Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: Brit-400 on May 23, 2006, 12:35:08 PM
-
Hi. I currently ride a B4 and love it. But, i do fancy a change. SV650 K1s are coming up at attractive prices now, just wondering - how would you rate them? Pros/cons? All i've read about them is positive so far but thought i'd get some advise from some like-minded riders. :)
-
Are you big, Toby? That's the only negatory thing I noticed, compared to the Bandit...the riding position was a bit cramped for me on the SV.
You might want to take a Hyosung GT 650 out as well. Same bike and maybe tons cheaper.
(http://www.nationalmotorsports.ca/showroom/gt650/gt650.jpg)
(http://www.nationalmotorsports.ca/showroom/gt650s/gt650s.jpg)
-
I am a HUGE boy (6'3-310) and I don't fit on my wifes bike but it is still fun to ride! The seat doesn't have enough room for my ass and the pegs are too high for my hips. She loves it though! Awesome bike, great around town power and will scoot at high rpms. Everything you have read about it is true.
-
The sv650 is a loverly bike. Obviously I'd rather the B6 meself. The K1 sv650 is a lot nicer than the new ones.
-
Lucky for me i'm a weedy 5'7"! :roll: Small bikes suit me.
That hyosung looks impressive for, err, a Hyosung. Wonder what the build is like.
Thanks for help by the way!
-
="Seanybiker"The sv650 is a loverly bike. Obviously I'd rather the B6 meself. The K1 sv650 is a lot nicer than the new ones.
Huh? Got something against the modern marvel of FI?
SVs are light and touquey with great aftermarket support. I'm a fan.
-
They look nice, but I was uncomfortable on one in the dealership. I'm 5'9. Way too forward leaning for me. I might have liked it fine at 20.
-
That is why you get the naked version with the same position as a Bandit
-
I was looking for an SV and almost bought one before I found my B6 and got a good deal on it.
For price point comparison I was about to buy (but missed out on the deal) an '01 SV650S for $2800 with low miles. I was then looking at a slightly modded '03 SV650 naked for $3200. I was trying to talk him down another hundred or two when I found the B6.
I really like them but am very happy with the B6 as well.
-
I tried the sv at the large used bike dealer here in Marietta Georgia and was not comfortable. I am 6 foot 1, 240.
I also looked at specs and it seemed the bandits got alittle power advantage. So I hunted down a bandit.
I want to move up to litre class next year, dont know what to ride, no more bandit, dont really like sv1000s, yamaha fz is fast but strange looking, zrx is no more................ hummmm.
-
Cheers all. :) Seems they are worthy bikes to have after a B4 then. I'll be going a for an unfaired bike, no doubt.
So hard to let the bandit go though, its been so good to me, my first proper bike, had it for almost 4 years... :crybaby:
-
I tried the sv at the large used bike dealer here in Marietta Georgia and was not comfortable. I am 6 foot 1, 240.
I also looked at specs and it seemed the bandits got alittle power advantage. So I hunted down a bandit.
I want to move up to litre class next year, dont know what to ride, no more bandit, dont really like sv1000s, yamaha fz is fast but strange looking, zrx is no more................ hummmm.
You like 'em naked? How about the z1000? Great deals to be had!
-
The SV is one of those where the nekkid version looks sorta funny. Whereas a neekid Bandit looked great.
The SV 650 does come in a great aqua color this year.
I found the SV to be more comfortable than the V-Strom (what the heck was up with that name, anyway? Why not V-Storm?)
The SVs get good reviews. Heck, everyone on Bandit Alley should get one and then we'd have that much more to talk about.
-
You like 'em naked? How about the z1000? Great deals to be had!
No way. I drove a Z1000 before. there horrible yokes.
-
As another note the SV is like the Honda Civic of the bike world. Tons of internet forums and information and tons of aftermarket support but not so loved by the liter bike crowd. Think of it as the Civic and the liter bike crowd are the Mustang and Corvette owners of the world. Loved by many people and regarded as one of the best starter bikes by most of the mags.
-
As another note the SV is like the Honda Civic of the bike world.
I drive a CRV, must be the attraction!
-
I LOVE mine. I'm 5'8" and it fits me well. Sometimes I wish the pegs were a tad lower, but that might be my imagination.
see photo link: http://www.bikepics.com/pics/pics/suzuki-sv650-00-bikepics-533786.jpg
Dave
-
I like the SV650, but my legs are too long and don't fit in the fuel tank grooves. Besides, I am 6'1" and need a liter bike. :motorsmile:
-
I LOVE mine. I'm 5'8" and it fits me well. Sometimes I wish the pegs were a tad lower, but that might be my imagination.
see photo link: http://www.bikepics.com/pics/pics/suzuki-sv650-00-bikepics-533786.jpg
Dave
Who's the ugly one behind the bike? :lol: :wink:
Nice choice of colour.
-
That is one nice looking bike, terrebandit!
Still dreaming of that deadly twin but the durn thing just felt a bit too small and went with the Bandit.
-
I LOVE mine. I'm 5'8" and it fits me well. Sometimes I wish the pegs were a tad lower, but that might be my imagination.
see photo link: http://www.bikepics.com/pics/pics/suzuki-sv650-00-bikepics-533786.jpg
Dave
Who's the ugly one behind the bike? :lol: :wink:
Nice choice of colour.
Isn't that Dr Phil
LOL
-
>>what the heck was up with that name, anyway? Why not V-Storm<<
Strom is German for wind.
So what's that Hyosung stuff about? A rose by any other name?
>>Way too forward leaning for me.<<
Unlike the S models, it looks simple enough to put risers on the standard '650, making for a pretty upright ride.
I'm tossed between getting an SV 650 or a V-Strom 650. I like the headlight on the SV, while the V is better rigged for long distance, which is what I want from my next bike. I wish I could get a V with an SV headlight. I like headlights that turn with my front wheel.
To this day I still wonder who's the rocket scientist that thought headlights shouldn't follow where you're turning. At least the V has two lights up front lighting fairly wide, unlike something like BMWs with those miserable front light assemblies.
-
That is one nice looking bike, terrebandit!
Still dreaming of that deadly twin but the durn thing just felt a bit too small and went with the Bandit.
Thanks Jim. Took her for about a 150 mile spin today. The Sargent seat helps for LD rides.
-
I'm 5'11" and 195lbs(whatever that is in metric?) and "I Feel good" when I get on a SV650 or 1000 s. If I have too much weight on my hands,its time for more crunches. But for me, its like putting on a custom fit glove(not that I have custom gloves) But it just feels right! I'm looking to buy a SV650 race bike from someone I know. I'm just trying not to get divorced at the same time. Light and nimble with lots od torque. (and the one I'm looking at getting has a gsx-r front end!)
-
Hold out for a 1200 Bandit, Kevin. You won't be sorry. I'm 6'-3" and 220 lbs., so I put a 26" windshield on the bike after removing the "S" fairing (pretty, but useless). I pushed that windshield up to 135 mph indicated and El Bandido was still pulling like mad when I chopped the throttle. All the little blue and red lights had disappeared anyway. About 111.4 BHP at the rear wheel tends to do that for you. Besides, there's little difference between the ergos of a 600 and 1200 Bandit anyway, so it won't feel strange until you twist that right handgrip. Oh yeah - the rear tire is a bit fatter on the 1200.
Herb
I tried the sv at the large used bike dealer here in Marietta Georgia and was not comfortable. I am 6 foot 1, 240.
I also looked at specs and it seemed the bandits got alittle power advantage. So I hunted down a bandit.
I want to move up to litre class next year, dont know what to ride, no more bandit, dont really like sv1000s, yamaha fz is fast but strange looking, zrx is no more................ hummmm.
-
Vidrazor: I agree with you on a couple of counts...I can't figure out the headlight thing on my 650 either...the lighting is poor to begin with and then the durn tracks straight when you turn! Was that citroen that had the lights turn on their cars? That was cool.
And I really like the IDEA of the v-strom but I think it looks ungainly for some reason - still haven't figured that out but I think they will have to change something before I nab one.
I'm kinda interested in Hyosungs cuz they just got to Canada and there is the Suzuki connection there. Thought their bikes would be similar but priced way lower as they are in the States. But they're MORE than Suzi's (after the Suzi discounts) so no way I would take a chance on them.
-
As the owner of a BRG Bandit 1200S and a visitor to your fair town, I feel somewhat qualified to offer some dumb advice. I happen to have ridden the SV650 and thought it to be a very nice ride. As someone used to a 400, this would be even more true for you. The SV has often been compared to a Ducati, not only for its engine layout and frame, but also for its handling and power. You would be getting about 70 hp, which is a deal greater than what a 400 can deliver, so be careful getting it on at first. I assume that you have fully satisfied the local laws about progressing to a larger bike?
Have fun!
Herb
Hi. I currently ride a B4 and love it. But, i do fancy a change. SV650 K1s are coming up at attractive prices now, just wondering - how would you rate them? Pros/cons? All i've read about them is positive so far but thought i'd get some advise from some like-minded riders. :)
-
And I really like the IDEA of the v-strom but I think it looks ungainly for some reason - still haven't figured that out but I think they will have to change something before I nab one.
I was saying I had to have a car to go to Costco, but I saw a Vstrom in the lot today, with one of those nig ugly egg-like hard tail cases stuck on the back, so I guess I really can get my 55-gallon drum of egg salad and 100-roll pack of toilet paper home on the Bandit if I try.
-
I owned a 2003 SV650 naked version. I loved it. Should not have traded it off. Not quite as much leg room to the pegs as my B12 but not too bad either. I'm 5'10". I put a National Cycle Street Shield on my SV for good wind protection. I couldn't stop doing wheelies on mine. Starting off from every stoplight it just begs to do a wheelie so it can be a corrupting type bike, but it'll only do what you tell it to do. I suspect you will like the SV's power delivery. Good power everywhere. Mine would run an indicated 127 mph on top, not super fast on top but the trade off is great point and squirt power everywhere below that 127. I also liked the lightness of the SV. Makes you want to jump something. Every built up section of road suddenly becomes an Evel Knievel ramp. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Warren
-
what the heck was up with that name, anyway? Why not V-Storm?
Sounds too much like the Honda Firestorm, which is also a V twin.
SV650 is a nice looking bike, parts easily available, reliable, easy to ride BUT its not much of a step up from your B4. If you don't want anything faster then the SV is probably a good choice.
Try an SV1000 as well, there's some amazing deals on those to be had
Whatever you do... DON'T get a Hyosung!!! They may be cheaper but thats because it's poorer quality, re-sell value is MUCH lower (SV's hold their price quite well cause there is a demand for them), parts/aftermarket parts availability is much worse, and worst of all it says Hyosung on the tank.
-
I had an 02 SV650S for a bit, and I really enjoyed it. I thought that it handled well, and enjoyed leaning it through the curves. I also enjoyed the twin sound, especially with the exhaust I put on it. I also enjoyed the power delivery, I could nail the throttle and pull up the front...I haven't been able to do that yet with my Bandit 600S.
-
The only real con to the SV is the motor. It will not take long wheelies at all. Oil starvation is a problem. Boom.
-
Vidrazor:I wish I could get a V with an SV headlight. I like headlights that turn with my front wheel.
To this day I still wonder who's the rocket scientist that thought headlights shouldn't follow where you're turning. At least the V has two lights up front lighting fairly wide, unlike something like BMWs with those miserable front light assemblies.
All the engineers who know that bikes turn by coutersteering when over parking lot speed decided it's better to have the light attached to the frame so it'll point where the bike is going, that's who.
-
+1! :motorsmile:
-
>>...turn by coutersteering when over parking lot speed...<<
You mean you don't turn at parking lot speed? :grin:
Good point, didn't think about that. I guess I've been staring at naked bike designs too long.
-
Vidrazor: >>...turn by coutersteering when over parking lot speed...<<
You mean you don't turn at parking lot speed? :grin:
Not by countersteering you don't. :duh:
-
>>Not by countersteering you don't.<<
Of course not. You scrape you foot on the side of the wheel where you want it to turn...