SV650 as first big bike?

Hello

Sorry for my first thread here to be so newbish, alot of questions I had got answered by searching. But I still have a few stupid ones

So I passed my mod 2 a few weeks ago and have my restricted licence. I already had a SV650 in mind due to so many good reviews from a range or riders with varying experience.
Which boils down to me looking at one tomorrow
But I have a few last minute woes

Is the SV maybe too big a jump from a YBR?
Having sat on one the fairing seems HUGE, is this something that you get used to or is this just me?
I'm, 5"10 and hoping the SV will be comfy for a general run around in mainly fair weather and maybe the odd long ride if I'm feeling adventurous, am I being unrealistic?

I really don't want to regret the SV as my first bike, so any reassurance and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I'll try to contribute to the forum other than creating moaning threads in future I promise

Well done on passing the Mod 2 and welcome to the forum!

The SV is a great choice and definitely not too big a jump from the YBR. You'll get used to the fairing and be thankful for it on the motorway or when giving it the beans on a Sunday blast.

You'll be comfy enough as I'm a fair bit taller than you and ride a naked curvy with no issues at all.

The bike is great fun, inspires confidence and is very forgiving of the odd clumsy input, just try to be smooth and don't rush anything and you'll be grinning from ear to ear.

I reckon the SV is more robust than some of the press would have you believe and this forum is packed full of helpful folk and great advice that will save you hours of faffing about if you do need to sort anything out.

Good luck with the test ride tomorrow, let us know how you get on.

[chris8886]

my sv has been my first bike and it still is (which i think shows how much i love it), i went straight to it (33bhp limit) from doing my test back in 06ish and i still love it! in my view it's just about the perfect first 'big bike'. yes it has it's limitations in it's power (not really a bad thing though if you think about, when you've only just got your license!), handling and build quality etc, but i still think it's the perfect first 'big bike'. as long as you keep on top of any required maintenance (check haynes or here) then there really isn't much that goes wrong with them. the build quality leaves a little to be desired at times, but then what buget jab bike doesn't these days?! and once again for the money they cost you, you can't really complain and even so it's really not that bad as long as you keep on top of things!

all in all i think it really is the PERFECT first 'big bike' (i know i said it again, sorry), but that's just how much i love mine n i will be sorry to see it go when i get something else next year some time *sshhhhhhh don't tell her that bit please!!!

[Kenzie]

The SV is a great bike to step up onto. The engine is smooth, plenty of poke and torque for a new rider to get used to. If it's fitted with an aftermarket exhuast can then the noise alone will make you grin! They can be had for good money these days. Just look out for cam chain noise and if it's high miles then make sure it doesn't smoke.

Well done on getting your license. As others have said the SV is a perfect first big bike.

Sounds like your going down the restricted big bike route, which I would recommend.
Two colleagues in work passed their restricted at the same time. One got a Ninja 250R, the other got an ER6n. One is happier than the other........

I came back to riding last year after a 20+ year gap since running around on a DT50 & YB100 in my youth.
I did 9 months on a CBF125 before taking the plunge with my DAS. I'm now on a 09 SV650 Sport, best thing I ever did (Now realise my mistake and have missed out on 20 years of fun).

I did my DAS on an ER5 which felt agricultural in comparison to the smooth V twin on the SV.
I tried my mates ER6 which again wasn't as smooth, my mate agreed he found the SV engine a lot less vibey, particularly at low revs.

On the bigger bike, Just take it steady for the 1st month or so until you get used to the power and weight etc.
Once you get comfortable you'll soon realise you actually feel a lot safer and not exposed like you did on a 125, partucularly with L plates on. In no time you'll feel totally comfortable with the size etc.

Although a (middle aged) newbie with limited experience, hope this helps.

congratulations. restricted Sv650 should be perfect, was for me after passing on a honda cbr125, although it did feel very wide the first time i got on it, I rode it back 50 miles from purchase as it was already restricted from previous owner. Cbr125's look like bicycles to me now. i'm 5'8/9 (time of day dependant haha) and 11st for what its worth + looking forward to july when the 33bhp kit comes off*


*another plus of the restriction, being that after two years it'll be like having a new bike to play with. Stopped me looking around at larger bikes etc

The SV is a great first big bike for loads of reasons.

Firstly it takes to restriction really well. Secondly it's even more of a hoot once derestricted.

The bike is a real all rounder, I've commuted, toured the Alps, done trackdays in the intermediate group and a fair few laps of the 'Ring on mine.

I got a GSXR750 to replace it, then an R1, but I've managed to buy back my old SV, they're that much fun!

Good luck hunting for one!

[Kenzie]

I think they have a good level of power to start with as it's not too overwhelming. I rode my brothers TL1000 and I felt out of my depth.

Originally Posted by Kenzie

I think they have a good level of power to start with as it's not too overwhelming. I rode my brothers TL1000 and I felt out of my depth.

That's an honest post as I've been riding my SV for 6 months (every day) and was thinking of moving upto an SV1000. Do you know if there is much difference.

OP - the SV is a perfect bike. Very forgiving, lots of torque, very forgiving, and good at slow speeds.

[Kenzie]

Originally Posted by Rokerman

That's an honest post as I've been riding my SV for 6 months (every day) and was thinking of moving upto an SV1000. Do you know if there is much difference.

OP - the SV is a perfect bike. Very forgiving, lots of torque, very forgiving, and good at slow speeds.

Straight line was fine, but corners seemed a bit hairy as I was going faster than I normally would so had to shed a lot of speed very fast. I guess the thou is the same but more oomph and torque.

If you do get one then invest in a scotoiler, your bike will love you for it.