VFR400 to SV650

[Quickly]

I have had a VFR400 NC24 for ten years. I've not been riding consistently in that time and haven't ridden at all for four years. I had a bad accident on another bike and my riding became much more tense and nervous. I think I'm past that now but don't actually know since I've not ridden for a couple years.

I want something which is fun to ride at weekends, good for commuting around London on, and capable of doing the occasional 400-500 mile trip a few times a year. Also cheap to insure.

The MT-07 appeals to me visually but I'm concerned the low end torque might be too much after a break and trying to stay relaxed on the bike (but I don't actually know). I'm also concerned the poor breaks and soft suspension might give me the willies when I'm out having fun and set back my confidence again, or just provide a less enjoyable experience.

The SV650 seems like a good option. Everything I read says it's fun even for experienced bikers, but it's well planted and easy to ride, which might help with just solidifying my confidence. I am just concerned that I might find it boring after the VFR400 or quickly grow out of it.

Any thoughts?
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[ThunderGuts]

I learned on a 2017 SV650 so I can tell you what it was like from that point in my riding career . . . low, forgiving, grunty engine and felt reasonably well made. Looks are a bit divisive; it's a naked obviously, but what's on show isn't exactly pretty. Not sure on practicality for big trips though; uncertain about what luggage options you'd have and there's no screen (not that you couldn't fit an aftermarket one).

I enjoyed it though and seriously considered one.
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TG.

[redeem ouzzer]

Take a bath in stale dogshit, it'll be more fun.

Seriously, i'd get more enjoyment setting fire to the money I could spend on an SV than I would spending it on an SV.
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Be a REAL MAN!

[Nobby the Bastard]

Keep the vfr.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[ThatDippyTwat]

The baby viffer is fun - if I was a foot shorter, I'd have one. The SV is regarded as a bland A2 friendly bike because, well, it's a bland A2 friendly bike.
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'98 VFR800 (touring) - '12 VFR800 Crosrunner (Commuting) - '01 KDX220 (Big Green Antisocial Machine)

[chickenstrip]

The SV's enjoyment factor lasts about 100 miles, and then you realise you need what it's got x10. So a test ride will only mislead you into thinking, "this isn't bad." No, but it just doesn't have enough of "good". If you want to stay relatively cheap, get an FZS600 Fazer, a much better bike, plenty of capability for getting back into it, but not scary.
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Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

[Quickly]

Lots of great replies. I'm seeing loads of positive SV650 reviews on YouTube and Reddit, so it's nice to get balance.

For info, the vfr got totalled when it was stolen 4 years ago, so it's not an option now, but it's my reference point for bikes.

I've also used a GPZ500 for a few years and found it comfortable but boring.

H
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[ThatDippyTwat]

[doggone]

The newer pointy style I did have one briefly it seemed uncomfortable on longer runs and you won't be overtaking anything much.
Hard to truly dislike it though.
The exhaust can be made to sound very nice without going mad - does add a bit of character.
There are better bikes for similar money, not least that MT-07

[kolu]

I have just bought SV650S (waiting for delivery) and then I read this... FML

[chickenstrip]

[Kentol750]

Post 2016 sv (naked) isn't a bad bike, more comfortable to ride if you're over 6 foot than an er6/z650. Mt07 and z very similar to ride. Sv need a small wind deflector/screen to make it work for long motorway runs. At the price Suzuki were knocking them out for pre-covid, it's a good bike for the money. Yamaha at the same price would be a good buy too.

If you're buying a naked bike for big miles then you'll get annoyed with no fairing rather quickly.
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Some bikes.

[ThunderGuts]

They’re more than adequate for most people’s needs; they’re no sports bike but I doubt you’d buy one if you’re after that anyway. They’re solid middleweight nakeds. I actually quite like the vtwin power delivery of them - nice accessible grunt, if not served up in big portions.
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TG.

[chickenstrip]

[andi]

NC24 is a classic. keep it.
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Before: Suzuki GT 185. Honda Superdream 250. Yamaha RD350LC. Suziki RG250. Yamaha FZS600. Honda CBR600F3
Now: Honda Fireblade 929

[Ste]

Keep the VFR for fun, buy an SV for boring commuting?

[chickenstrip]

[Quickly]

Cheers all - much appreciated. I think the problem is I want too many different things in a single bike, and I can't afford a Street Triple.

My mindset is now, it's not going to be fun, but I need to get back into riding... what can I get for less than £1k to pootle around on and build up NCB.
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[Quickly]

[Fisty]

[wr6133]

Don't get the uber-hate for SV's. They are boring comparatively to similar capacity IL4's but no more tedious than any of those shit budget twins. Personally I think the ER6 is worse, bland, sewing machine sounding, gay looking, crap named (they called it "Er" as in "Er this thing is shit"), boring turd. Though that in turn is a high quality, performance machine when sat next to a GS500, so it's all subjective.

If your budget is £1k I really wouldn't focus on any model specifically though. At that price point you can find the occasional gem but there will be so many nails out there if you focus on a single model you are going to limit choice massively.

[MarJay]

I went from an NC21 to an SV650S K2. In 2002.

Nowadays? I'd go for an MT07 without a second thought. If you think the brakes or suspension on the MT07 are bad, then the SV is going to be a disappointment to you. Don't get me wrong I think they are great bikes, but I don't think you're really upgrading a lot going from a VFR to an SV. From what I understand an MT07 is a total hoot but also perfect for someone without loads of experience.

If an MT07 is within your budget, then I'd go for it if I were you.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[chickenstrip]

[wr6133]

[cdlxxvi]