help needed in choosing a new bike
 

ive just sold my (id like to say my much loved (sv 650s k2 ) tonight ,but never got to liking the riding position and the vibrations,from the bike .i was thinking of a more upright siting position, but another problem i have im a short leged person ,i was thinking in the way of a triumph speed four !!! any one here own one and if so what sort of bike are they !!! compared to the sv,but also ive tried my mates cbr 600 which was i found a lot more cumffy than the sv to ride ..........but how practical i dont know ............ open to sugestions pls help !!!!!:D

Re: help needed in choosing a new bike
 

what about a kwak versys, they are getting rave review.

Re: help needed in choosing a new bike
 

what sort of engine are we talking here?

Re: help needed in choosing a new bike
 

Get a Kawa ZX9R. Supremely comfy, very practical, loads of storage space under the seat, and they go like hell. Get a good mint one for £2K now. Good on fuel too... If your NCB is good, insurance isn't that bad as you think for a group 17 bike. What you get for your SV plus a monkey more will get you a half decent ZX9R.

You sit in this bike, rather than on it like most race rep 600's are, so it'l tour, scratch and commute with ease. You can get lowering dogbones for the rear suspension if you're a bit short legged. Takes baggage and pillions no problems

Go to the dark side - you know you want to...

Re: help needed in choosing a new bike
 

Speed four are a good bike, handle as well as anything else out there.

9R goes like hell in a straight line, proper missile but I would rather have the SV or s4 for back roads fun.

Re: help needed in choosing a new bike
 

All depends on what he wants to use the bike for, and how much cash he wants to spends. There's loads of choices out there.

The 9R goes like hell in a straight line, but once you're used to the weight of the bike (it's heavy compared to an SV), and the suspension is setup right, you can make them hussle on good roads, but back tight roads make the 9 a bit of a handful, as it's not the sort of machine that wants to turn like a lightweight SV. Needs a big more planning for the tighter bends.

I wouldn't buy a new bike - for me they're too impractical, and have far too many electronics on them. I'm the old skool kind of bike person, but still like a bit of go whenever I'm in the mood. You pays your money and takes your choices at the end of the day.

Try out a Hornet if you want more upright riding position, and still want some fun. It's a 600, but it's still quick

Re: help needed in choosing a new bike
 

im looking to spend £2000/£2500 max all i need the bike is for weekend and evening fun no touring or comuting or track days ,the riding position on the svs was very painfull on the wrists i tried as bahp said to adjust the brake and clutch lever but still too un comfy for my liking ,another problem is the height of the bike ive tried a couple in the shops but the seat height is a problem (im a short **** ) thats why lol, and as the insurance q i was paying £240 fully comp and only passed my test last sept 2008 but its kept in a lock up all the time ,

Re: help needed in choosing a new bike
 

I've got a Speed Four and absolutely love it. Completely different engine, being an IL4, which will probably take a bit of getting used to from an SV. More revs and gear changes, but for me the fun comes in keeping the engine buzzing.

Handling and brakes wise there is absolutely no comparison to an SV, it's a league above. The only criticism I have is that there's a pretty annoying flat spot at 3k rpm which means it's not as "practical" for commuting on but above that there's no other flat spots (until you touch the rev limiter ;) ). If you can, I'd probably recommend you try get a test ride on one to see if you like it. I was fortunate enough that my brother had one so I got to try before I bought.

Price wise I reckon you can find one to fit your budget. I paid £2,000 for my 06 bike in autumn last year, which was a steal but there are bargains to be had. Yellow and blue bikes are the least popular so are generally cheaper than black, green or orange.

Re: help needed in choosing a new bike
 

thanks for that good info, my mate has a speed triple which i had a quick blast on but its way too high for me can only touch the floor with my tip toes on one foot but a beter ride and more cumfy seating position ,ive seen a few of the speed four on ebay on a 2003 with 5k/10 on the clock they only hit around the £"2250 price

Re: help needed in choosing a new bike
 

Just exactly how short are you? Will give us all something to compare against so we can advise better.