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Suzuki sv650 a good starter bike?
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May 17, 2010 at 5:11 pm #3969gregjParticipant
I am 20 years old, 6′ and 200 lbs. I am a very quick learner and also very responsible. I am not the type to let and ego get in the way or just plain act stupid on a bike. I want to spend about $3000 on a bike but I will be with this bike for awhile. This is why I’m leaning toward the sv650. It will be mostly for short commutes however on the weekends I would love to toss my gf on the back and hit the highway for awhile (with more experience of course). I am sceduled for my msf class next week do it’s not
like i’m just hopping on this thing. Anyways please help with suggestions.
Bikes considered:
gs500
sv650
zzr 600
gsxr600
cbr600thanks in advance for the help.
May 17, 2010 at 5:27 pm #26501Gary856ParticipantGood beginner bike?
gs500 – perfect.
sv650 – not really, but if you have to…
zzr 600 – absolutely NOT!
gsxr600 – absolutely NOT!
cbr600 – absolutely NOT!The same question has been asked and answered thousands of times. Check out the links on the right side under “Recommended Reading” – “Why 600ccs is Too Much!”, “Beginner Motorcycle Guide”. Also, check out the “Motorcycle Reviews” link on top of this page, find reviews on gs500 and sv650 and read user comments.
May 17, 2010 at 7:20 pm #26507briderdtParticipantI’m one who started out on a SV650s. I had an advantage that I’d been road bike (bicycle) riding and racing for MANY years, so I kind of already had the built-in hazard radar, so really mostly had to worry about operating the bike itself and not so much on learning to watch for traffic, etc. BUT… I rode my SV before taking the MSF class. Smart? Maybe not. I survived, and got a good dose of respect for the throttle in the process. After taking the class on a Honda 250 Nighthawk, I was second-guessing my choice of bikes.
No doubt I made learning to ride more difficult on myself by starting out with the bike I did. I’ve been lucky in that the only drop I’ve had was a no-speed corner when I killed the engine and set it down real easy.
May 17, 2010 at 9:09 pm #26509gregjParticipantI have rode some dirtbikea but nothing bigger than a 250. No racing experience or anything like that, just having fun with buddies ndo u u think the sv650 is too much? U hope it’s not because I love that bike and know that it is something I would like to keep for a period of time. Also would like enough power for a passenger on the highway. I appreciate the help on getting informed before making this desicion.
May 17, 2010 at 9:12 pm #26510gregjParticipant.
May 17, 2010 at 9:20 pm #26511madjak30ParticipantThe GS500 is a good starter bike, even two up. I weigh 275lbs and am 5’11” tall, and the GS500 I ride still gets up and goes…I’m not in anybodys way…0-60 is around 6 seconds with me on it, that’s Mustang GT territory. The Kawasaki EX500 (Ninja 500) would be another choice in the same bracket, except the Ninja is a little faster. If you get an older GS500E, they are naked and look similar to the SV650 without having that much power…I beleive the SV650 does 0-60 in under 4 seconds. That’s pretty quick for a beginner bike.
Just remember, a used bike will hold it’s value pretty good so having to upgrade next year isn’t as big of a deal as you may think. You will probably be able to re-sell your learner bike for what you pay, or very close to it.
PS I wouldn’t recommend going two up until atleast your second riding season…get used to riding the bike and learn the skills required, then add to the difficulty…
Good Luck!
May 17, 2010 at 9:55 pm #26513gregjParticipanti was unaware of the fact that the resale value was so good. Thanks for the advice i REALLY love that sv650 though, we’ll see. And i wouldn’t have riding seasons. I live in southern cali where we are blessed to have riding season year round. This would be my everyday bike year round. on another note, I was hoping to be able to go two up after like 6 months of continuos riding….. Is this a bad idea?
May 17, 2010 at 11:47 pm #26514AParticipantI started riding on a 1999 BMW F650, I’m 5’10” w/32″ inseam, I didn’t flatfoot while standing over the bike, I also managed never dropping the bike on pavement.. only while riding in the dirt.
IMO, SV650 is a great bike to start, especially in SoCal where highway speed on a bike is somewhat important. I’d avoid the 600 class sportbikes for beginners.
May 18, 2010 at 12:14 am #26519gitchy42ParticipantOn the ZZR, GSXR and CBR, those are full blooded sport bikes that are basically *slightly* detuned race bikes. Bad idea for a newer rider…..
May 18, 2010 at 1:23 am #26520gitchy42Participant….needs to be considered.
You say that you are planning on doing mostly highway riding, so perhaps the a bike with a fairing would be better. I was surprised at the wind pressure on my first ride on my SV650 yesterday. Simply, a fairing reduces wind pressure. Also, according to a few survey’s I’ve read (sorry, don’t remember which), a full fairing makes you more visible.
You already have two good choices in the GS500F and the SV650. Madjak suggested the Ninja 250R and 500R, which are good bikes from what I’ve read. Another choice if you want bigger bike is the Ninja 650R.
My suggestion is to figure out what you NEED in a bike, what you WANT in a bike and what WOULD BE NICE to have. Then take that and look at the bikes, sit on a few and see what feels best. Be willing to sacrifice the ‘would be nice’ for a bike that fits better.
The main reason I bought the SV was that it was a better deal ($$$) than the Ninja I was looking at. On my first ride I found the SV to be jerky and temperamental below about 2k RPM. But the torque that made it a little rough low, pulled me from 40 to 70 in a heartbeat, without a shift; which makes it great for passing on the HWY.
The good thing is that in the $3000 range there are a TON of used bikes that are beginner friendly.
Have fun, good luck, ride safe and I hope I haven’t added to the confusion…….
NateMay 18, 2010 at 1:39 am #26523briderdtParticipantMaking a TPS adjustment (look it up on Canyonchasers — it’s free and totally within the abilities of even the most ham-fisted mechanic) will make a big difference in the low-speed charactistics of the SV. Add a Crampbuster, and I think you’ll find the bike a lot easier to handle at low speeds.
Also, don’t forget clutch modulation.
May 18, 2010 at 4:38 am #26526gitchy42ParticipantThank you for the suggestion. I did remember the clutch modulation, but at first it was sloppy. I figured it out after a while
May 18, 2010 at 1:24 pm #26528gregjParticipantThanks every1. You’re all helping alot. I love this website.
May 18, 2010 at 2:28 pm #26530CBBaronParticipantThe fact that you were considering the 600cc fours tells me you either have not done any research on good beginner bikes or you are not as responsible as you think you are.
I think getting a used 500cc or smaller bike to learn on is the best way to go. As mentioned they are easier to learn on and less likely to get you into trouble. And by buying used you can sell it after you get some more experience for nearly what you paid.
The SV is a great bike and something you can learn on but its not the easiest bike to start on. I think the SV650S will just make the process harder as it has a more aggressive riding position.Craig
May 18, 2010 at 4:50 pm #26532gregjParticipantI don’t mind a harder learning process as long as it’s with the right bike. I understand it will be harder but I think it will pay off in the long run. Thanks for the advice.
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