Good choice for a 1st bike?

[Mozzy]

Hi all,

I’m looking into getting my first bike, I’ll be using it mainly to commute a 90 mile (round trip) mostly motorway.

I’m about 5’10 Weigh around 16 stone (224 lbs) “I think” I’ve settled on the Suzuki SV650 based on the distance and motorway miles and my weight I thought a 600cc would be a wise call, even though it’s be my first bike.

Due to the commute is a sports tourer too short sited? I know it’s a bit of a distance but I’m thinking it’ll be around 40 mins to an hour each way and which wouldn’t really require a full on tourer.

I’m open to suggestions and I’d really appreciate any advice regarding a suitable bike or any other things I should consider.

[Andy_Pagin]

What licence have you got?
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[Mozzy]

Hi Andy,

No bike license yet, only done the theory, but I'm booking the lessons/tests and if everything goes to plan, I "should" have the full license before the end of September.

[Mark_F]

For a full license you can get anything, but some similar bikes to the SV that you might consider:

ER6, Versys, Z750, XJ6, FZ6, FZ8, MT-07, CB600R, CB650F, VFR800...

Try lots of bikes so you find something you feel is comfy.

[Mozzy]

Thanks Mark,

Thinking of something that will have smooth power delivery to break me in and suitable / enjoyable for the commute.

The SV650 kept coming up so I'm starting to get tunnel vision.

[Mark_F]

[Mozzy]

True, I stood next to one, it "seemed" like it would measure up well, but you're right I would need to sit on it.

I guess I'm trying to consider whether it's a good bike that would be fit for purpose.

Initially I was thinking of getting a smaller bike, but because of the type of riding and I'm fairly confident I'll be comfortable within a few month, I would prefer my first bike to be something I keep for a few years.

[Rogerborg]

[BTTD]

Rogerborg has summed it up pretty well, it's a lot of miles full stop.
That kind of mileage I'd be considering shaft drive, full fairing, and a reputation for endless reliability and comfort as fairly solid requirements, not just nice to haves.

[Mozzy]

Hi Rogerborg,

New job is in a not so friendly car location and a change in life situation means the original plan to move close to work has to be put on hold . Making the bike the best option (plus, I can't lie, I have always wanted a bike).

Thanks for the food for thought, the V-Strom was on my list, but I thought the SV would be a little more fun to ride.

I have faith that the journey is short enough that a sporter position wouldn't be uncomfortable (but I could be wrong). I guess ware n tear would be greater on an SV compared to a shaft drive like NT650V / NT700V. Guess I really shouldn't but my eggs in the SV basket until I've tried one.

[Mozzy]

Hi jnw10,

Guess it's back to the drawing board, at least I've got a bit of time.

Thanks all, really appreciate the input saved me from leaping without a great view on the big picture.

[Rogerborg]

[Mozzy]

"For several hours each day, every day, through wind, rain and hail"


Thanks for the bleak picture

I don't mind some discomfort but I may have to reconsider the balance.

[Wonko The Sane]

[Mozzy]

I guess it's not so straight forward and this is going involve a fair bit of test rides. Looks like I'm going have to try and take my blinkers off.

[Snowdonia Rider]

V strom is a good call, it's everything the SV is, but comfier for distance.
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[Val]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[Rogerborg]

'Kin hell, Trev. Let's leave that stuff to Tef.

[Hong Kong Phooey]

You'll need to factor in having no bike a few times a year, as valve service, few sets of tyre replacements and chain and sprockets means you'll be handing it over or getting dirty.

Luckily I also have a car so it's no biggie if the bike is in bits, which usually means it's in the kitchen.
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[linuxyeti]

Hi

If it's your sole commuter, and a car isn't an option, even occasionally, you should consider having a second bike to cover for when your main bike is off the rode, for said services etc ..

Also, as you're relatively new to riding, and I'm guessing, not all that au fait with general servicing of the bike, especially chain, etc, then I'd recommend for your 'main' commuter bike, to be shaft driven, as already mentioned above, and then, as you're obviously keen on the SV, then why not get one of them as your backup commuter, fun/tat around bike? The odds are, the main increased costs of ownership then, will be MOT & tax, as it's unlikely to influence the cost of your insurance adding a second bike, providing you get multibike insurance.

Just my thoughts

Cheers

Tony
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[kgm]

There's a lot of grumpiness in this thread.

If you want to commute solely by bike just go ahead and do it. I gave the ms my car, passed my test, spent a couple of months on a 125 then switched to the 650 without issue. It can be a bit bleak in the middle of winter but more often than note I still find myself reaching for my helmet instead of my car keys. Snow is the only exception.

You'll want a bike that provides good weather protection and you'll also want heated grips and probably a heated jacket for your mileage.

For high mileage a shaft driven bike is ideal as there's less regular maintenance involved than a chain. This does limit your options somewhat though if you're looking for a bike under 1000cc (insurance?). Honda Deauville would do the job and is very practical but isn't the most exciting. Bigger bikes there's quite a few. Bigger engines tend to last longer also but being a new riding you have insurance and skill to think about.

SV650 - good bikes, can find a left over model (now discontinued) for about 4k brand new if you look about. Personally I don't like the riding position - it just doesn't fit me well.

Vstrom - tall, upright and comfortable. It would be a great commuter. I also prefer the handling to the SV650, it's easier to ride and can keep pace just fine. Being adv styled you could add hand guards for more weather protection. Earlier version shares SV650 engine.

Versys - similar to above but a little more sporty in it's handling on the twisties. Lacks a little top end on the motorway but isn't too bad.

ER6F - I use one every day and the valve check intervals are really long so it's fairly simple maintenance wise. Weather protections isn't amazing but is adequate. I prefer the handling and engine to the SV650 also. Nice easy bike to learn on and mine has been solidly reliable. Same engine as Versys but tuned for more top end - a little better at high speeds. Copes absolutely fine cruising at 80mph on the motorway. Might be a bit cramped for you though. SV might well fit you better.

BMW F800GT - nice upright riding position, decent weather protection and belt driven so no chain to faff with. Nice bike but a little pricey.

There's loads of older bikes you could look at as well that would be great for not a lot of money and that you won't mind riding in winter. That would let you get two bikes as suggested. It's not essential but I like having the two.

Stick your budget into biketrader and see what appeals to you. I think anything adventure styled (except the single cylinder models) or sport tourer style would do the job.

[Az]

[Mozzy]

Wow Trever, easy tiger, didn't mean to piss on your chips. Hope your day gets better.

Thanks Az,
Defiantly planning of taking it easy, I know how dangerous the road can be in the relative safety of car, so I'm defiantly planning on keeping my feed firmly on the ground as I assume you don't really meant how to ride until you've actually passed you test.

Thanks again Rogerberg

Hi Hong Kong,

The running costs of the different bikes is still something I'm getting my head around I did factor it in a little and it almost make sense to use my car, but the added cost and time just about makes a bike worthwhile and that without factoring the fact I've always wanted one.

Hi linuxyeti,

The service is a factor, but public transport is a viable option but due to the location its kind of sole destroying due to effort and additional time. A second bike is something I never thought about but I'm not sure it's a serious option, 2 bikes and a car may be pushing it. But I am thinking about down sizing the car given the situation so it may be an option.

Hi Meggark,

I think I'm fairly prepared for the whole winter cold / wet. Planning on keeping simple, buy the right equipment / accessories, allow extra time and whenever I start to whine just realise I brought it on myself and the alternative is being stuck on public transport warm, but moving at a snails pace daydreaming of riding a bike.

I know the Deauville is the best call, but I don't think I can do it totally understand its the most suitable option but I think it's a lil too far away from my preferred option. The V storm was my initial "sensible" choice but I was a bit concerned about the actually physical size possibly being a bit big for a noobie and the impact that would have on handling. Defiantly appreciate all the suggestions and feedback you guys are providing, it provides a clear indication I need to stop with the tunnel vision and try various styles of bike.

I can still see me going with a sports tourer with a load of accessories to try and improve the comfort. But I'm certainly gonna remove the blinkers (well except for the deauville)

[Rogerborg]

V-Strom will be fine. Heavier = more stable handling, especially in crosswinds. I was out on my mini-Ninja today, it was weaving more than Jean-Claude Juncker after a liquid breakfast.
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