but is light and powerful enough to open up on a dry sunny day (can't remember the last) and have a lot of fun with.

It's only downside that I can think of, is that the twin-economy is offset by the frequent servicing, but if you learn to do that yourself, which isn't hard, then the SV represents a really great all-rounder! I've no regrets!

Welcome Saffen,

I got my SV in March after passing my DAS and straight away me and the bike just clicked. It's a really brilliant package for a new biker, easy to ride, cheap, comfortable, loads of mods and best of all you get this site for loads of info and ride-outs etc. The Scottish guys were at Knockhill earlier this year and it was great (apart from my wee off!)

However, the SV can bite so as long as you show it some respect at first you'll be fine.

By the way, pop in to SV Ecosse and introduce yourself, we are a very friendly lot!

The other thing to bear in mind is that the Bandit is quite a bit heavier than the SV, which might be important to you.

Also, the Bandit will probably be more comfortable over long distances but the trade-off is handling that is not in the same league as the SV's.

The engines, although having broadly similar peak power, are very different and you'll find the the SV is a far quicker and nimbler machine. Compared to the Bandit, the SV has a "torquier" engine.

Both bikes are available naked and half-faired.

Your choice should be guided mainly by two things, i.e. which you find easier to ride and what you will use the bike for. You need to test-ride 'em and make your mind up.

If you find that you prefer the IL4 engine of the Bandit, but would like a lighter, more modern, more powerful and better handling machine than the bandit then there are other makes/models to choose from

Originally Posted by Jabba-the-Hutt

If you find that you prefer the IL4 engine of the Bandit, but would like a lighter, more modern, more powerful and better handling machine than the bandit then there are other makes/models to choose from

I wonder what bike you could be thinking of!!!

Welcome on board.

If you're just outside Edinburgh then make sure you look at the SV Ecosse section as there are a fair few of us from Edinburgh.

The Bandit and SV are both good capable machines, but as a first bike the SV is probably a better bet as it's a lighter and more nimble machine.