SV650 vs. F4i

MattMchgn · 02-20-2010, 08:31 PM

I sat on a SV650 the other day and loved it. While exploring my options I've also considered the F4i because I hear they're pretty cheap and are good bikes. I like the looks of the F4i better (sportier) even though the fully faired SV650 looks pretty hawt too. Would the F4i be a viable option in terms of comfort? I haven't gotten the chance to sit on one yet and don't want anything that has a really aggressive riding position like most of the race replicas out there. I used to ride a '93 Katana and that was really comfortable.

Spyke_Da_Fresh · 02-20-2010, 08:37 PM

I was in the same position as you a year or so ago.

I ended up buying the F4i its pretty upright compared to the other supersports. Nice powerband and tons of fun.

I don't think you can go wrong with either tho

JavaMoose · 02-20-2010, 08:40 PM

I loved my F4i, used to do 300+ miles a day on it out in the desert. I'm biased, but I would lean towards the F4i.

g34343greg · 02-20-2010, 08:41 PM

both are great bikes, but stock the F4i has better suspension and brakes. suspension and brakes on the SV are easy upgrades though. check out svrider.com for everything you'd ever want to know about them.

it all really comes down to whether you want a V-twin or i4. reliability on either is great and i've heard of both lasting for well over 100k miles. a member on here, thirdgenxli, has close to (or over??) 200k on his F4i

nidyanazo · 02-20-2010, 08:42 PM

I had a 2005 cbr600rr, and I loved it. The f4i is almost the same power, (like -8-12hp) but less radical ergos. Very comfy for a ss style bike

I vote f4i.

this was my old cbr:

MattMchgn · 02-20-2010, 08:59 PM

Wow, beautiful pictures!

There's only so much knowledge to be gained about the comfort of the F4i without actually sitting on it. You guys say the riding position is a lot less aggressive than most other sportbikes around today, eh? I guess I'll have to find one to sit on then. What would you all recommend for a cheap model year for the F4i? Are all of them fuel injected? (That's what the i is for correct?)

nidyanazo · 02-20-2010, 09:16 PM

Ya, the f4 was carbed, f4i is injected.
Thanks, they are good looking bikes, and seem to photograph well.

Get this one bud:

2002 cbr 600 f4i

he'd prob take $2750 for it...

g34343greg · 02-20-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nidyanazo

I had a 2005 cbr600rr, and I loved it. The f4i is almost the same power, (like -8-12hp) but less radical ergos. Very comfy for a ss style bike

I vote f4i.

this was my old cbr:

nice looking bike, but didn't 05-06 have the inverted forks?

nidyanazo · 02-20-2010, 09:33 PM

oh ya my bad, it was a 04, but with 05-06 bodywork conversion.
I just always called it a 05 haha

arcticamt6 · 02-20-2010, 09:44 PM

Nice bike, but the softening/highlighting of pictures like that pisses me off.

I-Jo · 02-20-2010, 10:32 PM

I have the F4i and i reallly like it... I sat on a lot of bikes and hadn't even really been looking at the Hondas went down to the NJMP and got to sit down on one and immediately feel in love. I find it easy for running around just as much as tucking down when travelling longer/faster.

[ I have the 04 (roomie has the 2000 which is carbed- we had a starting issue which a brand new battery has fixed apparently but we will see if its a further plug/carb issue in the spring when we really get to riding) ]

PhilB · 02-21-2010, 12:56 AM

Both are fine bikes.

I prefer twins for the street; they have an easier and wider powerband. The Honda is definitely the faster bike overall, and is probably a little better built, but the Suzuki is plenty fast enough, and has a good reputation for durability as well.

The SV650 is probably a better bike to learn to ride fast on, and is highly recommended for the starting trackday rider. I'd suggest going with that at this point, and if later you want to step it up another notch, you can sell it and go for the F4i.

PhilB

Fearless1 · 02-21-2010, 03:14 AM

A 2001 F4i was my first bike at age 26. In retrospect it was too much to begin on. It's much faster than most people think. A friend of mine has a SV650, he has no problem keeping up with the rest of us on inline-4's. I would recommend starting with the SV650. It keeps it's value pretty well too, so If you sell it in a year or two you'll get almost all your money back.

jesseh · 02-21-2010, 09:01 AM

I've had both and my fav was the SV. I ran both for 25K, so seat time is equal. As stated the F4i is quicker but I liked the SV more. F4i toped out at around 150ish, the SV about 120. Both being somewhat north of the speed limit. I found the SV to be more "flickable" but the F4i to be more trackable (accurate). The seat on the SV was nicer to my bum then the F4i's padded plank of wood (I thought I understood uncomfortable until I got my supermoto). I found the SV much easier to work on then the F4i (two less cylinders helps with that though). The only major issue with the F4i would be the mandatory installation of a manual cam chain tensioner, unless you like the bb's in a coffee can sound the stock one makes. The way the power comes on is up to you since it's V-twin v inline4. I liked the "lazy" V-twin so the SV won out in my book. Either bike is a good bike and you might want to call your insurance agent to get quotes and use that as the decider.

MattMchgn · 02-21-2010, 12:04 PM

Thanks for all the replies!