Getting a used Suzuki SV650S instead of the Yamaha R1 as a starter bike

[birdrunner]

One other thing.  One of the reasons the SV is so popular, is experienced riders are buying them for track day duty.   A properly set up SV on a shorter track will leave the embarrassed R1 riding thinking up excuses.

It's also a lot more fun riding a small bike fast, than a fast bike slow.

[Zerosum]

lastly, are the differences between the SV650 and SV650S purely cosmetic, or are there mechanical differences as well? I'm finding conflicting information about this online, and when people recommend the SV650, I'm not sure if they're distinguishing it specifically from the SV650S, or if either would be equally well suited.

I found this:

"In addition to the obvious differences between the S and non-S models (with the S-model sprouting a frame-mounted quarter fairing, clip-ons to replace the standard bike's tubular handlebar and more rearset footpegs), the unfaired SV has a slightly longer swingarm and wheelbase, footpegs that are lower and further forward, one-tooth-shorter final gearing and a hair more trail thanks to triple clamps with 1.5mm less offset. "

Longer wheelbase = more stability at speed, but slower steering.
Smaller sprocket = more off-the-line torque, less top speed.

Bear in mind that these differences are not huge... the biggest differences are the SVS's high/rearward foot pegs and the sadistically low handlebars.


I'd say go for the naked SV instead of the SVS, personally.

[bogfro]

You're focusing on the tool, and not the activity.

+1

You might find after you start riding that "around town" sucks, and long rides in the country are more your thing.  When I first started, I really didn't "get" motorcycling until I took my first 100 mile ride through the middle of nowhere.  Luckily, I did this on only the 3rd time I swung my leg over the thing!

I suggest getting something used, cheap, and not too powerful to start on, while you're figuring out what kind of rider you are.  Then YOU can decide what you really want......not some stupid salesman.

Oh, and I'll go ahead and echo some of the other comments on here.  I've personally never ridden an R1, but I could imagine that some of the "jerkiness" I had in my technique when I first started, that if transferred onto a really powerful bike like the R1, might have translated into rocketing me into a tree.

[Flashmo]

Starting out on the SV is probably a pretty good idea.

[TitaniumVT]

Wow, you guys are awesome!

I'm overwhelmed by all of the terrific guidance on this thread - thank you!!  I'll take everything you've said to heart and look at both the SV650/S and the Kawasaki 250. Coincidentally, I saw a red SV650S parked on the street today (first time I've ever actually seen one in person...a sign from the universe? ). Beautiful bike, but I saw immediately what you meant about the low handlebars.

I'm also signing up for motorcycle training in late August. It gives me some time to look at various starter bike options before deciding. Either way, the R1 can wait until I have more experience and a better basis for deciding what/how I want to ride longer-term. Thanks again! I appreciate everyone's guidance.

[Cheddarhead]

Titanium:

There is some "great" advice posted here....wish I'd found ST-N before I jumped back into cycling a few years back.  While it might not have changed the decision I made in buying my current motorcycle, I cetainly would have done so froma far more-informed perspective.

Just one other point to consider...If you choose.

You indicate that "in-city" riding will likely be your most common usage.  With that in mind, I would strongly encourage you to consider the ergonomics of your body position when riding.  I (really really) like the SV650...it's one of two I've considering for my "add to the fleet" exercise at season-end...but If I expected it to be used primarily in urban environments, I might look for an even more "upright" body position...I'd consider the Kawasaki Versys, the Suzuki WeeStrom, or the Buell Ullysses.  A more upright position (where your legs are under your body mass) coupled with wider bars provides for excellent leverage for maneuvering in close quarters.  A higher sitting position improves your ability to locate and identify any potential threats to you / your safety.  If you're inseams are long enough, you can even flat-foot these bikes  (not me!).

One last thought...the hypothesis that you'll "outgrow" the SV (or 'Strom or Uly) may prove false.  These are fully capable of rocking your world in urban riding and chasing the twisties too.  Torque and powerband coupled together in a excellent package in any of these!

Welcome to our addiction!

Cheddar

PS:  Great first thread....

[phoenix]

Ain't no one gonna recommend the likes of a small-ish dual sport?

If I had a chance to re-do my entry into riding, I really would have looked hard at bikes like the Yamaha WR250X, Suzuki DRZ400S or DRZ400SM and the Kawasaki KLX250S. I think Honda has a 250 dual sport as well. Aprilia and Husqvarna have some more aggressive versions. Light, agile, really ideal (IMO) for city riding and for some after hours fun. Most sportbikes are just rediculous for the street. I barely ride my GSXR on the street any more, it isn't comfortable for long and it wants to go over 100mph all the time.

[Marcster]

Ain't no one gonna recommend the likes of a small-ish dual sport?

If I had a chance to re-do my entry into riding, I really would have looked hard at bikes like the Yamaha WR250X, Suzuki DRZ400S or DRZ400SM and the Kawasaki KLX250S. I think Honda has a 250 dual sport as well. Aprilia and Husqvarna have some more aggressive versions. Light, agile, really ideal (IMO) for city riding and for some after hours fun. Most sportbikes are just rediculous for the street. I barely ride my GSXR on the street any more, it isn't comfortable for long and it wants to go over 100mph all the time.

I was thinking about it, but the OP seems to have his heart set on sport-bike styling...

A DRZ-400SM (the supermoto version) would be a kick-ass first bike (as would any dual-sport).

Not to mention all of the plastic body panels on dual-sports are worlds cheaper to replace than body panels on regular street bikes, for those newbie drops.

[Rusty the Scoob]

I really like my naked SV... I have the first generation, a 2002.  It's pretty comfortable for me, I ride for an hour twice every day (urban commuting) and have done some 10-12 hour road trips, I find it quite comfy.   It would be pretty easy to add taller handlebars or bar risers if you wanted, also.  

The posts above about it being a rocket relative to just about any car are true.  That thing hauls if you ask it to, and that little V-twin growl is great!  I'm 5k miles and a year and a half into riding and feel as though I've yet to scratch the surface of what it can do.

[PirateT7]

I really like my naked SV... I have the first generation, a 2002.  

I just went for a lunchtime walk around my office complex, in part to see what bikes are here today, and saw one. Red SV650 with a tailbag - definitely a nice-looking commuter and short-trip bike.

[McHack]

My SV650S is Red, & fully faired...  it really is a decent little commuter bike.   Its just too bent over to do much more than 200 miles...

[Zerosum]

For what it's worth, I don't know of a single SV650S owner who hasn't a) complained about the low handlebars, or b) replaced them with something taller.  You'd think Suzuki would have noticed that and made the ergos less aggressive at some point.

Now the SV1000S is a different story.  I really like that bike.  I'm not sure what's different, but it doesn't feel like a torture device like the 650.  The distance between the seat and handlebars feels greater, I guess.

[Kootenanny]

I'm also signing up for motorcycle training in late August. It gives me some time to look at various starter bike options before deciding. Either way, the R1 can wait until I have more experience and a better basis for deciding what/how I want to ride longer-term.

This is a good plan.  Always best to have SOME riding under your belt before buying that first bike--at least you'll have some inkling what it might feel like out on the road, as opposed to sitting in the showroom.

I took a demo ride on a first gen SV650S a couple of years ago, it was a VERY fun bike (and I prefer the looks of the first gens too).  Yeah, the handlebars were low, but that can be easily rectified (I have Helibars on my Firebolt, which originally had a similar seating position, and they make a difference).  Up here in Canada, Suzuki has always sold the SV650S, but only brought in the standard 650 for a year or two...

Other bikes to consider--the Kawasaki 650R, ER6N, or Versys; the Honda 599 (if you can find one), the V-Strom 650 (if you can get past the looks and are OK with the gargantuan size), the Ducati 620 Multistrada (a real giggle to ride!) or perhaps one of the little Monsters (620, 695, depends on the year--and careful, the 695--and especially the new 696--are a lot of bike for a beginner!).

[PirateT7]

Other bikes to consider--

... Yamaha FZ-6

[bebfsu1]

I've been a long time reader, but just recently registered. Being a SV owner myself, I figure I'll give my input.

Like everyone else has said, I would go with the SV or maybe even something smaller. It's your first bike, not your last. You don't know yet what kind of riding you'll like. I thought I wanted a sportbike when I first started riding, but was smart enough to start off on a dirt cheap GS500 for a year. I upgraded to a SV650s because it had a lot of what I was looking for at a great price. With all the aftermarket, it can make a great budget sport-tourer, commuter, weekend bike, track bike, whatever. With just a GPS and hard bags, mine has taken me cross country and back with zero problems. I even did an Iron Butt 50cc on the way.

For what it's worth, I don't know of a single SV650S owner who hasn't a) complained about the low handlebars, or b) replaced them with something taller.  You'd think Suzuki would have noticed that and made the ergos less aggressive at some point.

Comfort is different to everyone. A lot do change the clip ons for something a little higher. I prefer the clip ons, which is one of the reasons I went with the S model. They will not be touched as long as I have the bike.

[Kootenanny]

... Yamaha FZ-6

Dunno about the FZ6...I've never ridden one, so have only other people's reviews to go by...and it doesn't sound like the best bike for a beginner...

[PirateT7]

I've heard some things about a twitchy clutch, but my '08 is fine.

but in any case, get as many demo/test rides from dealers and/or friends as you can get before buying

[servicerifle]

I don't know why I feel the need to put in my 2 cents but what the hell...

IMHO I don't think there's a SINGLE interestingpublic road in the US where you can realistically use all the ability of an R1.

The fun is in the curves, not the straights, and in tight technical curves all that power is a liability to all but serious racers and track day gods.  Even then I think they'd prefer to avoid so much HP in those situations.  It's sooooo nice to have a somewhat "underpowered" bike with sticky tires, you can open the throttle earlier and harder.  Those big HP bike are just itching to break the rear tire loose coming out of a corner.  Soooo easy.

[Kootenanny]

IMHO I don't think there's a SINGLE interestingpublic road in the US where you can realistically use all the ability of an R1.

True, but...it's harder to brag about your SV650...and really, what are bikes for if not to brag about 'em at "bike night?"

(Of course, spanking an R1 rider in the twisties on an SV650 might be fun, too, but hey...that takes skill, which means you'd actually have to go learn to ride the thing...and where's the instant gratification in that?).

[phoenix]

True, but...it's harder to brag about your SV650...and really, what are bikes for if not to brag about 'em at "bike night?"

  definitely

I had an SV650S, briefly. I thought that bike was smokin' hot looking. I seriously question why I sold it. And to the original poster, the SV was not my first bike. Far from it. It was plenty of fun. Yeah, the riding position didn't work well for long rides on the interstate, but no sportbike is. You certainly can squid it up on an SV. What I liked to do was to accelerate hard up to an intersection and downshift a few gears quickly. With the engine braking on the SV, the back tire would get a little squirelly and slide around for a while. That, and the bike I owned had a race pipe on it (and the 650 stickers were removed by a previous owner) so that bike looked and sounded all the more impressive. Few people knew what it was. Generally I didn't give a shit what others thought about it, I liked it.