SV650, ER6 or FZ6 on 33bhp restriction?

guile · Spanner Monkey Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Karma :

I just do urban commuting all on 30 mph roads - never really get above 45mph. I want something that has fun acceleration - not so bothered about top end. The lighter and lower the bike, the better.

Is there really that much difference between these 3 bikes on a 33bhp restriction?

The riding position of the ER6 appeals to me, the SV650 appeals due to its cheaper price and I just like the look of the FZ6. The huge exhaust on the SV almost ruins it completely.

What's the best option?

Tbag · Spanner Monkey Joined: 29 May 2012 Karma :

barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

open · Trackday Trickster Joined: 04 Apr 2011 Karma :

A lot of people say that twin engine bikes (SV650, GPZ500s, ER-5, CBF500, etc) restrict better than Inline4's (Most sporty 600s) as the I4's have most of their power in the top end of the rev counter and not much when moving at slower speeds - and w/ the 33BHP restrictors you will cut most of that top end off anyway.

Where as the twins have a smoother power delivery throughout and have more power low down. So it would be better for riding in town, but I'm sure they will go when they need to
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Given your requirements, I wonder if you'd have more fun with less bike. Thinking

guile · Spanner Monkey Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Karma :

barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

Tbag · Spanner Monkey Joined: 29 May 2012 Karma :

WindyMiller · Scooby Slapper Joined: 02 Nov 2011 Karma :

Can't comment on IL4s as I've never ridden one, but I'm definitely enjoying my restricted SV.

It's faster than most traffic up to 70/80 and will (just) touch an indicated 100mph (or so I've heard, officer). I'm getting about 56 mpg. Yes, the standard exhaust is the size of a small planet and the tail is a big plastic snow shovel, but I don't care.

The step up from a YBR125 was fantastic and (so far) I only really want mooooore powaaaah for the motorway. It's probably a good thing I don't have it though, I would use it.

guile · Spanner Monkey Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Karma :

J.M. · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Karma :

Tbag · Spanner Monkey Joined: 29 May 2012 Karma :

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

I'd struggle to find a reason to have more than a 125cc in your situation.

I currently do motorway journeys on the 125 as its fine. Going through town, it feels like overkill.

I'd be looking at penny saving and grabbing a CB250 at most, I was working out the other day it used to cost me £8 a day getting too and from work so my first hour at work paid for my trip there and back.

Its crap when you think about it.

barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

iMark · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Nov 2011 Karma :

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

barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

biker7 · Crazy Courier Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Karma :

SV650 - brilliant bike. Light as a feather and very quick away from the lights. Lots come with a nice aftermarket can that makes a lovely noise - it is good for cars to hear you coming. The are bomb proof and just go on and on. Suzuki still make them new, they are so good. You can go for the straight bars which are great for handling but the clip ons are just lovely. Probably the best bike I ever had and I've had a few! Beginners bike....just about but you wont get bored easily - I went from one on to my GSX-R600 (126 bhp) and I still miss the bottom end. Easy to park and push if necessary.
Not the only good cheap bike but you could do a lot, lot worse.
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guile · Spanner Monkey Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Karma :

I felt the 125 underpowered sometimes in the city. When German sportscar drivers get pissed when you filter up to the front of the queue at traffic lights, they would undertake me in the bus lane forcing me to move over into the path of lane-breaking motorcyclists going the other way.

Plus I would just like to burn off the line for some FUN. The 125 was only fun a very small amount of the time. Acceleration was NEVER fun.

There are plenty of SV650s around but for a few more hundred quid, you can get an ER6F (ableit 2006 vibey model). SV apparently has worse suspension and that terrible exhaust. If I could get a cheapish ER6, I would be looking at doing something like this guy has...

https://www.riderforums.com/general-ninja-650r/61694-naked-good-my-fighter-project-6.html

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

guile · Spanner Monkey Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Karma :

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

My car and CBR do 35mpg.

My bike this week did 94mpg.

My car costs £80 for a disc and £25 for pads, the CBR costs far more.

The Varadero got a new disk, pads, chain and sprockets, oil and filter for <£90.

Car filled up per week = £65
Varadero = £18
Car tax = £220
Vara = £16
Insurance on car = £800
Insurance on Bike = £80

Forgive me if I'm wrong but my yearly saving on insurance and petrol alone just bought me a ZX6R...twice Thumbs Up

So yes, I do think it bodes well to use it. that and its comfy as fuck with a top box. Laughing

guile · Spanner Monkey Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Karma :

^^Fair enough. Are you sure those MPG figures are right? Looks to me like 44mpg for the CBR and 70ishmpg for the varadero.

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

100% sure.

I ride the CBR how it should be ridden.
I ride the commuter how it should be ridden, constant throttle at 60mph to save on the fuel costs. Thumbs Up

Ignore what the book says for mpg, my old car should have been getting 26mpg combined. I got 9.

Muscle Bike Rider · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Karma :