First big bike...

MowyTone

MowyTone

MowyTone

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Joined
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Southampton
I've not really been able to make up my mind as to what I want after I pass my test. I've long wanted an SV650S as I've had mates with them and they always looked fun to ride. I then rode a ER6-n briefly (car park type assesment) and really quite liked that as well. I quite like the idea of having a cruiser as well...


Thoughts are get an SV650 as they can be bought for about £1100, they seem pretty hardy as well, and then make up my mind after that.

Any thoughts or suggestions as to alternatives? I don't want a full on sports as it would be an everyday bike and don't want short service intervals
 
SV650 is a cracking bike and sounds the nuts with decent cans on.

You'll love the V twin torque and won't go back to a IL4. I can promise you that.
 
The SV is a great choice, but be aware than an £1100 example probably isn't going to be particularly nice unless you get very lucky. You'd be unlikely to even find an ER-6 for that budget as well.

The other obvious choices are a Suzuki Bandit, Yamaha Fazer, Yamaha Diversion (avoid), Honda Hornet, Honda CBF600, Honda NTV650 (V twin, quite old but go forever), Ducati Monster (600 is a bit underpowered but look nice and fairly reliable for a Duc), Cagiva Raptor (uses SV650 engine), BMW F650 (single cylinder engine, very economical, very well built and quite cheap to buy these days)
 
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I dont think riding an SV650 will create such an impression that a rider would never consider any other engine configuration again.
 
I liked the SV650, rode one back home for a friend who bought it. I was riding an IL4 at the time and the torque was lovely. Had a vtwin prior to my IL4 too, and I can categorically say that my next bike will be a twin. Tunnels were just never the same with an IL4. :D
 
atpbx said:
I dont think riding an SV650 will create such an impression that a rider would never consider any other engine configuration again.
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I think it depends what you like to begin with. I myself Like V-twins. One day would love to get a Firestorm or TL1000 and a cruiser type so I can go between the two
 
MowyTone said:
I think it depends what you like to begin with. I myself Like V-twins. One day would love to get a Firestorm or TL1000 and a cruiser type so I can go between the two
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I had a TL1000s that's the one you want nasty little beast catch you out here and there but big fun.

The r is a little smoother.
 
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MowyTone said:
I think it depends what you like to begin with. I myself Like V-twins. One day would love to get a Firestorm or TL1000 and a cruiser type so I can go between the two
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I used to have a Firestorm and it was ok.

Didnt do anything special and certainly did not do anything to convince me that V-twins are the best things since sliced bread.

Also, if decide to go with a TL1000, make sure it has had the steering damper recall done, because if it hasn't, it will kill you.
 
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er6 is a parallel twin and feels very different to a V config.
hate the look of the old zx6 the 636 is nice though b1 / c1 for the money i would go for a sv 650.
try them all out and see what you like
 
650's are nice a good starter bikes but theyre not for everyone.

I sold mine after 3 months of no enjoyment. Front brakes are awful but its ok cause the engine braking will stop you, literally, everytime you lift off the throttle. Not fun riding around town for commuting imo.

Nice bikes but do a few test rides. I much prefer the smoothness of an IL4.
 
trouble with the b1/c1 zx6r is they are more track/sport orientated,older ones are much more comfy to ride

the fazer 600 is another bike i like
 
had an sv650 when they were the old curvy model and loved it, those v-twins are very friendly to inexperienced riders.

Went from that to a TL1000S which was just the most awesome bike. Had an accident on that and then fancied a change to a IL4 (gsxr 750) then a few years later went for a triple (Tiger 1050). I have to say the SV650 was easily one of the favourite bikes ive owned.

Currently riding a Fazer8 which is a bit dull if im honest. Even tho it has a nice little kick at the power band it just feels to small for me, still looking to change but lacking the inspiration for what to choose (and the funds). Had test rides on z800 and z1000sx, really liked the SX but its expensive :(
 
you can pickup some cracking older machines nowadays,dont be put off by the mileage either (though does depend on the bike make/model)

you want something that's cheap to maintain and you can just pile the miles on and doesn't drink petrol

Honda hornet isn't bad choice either,best to go for something with decent power as you'll only end up wanting something faster in a few months time

you can get some sweet sounding inline fours with the right end can on them aswell
 
wazza300 said:
you can pickup some cracking older machines nowadays,dont be put off by the mileage either (though does depend on the bike make/model)

you want something that's cheap to maintain and you can just pile the miles on and doesn't drink petrol

Honda hornet isn't bad choice either,best to go for something with decent power as you'll only end up wanting something faster in a few months time

you can get some sweet sounding inline fours with the right end can on them aswell
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2008 hornet 600 was the best bike i rode for a few reasons, comfy, can get my knee and toes down, fills with confidence and good on fuel you can pick one up for just over 2k .
 
I was looking at hornets as it happens. However you can get the carb'd version of the SV with about 15k-30K miles about 10 years old for about £1200
 
Mmm, interesting and I had the same dilema when I started out... found a stunning SV650 in yellow with belly pans etc, was gorgeous... but in the end, ended up the CBR600F4 1999 route... why? Because it's fast a hell with 110bhp, in 99' changed the fairing and frame to alloy so lighter, looked modern enough without being all point and is EASSSYYY to ride so good they kep the same frame etc with only some small changes for the next 7-8 years... comfy both slow and quick speeds. Plus, it's doing everything. I can commute, I can tour (did 14 days Europe last year) in comfort (with top box Krauser bracket), I'm doing track days on it... it's the most complete bike you can get in my opinion.. 1999-2006 is the proper CBR 600, post that think they did the Hornet thing and it wasn't IMHO a true CBR. Parts are dirt cheap and you can pick a minter up for peanuts. I picked mine up just over 2 years ago... on 8,300 miles (13 years old at time)... mint, £1,600 notes and he's not missed a bit. Since then as people on here will confirm, I've added as mush stickerage and tat as I can to "upgrade" him lmfao :-) In all seriousness, you could do worse than a CBR600F4/Fi... stunning bikes.

However, ignoring my fanboyism lol... knowing what I know now... between the SV650 and the ER6 (Naked or faired), I'd personally go ER6 with a Scorpian Can, in Kwaki Kandi Green... great bike, does everything well, won't tear your head off. The SV650 is now getting long in the tooth and things have moved on quite a bit tbh... personally I wouldn't go for one now... but hey man, it's a great bike.
 
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