2nd bike suggestions

[cajrovd]

If cost is a factor, check into insurance rates for the different bikes as well. A R6 or SV1000 will be quite a jump from a SV650.  

For all around handling, performance, & cost i think the SV650 is the best bike. But like chuey said, also consider what stirs the emotion in you, otherwise you probably will be looking for something else. Of course, if your too 'emotion' driven, then you'll probably be looking for something else right away anyways!! Just my $.02...

[70 Cam Guy]

I've heard some insurance companies are getting wise to the SV so its insurance is not as cheap as it once was.  That said, many companies lump it into the same catagory as the 600ss bikes but it has more displacement so some people are paying more for their SV than they would be for an F4i, 600rr, ZX-6R, etc

check your insurance company because YMMV

[mp183]

If you are into short trips get and SV650.  If you want comfort and are into long trips get the V-Strom 650.

[charleym3]

I rode a couple different bikes too.  Ths sv650S has a rather agressive position.  The naked version is better, for me.  Also rode a V-strom.  Excellent ride.  I bought a Bandit 600S.  Very much like the VStrom, but smoother.  It's an I-4.  It has a little buzz passing through 65-75.  Dropping down to 5th smoothes that out.  It'll hop up to 90 easily.  I have a 98 with 6400miles.  Paid 2400 and did *Everything* to it maintenance wise including 2 tires, valves, carbs, brakes.  I'm in for less than $3K and the bike is perfect.  

I really enjoy this bike.  Did I mention it's smoothe?  
Great ride.  They can be had right now in the 22-25 range.  Makes 40+ MPG in the city 50 on the highway.  Nice ride

[geekonabike]

To me there is a big difference between replacement and second bike.  If I were getting a second bike, on my budget it would be something vintage and for variety very different from the GS500.  (More different than, say, a SV650.)  Maybe a cruiser, KLR650, or something just a bunch bigger (CB750 comes to my mind), or maybe even something smaller to just be around when my main bike is in the shop, or for short trips where I might not be able to warm it up properly.  My commute, for instance, is about 1.5 miles on roads marked 35mph.  I'm tempted to find an old 125cc bike for this, and just abuse the heck out of it, in a 125cc-sort of way, and smile every time I pass the gas station.  OTOH I've had opportunities to pick up early-mid eighties reasonably powerful bikes, like a CX650 for $1100 with only 9K miles, new seat, new tires, etc.  Old Goldwings are practically being given away.

I'd never buy anything but a new bike for a replacement now.  I've paid to basically rebuild two used bikes, including my present GS500E, and don't really want to do that again.  I'm too picky not to if I get a used one for everyday.  If I had to do it now I'd either get a Bonneville or a VStrom, or if I want to be more conservative (and continue to hang out with you all), a new GS500F.

FWIW,
Mike D.

[Gillberg]

I have a 02 vfr800.  I could rave on about how great they are.
Take one for a test ride and judge for yourself. I'd be surprised if you didn't like it. Very user friendly.

[pantablo]

I've heard some insurance companies are getting wise to the SV so its insurance is not as cheap as it once was.  That said, many companies lump it into the same catagory as the 600ss bikes but it has more displacement so some people are paying more for their SV than they would be for an F4i, 600rr, ZX-6R, etc

The insurance co's arent necessarily getting "wise" to the Sv. They're actually having to pay out on lots of claims against them. Lots of new riders on them crashing them, or more experienced riders crashing them at the track and claiming that too. Just check the sv boards-there's at least one crash on EVERY group ride posted. Confirms my feeling that the SV is too much for a first bike for most.

[pantablo]

I have a 02 vfr800.  I could rave on about how great they are.
Take one for a test ride and judge for yourself. I'd be surprised if you didn't like it. Very user friendly.

Also an aquired taste. My buddy just unloaded his 02vfr and was glad to be rid of it. hated it immensely. Even the magazines arent keen on its vtec. My buddy also felt it had a bit of a twitchy throttle/FI. He has a FZ1 now and couldnt be happier with it. This is one of those bikes that is different for everyone, either loving it or hating it. Not sporty enough to sport ride hard yet not comfortable enough 2-up to tour.

[Roadstergal]

Confirms my feeling that the SV is too much for a first bike for most.

I'm glad it wasn't my first bike.  It's just a bit too confidence-inspiring, in some ways.

[TR]

I like SV650 mechanics, FI, etc, but if two up is frequent and 90MPH speeds too, I'd rather stay with a more pillion friendly, and faired bike. For what I've read YZF sounds better than SV: good brakes, more ponies, and great windshield... extra weight? my 100 pound friend doesn't makes much trouble on the GS500, so I guess 60 pounds with better suspension shouldn't be a big deal... I think I'll get one whenever I emmigrate from the GS...

[Nomak]

For the money you CANNOT beat a Thundercat ... You can get a wicked used Thundercat for like $3500 ... And it has excellent range and it an EXCELLENT streetbike