SV650 for first bike?

Magnum · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 19 Sep 2008 Karma :

I am 17, looking to buy a bike in January. I have not taken the bike test (i will do it in january before i purchase my first bike).

Originally i wanted a DRZ400, but the insurance is far too much because it's a very "nickable" bike. (£1200 with theft cover)

I like the idea of owning a bike that would be a suitable tourer and would be pretty decent once de-restricted (after at least a year of riding).

A nice 1999 SV can be anything from £1200 to £2000 which is my price range.
The insurance is a reasonable £840 (whopping £650 excess) or £940 with £150 excess.

This bike is in my price range and a bike that i would like to keep for a few years even after the restriction.

I understand that this is quite a big bike, 650cc is a lot but i would definitely keep it restricted. Is it a sensible choice to choose this bike?

Graprilia · Brolly Dolly Joined: 02 May 2007 Karma :

i did alot of research into SV650 as i was going to purchase one but wanted something a bit more sporty so i got a CBR 400.

The SV is smallish but it would and i have asked many people take the restriction with no problems , but they cost like £175 to get and have fitted.

Insurance is good on the SV ever though its a 650 , but in general according to most bike mags its is the most popular bike to have after you pass you A2 restricted license test.

Reasons for this are they are easy to ride and you can improve your riding skills and they are very forgiving so perfect 1st bike & when the 2 years are up just whip out the restrictor and you now have a full power 650cc.

Hope that helps out a bit
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Piaggo liberty 125 SOLD - CBR 125 - SOLD Aprilia RS 125 - SOLD CBR 400 NC29 - SOLD ZX6R currently own https://bikepics.com/members/Graprilia/

Nick__C · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Karma :

Have you done cbt?
Do you mean first proper bike? :S
'Cause you have to have 125 while on cbt?

Magnum · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 19 Sep 2008 Karma :

Thanks for the reply Grap.

It will be my first bike, i havn't done the cbt.

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

If you're going to drive in the deep end the SV is definatly one of the better bike to do so with.

I would still not recommend doing so. You will find that 90% of people dropped/crashed/mistreated their first bike through ignorance. I'm extremely glad i didnt have anything valuable as a first bike or i'd have been stuffed and heartbroken.

Pie-Roe · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Karma :

If it's your FIRST first bike, jumping from 0-650 isn't a big deal.

Buy it as a mech sound, cosmetic shitter, sell as a mech sound cosmetic shitter.
Restriction, meh.

Pyro
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Previous: GSF600, FZR600 x2, ZXR750, XT600 Tenere, CB125, CZ125, ETZ 250, ER5, CCM R30, DRZ400, RF600x4, RF900x2, GS500, VTR1000F, 640 SMC, CB250 NIGHTHAWK, GT550x3, GPX750 TE610, CB500, X11x2, SV650, ZING 125, TL1000R,CB250 Superdream, CBR1100XX

Keir · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Karma :

BUY MY SV650S!
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Current : '08 Yamaha FZ1s
Previous: '99 Honda CBR 600FX, 03 ZX636 B1H, 99 Fazer 600 (red), 02 GSX-R 600 K2, 00 SV650s (red), 2008 ZX10R, 97 Bandit 1200N, 04 ZX6RR K1H, 04 GSX-R 1000, 98 Fazer 600 (gold), 05 Madness 110 Pit bike, 04 CR125R, 00 SV650s (black), 06 KTM 625 SMC, 99 SRAD 600 track bike, 03 SV650, 98 Bandit 1200N, Bandit 600SY, 03 GSX-R 600 K3, 01 GSX-R 600, 01 Fazer 600 (black), VFR 400 NC30 x3, 78 Honda Dream, 00 Speedfight 50

bipolar bear · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Karma :

NO BUY MINE !!
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Suzuki SV650S K7

All Your Base Are Belong To Us

Seb · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Karma :

Get a few quotes on a ZZR600 and Thundercat as well, the Kwak was the cheapest modern faired bike I could find on the insurance front with the SV650 and Thundercat close behind.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

Keir · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Karma :

Magnum · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 19 Sep 2008 Karma :

Thanks for the replies and the offers, but i cannot buy untill january.

Tonka · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Karma :

My first bike is an SV650S and I love it, but I did the DAS as I'm old(er) Rolling Eyes

and it's not restricted. I figured that I'd be able to 'grow' into my bike and if necessary I can change in a couple of years when I've more experience, feel more confident and have a better idea of what I really want from my bike.

If you want to ride like a loon you'll do it on any bike imo. You will need to be respectful of your speed even restricted, just take care, try to be sensible and have fun! Wink

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'The core of a man's spirit comes from new experiences'
Suzuki SV650S (Clean); Yamaha XT250 Serow (Dirty)

Tango675 · Crazy Courier Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Karma :

I got a SV650 after passing my test and love it.

I did a DAS so didn't have to worry about restrictors.
Its faster (if de-restricted) than a CB500 etc will keep you entertained for longer. There are plenty about and take restriction well.

Go on buy one! (*)

(*) usual restrictions apply, please sit on bike before making a purchase and ensure it fits. terms and conditions apply please see attached booklet for details...
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Somebody give that windup merchant a torque wrench..