SV 650 first bigger bike?

Question

I have been riding a gilera smt (50cc) for the last year and have god used to handling it in the bends, gear changing (it takes 4 changes to get to 30!) and clutch control. It is derestricted so I am going around than 50mph allot of the time. I am looking to do my full bike test this summer and wonder if an SV 650 would be a good choice of first bike. I was looking at an R6 or GSXR600 but the insurance is too much and I probably don't have the skill to handle it yet. As for a 125 I feel it is not much of a jump from the 50cc and it will not be long before I am redlining it!

Is the SV okay for long distance motorway riding and how does it handle on tight country roads?

Answer 1

OK.

You do have some experience and it's a good

"standard' bike to transition to, but I do want to

underline that it's a big transition both in weight

and power.

Go very easy on that throttle as your habit will be

to twist far too hard. You're not used to something

that can break rear wheel traction, and

" Bad habits bite you".

That "it will not be long before I am redlining it!" worries

me.

It's the kind of thing that hurts newbies.

Go easy and ride happy.

Answer 2

I would choose an SV650 over the GSXR or R6 for a newer rider unless you just really want a lot of performance. Also like you said the insurance will be less. Since it has more of an upright riding position compared to the other two it should be more comfy on a long ride.

Answer 3

many people choose the SV for a beginner bike, it has a more upright riding position, and isn't too torquey

Answer 4

The SV650 is a cool bike. I think for a first bike the GSXR and the R6 might be a bit challenging.

Answer 5

Thanks to my job I get to ride all sorts of stuff and I can say hand on heart that the SV is a great choice.

It is set up to be very forgiving, the brakes are good but not fierce, the handling is very stable unless your really giving it 10/10Th's but then you can always put better quality springs etc on it.

Think of it as a blank canvas the basic bike is good but a few quid spent on some bolt on stuff will give you a truly excellent bike with a brilliant V-Twin soundtrack!

Go for it and enjoy it.

Answer 6

SV's ok, but my first was a GSXR and it was perfect.  Not suggesting you get a blackbird straight off, but a 600 is ok for a first 'proper' bike.  So long as you can ride properly, of course.

Answer 7

As you are already aware of; getting used to the power of your 50cc bike took a bit of time and now you're looking to make the jump to your larger bike.

An SV is a GREAT bike to transition to. There is a substantial difference in the weight and the power compared to what you have ridden. The power curve of the SV is smooth and predictable, the handling is great with excellent feedback for the rider.

There are really NO surprises on an SV, nothing to intimidate you and cause a cease to your learning curve.

The contrary is true with GSX-R, R/6's and ZX-6R's. As you had stated in your question. I have nothing but good things to say about the above mentioned bikes, but only there are better choices for the transition.

The SV is a great long distance bike, many accessories are available to make it into a SPORT-TOURER also.