SV650...Whaddya Think?

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Alright fellers...If I can't trust your opinions, who's can I trust? Although I love my CB, I've owned it now for 2.5 years and I'm getting the itch for something new. While I have no complaints on my CB l, perhaps the minor gripe I've got is that it feels a bit cruiserish to me. I think I'd like something a bit more nimble and sure footed in corners. As such, I'm thinkin mid-sized. Of the latest grouping (Honda CB650F, Yamaha FZ7 & XSR700, Suzuki SV650) I gotta tell ya, while it seems like the boring unpopular choice, I like the SV! Here's my rationale, V-Twin, gear indicater, easy to install a slip on. None of the others can boast these advantages in my opinion. Should make the move? Will I regret it? Or, will I be happy? Give it me straight! Oh, and Merry Christmas gentleman.

I own a 2017 SV650. When it was first announced I thought it looked great, all the best features of the Honda Hawk GT but twice the power. I was not disappointed.

It has the same very nimble feel of the '89 Hawk GT 647, but much better brakes. Plenty of grunt, really. Very tractable power band, peaks at about 70 HP at the rear wheel. So quite fast for its class. Lots of cornering clearance, good brakes, especially the rear. Really cool engine, the L-twin is nice. I guess there's a couple thousand miles on it now, it just gets better.

The SV is a much more substantial motorcycle than the Z650 or FZ-07, it's roomier, with more torque and power, the vibes are minimal, it makes a good all-day bike if you like to explore. Quick turning but not nervous.

Cannot think of any downside.

I also own a Z650, it's a great bike but 10 less HP, smaller, lighter. For track days or really tight carving the Z650 is going to be better for sure, superb front brakes, carves like a laser but very stable mid corner, tractable engine, revs and shifts like a real racebike. But the SV is the better overall choice.

I looked at the FZ-07 several times and just did not like the bike. It's very small, has very soft suspension, and is reported to turn very quickly but with a nervous feel mid corner. You see more of those around my area than the SV or Z, but the Z's are also showing up in good numbers. The SV actually has pretty good forks, I don't think I'll have to do anything to them. The shock is not bad either but I think a Nitron will have to be a future upgrade.

Oh yeah, boring it is NOT. That bike rails. Will outrun a T120 Bonneville all day long.