Which SV - New Member

I am looking to buy a new or used SV650 in the New year and I was wondering if could any advise from those who know. I was going to buy a unfaired bike Initially but after a bit of consideration and viewing of both bikes I have decided to go for a faired SV650. I will be using it to commute to work daily and trips abroad etc. I have looked at many other bikes but this is one I really really want its just a matter of body now. Was wondering if anyone has any views they could pass on to me.

It will be my first proper big bike, I am over 35 & I am not a speed merchant, but It would be nice to know that the power is there as I want to have it for at least a couple of years.

Originally Posted by Mr Cass

I am looking to buy a new or used SV650 in the New year and I was wondering if could any advise from those who know. I was going to buy a unfaired bike Initially but after a bit of consideration and viewing of both bikes I have decided to go for a faired SV650. I will be using it to commute to work daily and trips abroad etc. I have looked at many other bikes but this is one I really really want its just a matter of body now. Was wondering if anyone has any views they could pass on to me.

The naked bike is definitely a bit better in town (a little more manouverable & lighter on the wrists) although I still preferred my 'S' version... I would highly recommend getting a test ride of both & seeing what you find more comfy... Bizarrely, I find the 'S' more comfortable as my arms naturally fall to that position & the naked's high bars wear out my forearms!

As for the choice between new & second hand, when I bought mine, I decided that a decent second hand one was only a few hundred pounds less than a brand new one with a new warranty (& the nicer pointy styling! )... However - have a look around & see what you find!

Originally Posted by Mr Cass

It will be my first proper big bike, I am over 35 & I am not a speed merchant, but It would be nice to know that the power is there as I want to have it for at least a couple of years.

Do I assume then, that you are going restricted access? If it is to save money on your test, be aware that you will have to pay more for a bike to be restricted to 33bhp (unless you buy it second hand like it!) and then, depending on how it's restricted (there are a few different methods n both models!), you may then have to pay again to have it de-restricted! It's well worth taking that into consideration... It may also be worth getting an insurance quote for a restricted bike/licence & a full un-restricted one!
I am 22 and did my Direct Access... It did cost more than going the restricted access route and I didn't pass first time but I am very glad I did it that way! I trusted myself & knew that I was not going to be stupid with more power & I think it has probably made a better rider of me than if I had been restricted!

I am only all broken now because of some cretinous car driver's blind actions where he turned in front of me, across a 50mph road from behind another car waiting in the middle of the road!

Whatever you decide to d, the Sv is a great bike & this is a great site. Welcome!

HTH

ive owned both, although the s model was for 36 hours only

the s model hurt my wrists after 30 mins, but its worth putting up with if u r gonna use the motorways. the wind blast on the naked is more uncomfortable. but saying that, its the only thing that keep me at a sane speed.

im a new rider also, and i find the naked much more confidence inspiring. the higher position means i feel more in control of the bike, can see further ahead, and the slow stuff comes more naturally. (i dropped the s after only 1 hour of owning it).

as the man said, take both for a test ride, ull soon find which u prefer. if ur new then id expect that to be the naked though....

good luck as long as its an sv, itll be good.

Thank you very much sir. I not going to be getting the bike restricted. I appreciate what you said about the riding position of the Unfaired version and found the S was more comfortable. As I am going to be using it in all weathers I wanted a bit of protection with the wind etc.

Hello and welcome.

I think most people who've had an SV as their first bike would agree that its got quite enough power to keep you entertained for two years, but not so much that you'll get yourself into trouble. Just respect the trottle and your limits and you'll be fine

Welcome to the site.

[pegasus]

just a quick note to say that i commute on a naked sv (approx 200 miles a day) with no wrist problems whatsoever. a small windscreen can also make all the difference on a commute. and when u get into town the riding position and manoevering is awesome..i often leave sportier bikes lagging behind in town.....BUT!!!! both bikes have pros & cons you really need to ride both and decide which suits your frame and build...either way great choice...good luck

Originally Posted by vltn3

just a quick note to say that i commute on a naked sv (approx 200 miles a day) with no wrist problems whatsoever. a small windscreen can also make all the difference on a commute. and when u get into town the riding position and manoevering is awesome..i often leave sportier bikes lagging behind in town.....BUT!!!! both bikes have pros & cons you really need to ride both and decide which suits your frame and build...either way great choice...good luck

I see were your coming from although when testing anything as advised you need to really have it for a longer period to appreciate whats best for you instead of a quick spin up the road and back. I will be using it to get to and from work mainly which is about 15 miles, although weekends could be a different story

[pegasus]

i agree more time is needed to vet each bike....but the initial gut feeling should be either "this doent feel right" or in the case of the naked "WOW"
.....im not biased am i? ...hehehehe

Originally Posted by vltn3

just a quick note to say that i commute on a naked sv (approx 200 miles a day) with no wrist problems whatsoever. a small windscreen can also make all the difference on a commute. and when u get into town the riding position and manoevering is awesome..i often leave sportier bikes lagging behind in town.....BUT!!!! both bikes have pros & cons you really need to ride both and decide which suits your frame and build...either way great choice...good luck

I agree with Vltn3 I too have an unfaired with small screen - it makes a big difference at speed.

Good luck any way which ever one you choose.