Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi all,

I found a good deal on a used sv650 and I'm seriously considering getting it. I just wanted to ask your opinion on whether this is a good idea. I know this bike falls in the "gray area" as far as the beginner bikes go. But I'm not a complete newbie: I did take the course and rode a couple of rental bikes before (ninja 250 and gs500). I found the 250 a bit sluggish but gs500 was really nice and I was able to handle it comfortably.

Anyway, I had a look at the bike yesterday and really liked it. It has some minor scratches on the plastic, but other than that it's in great shape. Rides fine (the guy rode it to meet me), and the tires are almost new. The seat was comfortable and I was able to flat-foot it.

Obviously, I would rather get a ninja 500 (I've read the drill) but it's very hard to find a used one on the market. So what do you guys think? Will I be ok if I take it slow or is this bike way over my head?

thanks,

Eugene

I started on an SV650 and for me it was just right. At first I was a little unsteady on the throttle and I was upsetting the suspension like crazy. Overal though, it was a great bike for me to learn on. It is light, quick, and fun.

At the same time, even though it is one of the less powerful 600s, it still requires respect and restraint to ride. You can go from zero to highly illegal speeds very quickly. Someone who lacks maturity and restraint could hurt themselves very easily on this bike.

I have an SV650 and about 90% of the riders I meet say it's a great beginner bike.

Personally, I think it is a terrible beginner bike because it has a hell of a lot of torque in the low-end. To me, the SV650 is more of an intermediate bike.

But, like I said, I'm in the minority. Most riders will tell you the SV650 is great for a beginner. Get all the opinions you can and then make your choice.

i think its an ok first bike if and only if you are mature and careful. If you take your time and are smart about it you should do fine. Though its still not a great bike to start on i dont think. Read the 650s are good learners 650s are bad learners to get a ton of info on starter bikes



JWF

The sv650 is on my list of possible second bikes when I run this one into the ground.

I'm curious to know if the sv 650 is a v-twin and the vstar 650 is a v-twin why is the yamaha so highly recommended and the suzuki not. Is it the weight difference of the bikes that calms the cruisers torque or is there a difference in the vtwin engines?

Kbenton wrote:I'm curious to know if the sv 650 is a v-twin and the vstar 650 is a v-twin why is the yamaha so highly recommended and the suzuki not. Is it the weight difference of the bikes that calms the cruisers torque or is there a difference in the vtwin engines?

Because the difference is the torque of the engines. The V-star is a cruiser, the SV is closer to a sportbike. I know the SV puts out 70 hp. Think the VStar is closer to 50(?).

Having ridden my hubby's SV, I know the throttle and brakes are MUCH more sensitive. Plenty to get you into trouble with.

P

Kbenton wrote:I'm curious to know if the sv 650 is a v-twin and the vstar 650 is a v-twin why is the yamaha so highly recommended and the suzuki not. Is it the weight difference of the bikes that calms the cruisers torque or is there a difference in the vtwin engines?

Horsepower.

Go here:
http://www.californiabikenights.com/learn.php

There is a good explaination and comparison of horsepower and engine size and why horsepower is more important in deciding what is "too powerful" for a beginner.

If you have a reasonalbe level of maturity I dont see a problem with the SV. Just remember its going to be a tad sensitie though a boatload more forgiving than a 600 super sport.

I'm in this boat as well, I found a nice sv650 on ebay in my area for dirt cheep (so far) and its looking like a nice deal. However, I am a little carefull cause I dont know if I AM mature enough to deal with it. considering one of the roads I plan to ride through a lot is a haven for the ungodly tight and steep twisties, I might get myself in trouble. the Vstar looks nice though, if I can find one, I guess thats what it comes down to, what I can find. Are there are ways to reduce the input sensitivity? Like maybe a device to limit the airflow to the engine so its not as powerfull, or a computer setting, or a steering damper to calm down the novice-nervous steering? maybe some sort of friction device for the throttle twister? how are the brakes for touchiness? could it just be using less fingers on the brakes to calm that down?
thoughts?