How would you rate the 650 as a first bike?

3744 Views 39 Replies 30 Participants Last post by old newbie, Sep 2, 2004

doct0rxnick

Discussion Starter · Jul 16, 2004

I'm looking at first bikes and I'd really like to have one that I could keep for a few years and highway if necessary. Everyone says look at the 250 or the 500 kawasaki's, but all I hear is what a great value the sv650 is. I have a good amount of self control; I'm certain I could take it easy on the throttle until I gained enough experience to handle it. How do you guys feel about getting one for a first bike?

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SVBeest

· #2 · Jul 16, 2004

Nope, I wouldn't do it. I had an '81 Suzuki GS650 as a first bike which has about half the hp and torque of the SV. I rode it for over a year and got to really experience what riding is all about.

The sv is very powerful, especially for a first bike. Don't let comparisons fool you, the sv has near 75 hp. Ford Escorts only have about 20 or 30 more hp, but they weigh 4 or 5 times more. The SV will toss you on your butt faster than you can say howdy, and your right hand will have nothing to do with it. You can talk respect and throttle control all you want, but you need experience before you even know what throttle control is.

I would seriously suggest a smaller bike, even for the most level-headed person in the world. Throttle control is only one piece of the puzzle, and while important, it's not the only thing you need to learn. Get a 500 and ride the piss out of it for a year or two. The 250 will even keep up with an SV on the highway, and sometimes spank it in the twisties.

I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but I really believe this stuff, and you did ask! Good luck, and remember that 500 Ninja's hold their value pretty much as well as the sv does. Be safe!

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nig

· #3 · Jul 16, 2004

In the motorcycling world today, lots of silly teenagers (and I am not the exception) are going out and getting supersport 600's and even 1000's for their first bikes. Some even turn out okay. And so, the SV seems really tame by comparison. I tend to agree with SVBeest though, there are better first bikes out there. Honestly, you could keep a 250 or a 500 for a few years and take it out on the highway every day. The reason people "upgrade" is usually because they want a fast bike (relatively speaking) to keep up with friends, not traffic. If you decide to go with the SV I would advise you to get the naked model, the ergonomics are much better for learning low speed maneuvers.

BuRn__

· #4 · Jul 16, 2004

ive had my 500 for a few months now and have put around 3,xxxmiles on it. i am by no means close to feeling "comfortable" with it. i could see myself having this bike for another 2 years granted nothing mechanically goes wrong. when people say u will outgrow a 500 and tell u to just get a 600 to "save u money" is a crock of $hit.

doct0rxnick

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 16, 2004

SVBeest said:
I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but I really believe this stuff, and you did ask! Good luck, and remember that 500 Ninja's hold their value pretty much as well as the sv does. Be safe!

Not disrespectful at all. I appreciate the advice. I'll probably look into either a gs500e or an ex500 when the time comes.

JDSV650

· #6 · Jul 16, 2004

No way could I ever see having an SV as a first bike. It is possible that it could be worse than a SS 600. The power down low on the SV could really get a newbie who thinks they'll be fine with it low. My g/f and I both started on 250's and now I have an SV and she has an SVS and they will continue to teach us some things. My brother has had 2 older smaller enduros and now has an older GS500, which would also be a good first bike.

Naughty76

· #7 · Jul 16, 2004

doct0rxnick said:
Not disrespectful at all. I appreciate the advice. I'll probably look into either a gs500e or an ex500 when the time comes.

This must be a first! Smart move man. I got my first bike SV1000s in may. I made a huge mistake. I have riden bike before but this is MY first bike. I wasn't ready for one this powerful. I ride my friends 250's and 500's as much as possible. I am 6-4 and 275 is maybe, I have a hard time keeping that front end down. Stick with the 500 and move up in a year or so. Always wear gear!!!!

speed wheelie

· #8 · Jul 18, 2004

sv650s

My wife rides an sv650s..
This is her first sportbike.
But She has experience rideing bikes!!
She loves this bike so much we fight
Over who gets to ride it.... :angry

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doct0rxnick

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 18, 2004

Man, I found a good deal on a local gs500e but my parents aren't ready to let me purchase one. Did you guys just go ahead and buy one anyway? I'm thinking about doing it anyway. Maybe a bad idea :headbang

firefighter81

· #10 · Jul 18, 2004

Ok here is my reccomendation, get the SV650S as a first bike, do yourself a favor and get the earlier model ones, the new ones are pieces of junk (ask any SV650 racer). Once you have learned to ride on it, if you decide you want something new, keep the SV650S and turn it into a track bike. The SV650S is about the only 4-stroker that ever gives me a consistent challenge on the track, they are EXCELLENT 1st track bikes, as well as good street bikes. Just my opinion though, and it's what I would do!

firefighter81

· #11 · Jul 18, 2004

doct0rxnick said:
Man, I found a good deal on a local gs500e but my parents aren't ready to let me purchase one. Did you guys just go ahead and buy one anyway? I'm thinking about doing it anyway. Maybe a bad idea :headbang

I bought my EX500 back when I was 17 much against my parents' wishes (mainly my dad). But now my dad and I talk bikes all the time, and he loves the fact that I'm strictly racing now (no more street bike) too, he's like me, he doesn't trust anyone but himself. He got over it after I showed him that I was a responsible rider, we lived in a small community, and he never got bad reports from the neighbors or cops that I was doing anything like speeding or wheelies (BECAUSE I WASN'T!

)

So, I say go for it, but be prepared for an ass reaming, it's not gonna be pretty, but do what you want to do.

Chinga tu Madre

· #12 · Jul 18, 2004

"Ok here is my reccomendation, get the SV650S as a first bike, do yourself a favor and get the earlier model ones, the new ones are pieces of junk (ask any SV650 racer)."

Why is that? Never heard of them being called junk before. At what year do they become pieces of junk?

Naughty76

· #13 · Jul 18, 2004

I havn't heard of anyone complaning about a SV either 1k or 650 as being junk.... thats insane. I like the idea of a 650 track bike though.... Maybe when I pay my sv1ks off i'll get an older 650 strictly for track use.

doct0rxnick

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 19, 2004

^I don't plan on racing until I get out of dental school. I'm moving to go to undergrad in a relatively small town south of Dallas, Waco. I think it would be a good place to learn. Ever since I was younger, my father kept track of my savings. To purchase the bike, I will have to take out like 500 bucks from my savings and he will see

Oh well. I'm pretty certain I'm going to do it.

jim schmidt

· #15 · Jul 19, 2004

Starting small is a good idea. But whatever you decide, don't develop the false sense of security that a smaller bike choice makes you safer. Helmeted fatal accidents start at about 40 mph, well in the range of most scooters. It's always the rider, never the bike.

sti27

· #16 · Jul 19, 2004

I've had my 04 SV650S for about a month now. Being my first bike, I'm taking it slow. A short ride down the street and back, take a break, and then take another trip.

I'm now making larger circles around my neighborhood, out on one of the main streets (semi-busy road, 45mph). As you can tell I dont have a lot of practice time. But I'm taking my time and learning the bike before I get out into the real world with it.
In my opinion, I would have liked to start on something smaller and learn the basics, but when I sat on that Ninja 250, I swear it sunk like 2-3 inches. It just seamed small. I'm 6'2" and 230lbs.

Moral of the Story:
Start small and ride the hell out of it, or
Go b***** and spend more time just learning how to ride it.

All just my opinion from my experence.
Cory

drksuroo

· #17 · Jul 20, 2004

I bought my SV650 about two months ago and it is my very first bike and I have no regrets. It was recommended by my safety course instructor. I have started out very slow and up until this weekend I hadn't been too far. I rode it about 70 miles Sunday and it was lots of fun. I have had no problems with throttle control and if you ride smart you'll be fine. By the way good luck with dental school, been there too.

firefighter81

· #18 · Jul 20, 2004

Chinga tu Madre said:
"Ok here is my reccomendation, get the SV650S as a first bike, do yourself a favor and get the earlier model ones, the new ones are pieces of junk (ask any SV650 racer)."

Why is that? Never heard of them being called junk before. At what year do they become pieces of junk?

Well, for the average rider they aren't junk. It's just that racers are having alot of problems with their suspension, the chassis, and something with the fuel injection, I'm not sure on the specifics, just what I read a few times on svrider.

fbiguy1

· #19 · Jul 20, 2004

I have to say no too. My wife had a really innocent spill and won't get back on hers. (Which means I get to ride it!) It just doesn't build your skills as quickly as a 500 or 250 would. The center of gravity on it is much higher and means slow speed turning is kinda scary. It even scared me the first time I rode it, and I am used to an RC51. I started on a Ninja 250 and firmly believe that is the way to go. After that then GS500, then the Ninja 500. Just my .02, but I think you will be better off in the end. (Not to mention, that you are probably gonna drop your first bike and it's easier on the pocketbook.) Welcome and good luck with your parents, I remember butting heads about my bikes and I was in my late 20's!

RayOSV

· #20 · Jul 20, 2004

doct0rxnick said:
^I don't plan on racing until I get out of dental school. I'm moving to go to undergrad in a relatively small town south of Dallas, Waco. I think it would be a good place to learn. Ever since I was younger, my father kept track of my savings. To purchase the bike, I will have to take out like 500 bucks from my savings and he will see Oh well. I'm pretty certain I'm going to do it.

Forgetting about which bike for a moment, I'm biased against someone doing something like this against their parents' wishes unless they are willing to become totally independent of them. You need to decide if it's really worth it. Waiting a couple of years might be a better idea, but it's your life and your parents. If you do go ahead, don't forget gear and insurance for starters and maintenance down the road as well.

A used 500cc bike would make a better investment where you are with riding. It will be easier to get good at riding and assuming you don't trash it, will hold its value quite well for a year or two.

You don't mention your riding experience, but if it's not much, take the MSF before you do anything else. As a matter of fact, take it first in any case.

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