Need advice for a SV purchase
 

I’m in the market for a new motorcycle after having sold my 1979 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000. I’ve been looking mostly at nakeds and streetfighters. I decided long ago that I want something practical and fun. I like to ride whenever and I usually use my motorcycle as a serious commuter (often 80 mile round trips). I’m about 5’11 and weigh around 135lbs and would only do a little two-up riding (mostly with my girlfriend). I’m a student and don’t want to buy something expensive or something I’m going to have to fix a lot. My riding style is usually relaxed, but I do like to get aggressive from time to time. I’ve been riding for about four years.

So, while I love “small” super-sports (600s and 750s), I’m not going to buy one. I put up a couple of want ads and instantly got offers for Katanas, Bandits, 599s (Hornets), 919s, a Hayabusa 1300, two Gixers, a Ninja, and a couple of curvy SV650s. The 650s seem to be the best deal (I don’t need a liter bike). I need to make a choice between the two.
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The first of the two is a beautiful 2000 SV650 with about 11,500 miles on it. It seems to be in great condition and has been lightly modified. It has a Yoshimura exhaust, carbon fiber mirrors, carbon fiber clutch and rear break levers, rear fender eliminator, rear tire hugger, a nice custom pain job (dark blue/green), and a set of nearly new Michilen Pilot tires.

They’re current asking price is $3500 or about £1780. I'm not sure how firm they are going to be on the price. **

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The other SV650 is a blue 2001 and is mostly stock. It has roughly 6,700 miles on it and also seems well taken care of. The owner put on some aftermarket mirrors, a tank-bra, a matching Givi windscreen and a not-matching Givi 10-gallon rear seat trunk/boot that doubles as a backpack.

I think he’ll let his go for around $3000 (possibly less) or about £1520

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…since you all seem to love these bikes and know them well, what do you think? What would you do? I’ve gotten some good deals on a 2002 Katana 600 for $3500 (which is a semi-standard Gixer 600) and a 1999 Suzuki Bandit 600 for $2200. Both are unmodified and have just under 12,000 miles on them.

I'll take any and all help you can offer!

**photos of the SV650 for $3500 with the yoshi-can and carbon fiber can be seen at:
http://photos-367.ak.facebook.com/ip...36367_2724.jpg

http://photos-368.ak.facebook.com/ip...36368_3892.jpg

http://photos-369.ak.facebook.com/ip...36369_5040.jpg

Re: Need advice for a SV purchase
 

I think either of those would be a bargain from the sounds of it. I'd go for the latter simply because (over here at least) custom paint jobs add to the cost of your insurance a bit and it's a bit cheaper for a newer (and lower mileage) bike.

I take it both have some sort of service history?

I hope you enjoy whichever bike you get and let us know how you get on.

Re: Need advice for a SV purchase
 

Hello Posky. From the sounds of your post, it would seem that the SV650 is exactly what your looking for. (and everyone knows that a Curvy is the only shape to have :D )
From the two bikes, It would probably come down to a gut feeling as to which one feels 'honest' and 'right'. They both sound like good examples.
Any pictures of the Harley? Don't tell anyone, but I quite like the idea of getting a 1200 Sportster in the future. :-$

Re: Need advice for a SV purchase
 

Photos of the Harley? Sure.

http://photos-300.ak.facebook.com/ph...82300_2562.jpg

http://photos-121.ak.facebook.com/ph...38121_5645.jpg

http://photos-301.ak.facebook.com/ph...82301_8015.jpg

My dad has a 1200 Sportster, he seems to love it. I think it's a good bike overall and like it much better than most of the bigger cruisers. I love Harley's but I'm from Michigan and here about 90% of the people drive/ride American. You'll see plenty of Jap super-sports and the occational Honda Goldwing but the roads out here are dominated by Harley Davidson motorcycles and BIG American pickup-trucks. American supercars are everywhere and classic (and modern) American muscle/sports cars outnumber European and Japanese about 30 to 1. Ironically once you get into the city of Ann Arbor the ratio changes to about 1/1 (with the exception of supercars, which are almost always American made- no Ferraris to be seen unless you drive out of state). I'm just glad I get to travel.
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I really do think I would be happy with either bike; I have been a big fan of the SV650s for quite a while. A fuel injected one would be ideal, but I haven't heard of the carbed ones giving anyone much trouble. The bikes are similar and both seem to have been well cared for. The insurance on the two bikes will be identical (perhaps the slightest bit cheaper for the 2000) for me. One just has some aftermarket parts that I really like and one has fewer miles on it. I was just wanted to know what you would pick if you had to make a snap decision. What would help you make up your mind? Is there anything you would be looking out for?

Re: Need advice for a SV purchase
 

The SV looks great, you won't go far wrong with one if it's what you're after. A mate of mine had a Harley 883R Sportster. The biggest underpowered heap I've ever had the misfortune to ride. Was more like riding a jackhammer with wheels, the handlebars were more like a suggestion that the bike should steer!

Re: Need advice for a SV purchase
 

you wont go wrong with an SV mate my friend had ago on one and found that he was to big for it but im bigger than him (6ft something) and my legs fit under the tank like a glove

Re: Need advice for a SV purchase
 

I like the 883R, but for an 800+cc motorcycle it sure could be quicker. So long as you never plan on going fast, Harley's are just fine. Even though most of the roads out here are straight-ish (with a lot of EXTREMELY long straight roads and some fairly curvy bits out of the city), I'd still like something that can take a turn now and then. My requirements were that the bike be inexpensive, be able to cruise at 80-90mph, fuel efficient, fun to ride, a good commuter, and reliable. I think that the SV fits that category far better than any Harley. Granted, you guys are probably NOT the type of people to argue for Harley (this being sv650.org) but I still agree.

I just want to make sure I get the best SV650 I can. I like the more heavily modified one but, at 11,500 miles, but I wonder if its lifespan is going to be an issue. I would most likely change the tires and exhaust on the SV with only 6,700 miles anyway. It’s only a $500 difference and I just want to make sure I get the best deal possible. I got REALLY sick of having to fix up my old Harley at only 15,000 miles each time I rode it. I do not want to go through that again.

Re: Need advice for a SV purchase
 

limited service history. Both the majority of the work themselves.

I will surely let you know how I like them. You'll probably see me on this board a lot if I buy and SV (which seems likely).

Re: Need advice for a SV purchase
 

Ah Michigan roads. I don't envy you!

Re: Need advice for a SV purchase
 

the sv650 is a cracking bike and it does everything well.