Honda 599 or suzuki SV650?????

[icariz83]

Well first off price was a big deciding factor. I got my 05 SV in April for $6,000 OTD whereas the 599 starts out at $7399. I also liked the way the SV sat compared to the 599, when I sat on the 599 it felt like the front end sat way too low.

Another big reason for the SV is I have always rode 4 stroke's and my dirt bike right now is a 520 so the transition would be easier compared to an I4 that the 599 has. I also prefer the way the 650 power is accessed (more torque, steady power).

Plus the fairing on the SV is just visually appealing to me but it wasn't the biggest factor to me. I like the rear end of the 599 but the SV just is overall a great bike. I love Honda's as well so it was a tough choice. This is my first Suzuki so I don't know what to think but I love the bike so far.

It's also fairly moddable and won't kill you on insurance. Just for some insurance info the SV runs $650 for full coverage for 1 year. I checked into the 599 and it ran about $2500 for the same. Isn't as bad as the CBR's, R6's and so forth (about $4,500).

Hope that helps.

[nyrblue35]

Just for some insurance info the SV runs $650 for full coverage for 1 year. I checked into the 599 and it ran about $2500 for the same. Isn't as bad as the CBR's, R6's and so forth (about $4,500).

Hope that helps.

thats gotta be due to your age, no? thats pretty expensive it would seem for either bike especially the 599. maybe its due to where you live also, im just guessing here as its pretty cheap for me(34) to insure the 599, sv650, or FZ6.
then again it would be an add on to my policy so id get a discount but still thats steep!

[flynrider]

I keep my eye on this class (middleweight standard) as this is where my next bike will be coming from. I posted in another thread about the 599. Great bike, but the price is way out of line with the others in it's class (and why no EFI?). Last time I checked, the 599 price even topped the Kaw Z750 (which is also on my list).

When it came time to plunk down the money, I'd have a tough time choosing between the SV, the FZ6 or the Z750. Though I'm kinda leaning pretty hard toward the Kaw.

Edit : I just ran across this article from Motorcyclist. Lots of good info on this topic : http://motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/7k/

[Coffee357]

Just totally bizzare on the insurance cost difference between the 599 and the SV650. Hadn't checked into it yet but assumed that they were in the same class and so would have a similar cost to insure. Shows what I know...

[icariz83]

The thing with insurance is different companies use different classifications to price insurance. My company goes off of engine class as well as size. Even though the 650 is larger (645) it's going to be less to insure compared to the I4 599.

My age is young but I don't speed, no accidents and the rate I receive is fairly good for what I shopped. I was quoted as high as $1400 for the SV.

I'm interested in learning more about the Kawasaki, never heard of it.

[Sev]

I've posted before about this, and talked to some of some of you about bike choices in this class.

I'm an avid supporter of the 599, then again, I own one, so I would be. I've noticed a couple of points mentioned that bothered me a bit.

1) insurance is $550 a year Canadian for me, you've been talking to the wrong company. Both bikes are in the same class, you want a better example? My first bike was a 1 thumper ls650 (33bhp if that) and it cost me 480 a year, the 599 was an extra $70 and bumps out 3times the ponies

2) it costs more, but the bike has more. Compared to others in it's class it has more of the little details that you won't find on others dual trip meters, clocks, idiot light, replacable seat, (personal choice - better styling, bigger tank, better ergos and on and on.

3) the engines are rock solid, and the only common problem I've heard of with them is blown fuses on the fans

4) Uses a retuned 99 model cbr engine with smaller carbs and a remapped ignition sequence meaning first of all that it generates a lot of low end power (I've taken CBR's off the line) and that I've yet to find a flat spot (that's not true I lose acceleration when I hit 100km/h in first)


That being said, don't make your choice based on what I say, don't chose based on what they say. Don't chose based on how much it's going to cost. Sit on them, decide what is the most comfortable, decide which one has all the features you want, and remember if you get the bike YOU want, you'll never have a regret about it.

[jmillheiser]

that test was on the '04 models. I would make a safe bet that Yamaha has worked out the FZ6s EFI gremlins by now, and hopefully fixed the clutch.

the 599 is now even more expensive but picked up an inverted fork and a few other small goodies for '06

SV lost about 50lbs with the '04 redesign though not sure what else changed. the current SV is around 360lbs and is cheaper now, the '05 was 5599 and the '06 is 5799.

the 599 keeps seeming like a better and better deal, though I think I would try to find a used '04 to avoid that sticker shock. Also need to check out the SV

[storysunfolding]

I've got an 05 SV650S and I love it. I was looking at the 599 FZ6 and the SV and for many reasons I chose the SV. However there isn't really a bad choice, all have their pitfalls but the SV fit me best.

Biggest gripe I hear is the suspension is too "cushy". I weigh in at 150 so I haven't noticed it. It fits my frame as well (6'3"). Now if I could only ride the damn thing life would be great.

150 and 6'3''? For Gods Sake get to the gym man! Bulk up a little

[icariz83]

03 & newer SV's are 2nd gens. Biggest differences is fuel injected (thank god!). Around here I hate carb fiddling. I will ride anywhere between 5,000-13,000 ft. so FI is lovely to have. However loss of power will occur no matter what.

The SV does have most of the features that the 599 has. dual trips, interchangeble seat (I've got the gel seat), etc but the dumby thing, wasn't sure what he was talking about.
However I'm not saying pick it over the 599, choose what you find best suits your needs.
And about the bulking up. I was in the hospital back in June and lost about 30lbs so I'm trying to gain more weight. I've always been a lightweight but I'm starting to gain somewhat of a ponykeg around the midsection.

[macktruckturner]

I've got an '05 SV650S - and absolutely love the bike. True - the stock suspension (forks in particular) are a bit on the soft side at the factory settings - and I'm 5'8" (172cm) and 128lbs (58kg). It is however fuel injected, as already stated, it's not a heavy bike by any means, and has loads of torque everywhere in the powerband, making for a quite responsive ride. Other than removing the ginormous rear fender, I can't think of anything to change about the bike honestly. Oh, and 50mpg even with 'spirited' riding? yummy.