What bike, Opinions?

[sprint_9]

Well, Ive pretty much decided that Im going to move up from the GS next year to something a little bigger.  Ive been riding the GS for 3 years and have logged 7k in those years, 4k being in this year so far.  Im going to very likely stay with the Suzuki name because I think they make a great bike.  So my options for a bike include the SV line and the GSXR line.  If I go with the SV line I do like the looks of the 03 and up SVS and I like the fact they have fuel injection, but if need be I could get an 01 or 02 SVS, they also look good to me and would be a little cheaper.  If I couldnt find an SVS for a good price I could always go the naked route too.  I have recently started to consider like an 01 to 02 GSXR 600, I do kind of like the full fairing but I think a GSXR will be hard to swing, number one they cost more and the insurance would also be quite high.  So what do you think, any other valid arguements you have, shoot them out, I figure the earlier I start on my deciding the easier it will be to finally come to a decision.

[Daniely]

Well I have no experience with a GSXR, and VERY VERY limited experience with the SV. Basically, I sat on one...lol. The ONLY gripe i have about the SV is the tank, its freakishly huge. Beyond taht I love their looks. Specifically the 01-02 because of the frame. BEAUTIFUL in my opinion.

[mastrind]

well.....i've seen some really great prices on the SV1k's recently.....03's selling for $4500.....of course, I'd also love a GSX-R 750.....

I'd say, try to find something that will allow you to keep the GS5.....I'm scouring the area for an older kat750....I almost picked one up off ebay for $400 a few weeks back, but the timing wasn't right....

[97gs500e]

Get a bike with an inline4..
go for the 01/02 gixxer 600..

I've only put 1,500 miles on my GS, but I will probably have about 3,500 to 4,000 on it before next season begins - at which time I will get a bigger -fully faired sport bike. (but I will keep the GS as a commuter)

Honda's are really good bikes too.  I'd consider an 01/02 CBR 600 F4i as well as the gixxer.

[scratch]

Check out more of the SV forums to see what year models are better than others, and price replacement tires for both bikes. Also, check what kind of mileage most riders are getting out of their tires on both models. I have heard that the front suspension on most SV's are already inadequate, and so you'll have to figure that cost, too, when purchasing new. If you're buying used, they may have already changed the springs; may have being key.

[Roadstergal]

I'd only get a GSX-R if it's going to be a track bike.  Heck, even the SV makes a great track bike.

I reviewed GS vs. carbed SV in O&E recently.

I've found the suspension to be fine, but I don't weigh as much as most of the people who are griping about it (although I _do_ feel the griped-about GS front softness).

I did go 'back' to the GS as a street bike, though, since it's such a great all-around street bike.

[Slavik]

what is exactly are you looking for in the next bike?  do you need something that is just a bit faster, but still has a comphy rider position?  if so sv's are great.....but also yamaha has a couple of great choices for "standard" bikes.....or do you want a race bike, then of course the gsxr is the way to go, but once again there are equaly good choices by other brands out there.....it all deopends on what are your plans for the next bike

[Jake D]

SV 650, CBR 600 F4i, Monster, Bandit 1000, et al.  

Triumph Daytona 650.

Of course you DID say you wanted to stick with Suzuki.  So I guess Gixxer or find an old TL1000R.  That is the hottest thing going, IMO (the tiller).

Of course, if you've heard a Buell X1 in person, you may lust for it too.

[RedShift]

• How much are you willing to spend for the bike?
  
• Willing to buy used?
  
• Any guiding requirements, like maximum insurance premiums, fuel mileage, touring capability or "want to meet law enforcement"?
  
• And even if you narrow it down to one bike, are there any in your general region to buy?[/list:u]If you want to narrow down your choices, you need to consider all these factors, and probably others I've omitted.

[Indy GS]

Check out the Kawasakit ZZR600 if you do want to move from the Suzuki brand.  I looked at SV650S, SV1000S, YZF600R and I'm waiting for the 06 ZZR600 to arrive so I can check it out.  If it's what I think it is I'm plunking down a deposit for next spring.  Good compromise of sport and suitable touring bike.  THe GS is going to the wife or my buddy who wants to start riding.

[Chris.t.Collins]

Just lusting after a Yamaha YZF-R1 .... very cool looking.  I know not the new one but there is no way with 4 kids and a wife

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2004/2004-yam-r1-d-04.jpg

[Jasco]

SV 650, CBR 600 F4i, Monster, Bandit 1000, et al.  

Triumph Daytona 650.

Of course you DID say you wanted to stick with Suzuki.  So I guess Gixxer or find an old TL1000R.  That is the hottest thing going, IMO (the tiller).

Of course, if you've heard a Buell X1 in person, you may lust for it too.

Don't foget the Tilles (TL1000S).  Same as the R, but with a quarter fairing.  I've got one and love it.  I don't think I could go to an inline 4 from my torque monster v-twin.  I rode a friends FZ1 and It just wasn't as much fun as  my TL1000S.  The TL's are not for the faint of heart.  They have their own special set of issues/challenges that you have to work with.

Matt

[Anonymous]

Concur with Indy GS.  The ZZR600 is a great "all around" bike.  Good handling, comfortable ergos, and outstanding power.

[sprint_9]

Well, I got alot of great responses, which is very cool.  In response to a few things, I do want a more sporty bike, hence why I would get an SVS or the standard version, clip-ons and a half fairing really appeal to me, full fairing is good, but it seems the insurance companies go nuts when they see that.  I would like to spend no more then 4 grand, and insurance is definutly in the mix, however, I did some checking on an 03 SV 650 standard and it was quoted to be only $50 more a year then the GS, so I can definutly live with that.  I like the idea of a TL but the 1000 cc might kill me on insurance, something worth looking into I think though.  I dont need anymore run in's with the law either, last two nights the law and I have had our moments, both with me being luckier then heck to get out of it, one required some quick corning and shutting off my bike very quickly and walking rather fast into my buddies house, the cop was in a hurry and so was I,  :lol:  :dunno:

[Jake D]

So I was thinking about this subject this morning.

In a perfect world, money issues aside and assuming I was a much better rider, I think I would want a Kawasaki Z1000.  An orange Z1000.

I'm out.

[sprint_9]

Yea if money was no issue for me it would be a brand new SV1000S.

[Jasco]

Check a quote on the TL  the S will be cheaper than the R.  My '97 only costs me $450 a year for full coverage.

Matt

[Roadstergal]

Yea if money was no issue for me it would be a brand new SV1000S.

I haven't ridden one, but a friend of mine who races an '01 SV650 tells me that the 650 handles better.

Another friend of mine who is shopping for a bike ran insurance quotes on the 650 and 1000, and the 1000 came up lower.

[sprint_9]

I haven't ridden one, but a friend of mine who races an '01 SV650 tells me that the 650 handles better.

Another friend of mine who is shopping for a bike ran insurance quotes on the 650 and 1000, and the 1000 came up lower.

Yea Ive heard that about the handling, never would have thought that for the insurance though.

[Jasco]

It is probably because there are a lot more 650's and therefore more accidents on them.  Displacement isn't the only thing they look at.  Depending on the company they may look at statistics for each individual bike.