SV650S, F4i, FZ6, YZF600R, or SV1000S

GSX400 · 06-29-2004, 11:59 PM

Hello Everyone,

Looking to get one of these bikes. My choices are

Suzuki SV650S
Suzuki SV1000S
Yamaha FZ6
Honda CBR600 F4i
Yamaha YZF600R

What I'm looking for is decent power and handling. More importantly, comfort! I want to be able to ride for hours. I'm slightly 5'8" weighting in 190 lbs. As you can tell, I'm not physically fit for a true track bike nor do I have the need for speed. Just looking to ride freely on a comfortable bike that looks sporty. Does anyone here have any opinion for me. Thank you everyone in advance and any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

GSX400

Cicada · 06-30-2004, 03:23 AM

Gs500f? :d

RACER X · 06-30-2004, 06:45 AM

+1...............

FZ6_Rider · 06-30-2004, 09:59 AM

FWIW - I test rode the Suzuki 650 and 650s before buying my FZ6. I found the seating position/ergos on the Yamaha better than all the other bikes (especially the "s" versions of the Suzuki due to the clip-ons and slightly farther back rear-set). The FZ6 also has great power available - now that I'm past my initial 600 miles check/tune I can open it up a bit more and this bike easily breaks ALL speed limits without leaving 3rd gear!! I also love the look of the undertail exhaust and the digital gauge. Lastly, the FZ6 comes with a centerstand (not an option for the Suzuki's per my local stealer/dealer).

Obviously I'm biased, but I really love this bike.

RayOSV · 06-30-2004, 10:13 AM

I would NOT recommend an SV1000. Great bike, but too much for a first bike.

Have you looked at the sv650 (non-s model)? It's naked, but the ergos are more upright. Lots of aftermarket parts including mini-fairings to block the wind.

The Suzuki GS500f or Kawi EX500 are also great bikes that would fit your described needs/desires.

ZeuSeason · 06-30-2004, 10:26 AM

<-----My votes for the FZ6. Great bike with great ergos. I give it a Best Bang for the Buck. I would also check out the SV650s....looks good with the V-Twin power. Ergos aren't that good, and if that's the issue than the FZ6 is where it's at. After a few hours on the FZ6, it can get a little uncomfortable. For this I'd suggest a Corbin or I've seen Gel Pads under the seat skin.

Kizzer · 06-30-2004, 10:48 AM

I personally really like the look and feel of the YZF600R. It's a sweet bike. Yamaha's are all pretty comfy for me being 5'10'' - 150lbs.

extra · 06-30-2004, 02:07 PM

SV 650's are probably pretty good as there isn't too much stuff to break on them when you drop it, but they have a lot of torque compared to inlines. Will come up like nothing in 1st. If you panic and yank some throttle, it won't be pretty.

Samurai Jack · 06-30-2004, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by extra

SV 650's are probably pretty good as there isn't too much stuff to break on them when you drop it, but they have a lot of torque compared to inlines. Will come up like nothing in 1st. If you panic and yank some throttle, it won't be pretty.

Not arguing with you or anything, but my brand new SV650S didn't feel anywhere near as powerful (or torquey for that matter) compared to ANY of the 600'ss I've owned. I've only sat on the FZ600, however compared to my YZF600, I'd take the YZF any day.

M.

dennisred69 · 06-30-2004, 10:08 PM

for comfort and power id go with the yzf i love mine

GSX400 · 07-01-2004, 02:04 AM

Wow, it looks like a hot topic. So far most of the vote is for the FZ6 and YZF600R. There seem to be a disagreement with the experience on the SV-S. However, I did not hear any suggestion on the Honda CBR600 F4i.

Does anyone knows which bike has the highest handle bar? I assume that will give me a better riding position allowing to sit a bit more upright. Correct?

ZeuSeason · 07-01-2004, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSX400

Wow, it looks like a hot topic. So far most of the vote is for the FZ6 and YZF600R. There seem to be a disagreement with the experience on the SV-S. However, I did not hear any suggestion on the Honda CBR600 F4i.

Does anyone knows which bike has the highest handle bar? I assume that will give me a better riding position allowing to sit a bit more upright. Correct?

That would be the FZ6. Not 100% on the other bikes but the FZ6 uses a single bar so it is a much more comfortable position. The rest have clip-ons? I like the YZF as a full faired clip-on bike but the semi-naked undertail exhaust with digital tach and 180 rear on the FZ6 sold me for 6500 instead of the YZF 7100. Did I mention a 5 gal tank sporting 50 miles to the gallon stock? The FZ6 has the same inline-4 as the YZF just tuned slightly differently (for more of a commuting or comfort riding bike).

I have heard the F4i is a great bike too but a little steep on the price for my budget.

RACER X · 07-01-2004, 08:06 AM

SORRY, i disagree w/ all the above except for the ex500, and so does www.beginnerbike.com the nekkid 600's are less powerful then the 600SS bike BUTm they will still throw you on your ass in a millisecond. but that's IMO /shrug

what kinda experience do you have, if any?

and have you taken the MSF class yet? if not www.msf-usa.org

brentsR6 · 07-01-2004, 09:33 AM

i think the EX500 would be a better choice, but out of those id take the FZ or YZF

BrownRob · 07-01-2004, 09:45 AM

Wow... are you looking at buying a brand new bike as your first bike???

I wouldn't even buy a Ninja 250 brand new... cause when you drop it, you will cry!

Why not look at a bike thats about 3-6 years old? Maybe an older 600? Or a 2000 Sv650s? Sv's seems to be one of the best deals when it comes to used bikes...

If you're looking for a "comfortable" bike, I'd check out Honda F3, Sv650, Katana, Ninja 500 or GS500f... they sit upright a little more than other ss bikes.