Anyone gone for an SV after an RS125?

Evenin' SV'ers

I recently joined this forum, as an SV650 is one of the bikes on my maybe-list for if (fingers crossed) I pass my test on Tuesday. Doing DAS on Friday, Sunday and Monday.

I've currently got an Aprilia RS125 - love it, but I'll obviously be after something a bit bigger, a bit more reliable etc - not that my RS is unreliable, I just worry that I'm gonna get 50 miles from home and it's gonna go pop

So - has anyone moved up to an SV from an RS? If so, what's the riding position like on the SV compared to an RS? Looks kinda similar from photos, but that's as far as I've got. I love the RS, sharp handling and such a hoot to ride, but I wonder if I might enjoy something a bit more "all-rounder", if you know what I mean. Other bikes on my maybe-list are stuff like ER-6F, Hornet etc. I'm looking for something easy in town, not too much on the wrists, but I don't want to lose too much of that 'attacking' feel, you know?

Having re-read this, I sound like I want the moon on a stick but I dunno if I'm gonna be able to thoroughly test bikes to make a decision, or just go "that looks nice - I'll have it"!

Any info would be gratefully received.

(I'm 5' 8", BTW, for reference)

Cheers,
Nick

yup me
im 5ft 5, i found the sv ALOT easier to get on with than my rs, more comfy and handles better

What would you say makes the SV easier, Paws? Is it easier on your wrists than the RS was? I always feel like I'm putting loads of pressure on my wrists if I'm just pootling along on my RS, I have to make a conscious effort to take the weight off.

I'm ideally after something with just a bit more of a relaxed position, but not too armchair-ish Is real slow-speed stuff easier?

smoother, more responsive, slow speed stuff is soooo easy, i loved my lil sv, rs was great for a hone aroudbut give me a sv any day over a rs

I had 2 RS and in short what youy lose in handling, you will more than make up for with the increase in power. Having said that RS handle incredibly well and i did miss the flickability.

The SV riding position isn't terrible, but some find the clip-ons a chore. Quite a few people seem to initially complain and then get used to it. IMHO its no coincidence that the people who suffer most are new riders, putting weight through their wrists.

You say you might go for an all rounder and thats exactly what the the SV is. Its decent enough for most things, but you have to appreciate that it is built to a budget.

If you arn't keen on the riding position, then a naked might be more suitable if you can cope with the lack of a fairing.

Thanks for the responses - sounds like RS -> SV is a positive move.
I had my first day of DAS today, on a 400 Bandit, and I enjoyed getting back on the RS more than I imagined I would!

Cheers,
Nick.

i went from a derbi gpr 50 de restricted had it up to 75 but didnt no if i would make it home after i blew it up and rippd sprokets off unfollded the box section between sus and frame so i went for the more reliable option as well, the sv is great handles like a dream and the power after comin from the smaller bikes is more than enough.

the rs125 is a great bike, had mine for 3 years and 4 top end rebuild, had to ride it in the powerband all the time!!

the sv is good, but completly different
the SV.....
1) dosent handle as well (i think ride voted the rs250 the 2nd best handling bike ever so you can understand that the rs125 comes from a good pedigree??)
2) heavier (but not a problem)
3) loads more power in the low rev range and top end speed. think the sv is over 2 seconds faster 0-60 than the RS
4) easier to ride quickly (dont have to keep it in the power band)
5) fun!!!! different fun to the RS but still loads of fun

soo....

do it!! the rs is a great bike and so is the SV

as others have said, the naked is ment to be easier on the wrists but it dosent affect me on my pointy S where as the RS gave my left leg cramp sometimes (im 6'1")

HTH

Nice one PS - I think a faired, pointy SV is at the top of my list - a list which has just got more interesting for me, 'cos I PASSED MY TEST TODAY!!!
2 minors, but hey, I'll settle for that

It's weird riding the RS again after 3 days on a Suzuki GS400 - I love the RS riding position, but I want a more usable engine.

Off to the For Sale section for me

Firstly, congratulations on passing your test - wicked feeling isnt it. My first bike was an RS 125 which i kept for about 8mnths (then decided to gift wrap a hackney taxi with it ).. ..moving on though and I've just bought a brand new SV. Quality little machine, riding style is quite similar to the RS in that your semi-prone (ie: half way between a full on sports bike and a situp naked model..oo-er) I'm 6ft 1 and find the bike a doodle to ride. Get a little bit of a sore wrist after long rides but i think that's only 'cos my wrist is abit of a pansy at the moment. Once it's grown a set, there shouldn't be any problem at all. ..one thing you'll love as well is not having to put 2 stroke oil in it every 2/3 weeks. I found my RS was drinking oil almost as quick as petrol so the added expense was a definite pain in the bum !! When you want a bit of power on the SV, you give it a squirt and your gone. I sat my test on a GS500 and was midly chuffed at the power difference against the RS. When i took my new SV on a proper ride, the power difference between the SV and the GS was even more noticable again.. feels absolutely great !!