“It seems that everyone agrees that these are both great starter bikes that you won’t be board with them after a couple months.”
Who is “everyone”? Sure, I started out on a SV650s, and so far I’ve only set it down once (no damage). But if I were to do it over again, I’d probably start with something smaller. Of course, after 8 months of riding, I’m already dreaming of a Buell 1125R…
But really, you’re right in that you won’t be bored with them after a couple months. I’ve yet to explore anything close to the limits of this bike. I started out having been a bicycle rider and racer for some 15 years, so I had an advantage of already having “road radar” built in. I can’t imagine trying to develop that as well as trying to tame my bike at the same time. YMMV.
If you do get a SV650 (either the S or the naked), I’d suggest getting some rearset riser plates (check SVRacingParts on eBay) and mounting them upside down to give yourself a little more leg room. I’m 5’9″ and small change, and it made a big difference for me (but then again, I’m 45 with sports-abused knees).
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