[Myroadrash]

After reading the comments, and doing some research on my own, i’m probably going to get the SV650 over the GS500. (Well atleast a 2008 or newer SV650 sport) I’m going to go sometimes in the next week to a Suzuki Dealership to see if i can go sit on one and compare the 2 bikes, this will probably finalize my decision.

I also learned the the MSF course by my house provides the motorcycles, so thats a plus! I will take that in the near future.

Does anyone know the “base” price and the “used” price of a 2008 or newer SV650 sport? (the one with the engine faring, not a naked one)

I Apprieciate everyones help!

[megaspaz]

you can get used SV650s bikes for around 3.5K on up. Getting 2 side fairings would be around 600 bucks. Don’t know if you’re gonna see too many used SV650SF ones out there though. There was one in san fran with 500 miles on it going for 6700… lol… base price brand new for a ’08 SV650sf is 6900.

[Myroadrash]

wow, so i guess it would be best to buy a regular but used Sv650s for around 3.5k, and spend an extra $600 on the fairings?

[briderdt]

The “S” on the end denotes the faired version (with the lower clip-on bars), verses the naked version (sometimes will have an “N” added on) with the higher handlebars.

Converting between the two isn’t a difficult thing, though it’d be easier to add risers and handlebars (with a swap of the triples and new cables/brake lines) to an “S” model than to add fairings to a naked (would also need the “S” version fairing stay, gages, lights, etc).

If you’re wanting the upright position with fairings, I’d strongly suggest the Ninja 650R.

[gregj]

Okay guys so check this out. I’m am still deciding what bike and in contrast of what everybody said on here when I went to the dealer the guy suggested a cbr600 saying that I would get bored of the gs500 to quick. I know u guys have told me time and time again that this superbike is only for experienced riders. I told the guy the only thing I’ve ridden is dirtbikes and nothing bigger than a 125. He still says the gs500 is only for people that have NEVER touched a single bike in there life and are clueless as to shifting and all that good stuff. Anyways I know u guys will refer to him as an idiot who has a death threat for me but I figured I would still let u know what he said. Is he completly crazy or is there some truth behind this?

[gregj]

It actually wasn’t a salesperson for the bikes. It was a dude in the gear department. But to answer the question NO I don’t trust them at all. I trust u guys so I asked.

[megaspaz]

No. the SV650S is 1/2 faired. The SV650SF is the fully faired version. The SF didn’t come out until 2008 and replaced the S version. With the S version, to fully fair the SV, you need to buy the OEM side fairings.

[megaspaz]

with previous dirt bike experience, you might be fine with a cbr600. *shrugs*

what does your heart tell you because clearly your head is messing things up.

[Gary856]

lol…

I had the same experience. When I was looking at a brand new GS500 in the showroom, the sales guy there said something about in today’s traffic, you need a bigger bike with more power, so he tried to steer me toward a FZ6. Bigger and more expensive bike, more profit, right? Can’t blame them.

It comes down to margin of safety. You can start on any bike if you really want to. Really. Fundamentally, they all work more or less the same. It comes down to how much margin of safety you want. Everyone can ride ok on a straight road in light traffic, but how much extra margin of safety do you want in reserve to handle the surprises, when an unexpected situation overwhelms your skills?

If you really, really, really want a ___, get it. Everyone’s different, and you’re the only one responsible to yourself.

[TrialsRider]

II was also ready to say the sales guy had a cbr600 sitting in the showroom and nothing like a gs500 to sell you
The OP established him/her self as a 17 yo 6’1 140 lb individual having ridden 125 and then 250 motocross since they were 14 yo, …yourself we know even less detail about, although you say sub 125 dirt bike is the biggest bike you have ridden.
So far the OP sounds just slightly more qualified than yourself to ‘ride’ any motorcycle.
Question is; if the three of us went dirt bike riding right now, would you be gimping along and crashing, or would you be blasting through corners, landing jumps, pulling cat-walks and exhibiting impressive rider skill ?
Problem is; you say you are on a budget.
If the answer is; you’re an athletic, skilled dirt rider with youthful coordination and reflexes, then I would even let you take my K100RS for a ride. Would the cbr600 make a good first street bike for either of you, possibly yes, if you have deep pockets and plan to ride it for the next 20 years, ( possibly even track race it !
If your answer is; you’re an average rider possessing average skills and presently looking for a street bike to learn on and ride safely on the street. The GS500 and SV650 are tons of bike.

[madjak30]

That’s what your waiting for someone to say, isn’t it…I think most of the comments have been that the GS500 is the better bike to learn skills on, but if you feel comfortable with your skill level to try the SV…it’s not like you are totally green to riding a bike…I don’t think anyone would hold it against you, just hope that you are careful, and smooth with your controls…not just throttle either, the brakes are alot stronger on street bikes than you will be expecting. Be sure to take the BRC and listen to them when they are telling you about being smooth with all inputs, they really stress being smooth…

If you are serious about the CBR, I don’t think anyone will tell you it’s a great “learning” bike…but good luck and be careful.

Saftey first…get the gear!

[IBA270]

If you’re just starting out especially…why would you need full fairings? If it’s just for aesthetics, then I wouldn’t bother. Seriously. Besides, if you DO end up dropping it in your garage or on your side walk, your feelings are going to be very hurt.

[Myroadrash]

I just want them for looks, no other reason. I dont plan to drop/crash my bike, but i know its going to happen sooner or later.

[Myroadrash]

After going to a motorcycle dealership and looking at the GS500F, SV650S and others, i decided the get the Kawasaki Ninja 250 for my first bike, Thanks for all the help!

[ShamRock229]

good choice! you will have a blast!

[Author]

Posts