125 to 650 ?

I went from no bike stright to Honda Hornet 600 via DAS.

Having ridden both CG125 and GS500 during DAS course there absolutely no doubt in my mind that the bikker bike was easier to ride, and in many ways the Hornet is even easier than the GS.

You will find that you have so much more time to do things on a bigger bike and things are a lot less frantic and more relaxed. Yeah, Steve H, I know I ride a revvy (but powerful ) Hornet, but the principal is the same.

You'll also find the bigger bike more stable on the road.

Embee is right.......if you're used to a fairly upright Tuono 125 them you should consider the naked SV650, as well as any other naked middleweights that catch your eye . you might find an in-line four easier to ride (I did), but then again you might not. The SV650 is a good bike and bit easier to insure than some of its competitors.

I would prefer an upright riding position but i don't like the look of any i have seen apart from the 'proper' Tuono which is completely out of the question.

I'll give both the SV naked and S a test ride and see what i think

I'll also try and compare an IL4 to a VTwin

Originally Posted by Cos

I'll also try and compare an IL4 to a VTwin

If you want to compare an in-line four to a V-twin then Fowlers is a good choice. You should be able to try an SV650 and compare it to a Yamaha FZ6 and a Honda Hornet. I think that they do Kwaks, too? If so then the Z750 is great bike, also.

If looks are important and you want a naked SV, then the previous model (curvy shape) is better than the current pointy one IMHO. You should find a nice 2002 model for a fair price. I prefer the latter shape "S" model, though.

If you think a naked SV looks OK then you'll love one of the current ('03 and later) Hornet and the Yam FZ6. Both are insurance Gp12 compared to the SV in Gp9. The Z750 is Gp13

But don't buy on looks alone - buy the one that you like riding best and, if there's a tie, then go for looks.

There's loads of SV-ers on the Bristol area and I'm sure someone would volunteer to meet you at Fowlers given enough notice. Leave room for a cooked breakfast

One thing about Fowlers is they can be iffy on demo's. Some places can be reluctant. If thats the case just find somewhere with used examples of what you want to try and that can be easier. I've had to go to places I probably wouldnt choose to buy to get demos. Clearly a pain for both you and them, but seems to be how its is. What else can you do?

Originally Posted by Steve H

Oh, and less 2 stroke smoke!

Ya just gotta love the smell of 2 stroke first thing in the morning.

My first bike was a restricted RS125, then derestricted. Rode that for 8 months and then got my SV650S.

Once you get used to the extra weight (only noticable when pushing bike around and real low speed ) and the engine braking you wonder why you worried about it.

As has been said living with the SV is much easier, no need to keep topping up the 2T oil, plus on K3 onwards the Fi is great on cold mornings.

I still ride my RS regularly, but now find the lack of engine braking really wierd, plus the lack of shove when pulling away from the lights can be a bit frustrating, having said that its soo much fun when you get some nice clear twisty roads.

I went from a Specialised Allez '01.. SPD pedals the lot hehehe

The SV has the best power delivery a newbie can have and I'm picking up my second soon. It's much more fun to ride than the rest on offer at this price/insurance and style.. Being a V-Twin, you'll notice the difference in torque instantly.. and love it!

just take it easy and don't push yourself or what ever bike you get until you're ready..

And try to get a **** load of bubble wrap to stop people hitting you..heheh

Hi,

I passed my test last 2004 and went straight from an SR125 to a naked SV650. In my opinion bigger bikes are much easier to ride but being 6'4" probably has something to do with it. The SV seems to be a great and popular choice for a first big bike, not silly fast but enough to keep you smiling for sometime to come. I can't really complain about my one.

I must say I did find the ER-5 used for DAS easier to ride haven't found the SV so confidence inspiring. I'm still developing confidence in the bike and winter isn't helping with the slippy roads and crap weather, I've been building slowly and getting used to how the bike handles. The engine breaking really takes some getting used to, thats the thing you'll really notice about the v-twin.

Originally Posted by Bagpuss

The engine breaking

I think you mean engine braking.

Either that or your bike doesn't run much.

[ophic]

i went from a Kwak AR125 to an SV... with 8 years gap - and promptly fell off it

But apart from that little incident i've had no problems at all. The engine is easy to master, plenty of power and you can stay away from peak power just by keeping the revs low, and the SV bimbles along very happily - plenty of torque but no surprises under 6k rpm.

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

Ditto. First time out on a sunny day in the lanes was a bit hairy, but as long as you have some vestiges of self control (and if you don't, you shouldn't be on any bike! ), you'll have a great time on it.

Yep and for me as well my Sv was the first bike ive owned and rode since passing my das 6 months ago, and as for the engine breaking, it aint that bad although it did catch me out the first time i closed the gogo twisty.

And i cant say that i've noticed vibration, ohhhh but the noissseeee hmmmmmm noooiissseeeee soooo nniiiccceeeeeeee