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Is an SV650 too much?

44K views 43 replies 22 participants last post by  SV650Vtwin 
#1 ·
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I've read tons of thread/posts on starter bikes. The SV650 is universally not suggested as a starter bike, but it's also not usually excluded as one either.

As I've read many opinions on starting on one, I'd like to see what ya'll think about it. I've come to know that many of you have a lot of experience and I actually trust your guys' opinions more than most. I know the front shocks are usually craptacular (at least when you start pushing the bike). I'm not too concerned about that. There's way too many gravel/sand/debris variables on any road i could 'carve' around here so all turns have to been taken with apprehension. I won't be pushing lean hard in these parts, it's just flat out not safe to do so.

Thing is, I want FI. I live in Wisconsin and work 3rd shift. This means a ton of 7 a.m. starts. I don't want to have to pop full choke for 5 minutes before I can ride. This leaves few options for a starter:

CBR250: Won't buy. Too many say it's weak and I have qualms about thumpers (Duke 390 looks pretty bad-ass though, ain't gonna lie, heh).

Ninja 300: My current top option. Local dealer will give me high 2,000's trade in for my Genuine Blur scooter. (4800 MSRP)

SV650: 2003+ for FI. Have found a TON of them around me for mid 3,000's. Various mileage. These dealer's, however, probably won't give me more than 2-2.5k for my scooter. Plus side is my local dealer is a Suzuki dealer, so servicing will be a non-issue.

So it drops down to a new Ninja 300 or a used SV with FI for now. The new Honda 500's don't really excite me for their price. GW250 looks pretty nice, but I'm not sure it'll handle the freeway properly for what I need (45 Minute Commute. 18 miles or so Freeway).

TL;DR Is the SV650 too much bike for someone who only has 2k miles experience on a scooter and only 10 hours of MSF training on a shifter?
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#43 ·
Im 5' 5 and I ride a ktm duke 2 supermoto and a v-Strom 1000.

Don't worry about the height. When you become an experienced ride you will be fine.

When I'm at a stop light I calf my ktm. Or look for a curb to put my foot on.
 
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#44 · (Edited)
No offense whatsoever intended...but I don't see why anyone would rather ride an "adventure" bike than a sportbike. The exhilaration of the power, handling and speed are untouchable by any other class of bike. Slicing thru traffic like a razor is one helluva thrill. When I see someone on a cruiser S-L-O-W-L-Y meandering through the streets I am so glad I bought a SV650 instead of Sportster 883 or derivative.

To stay on-topic...NO I don't think in any reasonable way is a SV650 a "beginner's bike". Its waaay to powerful and fast. In some countries where speeds normally don't exceed 75mph a 650 is considered a BIG bike. Just today I hit 85mph in fourth gear w/out going over 6500 which a beginner could very easily get himself killed w/ such power & speed in traffic.
 
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