Is the SV650 reliable? have good handling? low seat height? Is the 650 engine too large for a beginner? It was recommended to me a a motorbike guy, and I was just wondering what you all knew about it.
2006-10-19 08:16:02 · 9 answers · asked by DK 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Perfect bike because of all of the above. You have to be able to throttle up to get away from crazy car drivers. Take a motorcycle profencency course. Get boots leather jacket and the best helmet you can buy. Yahama Star 650 might have a lower seat for short legs
2006-10-19 08:21:24 · answer #1 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, take the MSF course and learn on their bikes (which are usually 150ccs).
I started riding a year ago on a 620cc (Ducati Multistrada 620) and I have no regrets. I never felt like it was too much power and I also do not have an urge to upgrade to a bigger bike. I think it's the perfect size. I commute every day on the freeway and have no problem passing at freeway speeds.
I would also disagree about the stability of a cruiser. A sport bike configuration is more nimble and I think you'll appreciate the agility in city riding. (But the choice between sport or cruiser is all about your personal style anyway.)
So, yeah, the SV650 is probably a good bike to start on, however, why buy a Suzuki when you could get a Ducati for about the same price. (Seriously, Ducati Monster 620 is within a few hundred dollars of an SV 650.)
2006-10-19 21:30:13 · answer #2 · answered by Flingford 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a bit on the powerful side, but there are much worse choices for a first bike. While I would say that a 500 cc or smaller sportbike will probably be better, it's not in the same category as, say, a Yamaha R6.
And I've got to second everyone who said to take the MSF course. It'll give you a chance to learn to ride on a smaller bike, usually a 125 or 250 cc critter. See how well you handle these, and you may have a feeling for how you'll do on something more powerful.
2006-10-20 12:09:33 · answer #3 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to agree with those that said that the SV650 is not the best beginner bike. You would be much better off with a used Ninja 250 or 500, or a Suzuki GS500. Take the MSF course, and spend a season or two on one of those bikes.
2006-10-19 19:16:36 · answer #4 · answered by crx81 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My first bike was an '03 SV650S, with the half fairing. It was very reliable for the three years I had it, started every time regardless of temperature, ran smoothly every day, and was very easy to ride. Liquid cooled, fuel injected, just go out and ride reliability.
It IS a 650cc bike, and a V-twin at that, so though I enjoyed the low-end torque in the city the SV still has the ability to hit 120mph without much trouble.
It's a great bike, and if you RESPECT it you would enjoy it immensely.
2006-10-20 02:58:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a lot of guys with SV650s. They're good - but I would recommend what I ride - a Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Same size engine, but it's a parallel twin - it's got power, but not as much as the SV - so you're going to have a better time learning on it.
They're both great entry-level bikes. I started on a Kawasaki Ninja 250R - which is the ultimate beginner bike. I highly recommend one of those - they're fun, fast, and affordable.
Another advantage the Ninja 650 has over the SV is that it's got fuel injection - it's not carbeurated.
Good luck!
2006-10-19 08:33:34 · answer #6 · answered by gatesfam@swbell.net 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The SV is a good choice depending on how tall you are.
You might also want to consider a Suzkuki GS550 (www.gstwins.com for more info)
Most bikes are very reliable - it's hard to get a bad motorcycle these days. Even used bikes are fairly bullet proof. I would recommend doing a google seach for a SV50 user group and hang out on the message board. Lots of information, both good and bad about the bike will show up there.
Good luck and welcome to the motorcycle community!
2006-10-19 09:36:46 · answer #7 · answered by Max P 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to race bikes in England and I'd say a 650 was a little too big for a beginner. I started with a Honda RVF 400 NC35. Great little bike, lightweight, great at handling, topped out at 130mph and was a very forgiving bike. Look one up, you won't be disappointed.
2006-10-19 08:22:06 · answer #8 · answered by cwpache 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A drawback is that it is a very responsive sport bike. As a new rider you will make mistakes at the controls. The highly responsive SV650 will magnify those errors.
A more stable cruiser style bike with slower responses is a better choice.
2006-10-19 11:54:52 · answer #9 · answered by Bob 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just be careful. Take a course if you can find one. You should be careful with any MC. It will get you out of trouble when necessary, but it can get you in trouble before you know it
THINK AHEAD
2006-10-19 08:26:19 · answer #10 · answered by jekin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋