Would you recommend an SV650 as a starter bike?

[DerekNC]

The GS certainly corners good but I guess it has to since there's really no comparison in speed to any sportbike. My FZR feels super fast as in "tug on your arms at 80 mph"(don't worry, I think I've got it out of my system ). The only time I had my GS that fast it felt like it was at the end of it's rope. I'm sure my FZR is like a scooter compared to the newer crop of sportbikes as my GS felt kind of fast at one time.  With what little experience I've had on the FZR I think it would certainly outcorner the GS being that it's flickable and can really stick a line. Some aspects of the GS such as twitchy handling and "this bike feels too small to go that fast" would make a sportbike look like a beginner machine. Just ride a sportbike then switch back to the GS and you'll see what I mean.

I've heard people mention that 600 sportbikes are good beginner bikes since they have very little low end power. That actually makes the bike harder to ride. If you're not use to a 600's powerband be prepared to stall and lug the engine taking off. I speaking mainly from my experience on the Fizzer as I'm sure other 600s are probably easier to get rolling. The GS500 engine is absolutely beginner friendly.