Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I got approved by the old lady to buy a bike again. What do you guys/gals think between a 2006 Sprint ST (1800 mi) for $5200 or a 2006 SV1000S (4500 mi) for $4800. I like a good deal and I think the Sprint ST is a good deal but I've always wanted an SV1000 (would have preferred the naked).

I like lighter bikes and the ST is 50lbs heavier but MSRP'ed for $2000 more and has a lot less miles. I think I would like an ST but would like to hear from those who have ideally ridden both or each separately.

Would the ergos on the ST be much better than the SV1000S? Thoughts? Which is cheaper to maintain? Which would have better resale (I will be selling in 2 years when we plan to have kids)

Thanks!

You had to ask an old lady for permission to buy a bike??? Is this like a Great Aunt, or maybe a Grandmother that has money for you? Or maybe it's just some old lady pushing a cart that you asked???

My wife, (if I still had one) would be the person I had to ask...

The mileage on both bikes falls into the 'really low' category, so I wouldn't factor that in.

The 'best' ergos on each bike will depend on your body, so the only way to know for sure is to try each on for size... arrange a test ride on both if possible. For the $400 difference, you can buy the stock parts to make the SV a naked, and sell the fairings for a few more bucks. The only difference will be 2 lugs cast into the frame to hold the fairings but they arn't too noticeable on a conversion.

I personally would be all over that SV for that price, but you may find the Triumph fits you and your riding style better.

As for resale..... a few hundred buck on a used bike means little. I always run under the theory that bikes cost money, they don't make money. They are transport, entertainment and therapy machines, not money making investments.... but that's just me.

That's a hard choice. They're both sweet engines. I've never found Sprints comfortable for me, but YMMV. Never sat on a SV1000S, not sure I've even seen one. They're not that common compared to their 650cc cousins.

Triumph resale value generally is not good, not sure why. Just something I've noticed owning two Triumphs and spending a lot of time around the marque.

The mileage difference between those two bikes is inconsequential. I would consider both to be very low mileage. Buy the one that is most comfortable to sit on, and that speaks to you.

I don't normally look at resale either and I'm definitely not trying to turn a profit but unless I come across a lot of money in the next 2 years or move somewhere a lot cheaper and safer to ride (I live in Northern Virginia in the US) I will be selling the bike and needing to make some of my money back to pay for a kid that will hopefully be on the way.

Also I've got nothing against fairings except that they're expensive when you scratch them. I'm more interested in the naked SV's handle bars and lower footpegs Cause as much as I would love to do track days I'd like to take some 300 mile trips on it as well.

Thanks for the feedback so far though! Keep it coming cause you always bring up things I wouldn't think of.

Also anyone in the DC area know how much new tires will run me for the SV. They guy selling it thinks they're due and he got quoted $700 which seems nuts. I would guess between $300 - $400 for both front and back.

Regarding the tires, I'm also too impatient to wait till the motorcycle shops open again on Monday

I haven't ridden an SV1000 but I've ridden the Sprint ST and the SV650.
As far as ergos, the 1000 is between Sport Touring and Super Sport while the ST stands for Sport Touring.
I love the V-Twin torque, they are amazing in that regard and the SV is a lighter version of the TL, (among other differences).
Honestly for the money I'd go with the SV1000. I know the Sprint bluebooks for higher, but SVs are getting hard to find, especially for a price like that.
Overall my vote is for the SV. (And anyone here will tell you I love the Triumph Triples, so it's absolutely nothing against them. )

If it were my money, I'd get the Sprint ST.

Ninja Geoff wrote:If it were my money, I'd get the Sprint ST.

+1

Although, if I'm looking for a ST - I would have the Honda on the top of my list.

RhadamYgg

The 2006 SV1000S with 4500 mi is no longer an option because the guy's selling it to his buddy instead. Bummer you snooze you loose.

I found an 03 SV1000s with 7500 miles on it for $4300. I think I'm going to jump on it but I found out the person put a 210 rear tire on it. The stock setup is intended to run a 180.

Should I stay away from that? Would the 210 tire make the handling worse or the speedo / mileage inaccurate? Also can you mount the 210 tire on the same wheel as a 180 or was the wheel most likely swapped out? I would have preferred a closer to stock setup...

Thoughts?