Ok I've closed it down to...

[Scouse]

...a toss up between an SV650s (older one) and a CBR400.

Which would you go for?

I'm aware that the sv's have an appetite for rot and at the same score cbr's enjoy boasting saggyness.

What likely problems am I going to come across/need to look out for with -

A 21,000 mile SV650

or

A 30,000 mile cbr400

Both bikes appear to be in fairly decent condition, and yes the sv's fork legs are shagged but this isn't a problem.

Any help/opinions/information provided is very greatfully accepted.

[Wave2k]

ridden both ALOT, both on track and off.

Id go for the SV650, better for people over 5ft and its much better for everyday use.

Suspention is saggy as standard though, but makes for a nice road bike.
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[Ingah]

As a young commuter, I'd go for the SV650. Especially with the lower miles on it.

Commuter friendly. New rider friendly. Plenty of spares. Plenty of power. Probably cheaper to insure.

I reckon it depends alot on what you're using the bike for really.

Test ride?
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-- Ingah

[Clanger]

My sv is okay. No rot and I've owned her 8 years.

Ride them both and make an informed decision based on that.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

SV for me.
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[rac3r]

[Scouse]

[rac3r]

[Blau Zedong]

Best make sure you like gutless V-Twins 'cause the SV has the world's most boring engine.
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[Red Mick]

Hornet's a bit rev happy, bogs down a lot moving on from stationary. Sub 100 mile tank range when pushed too.

[Scouse]

[Blau Zedong]

Rode one because I thought as a package it might suit me. Chassis was fair to good (suspension a bit crap but I've tried worse). Engine isn't particualrly quick and lacks any sensation whatsoever....I kept ploughing into the rev limiter waiting for something to happen. Completely unrewarding which is why I hate them so much. I'd rather ride a CBR400 any day of the week (and I'm not suggesting you buy one of those either).
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18:54:48 Rob Fzs: jews don't give away stuff for free

18:54:59 Rob Fzs: unless its their clothes/ hair/ golden teeth

[Im-a-Ridah]

For general riding the SV650 is the ideal choice. The CBR looks nice though, but I'd only really recommend it as a weekend toy.

[Scouse]

[Scouse]

Are there any major issues to look out for with an SV then? I'm pretty much set up to get one now, just need to know what to look out for with them. Any obvious clues to engine issues etc?

[Im-a-Ridah]

Interesting, I narrowed my choice down to SV650 and ZX6R, mainly for commuting/general riding.

[T0MMY]

Is it just me or are SV650s not actually all that cheap? They may be a budget bike new but they are so popular with new bikers that they seem to hold their value relatively well. I reckon a 20,000 mile SV costs not a lot less than a 20,000 mile CBR and you're getting a nicer bike for your money with the CBR. I wanted to get one as a cheap commuter but found that actually even high milers aren't less than 4 cylinder sportsbikes to buy.
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ZX6R + CBR600RR

[Sosha]

For an everyday bike I'd say SV. Hoot around town & the Vtwin means you can be incredibly lazy.

Can't compare it with my 400. 400's got no seat and springs for a race track. Paint on the road upsets it never mind the cart tracks around here.

Having said that swapped my SV for an IL4 600 as the engine was annoying me when I switched between it and the CBR.

Now the CBRs (lack of) brakes is annoying me slightly.

Some people are never happy.

RE Cost - I would have thought 400s are more pricey relatively - they're a lot older & large numbers must have been thrashed out of the crate.

meh.


SV650.org has got more info than you could possibly want on the SV650s

S
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Eliminating dynamic range since 1999

[colin1]

I think there is a problem with the question. Plenty of other bikes are available.

I think triumph tt600s are excellent value. Ok their engine might not quite be to the standard of jap 600s, but the suspension, brakes, frame etc is, and you can get them for a lot less.

I reckon a tt600 would be a similar amount to the sv650, and the cbr400. Much better quality bike though.

Thundercats are also a good buy.
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[Clanger]

Common sv problems...
Front forks are a bit spongy, so upgrading them is recommended.
The front forks can be prone to pitting, so best get them looked at as soon as possible. I had mine cleaned and lacquered immediately. Carb heater was a problem on the older style bike, so if you were looking to ride during winter, best upgrade this. Change the engine bolts for better quality. Lower yolk on mine was pitted when I bought her, and my friend made me a new one.

I personally love the V-twin, I find it torquey, great at the lights and around town. I wouldn't say it's a touring bike, but that said, I wouldn't bat an eyelid to loading her up with panniers, full camping equipment etc. and heading off for a day riding. I actually find mine better 'planted' when loaded (but then I am quite light).
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss