SV650 Twin vs Inline CBR

[oggy1610]

I know this is a question that comes up now and again but I wanted to do a more direct comparison between these two as these are potentially what I'm considering as the next step up from a 125. I already have a V-Twin as my 125 is a Honda baby varadero and I understand the general facts about V-Twins usually producing more in the midrange revs rather than at the top end like an in line 4, also the in line 4's are said to be more linear in their delivery.

Specifically as a new rider, head would say go for the SV650 as it is less bhp and technically more torque available at the midrange revs but then I think hang on is this not encouraging laziness, should I not get used to a more linear delivery straight off rather than handicap myself as I get better so heart then says CBR. I'm sort of basing this on the manual vs automatic theory - if you learn to drive a manual car you can easily grasp an automatic with a bit of practice but if you learn to drive an automatic then manual is impossible (also forbidden in terms of your license but that's another matter).

So really on these lines of thought SV650 or CBR, V-Twin or IL4 which is better to learn and improve your skills on. Incidentally I'm using CBR as an example here so you could easily replace with a FZ6 that is tuned slightly differently. Anyway over to you, what do you think?

[Bendy]

[colin1]

[oggy1610]

Thanks for the advice. I think that I will go with what feel is for me at the moment but obviously only make a final decision after a good test ride.

The CBR600F is really what I am wanting in a bike as it ticks so many boxes. Granted it's not good at everything but for me it offers the ability to go out on two wheels for general ride outs, weekends away, mini tours, commuting and maybe even some track day sessions when I have more experience. It is a powerful bike but as an experienced biker friend has said to me today "I know you well enough to know that you are not the kind of person to twist the throttle violently - go what you are comfortable with because you will regret it if you don't" which I thought was very sound advice. I also think that it is probably the kind of bike that will allow me to steadily improve and give me that grin factor - yes it is capable of giving me a scare but then even a 125 is if you don't treat them with respect. Finally its a Honda and we all know their record generally for build quality and reliability.

So I think the CBR has to be first and SV650 second on the list but first I have to pass my test so I will be concentrating on passing that first.

[St0rmer66]

A CBR600 will feel like a rocket ship compared to a 125 anyway, even if it is "low powered" at lower revs. It will easily accelerate twice if not three times as fast as your 125 even if you don't get in the power band. It won't be an issue until you've racked up a lot of miles and are used to the bike . Even then it's still fast enough to give you a thrill, as you won't usually be riding around constantly in the powerband!
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:: Honda XR 125 L ('53) => Kawasaki GPZ 500S ('02) => Suzuki SV650S ('00) => Aprilia RSV-R ('51) ::

[faddius]

Ill point out the obvious....

In usual day to day riding, are you really, genuinely, in all honesty going to keep an IL4 at high revs to really make use of its power there?

On a 600, high revs will always keep you above 50. Fine if you like back roads or use the motorways often, but town riding, you wont keep it on high revs for long.

Thats why I prefer the SV you have power in the mid range where its needed around towns.

And the SV does have power at high revs, hit 9000rpm and it jumps up and really goes for it.

Lastly, if your a money pincher, like me atm due to being jobless - higher revs = more petrol. I cant afford petrol right now. I remember 2 weeks ago I was pottering round trying to keep the bike at 3 - 4000 revs to save petrol

[oggy1610]

Hmm yes this is what I have thought StOrmer66 and this is somewhat of a concern but then I do the maths for others and whichever way I look at it I am always going to be between 6.2 and 7.7 times the bhp of what I have now but then I think hang on I don't necessarily need to use all of it. I think this is what my friends were telling me as well.

faddius thanks also for your input. I haven't totally decided in favour of the CBR and still will not make a final decision until I test ride both. In fact to ensure that I make a fair assessment I will try the SV first. As you also say there's the running costs to consider too. With already knowing how a V-Twin behaves at 125 level I'm not quite sure I want that big midrange lump but I can see your point with town riding.

It really is a difficult one to try and sort out without riding them and making comparative results

[faddius]

Huge difference between 125 and 650 twins.

You feel the midrange more on the 650.

Also, to be picky, more bhp going to the back wheel, more rubber you burn and tyres arent cheap

[phk6]

heres a little summut to think about.

4 v twins (aprillia falco - tuono, suzuki sv1000s - tlr1000)
1 cbr 1000 inline four

the cbr has the highest top speed by quite alot
the v twins are all about the same give or take a few mph

the cbr rider complained becasuse his 'faster' bike was having to be ridden far harder to keep up with the 'slow' v twins

make your own mind up
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Current .. 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure ..
Before .. 2003 Yamaha Fazer 1000 .. 2004 Kawazaki Z1000 .. 2003 Suzuki Sv1000s .. 1999 zx6r Track Bike .. 1999 CB 500 Cup ..
/Phil

[flimbar]

I boiled my choice of first bike after a 125 down to a FZ6 or an SV650 cos both got great reviews.

I test rode them both and went for the SV650 in the end.

Performance-wise the FZ6 was very smooth and really blasted off once you got it screaming, however I found a lot of clicking through the gears and seemed like I'd be up to 6th by about 30mph.

The SV had more punch right from standing and not so much gear changing required, just twist and take off.

I think I4s sound like you are trying too hard. I hear them about town screaming about... wheeeeeeeeepp...wheeeeeeeeeppp...heads turning, sounding like the race track, whereas the V-twin takes off at a similar, if not faster pace with a nice low brrrrrp...brrrrppp
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Yamaha YBR125 > Suzuki SV650S > Suzuki DL650 V-Strom > Honda CBR600F > Honda ST1300 Pan European

[oggy1610]

Hmm some interesting comments, thanks for your help on this. I still do like the idea of the CBR due to the Honda reliability factor etc. but the SV650 does seem the more senisble choice for all round performance and riding scenarios.

I have my first DAS lesson tomorrow so I think for now I will put this subject on hold until I have that PASS certificate and then go and test ride them both and see which one offers what I'm looking for. I have found two dealers who can offer newly qualified riders test rides so I will go and take advantage of them if you know what I mean.

Thanks once again - hope others find this useful too.

[oggy1610]

I know I'm kind of reviving this one a bit but thought I would just let you all know that I passed my test yesterday so now the hunt for my first proper bike is on.

Still not quite sure which one I will get but lots of people are saying that both the SV650 or the CBR would be good choices (even my instructors). Have to admit that having riden a Honda CBF500 for most of the week I do like the way the power is delivered on these - just right for learning because of them being tuned for midrange power. So this would really put the SV back at the top as I would get a similar kind of delivery from that but still like the CBR for the reliability factor and that it is a good all rounder sports bike.

Just one question relating to the CBR that some of you may be able to help with. If I was to go for one of these, would changing the rearsets allow me to slightly lower the footrests and is this an acceptable thing to do for a bike that is mainly going to be used on road rather than track? I only ask ask this was perhaps the only issue that I have with the CBR - pegs a little too high for me.

Thanks.

[Kal]

Not convinced for a CB(f)500(s) as a first bike though?
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[oggy1610]

Kal, I take your point about something like that but no it doesn't really fit with what I want the bike for. I do not intend to shy away from the wind and rain and therefore want something that has a bit more front to it than an add on fly screen and I personally am not so keen on the naked look.

Yes I accept that fairings are not such a good idea for newbies but as I have already done the drops and got them out the way early I think I may be safe for a little while. But then don't we all do it at some point? Just part of owning a motorbike.

[Kal]

I can appreciate that - I'm generally not a fan of plastic. some crash bugs ought to take care of the worst of the worries tere.

I wanted to put the CB500s, GPZ500s and the GS500f up there as options as I think they are best for purpose as first big bikes.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[oggy1610]

Kal thanks for the understanding. It's funny that you should mention GPZ500s as I was considering them too but haven't found one to have a proper look at just yet. Think I shall go on a search during the weekend. Also thought the same with regards to the crash bungs as well. I know they are not 100% fool proof but they can sort of keep things somewhat protected. The way I figure it is that you are never going to win with these things so you buy with the acceptance that you may have a bill for some plastic welding or the like. Hopefully not straight away though.

[oggy1610]

Well, I've been and found both a GPZ500 and ZZR600 to try out and they're not for me. Just did not feel right at all, ZZR felt big and clumsy and GPZ felt like I was sitting astride a box to me but the reach was ok. Tried an SV650 out again and would still go for this but also tried out a CBR600F just to be sure and I think this is the one I really want. don't know why but didn't feel as though the legs would get cramped on the one I sat on this time. It maybe because it was a newer model but ultimately it does tick the boxes for what I want in terms of a 600cc bike so subject to a test ride I think it will be one of these.

Thanks for all the help everyone.