A2 stuck for choice!!! (Sv650s vs cbr650f)

[Inquisitive]

Hey, so my A2 is up and coming this year and I have my eyes on two particular bikes. I have done quite a bit of research and narrowed it down to two bikes. Firstly some background information, I am 6'3 and not too heavy and I have not sat on either of the bikes I shall now mention.

The choices I have are the sv650s and the cbr650f, I like both of these bikes and I plan to unrestrict my choice after a2 test is passed and the chosen bike is insured ( I know,I know...). I am not too fussed about the appearance of either bike because I personally think both are fine. I like the torque and sound of the v/twin but also the top end of the cbr. In terms of finances I am aware of the second hand sticker prices for both but if anyone could enlighten me on insurance differences that would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the essay but I'm really stuck for choice, thank you to any responses.

[P.]

Neither will set your world on fire, the CBR will be faster post passing your full test, however, it'll still be pretty meh.

You really need to sit on them, 6'3 is probably gonna give you some comfort issues on the CBR, the SV is roomy enough.

Another option is a Z900, thats a mix up between the 2, OK-ish power delivery ala SV with a decent chunk after upgrading your licence without licence losing speeds.

[arry]

What's your current biking history?

[Inquisitive]

[Inquisitive]

[struan80]

Having owned a CBR 650f from new I can tell you that the components are not of a standard that Honda should produce. It is very prone to corrosion. It is a fun bike to ride, you get power low down which is really what you need. My later inline 4's need revving to death to get a thrill.

[grr666]

^^^ Mt09 *cough* Struan. go try one. I reckon you'll likey if you like a grunty bike.

There's a watered down Z900 35kw version. Basically remapped to be less good, it is reversible when you want to
go full fat though so there is that I suppose, which will put it up to 90 odd kw. If it wasn't upgradeable, then I'm not
sure I'd buy a 900+ cc bike that was A2 compliant. Can't see the point tbh, may as well spend less and go faster
on a Fazer 600 or similar.
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[arry]

In that case, if you've never ridden a big bike, I'd advise you don't set your mind on anything just yet and just concentrate on getting your test out of the way. By the time you've been on the school bike for a while, you'll be able to objectively think about what you like and dislike about it, and then base your bike decision around that instead.

All the research in the world won't tell you what you'll find out in the real world.

[Rogerborg]

[Inquisitive]

[quote="Rogerborg"]

[Inquisitive]

[quote="Rogerborg"]

[Inquisitive]

[struan80]

[Kentol750]

S model sv is older engine than in current naked sv. The post 2016 sv (Gladys replacement) is good as an a2 bike as the ecu doesn't strangle it. For use on mod 1 it's no different in a2 form from standard. Only when you push hard through the gears do you notice the restriction. However, it may be a little cramped for anyone 6' plus.

Tl;dr a new model sv with a fairing 'should' be on the cards!
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Some bikes.

[Inquisitive]

[Inquisitive]

[MarJay]

[Inquisitive]

[stevo as b4]

I'd recommend picking a 47bhp instead or one that is just a bit over and restrict for your licence. Whatever A2 compliant bike you pick won't feel much if any different after two years when you add another 20-25bhp by removing the restriction.

As Paddy said it'll be a bit Meh!

Plan on two bikes, one for now and one for the unrestricted licence. Its the only way that makes any sense.

[Rogerborg]

OP's planning to "restrict", not restrict, so might as well go for 70kW.

Honestly, there's no right or wrong choice. I prefer twins over IL4s, people who are wrong have the opposite view.

Oh, Triumph apparently made a few 70kW 675 Street Triples, but you'd be hard pressed to find one, and I doubt it'd be comfy for you anyway.

Y U no V-Strom or Versys 650?
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Inquisitive]

[AshWebster]

like 'arry' has said - dont think too much about it (i feel that this has passed already however) until you have PASSED your test.

Many reasons - the main being added pressure to pass,
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Honda cg125 J reg peice of shit ---> CB650F ---> 2016 CBR600RR
Ford KA ---> 93' MR2 ---> 94'MR2 ---> 98' Subaru WRX STI Ver 3 (track car)

[arry]

Yup - you've got days on a big bike coming up and it would seem silly to not use those to help form your decision making since it's going to give you more experience in the real world than anything you've managed before.

After that, pick a bike based on the characteristics you most liked, or at the very least don't pick one that has the things you didn't like. None of these decisions are the very end of the line for your biking career; you can change your mind at any time you wish afterwards once you've gained more experience. Variety is the chilli powder so they say.

I had a parallel twin as a starter bike because it was cheap and came from a friend as a known entity. Once I'd got bored of that and had a bit more cash, I had an IL4 because racebike. Thought at that point I'd never go back to a twin of any description and indeed I test rode an Aprilia Shiver which I loved the chassis of, but despised the engine delivery. Ruled out twins thereafter, and went for a Triple. Now I'm back on a twin as a main bike, which has absolutely none of the characteristics I would have wanted back in my early days. I've also got a single with barely 20 horsepower which if you'd have told me even 5 years ago I'd have, I would have laughed at you.

Mix it up, don't be afraid to change things. Get as much out of the variety as you can.

[Tdibs]

Ask if you can try the different bikes in the training schools fleet when you are doing the A2 so you get a feel for what you like and dont like. Good luck on passing!
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