Jasonr

I went from a curvey yellow to a 636 A1P I then had a gap of 4.5 years and I actually came back to the SV and bought a brand new one (I only buy new having had a dodgy second hand early in my biking life which put me off) obviously monetory reasons played a part and I came up with a short list of monster, new ZX6, street triple and the SV the street triple won it The kwaker lost it on the insurance and its a bit more focused than my old A1 and the SV was third but my local Triumph dealer informed me I had a 6 month wait for the triple (I am not patient) so SV jumped from 3rd - 1st the Monster was never really in it

So in comparison between the SV and my old 636A1

The good points are:
V twin I love the engine braking and the grunt compared to an IL4 it suits my riding style
Cheap Insurance running costs and petrol Fully comp Zero no Claims ? 235
No one expects you to do anything on an SV so you can pootle relaxed if you want on the Ninja I always felt I had to be quick

The bad points are:
V twins raw and less refined than an IL4 which makes mirrors shake
the Kwaker was easier to ride fast and I had more confidence on it than the SV I am having the SV properly set up for me by an expert so hopefully that will help
SV wheezes a bit top end past 100 as opposed to Ninja 120-150 easy peasy (on the track of course)
Kwaker for me was actually comfier than the SV

OK I have only just got to the first service which is booked but already I am beginning to think I need a bit more than the SV some work on the suspension is definately reqd as are getting rid of the OE Dunlops just for my confidence

So would I buy a new well yes cos I did, would I buy another SV ....no..... I am not slating the SV as I really enjoy it and if all goes to plan workwise I can hopefully keep the SV as a run around/winter/commute and then buy something more exotic later ..... and that is the whole point the SV is a great little bike but it always leaves you wanting something more... its hard to put your finger on it, its not bad in any area, just not quite right either ....weird