Replace SV650S with newer, or alternatives?

[SV650rules]

I know people who had Bergman - one of them inherited it from his dad, he found it pretty fast and economical, and practical as well as handling pretty well. His credibility took a hit as his bike at the time was an R1. I have met people at bike shows who say they could not handle a bike anymore and found the Bergman very acceptable.

[Blapper]

Sid Squid has one and although we take the p*$$, he enjoys it and says the blanket is better than any oversuit in bad weather.

Just to put a bit of "meat" on this, when I was using the Burgman 400 I was doing over 15,000 miles a year. I would cruise at an indicated 80 mph (just over 70 in reality) in absolutely superb comfort returning real world 60 mpg+. The handling and braking were far better than they had any right to be. The storage i was amazing with over 60 ltr's under the seat and many other cubbyholes elsewhere. Weather protection way better than anything else on two wheels without a roof. Downsides, obviously they do not get off the line like a bike does but this can be greatly improved with some "DP Sliders". Image may also be an issue but if that's the case then you really have bigger problems to address. You need to go for a post 2007 to present model as they really got it spot on with this ( a ten year unchanged model run testifies to this) and unfortunately the 2017 just announced seems to have sacrificed some practicality for style. Probably worth a mention, I fell into the trap of thinking "more is better " and bought a new 650 Burgman which I hated with a passion. The 400 is the sweet spot. Hope this helps.

Geoff.

[NTECUK]

Super scooter is a sensible option.
But try a few different things.
One size don't fit all.
Lph loves the GS I hated the clutch .
For example

[Littlepeahead]

Originally Posted by NTECUK

Super scooter is a sensible option.
But try a few different things.
One size don't fit all.
Lph loves the GS I hated the clutch .
For example

A great thing about Ian's Burgervan is that when we are standing around drinking coffee I can lock my huge handbag away under the seat.

Funny how your tastes can change too. I had a T5 classic Vespa 125cc when I worked 10 minutes from home and loved it. Great on MPG, fun, cheap to run. Ten years later Stu bought a very similar 200cc version and I couldn't get on with it at all, but by then I had the SV. The Vespa just felt heavy, wobbly and unstable.

[NTECUK]

Originally Posted by Littlepeahead

A great thing about Ian's Burgervan is that when we are standing around drinking coffee I can lock my huge handbag away under the seat.
.

Fortunately my handbags small but deadly lol

[Benjins]

Have you had a look at the Honda NM4 Vultus. Appreciate you don't want to increase weight but if something eye-catching, low and easy to ride is what you're looking for then this thing is cool af.


Probably (definitely) one of those marmite bikes but I like 'em and would get one if I had space, money and a less strict wife.

[aesmith]

Originally Posted by Benjins

Have you had a look at the Honda NM4 Vultus.

Probably too physically big to suit me, although doubtless comfy on the road. I see one quite regularly in Aberdeen.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I know spec can be misleading, but I'm surprised how many of the models I've checked out are actually heavier than the SV, both the Fazer and Diversion for example. I'm not really any further forward. I suppose if I go for a conventional bike it would need to be a 500 if I don't want any more weight and bulk than the SV.

[Bibio]

the sv is the same weight as a gsxr 1000 but it carry s its weight well due to all the weight of the engine being 'in line' which also makes it narrow.

i have been on the newer divvy (might have been the fazer as my brain is foggy) and it feels light and as standard i can get both balls of my feet down and i'm only 5ft fek all tall. the owner assured me that the bike had not been lowered.

its not till you have to pick a bike up that you realise the weight.

[aesmith]

Originally Posted by Bibio

its not till you have to pick a bike up that you realise the weight.

That's so true. I've had to pick the SV up at least twice from icy surfaces, and once from slippery mud. It brings home not just the weight but how much you rely on leverage to get it upright - if the wheels slide then you can only lift by brute force. Low seat and low centre of gravity might help avoid the situation in the first place.