SV650 vs GSXR600

Well, not a straight VS as that would be silly.

I'm yet to even pass Mod2 (2 days) but over the time I have been on this forum, it seems to me quite a lot of people go from SV to GSXR (or similar) as the next logical step.

So I'm thinking, would it be sensible to just get one from the start?

Or would it really not be wise as a new biker?

Probably getting ahead of myself here, but my mates all say knowing me I'd be bored of the SV within 6-9 months anyway. Of course, the first few months are going to be a thrill to ride anything whilst I am getting accustomed to a bigger bike.

I'd rather buy something I'm going to keep for a while you know?

[rictus01]

IL4's don't take the restriction to well, as opposed to the SV where in makes little difference sub 80mph, the GSXR is also a bit sharper brake,throttle and handling wise, so will be less forgiving as you learn, of course you could get GSXR from the off, nothing to stop you, if you have the extra money for insurance and repair costs (it's likely you'll drop it at some point) and that's what you want, then by all means go for it, personally I think the SV is a much better learning tool.

Cheers Mark.

It wont be restricted.

Insurance costs for me are around £200 for the SV and £500 for the GSXR. Both affordable, but obviously the SV trumps all day long on that front.

Its mainly not being able to "handle" the power that I'm concerned about, and of course the obligatory dropping the bike phase.

I'm probably just getting ahead of myself.

Reckon a dealer would let me test ride a Gsxr?

[rictus01]

how old are you ?

Assume you are asking about age due to insurance:

25 years old, 5 years car ncb
TPFT
Social and Commuting
Parked at night on Road (at home)

confused.com

Originally Posted by hongman

It wont be restricted.

Insurance costs for me are around £200 for the SV and £500 for the GSXR. Both affordable, but obviously the SV trumps all day long on that front.

Its mainly not being able to "handle" the power that I'm concerned about, and of course the obligatory dropping the bike phase.

I'm probably just getting ahead of myself.

Reckon a dealer would let me test ride a Gsxr?

Dropping the bike isn't obligatory; I never dropped mine! And the whole concept of "handling the power" is rubbish as well. You can ride any bike like a Granny if you are so inclined.

If you want a gsxr, go buy one. If you want an SV, buy one of those! I don't really subscribe to the "buying something for a year before trading up to what you really want" - doesn't make financial sense to me

I bought an SV initially because at the time, there was no other bike that I liked the look of as much

[rictus01]

Na not really, test rides are generally at the retailers discretion, if you look old enough they won't question it, if you look young they will come out with some excuse or another.

I had my SV for 3.5 years and still having a lot of fun on it, it does everything from commuting, touring and trackdays; oh and it sounds best

Originally Posted by lukemillar

Dropping the bike isn't obligatory; I never dropped mine! And the whole concept of "handling the power" is rubbish as well. You can ride any bike like a Granny if you are so inclined.

If you want a gsxr, go buy one. If you want an SV, buy one of those! I don't really subscribe to the "buying something for a year before trading up to what you really want" - doesn't make financial sense to me

I bought an SV initially because at the time, there was no other bike that I liked the look of as much

Well, teh financial side is what is appealing to me as well, getting something that is gonna keep me happy for a long time.

Its all speculation with me right now though, feel a bit stupid as I dont even have a license yet.

One thing is for sure, if I had a fully faired bike like the gixer I'd be very careful. Mind you that doesnt count for much really, if Im gonna drop it, I'm gonna drop it!

When I say "handle" I mean more like...It'll be almost too easy to push it beyond my limits, which could end badly

BUT I am rather sensible I think, ooh eer....

Originally Posted by rictus01

Na not really, test rides are generally at the retailers discretion, if you look old enough they won't question it, if you look young they will come out with some excuse or another.

Ah right, see your point.

I also have this funny notion that if I get a bike I know is less forgiving to mistakes, I'll force myself to be that much more careful while I know I am still new to 2 wheels.

Or maybe I'm just making up excuses of why I should get a Gixer.

Originally Posted by lukemillar

Dropping the bike isn't obligatory; I never dropped mine! And the whole concept of "handling the power" is rubbish as well. You can ride any bike like a Granny if you are so inclined.

If you want a gsxr, go buy one. If you want an SV, buy one of those! I don't really subscribe to the "buying something for a year before trading up to what you really want" - doesn't make financial sense to me

+1 - throttle goes both ways.

The SV and GXSR are very different bikes, but they both do the same thing at the end of the day, just in different ways. Many folk have bought an SV as a cheap and forgiving bike to build experience on; of course most end up wanting more at some point (or in some cases moved back from their hooligan days).

I'd buy the one you heart tells you to (all other things being equal)