New rider questions

Hi everyone not sure if this is the right place to post this but can not see a newbie section. Have my test very shortly and have been looking at what bike when I pass (crosses fingers) I love the look of the SV650 and was hoping to get a few questions answered if anyone would be kind enough.

I am 5’5 would a standard SV be low enough for me?

Because I want the bike for traveling to work and for long rides out I was told not to go for the “S” because it can be hard on the wrists. Is it just the “S” that has this position or are there older versions of the bike that have them?

I keep seeing the word curvy and K4 (I think) I am guessing they are different versions, I have seen a few bikes online that seem to be pointed at the front and some not is this what I mean? Could someone please explain the differences in noob terms please or point to where I can find out?

Are older ones better than new or are they just visually different?

Sorry for so many questions and thanks in advance.

You'd need to sit on one, and see if it suited you-depends what your leg length is, etc. I've got the unfaired SV, and the handlebars are a totally different position to the S version-much more upright.

[dyzio]

Welcome!

Originally Posted by Darren Evans

Hi everyone not sure if this is the right place to post this but can not see a newbie section. Have my test very shortly and have been looking at what bike when I pass (crosses fingers) I love the look of the SV650 and was hoping to get a few questions answered if anyone would be kind enough.

Good luck with your test and great choice of bike, a mod will probably move this to idle banter.

Originally Posted by Darren Evans

I am 5’5 would a standard SV be low enough for me?

I'm 5'6 (173cm) and it's ok.

Originally Posted by Darren Evans

Because I want the bike for traveling to work and for long rides out I was told not to go for the “S” because it can be hard on the wrists. Is it just the “S” that has this position or are there older versions of the bike that have them?

What sort of distances? Wrists are not bad IMO, a tankbag helps, I rode mine to Poland last year and didn't complain
If you go for the N, you'll have wind blast to live with (awaits YC's comment )

Originally Posted by Darren Evans

I keep seeing the word curvy and K4 (I think) I am guessing they are different versions, I have seen a few bikes online that seem to be pointed at the front and some not is this what I mean? Could someone please explain the differences in noob terms please or point to where I can find out?

curvy - 99-02
pointy -02 onwards

If start another "which is better" thread, you'll be banned

Originally Posted by Darren Evans

Are older ones better than new or are they just visually different?

main diference is carbs vs FI,

[dizzyblonde]

Depends on how long your legs are. I'm 5'7 and I don't have a problem getting both feet flat on the floor, but the next person could have short legs and be on tip toes.
The 's' is fine long distance. You just need to swap the stock screen for a double bubble, I don't get problems with my girly wrists and I got two 'S's. If you get a nakid' you may end up looking like you have the neck of a bulldog for lack of wind protection, on long journeys, Its all personal preference.
Old ones, new ones, they both have their different shares of problems or good attributes. Again personal preference.
but you can hide behind fairings a little bit better from the rain, unlike on a nakid.

Thanks for the quick replies everyone, I think I will look at the “s” as well then and see how comfortable it feels. Stock screen and double bubble screen? Can I ask what you mean and why the need for the change? Sorry dumb questions

[dyzio]

The DB screen is a bit taller, like Zero Gravity, Fabbri, Powerbronze, try searching, loads of info on here.

[STRAMASHER]

Swings and roundabouts. Go jump on a few seats.

SV-S can give my girly wrists a bit of gip after a while in slow traffic. Pay off is it has less width for filtering through that traffic.

The weight is taken off your wrists the faster you go by the wind pressure coming off the screen.

You do not get as much wind chill/ blast with the fairing.

I'm more inclined to ride like a tube with the "racy" riding position.

"Naked", you have better low speed control, comfort up to approx. 70-80, better observation but more vunerable to how the weather is letting you ride. More fun at all speeds. Proper motorcycling.

reeto darren, good luck wit test mate. is it the new test or has that not started yet?
where you from anyway?

[dizzyblonde]

I also like the S cause the nakid is bad for my shoulders having flat bars. Having them in the slight up in the air style, gives an already painful problem some more trouble. On an S you can have a good slouch....specially with a tankbag resting there

I've ridden a couple of nakid ones, to take to MOT stations for a friend, and i feel like I'm sat in mid air, its hard to describe, I can understand why the lads like the 'hooligan' fun style. but I still prefer to get on mine and actually feel like I'm sat 'on' it.

Originally Posted by Gene genie

reeto darren, good luck wit test mate. is it the new test or has that not started yet?
where you from anyway?

Hi mate the new test is end of March so just go in From the Midlands Walsall way.