Replacing the SV - is there anything better?

[Jayneflakes]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

So I have odd taste. Have you met the wife?

[dyzio]

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

So I have odd taste. Have you met the wife?

Cheers for all the responses sv-ers, you guys are great Fair few options there I hadn't considered, which is what i was after.
I'm replacing the SV because it's dying, not because I've got any complaints about it at all (although the suspension could definitely be better...), and the main reason, to be honest, that I'm not determined to replace like-for-like is the possibility that I might be missing an opportunity to find something I like even more. My current SV is a K6 so I don't know as there's much to choose between that and the more recent ones (except more spark plugs to change?).
In answer to the question a couple asked, I genuinely don't have a budget in mind but I'd need convincing the bang-for-buck ratio matched that of the SV - I'm looking both at brand new bikes (the Fazer8 is really tempting, top on my list to test - anyone here god/ridden one?) and also buying used for less than a third of that price.
I've ridden the ER and it never gave me the ear-to-ear grin the SV gives me most days, and I had a Z750 as a hire bike for several weeks and to be honest didn't like it at all - a fair bit of oomph and smooth delivery but the riding position was too high and felt unstable, and it was far more like hard work around town than the SV, getting back on the SV after the z750 was joyous for me.
The v-raptor is one I hadn't considered - bearing in mind I'm not the greatest at bike TLC something with less reliability might not be a good idea for me, but it does look like it ticks a lot of boxes, and the Falco (another that I missed) looks like it might be worth my while test riding.
Cheers again for the advice peeps, I'll be doing some testing over the next few weeks, and might even do some mini-reviews as I do so.

[Sir Trev]

The Fazer 8 is not especially good value for money compared to the Bandit 650S/GSX650F. Very similar power, seating and characteristics but the Yam has a hideous rear end and is quite expensive.

The upright seating on my 650F make it a doddle in town, it is way smoother than the SV, there is plenty of low down power (ignore the IL4 myth), and with a full fairing it's also good for the dual carriageways. They're not "cool" so you can get them for very little money, a real plus in my books. And the F has a better engine map and a bit more go compared to its Bandit sibling.

Owenski said the real test is would any of us leaving the SV ranks buy another. Although I miss mine terribly still (it's only been two months) I don't think I'll go back. My curvy naked was a lovely bike for commuting though...

No, the SV650 is the best motorcycle ever made, that's why we all have one, and if we could buy any bike ever made it would be an SV... or maybe a Triumph

Triumph Sprint St 1050 - There is no other!

Or prehaps maybe an RGV 250 thrown in for pure mentalness!

Originally Posted by danf1234

Triumph Sprint St 1050 - There is no other!

Amen to that, not sure thats entirely true but its up there with some of the best.

Originally Posted by specialone

Amen to that, not sure thats entirely true but its up there with some of the best.

If you are talking new sports tourers, at less than 9 grand I think it's the best available for the money.

[mikerj]

Originally Posted by Bagpuss

I've got a RSV Mille, not really a commuter bike but if you're use to a SV the twin will be familiar to you.

Even with the gel seat on my SV, I find the Aprilia is hugely better for comfort, and I'm an old git. Rode from Plymouth to the IOM this year on the RSV and just felt a little stiff when I got there. On the SV I find my backside is in agony after about 100 miles.