Is an SV650S to much for a beginner?

Message

Snake Gandhi · Mon May 30, 2005 3:00 pm

Helo there, I'm a rookie looking for his first bike.

I've been doing some reading, and it seems like most people suggest getting a small bike, a 250 or so, as a first bike and riding it for 6-12 months to get used to how a bike handles before moving up to a bigger bike.My only problem with this is, well, I'm a pretty big guy. 6' 5" and around 300 lbs to be exact, and a 250 just feels tiny ( I used to know a guy who had a Ninja 250, I sat on it once and it felt like a toy.)

I did some searching and found that for bigger folks a 500 is a good starting bike, and the 2 most popular choices are the Ninja 500 and the GS500. I looked at both and, honestly, I hate the way the Ninja looks and don't think the GS500 is any better. But while I was on the Suzuki site I saw a very nice looking bike, the SV650S.

Link to Bike

Now, considering I've never rode a bike before (I'm taking the MS course here shortly, before I buy a bike) is that bike to much? I don't know much about the mechanical aspects, I know the engine is larger and the Suzuki site calls it a 'middleweight' bike. But I like the looks of it, and assuming it fits as good when I go to dealer to take a look, would it be a reasonable choice for a first bike.

Lion_Lady · #2 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Mon May 30, 2005 3:47 pm

The SV is NOT a beginner bike.

Here's the basic flaw in your thinking: This first bike is NOT your 'keeper' any more than the tricycle that you rode around the neighborhood on was a keeper. It is your 'trainer.' Just as Air Force pilots start out in single engine propeller driven craft before they EVER get a hand on the controls of a jet. You gotta learn the body control and the physics of getting a motorcycle down the road (and around a parking lot, too).

Your first bike is just temporary transportation. It doesn't have to make your heart go pitterpat. I just needs to RUN and have all the required bits to pass whatever inspection is required for insurance, etc. It also needs to be substantail enough to get you down the road AND light enough that you aren't likely to get injured if you drop it or do something else goofy in your inexperience.

Think USED. A perfectly plausible option. Cheaper to insure, less $ loss in buying/resale and fewer damage worries if you screw up.

P

TheReaper · #3 Unread post by **TheReaper** » Mon May 30, 2005 3:47 pm

viewtopic.php?t=2543&sid=35707086445fe5 ... 4aebeecb61

Hope I did that link right, if not, scroll down the page aways and you'll see almost the exact same question asked.

As for the answer, that's a bit harder. I personally have never ridden an sv so I don't know how it is per se. I have an FZ6, the sv's competition and I think it's a decent starter bike. However, what's good for one isn't necessarily good for another. My biggest advice would be to take the MSF course and see where your skills are at, then go do some sit testing and see how it feels. Make your decision from there.

Randy · #4 Unread post by **Randy** » Mon May 30, 2005 3:55 pm

Yeah, after the MSF, I thought a 125 cruiser was a good bike. It really put things in perspective. I think a 250 ninja if you really had to buy new would be the best bet. I have been thinking of buying one just because everyone raves about them.

Snake Gandhi · Mon May 30, 2005 5:17 pm

Thanks for the replies.

I'll definitely look for a good used bike first, but from what I've seen the options around here (Central Iowa) aren't great. And yes, I plan on going around to some dealerships and siting on a few bikes to see ones feel good.

And I can fully understand the idea of buying a small used bike to learn on, then selling it and getting a better bike, but part of me can't stand the idea of buying something I think is ugly as hell, even if it's only temperary.

Toyuzu · #6 Unread post by **Toyuzu** » Mon May 30, 2005 6:28 pm

Lion Lady - I have no qualm with suggesting a new rider buy used. In fact I second that, and wholeheartedly endorse it. But as for the SV 650 S being unacceptable as a beginner bike - IT'S IN OUR LIST! The SV 650 has a relatively docile V-Twin engine with a predictable powerband, and especially for a large rider, can be an excellent trainer. And they've been around for a few years too, so they can be had used.

Granted, they reside at the top of the list in terms of power, but for a big guy, safety can also be found in being comfortable on the bike. riding something too small can cause safety issues too, especially for someone who is still trying to learn the controls.

#7 Unread post by **Sev** » Mon May 30, 2005 7:44 pm

Why does it have to be a sportsbike?

No offense, but it seems to me that someone of your proportions 6 foot 300 lbs? Might be a little more comfortable on a cruiser as it has more leg room, a wider seat a greater distance between the wheels (cannot remember the word right now...) and on and on and on. The cruiser bikes are sort of designed to take larger people. Which isn't to say that you cannot ride a sportsbike, but you need to remember that the difference between a 250 ninja and a sv650 isn't going to be that much in terms of comfort for you. In fact... there's a good chance you aren't going to like it much at all.
I personally found the sv awkward to sit on, and I'm 5'10" and 110lbs.

It all comes down to ergos and I'm sorry, but sportsbikes are not designed with the larger rider in mind. However, if you choose to take one it will most likely not hinder you. Howver, it may not be as enjoyable as you think.

TheReaper · #8 Unread post by **TheReaper** » Tue May 31, 2005 2:13 am

Sevulturus, you bring up a good point. I was looking at the SV as a first bike as well and as I was sit testing a few the one that felt the most comfortable to me was the Kawasaki Z750s. It's riding position just felt so comfortable yet had a sportish look. I won't fault a guy for looking at the SV though, it sure is pretty to look at.

I will say on the matter of comfort though, I'm 6'4" and 245 and while the SV wasn't extreme I was almost more comfortable on a GSXR than the SV. Tha's why I opted for a naked bike with a more upright riding position. The SV just felt to me like they couldn't make up their mind on what they were trying to do. That's probably just me though, everyones preference is different and many people on this board have raved about the SV.

Lion_Lady · #9 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Tue May 31, 2005 7:19 am

Toyuzu wrote:Lion Lady - I have no qualm with suggesting a new rider buy used. In fact I second that, and wholeheartedly endorse it. But as for the SV 650 S being unacceptable as a beginner bike - IT'S IN OUR LIST! The SV 650 has a relatively docile V-Twin engine with a predictable powerband, and especially for a large rider, can be an excellent trainer. And they've been around for a few years too, so they can be had used.

Granted, they reside at the top of the list in terms of power, but for a big guy, safety can also be found in being comfortable on the bike. riding something too small can cause safety issues too, especially for someone who is still trying to learn the controls.

Yeah, I know the SV is on the TM list. But I feel that the throttle response and brakes are on the 'touchy' side for a beginner. Espeically, until the basics of keeping body english out of the throttle hand are learned.

I read a first hand account of a new SV650 owner who wheelied his bike out from under himself and into a curb from a stop sign. Bent the front rim, trashed the bike (wish I'd saved the link). Fortunately he wasn't hurt.

P

TechTMW · #10 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Tue May 31, 2005 7:39 am

I think it might be a moot point anyway ... 6'5" 300lbs is most likely a mite big for that bike. Believe it or not, the more standard seating position of the Gs500 might be better off for you.

Why not take a look at some of the dual sport offerings out there? Kawasaki KLR 650 comes to mind...