Serious Newbie

[Sev]

I don't recall in this thread saying not to get a sv650. And I'm sick of you putting words into my mouth.
I would like to point out AGAIN, that the sv is not a sportbike, it's a standard, or as close as they make now-a-days. It's just a matter of aesthetics that will confuse most people. Because of the designs of today it is built to look like a sport or supersport. However with it's upright seating position, forward controls, and short wheelbase it can be more appropriately classified as a standard. Just like the bike that I ride. If you were to replace the tail section with something more like a yamaha maxim no one would ever confuse the two.
So with him asking for a sportsbike I cannot really recomend it. It just won't sit the same, or even close.

Perhaps the GS500 is a better choice as opposed to the sv650??

[ZooTech]

While the SV650 is categorized and marketed as a standard, the reach to the bars and subsequent forward lean feels more like a sportbike to me. Then again, I rode two standards from the late 70's and mid 80's, so things were different. A number of people have written-in to the magazines I subscribe to asking how to achieve a more upright seating position on the SV650 for this very reason...and the usual response is to swap out the bars with a set from the V-Strom 650. And while he did mention wanting a "crotch rocket / rice burner" early on in his post, it was this quote that caught my eye, "I want some recommendations as far as a good first bike (something fast but easy to learn so I don't kill myself)". The SV650 is praised for being just that...a quick but forgiving bike that is great for a beginner with its predictable throttle and low-end grunt. So I, having some experience under my belt, recommend the SV650 to someone like him. If he insists on the back-breaking ergos of a full-fledged crotch rocket, I really have no recommendation because I don't care for that type of bike in the first place.

[drzoom]

I've read VERY Carefully over everyones suggestions... I've gone to the dealerships and actually SAT on the bikes, balanced them, moved them back and forth without any help from anyone. I feel comfortable (as far as sitting and standing on them) with the ninja 500 & 600's, the sv650's, the gsxr 600, and the yamaha r6's. They all feel good to me and all look pretty decent to me. One more thing i need to throw in here and people may hold this against me but i'd like something that will AT LEAST beat my 13.59 second talon in the quarter (if i'm gonna buy a bike for the purpose to EVENTUALLY be fast it better beat my 300 hp talon) Now based on that where are people thinking... what year of these various models? what price range? What about ducati or honda? I'm looking at a couple this weekend. Where who what and why? Again thank you all for the advice from a serious noob I'm trying to learn. I felt happy though that I didn't feel a moment of total ackwardness when i stood the bike up at the dealerships so I take that as a good sign.

Matt

[ZooTech]

One more thing i need to throw in here and people may hold this against me but i'd like something that will AT LEAST beat my 13.59 second talon in the quarter (if i'm gonna buy a bike for the purpose to EVENTUALLY be fast it better beat my 300 hp talon).

Well, Matt, not to brag or anything but my Mean Streak will beat your car in the quarter mile, and it's bone stock. I would think any 600cc+ sportbike with a decent power-to-weight ratio should be able to do so as well. The SV650, for example, will do it in 11.87 seconds @ 110.02mph, so I'm sure the super sports will do even better.

[drzoom]

Ahh excellent that being the case, I took a careful look, I do not like the looks of the sv650 but do like the looks of the sv 650 s whats the difference here besides the headlight covering?

Matt

[ZooTech]

I do not like the looks of the sv650 but do like the looks of the sv 650 s whats the difference here besides the headlight covering?

The only thing different besides the fairing are the handlebars. You lean forward a bit more on the "S" version.

[Sev]

Pegs are a little further back too. More like a supersport seating then a standard. Though the engine is the same.

[TechTMW]

The "s" model is geared a tad higher for the top end too.

[swatter555]

Hey there zoom. Here are some price ranges for ya:

ninja 500: $4800
gs500f: $4800
SV650S: $6400

So, if the SV tickles your fancy you will be forking out $1600 more. Since you are all about performance, consider buying used if you can. If you have a few thousand saved up, get a used ninja 500 to learn on and sell it in 6-12 months for about the same price. Then get your dream bike.

If you are going to finance, your costs dont stop at the bike price. You can add to that $300-$500 tax, $200-$500 in dealer costs, and if you decide to get a warranty that another $200-$1000. Add onto that about $500-$1000 in gear.

Just a heads up, getting a new bike is no joke. I also recommend getting a good leather jacket with padding/armor, a DOT helmet, motorcycle boots, motorcycle gloves, and possibly leather pants. Wear at minimum denim jeans all the time. All that gear is going to cost close to a grand for a decent set.

Good luck and be safe.

[drzoom]

1. Yes I am looking at buying used so I'm looking in the 2-4 k range
2. Yeah as previously posted I'm not stupid either, I am going to buy a full outfit (pants, gloves, boots, helmet, jacket) I have a very real worry that EVENTUALLY I will do something stupid enough that will end in me on the ground and I'd prefer to be prepared than have the pavement naw away at my bone. That being said I'm still going to try to avoid doing stupid things.
3. Does anyone know what kind of bike a suzuki rt1000 is? my friend is trying to get rid of it to lose a payment and he's selling it to me for 2200, it's a 97 with ram air something.

Zoom

EDIT: I looked it up the bike i can get for 2200 is a 97 or 98 TL 2000 From suzuki