BOOM! Thread revival with a 5+ years progress update:
I passed the DAS, got carried away and bought a new 2008 SV650 Sport.
A couple weeks after getting it I went on a bike trip to Holland, Luxembourg and back. Then Wales for a while. Then I did the front lock-up at 20mph and broke lots of expensive plastic. After getting it fixed I got bored of living in London and having to go so far for good roads. (Also maybe lost my nerve slightly on heavy braking). Sold it.
After just over 2 years without a bike I got sensible and bought a used 2007 BMW F800ST.
It was a delight, and had ABS which helped me get over any previous mental head issues. This bike got used and abused for just over 3 years of commuting and numerous trips to Scotland, Wales, south west etc.
However since year 1 of BMW ownership I'd had my eye on something bigger in the BMW garage. The F800 engine starting to sound a bit piston-slappy, annoying build quality issues ("oh hai engine casing, where is your paint?", "oh hi overly complex poorly design heat exchange, looks like you're leaking!", "OH HI CORRODING REAR SPINDLE THING" etc. etc.) made it easy for me to justify:
Chopping the 800 in for a lovely 2009 BMW K1300S.
I've had it only a couple of months or so but so far it is simply awesome. Obviously having more than double the F800's power helps, but it also feels far more refined, as a once-flagship bike should. The build quality, switches (idiot early ones recalled), pegs, suspension bits all look and feel like they're built to last (they damn well better). I suppose the extensive fairings also help to avoid any potential engine corrosion too. The hilarious chain jump-guard recall just got done too, which puts my mind at rest (though also reminds me how stupid manufacturers can still be).
In short I love it. It's been my dream bike for a few years and now I have it. Just had its major 18k annual service (valve check) which 'only' came in at £450. The only trouble now is whatever I get next I'm pretty sure I have to keep this too! (or a newer one of this of course!).
Oh, I should add that at the service they found the front shock to be leaking, which is set to be sorted under warranty in the next few weeks. I was without a warranty with the F800, but with this thing I decided it's worth it.
So yeah. That was a story all about how... I learned to ride, got a bike, broked it, fixed it, sold it. Tried to deny myself, failed, bought another bike. Learned to ride properly, got bored, bought a hilariously great bike. Watched some TV. Baked some bread.
didn't know GSXR brakes fit an SV though? 
