Morning everyone, question. Taking the MSF course in the next few weeks and am also bike shopping. Background on me, 19 years old, 5"8, 190 pounds. I've ridden dirt since I was around 7, so riding certain types of motorcycles is not new to me. I have not, however, ridden on the street much. Not at all against something like a Ninja 250, or similar for my first bike. Just wondering what the opinion was on something like an SV650 for a first bike. From what I understand its not a full blown race bike like an R6 or similar, its more of a naked bike. Really not sure on this, and I'm not a typical 19 year old "I need all the power" type, I actually give a [censored] about being safe and not dying. Thanks!
Any SV650 owners?
- Thread starter renegade_987
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For a beginner/intermediate bike I've heard it's a great bike (I've not actually ridden mine yet, still waiting for spring). Mine has the full fairing with lowered front end so it looks more like a sport bike too.
Considering the engine is a V twin, it'll sound and have more low end torque than most inline sport bikes similar to a cruiser.
It's also a very easy to maintain as I'm sure you'll find out.
Overall, for a first bike I'd highly recommend one. Especially if you plan on doing ANY highway riding.
Considering the engine is a V twin, it'll sound and have more low end torque than most inline sport bikes similar to a cruiser.
It's also a very easy to maintain as I'm sure you'll find out.
Overall, for a first bike I'd highly recommend one. Especially if you plan on doing ANY highway riding.
I started on a V-Strom 650 and didn't have any trouble at all. I think an SV650 would be a fine choice, first street bike or 10th.
That was my first bike, and i loved it. I was in a similar situation and I wanted a good bike I could work on that had enough power to still go on the highways. The SV650 fits that bill and parts are cheap and plentiful, I really fell in love with the sport twins after that and went to Ducatis (996, ss). IMO a 250 is too small for my use (Rural Wisconsin) and the 650 twin is a good compromise with good usable power and enough to grow into and not get bored of within a short period of time. 2003 and after will be fuel injected but they are all easy to work on.
It's a great, friendly, low maintenance bike. I've owned two, one in street trim, one in race trim. As said before, the engine has enough power for highway use, it's smooth, bulletproof, and sound awesome. The bike is light and nimble too.
The main limitation with this bike, because of it's price point, is the suspension. Especially the shock, it's soft and non-adjustable except for some preload. The forks are slightly better but still the old style non-cartridge forks. 190 pounds will have the suspension moving quite a bit.
Regardless, it'll be a super fun bike for you especially for casual riding. I wouldn't even consider a hard core sport bike if I were you, they're just not comfy to ride. The R1 I had was an exercise in pain, it would have my wrists screaming in 15 minutes.
The main limitation with this bike, because of it's price point, is the suspension. Especially the shock, it's soft and non-adjustable except for some preload. The forks are slightly better but still the old style non-cartridge forks. 190 pounds will have the suspension moving quite a bit.
Regardless, it'll be a super fun bike for you especially for casual riding. I wouldn't even consider a hard core sport bike if I were you, they're just not comfy to ride. The R1 I had was an exercise in pain, it would have my wrists screaming in 15 minutes.
That or a Ninja 650 would be a good fit for a bike you can easily learn on, but not outgrow. Both are mild engines unlike an R6 type bike.
+1 on the SV650--my son owned one for a couple years and it was a fun bike to ride, even for me. Easy on gas and low maintenance.
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