Hyosung Comet 650 vs Suzuki SV650?

[dotti]

I'm getting to the stage where I'm starting to save for my next bike. I have basically narrowed down my choice to 2 possible bikes: The Suzuki SV650 and the Hyosung Comet 650.

Between the two of them I am slightly drawn towards the Hyosung Comet 650: It is cheaper (NZ$7,000 new which is about 2,300 quid), has a more powerful engine and (in my opinion) looks better. In it's favour however, suzuki is a far more reputable brand. This doesn't mean the bike is better, only that there is more probability of the Suzuki being a more reliable machine.

Has anybody else heard anything (good or bad) regarding these two particular bikes, or better still ridden one or both of them?

Also check out this website:

https://bikepoint.ninemsn.com.au/portal/alias__bikepointau/tabID__5760/ArticleID__119224/DesktopDefault.aspx

The pic of the engine looks awesome.

Cheers
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[JonB]

To me the SV650 is the obvious choice, it shouldn't depreciate as much as it is a well known brand, like all things.

Comet 650 is a budget copy, which could be nearly the same bike, but i'd go for the Suzuki anyway.
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[DukeRed]

I vaguely remember something in bike magazine about the hyosung being a cheaper version of some other bike (possibly the sv but can't remember). But they weren't very positive about it. For a naked 600 the SV(From what I've researched) is a good bike to go for.

Jan
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[Claud 14.7 to 1]

Suzuki: probably easier to get parts/support etc. Many more about.

Probably a better bike anyway.

[NickD]

Can't speak for the Hyosung, but my brother had the 1/2 faired SV, and it was an absolute fecking riot to ride,had a brilliant, fun engine, and never gave him any sh!t in the 2 years he owned it.
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[dotti]

[iCraig]

Having test ridden both I'd say they're both good.

The Hyosungs engine is based heavily on the SV's but it produces about 10BHP at 78BHP, rather than the SV's 68BHP.

On riding both the GT650 felt a little faster and accellerated better but when It came to stopping it fell short with its Hyosung designed calipers rather than the tokico's on the Suzuki.

Also parts really aren't a problem on the Hyosungs, the UK Importer is Banavar who are actually wanting Hyosung to suceed and according to a few Hyosung dealers I've spoken to the can get parts in within 48 hours from them.

I personally would go for the Hyosung, but thats only cos it comes in red.
Also something to add is that aftermarket parts for the Suzuki like race cans actually also fit the Hyosung. You could even replace the crap calipers with Suzuki units!

[G]

Magazine reviews I've seen suggest that the Suzuki is the better buy.

[mattsmith95]

[dotti]

Thanks for all the very fast feedback It's given me plenty to think about. In any case, I am looking forward to taking them both for a test ride. At the end of the day I will go for the one which feels right and most natural. Until I actually get to compare how they ride I have no idea which of the two I will choose.

I will definitely keep the points above in mind though, as there are some very good observations. Thanks once again.

Paul
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[Rob W]

I personally would go for the SV. I dare say it would probably be more reliable, make a wee bit more power and as others have said would be easier to get spares for. My aunt's got one and is in love with it, easily fast enough for most and apparently handle very well. Haven't read anything but praise for them to be honest.


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[Mantzy]

Finally, another Kiwi!

Funnily enough, read a review on the two today. It said that the Hyosung is very similar but brakes (only 2 pot) are weak, about as powerful as the SV, heavier (the aluminium frame on the GT is actually painted steel), but a very grounded machine. The engine is nigh on identical to the SVs. It isn't a suzuki engine but made in Japan by ex-suzuki engineers! In the UK, the difference in price is about £800 so it's not too much to worry about especially seeing as the sell on price for a Hyosung would be a lot less than that of a well known name like Suzuki.

Don't know how good the supply will be in NZ for parts but its going to be best in Auckland for both makes so you shouldn't have TOO much problem.

Personally, I like the look of most the Hyosung range and I hope they do well in the future. Out of all the far eastern manufacturers, barring the big 4 Jap ones, Hyosung seems the most together. Great build quality and they've created a solid base to work from. Might buy me some shares actually...

R
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[mrchips]

For an extra 600 or so you might as well get the Suzi.
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[Kickstart]

Hi

Not ridden either. The reviews do tend to suggest that the SV is the better bike, but the GT650 is not far behind.

With UK pricing (where the official price of the GT is only a bit over 10% less, and the SV can commonly be bought with a very large discount) the SV probably comes out a winner. However the GT650 in the UK is around 70% more expensive that the price you quote for NZ which might well swing things in its favour.

I would say that having looked over a 125 Hyosung that the corrosion protection is not that great but not sure if that will really be much of a problem with the climate down there.

All the best

Keith
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[Mantzy]

Keith, Auckland doesn't get snow or need gritting but it is by the sea. Depending where you are in the city will depend on the corrosion variant. Could suffer sea spray. I know my car used to get coated in salt if I left it by the harbour for long.

R
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[Project9928]

Although the comets are nice (and I own the 125cc version) I would still say go for the SV650. I say this because you'll be able to get both standard and aftermarket parts for the SV a lot easier then the Comet. Hyosung parts can be a little hard to come by.

I'm looking forward to getting my SV after my test

[mr.z]

The comet is a good bike but you dont get as much for your money as you do with the suzuki...

At the same time its funny when korean bikes get dismissed, its not all that long ago owning a japanese bike would have have you getting mocked by any bikeing mates... for saying they are only appearing over here recently they have started off strong, i hope they do well too!

I think the magazine article said that the sv was just better made with better parts, the power of the commet didn't make up for the slightly less build quality... i do have the article somewhere but a non working scanner :/

You wont be dissapointed whichever one you get though
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[Jrod]

I saw a nice SV today, mmmmm in yellow. Looked stunning and sounded just as good.

[dotti]

[MattEMulsion]

[Fire_Eyes]

I would go with the suzuki,as it's more reliable.
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