SV650S / M750 Back to Back?

[2DFlyer]

Anyone ridden both a SV650/S and middle weight Monster that can compare engine performance and general ride experience?  Since I'm rarely more than 20 miles from home I'm considering a middle weight.  I've got a jones for a monster, but am kicking around the idea of a SV as a more affordable alternative.

[pearsonm]

I'd love to own a Monster, specifically a S2R, but I can't get past the price tag. Keep in mind you'll most likely be putting money in the SV suspension, although it can be done fairly cheaply. I didn't care much for my S as a street bike - it has an odd riding position and soft seat.

[Nyarlathotep]

I have a 2002 SV650s and have borrowed a monster S2R for a weekend. The SV is a fun, easy to ride bike. The engine is really smooth and revs nicely. Suspension is cheap but works suprisingly well.
The monster felt more special. The engine didn't feel as smooth (more vibes, less clean revving), but was more powerful at low revs.
I wasn't too keen on the monsters riding position - it's quite a stretch to the bars for a naked machine. Felt a bit odd. Suspension and build quality felt good. It looks gorgeous!

If I had money to burn and was purchasing a second bike I'd have the monster everytime (mostly as a weekend plaything). As an all round everyday bike I'd choose the SV, which is also cheaper of course!

[FJR]

My wifes owns a monster 695.  Great bike, but had to put bar risers on.  My comparison to the SV650 I rode:


Monster:
rides nice, goes where you point it, but suspension softer.
slipper clutch and brembo brakes are nice.
Didn't feel as fast as the SV.
Was able to ride it from NY to Maine and I'm 6' 200lbs.
Geared tall for lower rpms on highway.

SV650s:
Not as smooth a ride, but begs to be ridden hard.
Handles great, stiffer ride, not as comfortable for long distance.
Higher revs on highway, feels quicker.

I like the monster for longer rides, but would prefer the SV for racing through the twisties.  Monster would need suspension work to stiffen it up.  Wife won't let me take it to a track day to try it out.  That SV ran well against my Husaberg at Pocono east course.

Good Luck!

[2DFlyer]

Great stuff.  Thanks.  No time to go anywhere so I'm looking for bike to putz around on.  Love the Monster but, much as I'd like to stimulate the economy, I'm working with deficit spending so when push comes to shove I don't know that I'd be able to write the check.

I wasn't too keen on the monsters riding position - it's quite a stretch to the bars for a naked machine. Felt a bit odd.

Was the Monster more of a stretch than the SVS or more of a stretch than you'd expect for a nekked?

[Nyarlathotep]

From what I remember the monster bars felt further forward, whereas the SVs clip ons are lower down but closer, if that makes sense. It may be that the SV had a "sportier" peg/seat positioning to go with the bars, whereas the monster just had a long stretch to the bars...
Hope that's of some use!

[2DFlyer]

From what I remember the monster bars felt further forward, whereas the SVs clip ons are lower down but closer, if that makes sense. It may be that the SV had a "sportier" peg/seat positioning to go with the bars, whereas the monster just had a long stretch to the bars...
Hope that's of some use!

Yep.  That makes sense.  Thanks.  Kinda like sitting on a pre 08 Thruxton or Duc Sport Classic 1000.  Long ways to the bars and low.

[Hunter]

2D,

Local dealer has had a gray Monster (695? or something) on the floor as a used bike for quite awhile now. Doesn't seem to be getting much love. I have no idea what the price is but it can't hurt to call. They have been great to deal with in my experience. Not to far from NC.

http://www.ridgemotorsports.net/

[2DFlyer]

2D,

Local dealer has had a gray Monster (695? or something) on the floor as a used bike for quite awhile now. Doesn't seem to be getting much love. I have no idea what the price is but it can't hurt to call. They have been great to deal with in my experience. Not to far from NC.

http://www.ridgemotorsports.net/

Thanks much.  About 4 hrs from home.  I'll give them a call.  While down there I could see a man about a Buell in Beaufort.  Make a long day of it.

[2DFlyer]

2D,

Local dealer has had a gray Monster (695? or something) on the floor as a used bike for quite awhile now. Doesn't seem to be getting much love. I have no idea what the price is but it can't hurt to call. They have been great to deal with in my experience. Not to far from NC.

http://www.ridgemotorsports.net/

I called them up today.  It's an 02 M750 on consignment with less than 1K on the clock, CF slip ons and a chip.  It's been sitting there for 2 months cause the owner is pretty proud of it.  $7000 the guy wants    Maybe its this one
http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2002-DUCATI-Monster-750-93781632

[Rincewind]

I called them up today.  It's an 02 M750 on consignment with less than 1K on the clock, CF slip ons and a chip.  It's been sitting there for 2 months cause the owner is pretty proud of it.  $7000 the guy wants    Maybe its this one
http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2002-DUCATI-Monster-750-93781632

$7,695!  Just a wee bit overpriced!     That guy spent a lot on extras, and then put only 500 miles on in seven years.   

[2DFlyer]

Yeah.  If he's serious about selling it someone might come away with a helluva nice deal.  The shop is telling him to get real with the price or take it home.

[atadaskew]

nadaguides shows the 02 monster 750 for $4500.  So $5000 with the low miles.  It's actually bad for the bike so have such low miles after all those years.  This one will need new belts.

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-23-38-5697-0-0-0&l=1&w=23&p=38&f=5698&m=0094&d=1200015747&y=2002&ml=D&gc=MC>c=MC

$7500?!  I wonder why the shop is even letting him take up their floor space!

[2DFlyer]

$7500?!  I wonder why the shop is even letting him take up their floor space!

Maybe cause it's winter and it dresses up the shop nicely?