Durability

Hello there

I'm hoping for a little advice. Courtesy of a new job and a little extra income i'm now in the market for a new bike. I've managed to narrow it down to a few, one of which is the 2009 SV650S. Now my intention is it'll be used for commuting as well as accruing a few business miles. What i'd like to know, as i intend to use it throughout the winter, is how it'll hold up in good old fashioned english weather. Particularly as the bike won't be kept in a garage, though it will be kept undercover.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Additionally, does anyone have experience of the Kawasaki Versys and ER-6N and how they compare to the SV.

Cheers

[fastdruid]

A bit of preparation and it'll do it fine, no bike is good at winter IMO though, all have major (design) problems in comparison to cars.

Druid

[_Stretchie_]

I've heard it said that the paint and general finish is far from good on the Suzuki's. Not had one myself though, I'm sure someone will be along soon to either tell me to STFU or corroborate what I said.

Good on you though. Whereabouts are you?

Have to say I would choose another make for a commuter, my husbands Kwak is in much better nick than my sv, despite being washed and cared for less.

I don't commute on my sv, but the quality is rubbish (mine's a 2007) and the bolts are made of cheese.

plus i would not buy a brand new SV to cummute on.

there is an 2007 for sale on here for £2200

[mattSV]

Originally Posted by _Stretchie_

I've heard it said that the paint and general finish is far from good on the Suzuki's. Not had one myself though, I'm sure someone will be along soon to either tell me to STFU or corroborate what I said.

Good on you though. Whereabouts are you?

STFU

He is right though

i ride all year round..always have and u wont find corrosion on my bikes, make the time to wash and polish em right'..and use acf50 etc and u cant go wrong..a quick bucket of hot water aint a proper clean

[_Stretchie_]

Originally Posted by mattSV

STFU

He is right though

See it must be bad... Some people have even changed to British bikes instead of a Suzuki

Thanks for the comments, i posted a similar thread on svrider and they've said pretty much the same. It's comforting knowing that the engines have a good rep, it's what i was hoping for as i've got 43k on my bandit and its still doing alright.

I've been looking at new bikes basically because i don't have the disposable cash to go out and buy, there are a few 0% finances around and i was hoping to take advantage. Plus, i'll pick up some essential user and mileage allowance in my new post so the bike should pay a good amount itself.

From what i've read both the Kawas and the SV are belting bikes, looks like it may simply come down to what they ride like.

Oh, and i'm from Lancaster.

Cheers

[ophic]

My K3 hasn't been garaged for most of its life, has been commuted on through several winters, and i'll admit i'm crap at keeping it clean. Its gone a bit furry in the usual areas, bolts etc, but is mechanically sound, and still looks good when i do get round to the wash. It's been kept mainly under a cover, and sits in whatever the weather is when i'm at work. I've had it since new and i've got no real plans to replace it yet. HTH