Newbie seeks advice

Morning all, passed my test a couple of weeks back and I am now looking to get my first real bike. I have seen a 1999 SV650 with 7000 miles on the clock, looks in absolute mint condition and its for sale for about £2k. The only problem I have is the naked look (in particular the HUGE headlight), I prefer some fairing.

Am I being daft buying the bike to get some experience on and then trade in for a newer SV650S after 12 moths or should I just go for a newer s model? I have been offered a SV650s on a 54 plate with 570 miles on the clock for £2700 + my 125 but that’s out of my budget.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Stephen

Be patient, shop around. Be prepared to travel to get the bike you want, when you get to see it be strong, if its not 100% what you want, leave it.

Did they do naked SV's back in '99

If you've just passed your test then the naked is slightly easier to ride than the faired version due to the more upright position - it's a lot easier on the wrists. You could buy it now, and trade it in next spring - you'd probably get a good deal then as prices tend to hot up a bit in spring/summer, although a replacement would also cost a bit more

If you don't like the headlight - replace it with a twin setup
You can also get a fly screen if you want some fairing

[fizzwheel]

If you want a faired bike, by a faired bike IMHO you'll never be happy with the naked bike if its not what you want.

The SVS is fairly easy to ride, as Mr Toad says the naked bike is a little easier.

Mogs is right shop around you'll find something for your budget especially at this time of year

HTH

[Sid Squid]

The SV650 is a common bike, the 'S' model particularly, and as said above, if you're not completely happy with any bike you're looking at don't buy it, plenty more about.

Originally Posted by Mr Toad

Did they do naked SV's back in '99

Yes. Also in the States that's all that was available for the first year or so, so Yankee Svers went to Canada to get their plastic fix.

dont make the mistakes I did, I went for the first one I saw, then crashed it 3 months later

Pretty much what every one else said.

There seem to be more faired bike's around than nakeds so you should find something that is right for you before too long.

As for the naked, I like that big headlight, and after a while the 100mph wind blast will give you arm and neck muscles to be proud off !

Hi,
Like you I only passed my test 12 months ago. After loads of research,(and I mean loads) the SV650 is a PERFECT 1st bike in terms of weight, Insurance (Gp 10) looks, afordabilty, availablity and performance. Like the above comments, DONT RUSH. There's loads of well cared for bikes out there but there's also loads of rubbish.
I bought the 'S' (faired) model (2001 - 51 reg) in yellow with 6K on the clock - 1 previous owners with FSH, as new condition etc etc for £2800 & never regretted it. Take your time there's great deals around this time of year. Dont just look at the bike - look at the area, the owner, his house, the state of his garage, how he presents himself....I think you know where I'm coming from...Good luck but dont rush.

[Biker Biggles]

Right,I prefere the naked one but if you want a faired one ,get one.£2000 for a 99 bike sounds a bit dear to me at this time of year but the 54 bike for £2700 sounds like a steal unless your 125 is gold plated. I take it it's a dealer?They will be struggling to sell bikes at the moment so see if you can get it "in budget".

And welcome to the site BTW.

thanks for all the replies and sensible advice. I would love to go for the 650s (yeah Biker Biggles its a local dealer) but my budget wont allow it, Ive decided to sit tight and keep running the 125 through the bad weather, I'd rather bin my 125 than a new bike.

Cheers all

Ste