New sv650 announced for 2014

Originally Posted by wideguy

They're not competing with the GSXR, or any other sport bike. I think they are the best bang for the buck in the entry/intermediate category, and it doesn't cost much to upgrade the front forks with springs and emulators, even add 4 pot calipers, which in my opinion, makes them better than any of their competition.

I'd disagree with this to an extent. An ER6 is just as good stock, if not a bit better balanced, and is just as suitable for a newer rider. Don't know what the numbers are but I've seen many an ER6 around. Also, as a "budget bike" comparison you have to consider the naked bikes.

For me the SV was a 1st bike and I definitely decided on it because I didn't want a naked bike. But if I was simply going on budget I would have considered a naked. Are they better than some of the naked bikes for similar money? I don't know about that.

Edit: Sorry, just wanted to add that the SV's engine is in my opinion much more exciting than the ER6. The bike has bags more character, but not because of the porridge suspension. The sound is just a million times better and the torque is great. But, again, these are the bits of the bike that Suzuki got absolutely right 1st time!

just my 2 pence on this current conversation
most common things said about SV's
1/ there cheap
2/ the engine is full of character
3/ it lets you get away with murder when you first start rideing eg the perfect 1st big bike

therefore if you "upgrade" the forks and rear shocks from there porrigey goodness then add more focused less spongey brake you will have

1/ there more expensive (even if its just a few hundred quid)
2/ the engine has still got great character
3/ not as first big bike friendly as the previous incarnations

so in essence youve lost 2 of the 3 main reasons for buying a SV in the first place, SV's grow as your biking experiance grows, you start of basic then when you improve you improve the bike, a mutual uprgading of ability and equipment

can you seriously disagree ?