Looking for a 600. *possibly* V-twin?

[loco]

So, I'm looking for a 600. It needs to be race-style and obviously damned hot. Currently I'm leaning towards the CBR-RR 600 which is pure sex on wheels. However, V-twins have caught my attention and I could be persuaded by an old style Ducati 748, although apparantly it costs a bomb to maintain the engine (dry clutch, for example). The low end torquey grunt of a v-twin and the thumping noise it creates does appeal to me...

Are there any V or L twin 600's about, as I'd have to go for 800 insurance with the 748? If not, well it looks like I'll be going for the RR.

Currently I'm restricted to a little NSR 125R which is pretty nippy, but soon I'll need something more substantial.

Thanks in advance.

[VermilionX]

try the SV650S... although you might need to get xtra fairings to saitisfy you on you on the looks dept since you like the sportbike image.

when i bought my bike at the dealership (they're not brand specific), i saw an SV650S w/ full fairings, brand new, the dealership installed those fairings themselves.

i liked it, but it was yellow so i looked elsewhere. i only wanted red/black.

[loco]

try the SV650S... although you might need to get xtra fairings to saitisfy you on you on the looks dept since you like the sportbike image.

when i bought my bike at the dealership (they're not brand specific), i saw an SV650S w/ full fairings, brand new, the dealership installed those fairings themselves.

i liked it, but it was yellow so i looked elsewhere. i only wanted red/black.

Hmmm, I took a look at these the other day. Very nice bikes. Currently I'm a great fan of honda, mainly for the reliability they offer combined with the performance. How do suzuki generally compare to other bike manufacturers?

Also, does anyone know what the SV650S is like to ride?

thanks again.

[ZooTech]

How do suzuki generally compare to other bike manufacturers?

Doubt you'll find anyone with any complaints. Honda doesn't hold a patent on reliability.

[TechTMW]

The SV650(s) has a HUGE following. It's an awesome bike and a little bit outside of the common Inline-4 600 RR crowd. I don't think you will be disappointed if you go with that bike!

However, as a certified Ducati tech, I can also say that if you are even semi mechanically-inclined, most of your maintenance costs on a ducati can be mitigated if you can do your own service. Also, there are aftermarket parts available which change the valve check intervals from 6,000 to 18,000 miles (Less time in the garage!) I dunno why you mentioned the dry clutch on a ducati as being a big service issue, but it really isn't. If anything, a dry clutch on a motorcycle is MUCH easier to deal with than a wet clutch. And they are plenty reliable. BMW has been using a dry clutch setup since forever and no one's ever accused them of being unreliable. (Well the dry-clutch airheads anyway )

[swatter555]

I would ask you what you will be using it for? The SV is going to give lots of mid-range torque, but it is not suited as a race bike. If you plan to do trackdays, then why mess around with an SV650S, get the CBR600RR- its made for the track.

If you want a streetbike, then the SV650S might be a better decision for comfort reasons... and the mid-range torque. If sexy looks are also paramount, then the CBR is a good decision.

If you dont plan to do trackdays, but still want a sexy streetbike, consider getting a CBR600 F4i.

[Shiv]

Sounds to me that he just wants it to cruise around with an pick up chicks, thus the emphasis on looks.


And if you pick up two at the same time, and, ya know, don't want one, my number is...

[Sev]

I'd suggest sitting on the bikes. Because they all feel VASTLY different. Personally, I hate the SV650, enjoy the CBR, and I love the Honda 599...

Actually that might be the bike for you. Inline 4, retuned for more low end grunt. Great upright seating position, but with enough room on the seat to get into a full crouch if you want to. Lots of power at the top end, short wheelbase for easy turning, and sexy styling (to my eyes at least).

[loco]

First off, thanks for the replies, everyone.

Sounds to me that he just wants it to cruise around with an pick up chicks, thus the emphasis on looks.

And if you pick up two at the same time, and, ya know, don't want one, my number is...

This is going to be my first heavy after coming through a 50, then a 125. *finally* I'll have jumped through sufficient hoops to own a proper bike. Having said that, I think 1 year on the NSR 125R has been a lot of use and I have learnt a hell of a lot about riding and with it's low weight and gutless engine (until 8K RPM); it's been very forgiving.

So what is the bike for? I want a 'jack of all trades' I guess. Being my first heavy, something in the 600 range. I quickly became accustomed to the 125 after moving from a 50, and want something that'll keep me challenged for a long time. 400's are out fo the question.
In terms of riding styles, I like to cruise about, but I do intend on going for track days (it's essential really, I live on an island 9 miles by 5!). I also want to go for some fairly long distance riding across France, so I don't think a naked bike would be the best idea. Sticking my head above the fairing a 90mph certainly hasn't been fun on the NSR.

And yeah, like I'm sure the most of you... turning heads and attracting young friendly ladies is always somewhere on the list of priorities

What about the CBR600F? only ~8hp & ~2Nm less than the RR, but with a slightly more comfortable seat and riding position...

What do you think?

[Ninja Geoff]

What about the CBR600F? only ~8hp & ~2Nm less than the RR, but with a slightly more comfortable seat and riding position...
What do you think?

Sounds good. I don't think we have those over here in the states. I wonder if it shares the same motor as the 599...
If you want a twin in the 600 range, try a Ninja 650. I know it's not a V-Twin, but it does pull off sexy sport bike look rather well. Not as fast as the 600CC super sports, but i'd bet it would do fine at track days.