Another which bike...semi-complicated

[NathanM]

okay so...I guess I'll start with the situation.

I'm returning to ASU for my second year, I'm from Chi-town (well close to)...ANYWAYS, when I return to Tempe there is no way in hell I'm going another year without a motorcycle. I currently own a 03 yz250f and a hand me down 99 Honda magna, both kbb at $3150 and $4000 respectively. Not sure until I actually sell the bikes + if I were to need a loan about my final budget, but that's a rough idea of the budget. Looking for a bike to get me to school, work, whatever, and have plenty of fun on (I love the twisties and probably a track day or two if I have the money).

What I'm looking for...I made a similar post a while back, the general conclusion was a sv650. I know the rider makes the bike and most bikes sv included have more than enough power for the street. That being said I've recently been able to ride a friends 06 gsxr600 a few times, soooo much fun, only complaint is after a while I get a little thumb pump. After riding the gixxer and researching the sv650 it seems if the sv had better front suspension and more power it would be about perfect. Trying to think about insurance and whatever other factors...well... ...it's hard to decide. So many good bikes out there.

*through a friend I heard about an 02 R6, 3200mi, yosh slip-on, good condition for only $3000...seems hard to believe but supposedly the reason for it's price being so low, it's owned by a marine who needs to get rid of the bike before he goes to iraq. I'm getting the guys number tomorrow hopefully so I'll find out if it's more than that too. If that checks out it'll be too good of a deal to pass up. But I guess time will tell on that...also then I'm not sure if I would ship the r6 down, ride it down, or I could drive it down in my truck (but then I would have two vehicles to pay insurance on + I'm not 100% confident my truck could make the haul, not to mention when I come back for breaks I wouldn't have transportation).

I think that's it for now, prolly forgot something...maybe I can get some sleep now...post more later.

[Shorts]

If you're looking for an all around, I'd go for a good sport standard. Though the sport bikes are fun too. I was merely thinking about longer rides, not to mention comfort to and fro school, with a backpack.

I think a sport standard could handle a good day at the track, not to mention the street twisties, and then an easy ride home.

Call and ask about insurance costs for the specific models you are looking at. The sportbikes will most likely be more expensive. So, if you're looking to save money, that is an option there.

I have a link for the VTR250 (what I just purchased), a JPN guy posted up track pics of him with his sport standard/naked bike. He looks like he's having fun:

THE LINK


The guys that have the SV650 seem to love theirs (the ones this board here).

[DieMonkeys]

First off, if you don't have a car I'd get one of those first. Apparantly it's hell just having a motorcycle as your only vehicle.

Secondly, there is no need for you to get into any debt, ESPECIALLY when you're in college. That's usually where it all starts. You think you're fine getting a credit card, oh, it's only for emergencies, but hey, my buddies are coming over, I need some pizza. Hey, we're thirsty, I need some beer. Now, do that every other week. Throw in job insecurity (you're going away to a college?) which causes you to be inable to pay your bill on time.

Unless you've got some rich parents who are pushovers that can take over the loan for you, I'd stay away from a loan. Don't be a crazy donkey because you're too impatient to save up your money! If it's worth it now it'll be worth it in a few months. Hell, I won't have enough money to get my bike until around or after Christmas.

[Dichotomous]

so you own two motorcycles and you want to buy a different one thats sporty and quick but still good for commuting and getting around. do I have that right? you are going to be using this as your primary transportation at or to college. correct so far?
If neither of your current bikes "do it" for you, then sure, sell them. Then check out a deal on a used bike, that R6 sounds nice. My old roomate got a tuned up Eagle talon awd turbo for a really sick deal cause a friend's lil' brother was going overseas like that. (last I heard he is back and in good shape). so it might be real.
the S version of the sv is going to feel more like the race replicas, but still more comfortable. lots of people put hardbags and all kinds of touring luggage on both versions of the SV to serve more function, which might be usefull to you. I like my sv but I think I would prefer a honda all things considered, I really like that brand and they have always treated me well in cars. I would go used if possible, especially still in college, and cheep. the advantage you will have with either of your current bikes is that they are way less desirable for theives, and college parking lots are like a gold mine to theives....

[NathanM]

more info + clear a few things up...

Living in Arizona with two roommates having cars along with many other friends very close w/ vehicles I'm not worried about the lack of utility that comes w/ a motorcycle. not the weather either, after all we're still in a drought.

I'm not looking for a new bike.

I would most likely trailer or ship the bike out. (driving with a little convoy to ASU)

Like I said, (R6 aside) the sv650 is almost perfect. I love naked "street fighter" like bikes. The v-twin, 05 black painted frame sweeeeeet lookin, low price, etc. but I don't want to get a bike that I would want to mod right away (suspension and power wise (the v-twin isn't good for too much more power w/o spending too much money). I'm not saying the sv is outta the picture, hell I haven't even had a chance to ride one. BUT, I just want to explore more options before settling on a bike that isn't optimal.

I do want to stay away from loans, not planning on taking any out, unless it's from the parents. Hell, my dad was the one yesterday saying I should get a 04 gsxr-750 (which btw I would love to have).

Before riding the gsxr600 I was sorta set on a sv650 w/ gixxer front suspension, knowing the sv would have comparable handling. After riding the 600 I would like a bike that has more power.

If it matters - - I'm a few hairs under 6'3, weigh in at 178 (plan on gaining weight (boxer))

I need to call up insurance co.'s and ask but does anyone know general guidelines to rates as to type of bike (sport, standard, etc.) or cc wise. I'm 19, clean record, taken msf. Friend w/ gsxr600-clean record, 20, $1500 deduct pays 45 a month full coverage. 45 is very affordable.

Thanks for reading my long winded posts. any comments are well appreciated.

NathanM

[Dichotomous]

when you say more power, just realize that the sv will likely FEEL like it has more power. it doesnt, however, unless you ride around over 11000rpm all the time you will not have more power than the sv, stock. as far as handeling then of course the gixxers gonna be better. then again, on the street, these differences fade. I weigh 225 or so lbs, and am just a few hairs under 6-2, and have no idea how you were able to fit on gixxer. aside from that, I mean how much power do you really need? not saying you or anyone is wrong for wanting more power, but I mean, shy of a 911turbo.... there aint much faster around, hell, faster than a viper. there is no way to use all that on the street. not trying to sway you away, just trying to remind you of the actual use this bike will get and the allowable use (legally) it will get.

[Dichotomous]

19 years old, race replica, probably $200 a month, easy. mine is $120 a month and I'm just about to turn 25 and on a sport standard.....

[MontyCarlo]

The GSXR forks will bolt onto the SV650, it's a common upgrade for those bikes. The SV is SOOO much better as an in town commuter/fun bike. Get some GSXR forks off ebay, an Ohlins for the rear, and you'll have a bike that is equally capable in the twisties, and much easier and more fun to ride in town. And you'll still spend less than you would on the gixxer.

but the BIG reason to choose an SV over the GSXR is the insurance. I'm guessing that you're under 25 since you're heading off to college. You would do good to price insurance on a 600 SS bike before you buy, you may be in for a bit of a reality check.

[NathanM]

comparing the non rr bikes...

honda 599

honda vfr

suzuki sv650

yamaha fz6

depending on insurance and final budget...which one of these bikes seems to fit better?

[dieziege]

Maybe you should try sitting on each and find out?