Sv650

[Hyena]

I know an SV is not recommended for new riders. I've been looking at ninja 250s and 500s and no luck so far. Doesn't mean I'm going to give up.

What I DID find is an 06 SV650. Not the S. $2100. That's about what some of the ninjas go far.

Too good to be true?

Again, I know this bike IS powerful so I'm a little hesitant, but the price seems unbeatable for what it is.

EDIT: Realized this may have not been the best place to post this... Don't know how to delete

[drummer92]

If you have no experience.. it is a BAD first bike. Not as bad as a 600, but still has a lot of power. I'm sure there are plenty of 250s and 500s for sale near Dallas.

[Hyena]

There are, but at $2100, isn't it a steal? If you tell me that it's not a "can't pass this up" deal, I will opt out of going to see it.

[rgbeard]

Maybe. Maybe not.

Condition? Miles?

I just paid 2,900 for my wife's 06 sv650s. It had lots of fun accessories and was already lowered, saving me $$ and time. And it has the (optional, I believe) lower fairing.

Without all the extras I believe it would have been better priced in the low $2k range and not have been a "steal". Just well priced.

What good is a steal of a bike that is too heavy, too powerful, and that you risk plowing into a post?

My wife, who was starting-over, rode her CB250 for about 18 mos before I got her the 650. Even at that the transition was significant for her. When I casually asked about her having started with this to begin with I got a resounding "no way in hell".

Now that the 250 has served as training wheels, we aren't selling it any time soon. The little bike's a hoot to ride. I am keeping it for errands in town or else we may take it to our home in Mexico and keep it in the garage for local runs to town.

[PCHbreeze]

Is a Corvette a bad car for a new driver? If you can control yourself, no.

[rgbeard]

Originally Posted by PCHbreeze

Is a Corvette a bad car for a new driver? If you can control yourself, no.

Well intended comment, but not the best parallel.

The point is a little more critical with a two wheeled vehicle. It's not simply about keeping speeds sane, but it is about learning a control skill that is not yet wired into your brain.

The first time you are making a turn in a parking lot, and realize you aren't making it, the new rider instinct will be to hit the brakes, while still in the to-be-aborted turn. With a heavier bike like a 650, you are on the ground. Then 250 may forgive you with the lesser mass and allow you to learn a bit without finding you face-down.

[OreoGaborio]

Originally Posted by PCHbreeze

Is a Corvette a bad car for a new driver? If you can control yourself, no.

Yeah, the SV is totally the corvette of the motorcycle world

SV is about as "big" as I'd recommend to a new rider, but only if they've been able to hone their skills a bit on lesser equipment, such as in the MSF course. I had an MSF student come through my class who was a first time rider and did very well. He asked my opinion on a few bikes & I said he'd be fine on an SV. He went out, got one and absolutely loves it.

But again... I watched him ride and monitored his progression throughout the weekend. Fish in water.

If you haven't ridden AT ALL then I wouldn't recommend it. Go out, learn on something that's a little easier to ride and THEN make an EDUCATED determination as to whether or not you'll be okay on a larger bike.

[Hyena]

Thank you all for the responses. The SV is actually less heavy than the 500r I'm searching for.

I was actually supposed to have completed the MSF course this past weekend, but I came down with the flu hard the day before. I called to see if I could come out the following weekend. The guy was a huge d**k and pretty adamant about the fact that they don't do refunds and were not going to let me reschedule. I basically just gave them my money.

That said, I don't plan to ride at all until I have completed the MSF course.

[OreoGaborio]

But the 500R has a much lower center of gravity and is thus more stable at slow speeds.

Sucks about the MSF scheduling. We SAY we do the same thing up here, but when it comes down to it, we usually cut people a little slack.

[Hyena]

Yeah, I was hoping they would cut me a little slack. He just kept saying they needed 72 hours notice if cancelling. Sorry guy, the flu didn't give me a 72 hour notice. If that's how that's how they conduct business, that's not a riding school I want to be at anyway.

I found this 2008 ninja 250 He wants $2000 and that's lowest he'll go. Good deal?

[CreatureCore]

Thats a great deal on a second gen 250.

[Hyena]

I'll try to go take a look at it today then! Thanks CreatureCore

[R1100S-Rider]

A '06 SV for $2100? If it's in good condition, I'd jump on it. First bike or sixth.

I race SV650's, they are great machines. Great first bikes in my opinion, especially for road racing.

[PCHbreeze]

As long as you're responsible, you can start off in a supersport. Most people who buy R1's, GSXR1000's, ect are not people who can make that bike do even 15% of its potential. Someone who knows this would be better able to learn the bike.

Besides, its a sv650, not a power monster. As long as you dont do anything stupid at high speeds or high rpms, you'll be more than fine. If you do, then you're just asking for it, and you know it.

hyena, get whatever makes you comfortable. Keep in mind most motorcycle sellers (dealers adn private party) are out to make a buck and when they find out it's your first bike, they're gonna try and mind-rape you.

Keep asking this forum ANY questions you have, and whether members agree or disagree, you'll get information to base your decision- which is whats important.

[I-Jo]

It's not a STEAL persay- but it is a good deal- it's priced to move.

That being said it's NOT a beginner bike at all. If you were comfortable at the MSF and really dedicated to doing a lot of parking lot practice you are probably going to be alright- but don't kid yourself- it's a beginner bike- it's not. Really- it's not.