SV to a Fireblade, should I after just a year?

So I only got back to biking last year (and had a very helpful start through this forum ) I have clocked up two to three thousand miles between May and November and really got back into biking (after a 20 year break)

Now the big question, I bought the SV as a perfect 'get back into biking' bike but have always wanted a 'Blade and am fortunate enough to be able to afford one now, which I could never do when I was a teenager!!!!!

The big question now is should I do it? I bought a 09 plate SV so it will be a year old and I am thinking if I do it a p/ex would probably be the best bet althouhg I dont know what bike values s/h are likely to be but I am guessing somewhere around 3.5k as a trade in on a 5.5-7k blade??? Having looked about on bike trader etc. it looks like a RR6 would be a fit on price but should I stretch to a 7/8 or not?

On insurance I have been quoted £450 which with only 1yr NCB seemed pretty reasonable but really after some general thoughts on whether I should do it, anything to look out for on trading up and also which model should I aim for and any pros/cons for each one?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/advice (and dont be afraid to say don't do it if you think there are good reasons not to!)

[5hort5]

Well from me, it all depends on how you ride it, a 125 will kill you if you want it to so I'd say go for it but just be sensible with it and know it'll bite you harder than an SV will but tarmac hurts at what ever speed and any bike including pedal power can do that.

Do it if you can afford it and want to - I wouldn't let others try to talk you down. Nothing worse than regretting an opportunity missed.

Do it, you wont regrett moving to a better bike.

Otherwise you will start to resent the one you are on, and grow bored with biking unless the bike excites you.

If you can afford it then get the blade.

[fizzwheel]

If you have some self control and restraint and are willing to take a little time to get used to the power and the power delivery. Then I see no reason not to.

But you need to treat it with respect until you are acclimatised to it, I found when I got my GSXR I was approaching corners alot faster than I was my SV and that took time to appreciate just how much extra closing speed there was.

I also found the extra braking power took a little while to get used to as well.

[Spanner Man]

Good morning all.


From a experience/safety point of view there's no reason not to go for a Blade providing you're careful.
However, you should look into the running costs, as Blades are considerably more expensive than an SV, (try £65 for a set of spark plugs).


Cheers.

Cheers all and I couldnt agree more about the safety/power issue but as already said if you ride like a fool on any bike you can damage yourself (or others) big time and yes I guess the risk is magnified on a big bike but I would like to think now I am in my 40's my riding is for pleasure rather than speed and lunacy (as perhaps it was when I was in my teens )

Cost wise I realise it will be more expensive, insurance, servicing, fuel etc. and I suppose if I was being 'sensible' I wouldn't even consider the change but I think the comment from neio79 is spot on, I always wanted one and now I can (if I want to) I will probably not be as happy staying on the SV although I would happily do another year on it without being bored!

So if I go ahead what model should I go for? Having found this site http://www.honda-fireblades.co.uk/specifications.html my gut feel is to try for a RR6 or above from a redesign perspective but would be v interested in any thoughts from you folks?

Agree with the above ... BUT .....

Just make sure you are happy to spend the extra ..... and that its value for money .... sometimes running a cheaper bike is more fun, you'll use it more, not worry about the costs, leave it places you wouldn't leave a nicer bike ....

Saying I run an SV because its a basic cheap to run bike is unfair ....... but its partly true ...

Personally, Yes.
Those people who pass a test and go straight onto a big IL4 are foolish IMO but you sound like you've got your head screwed on and that IMO means your ready. You'll get the Honda and take it easy until you;ve got a feel for it. Its complete speculation based on your post but IMO you sound like the right sort of rider to be taking that step.

[Bibio]

like you i also have recently got back into biking. i run around in the 80's, stoped and had a family. june 2008 decided i'm having another bike after having a go on my brothers duke. looked around at what was avalible and settled on an sv650. although i liked the v twin i never liked the suspension so it got gixered, one of the best mods you can do to an sv in my opinion. mine got stolen last year and i am about to go out and replace it, guess what i'm buying, yup another sv650, i find its more than enough for our british roads. yes i have had a go on big il4's and they are to bloooody scary. like you i always wanted a plastic missile but mine was the gpz900 ninja.

well enough of the rambling. if you really want one then go and get one, but take on for a test ride first. the modern plastic missiles bikes are just crazzzzzzzy fast. one more thing to consider is your licence.