Both are local and both cost the same price. The GS500 is a 2006 with 6800 miles on it. On it's second owner which is a motorcycle mechanic. The SV650 is a 2004 with 5600 miles on it. The current owner says he only had it for a month and a half and has to sell it because he moved and doesn't have room for it at his new place. He also said he doesn't know how many owners it has had.
As for me I've had some dirt bike experience when I was younger and have passed the MSF course recently. I know the SV650 is considered a gray area beginner bike and that the GS500 would be easier to learn on but the price of it is giving me a hard time to pass on it. The background history on the GS500 also looks better.
Please help me decide on this because I'm driving myself crazy
Between the background and the milder torque of the GS I would consider it to be a better choice for someone just starting out on the street. I had a GS as a second bike and I was never unhappy with it. All I can say is its a good bike. Not outstanding at anything in particular. Well maybe reliability. But good.
LS1GOAT wrote:I know the SV650 is considered a gray area beginner bike and that the GS500 would be easier to learn on but the price of it is giving me a hard time to pass on it. The background history on the GS500 also looks better.
You formulated your own answer right there
Having owned an SV and loved it...go with the GS. It's a better choice for your first street bike, and coming from a MC mechanic over who knows how many former owners...you won't regret it.
Being the owner of a V-Twin I can tell you the sport V-Twins are no fun at low speeds. The engine is geared to run at higher rpms and when its low it gets really jerky.
I haven't had any experience on the SV650 personally but on my bike whenever it gets below 15mph it's kind of wonky.
buddy!
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