R3 vs Restricted SV650?

CorriganJ · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Apr 2019 Karma :

Im on my A2 license and have a restrited 1991 RD04 which I love for long trips, but it is safe to say the handling is vague. I would like a sportier bike with better more precise handling so that I can practice a different type of riding. I was wondering if a small sports bike like the R3 (or maybe Ninja 300) would be better for that, or the famous SV650 which is said to be one of the best entry level / beginner track bikes out there. Which has more precise handling? Would be interested to taking it to track days to really push it.

Or any better suggestions around the £3,000 mark?

Note de-restricting the SV650 wouldn't be much use to me so that doesn't come into play. Here in Spain you can't just take the kit out, you need to get a mechanic to remove it, then make an appointment at an MOT test centre for them to certify that it's been de-restricted, then take all the paperwork to the Spanish DVLA and update the logbook to say it's no longer restricted - too much hassle I would sell it and get an R6 when I pass my A test in 18 months.
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1991 RD04

Zen Dog · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Karma :

CorriganJ · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Apr 2019 Karma :

ThunderGuts · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Nov 2018 Karma :

SV650 would be a half decent stepping stone and probably more fun than a 300cc bike as it's going to be much gruntier. That said, if you can hang on a bit and get what you really want, I'd be tempted to do that.

On a side note, your post got me reading up on the RD04 which was interesting and it's quite impressive just how similar it looks to the current AT, albeit what's under the skin is undoubtedly very different.
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TG.

CorriganJ · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Apr 2019 Karma :

Ayrton · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Karma :

I have a sv650s and it's a good bike, but I think all the praise comes from how customisable they are and because a lot of people race them there's a lot of information out there on how to improve them. I've just bought a gsxr shock to swap into mine and new fork springs to suit my weight and there's plenty of other temping mods like cbr brake calipers and front end swaps Laughing

I don't know enough about the R3 to say which is better though.

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

The SV will be the better bike.

Its a decent enough tool.

redeem ouzzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2015 Karma :

SV stands for "still virgin". You won't get many birds riding one.
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