SV650 VS Nighthawk 750

[bombadillo]

So I've had my bike up for sale for a little while now around here and have interest enough in it that I could sell it pretty easily now.  I am looking toward other bikes but don't want to drop a bunch of coin mainly because I'm a cheap skate.  I've been looking at used FI SV650's naked, and CB750's as well.  I know plenty about the SV's but nobody around here tends to like the naked bikes and I don't often see nighthawks.  I like their really basic style, stance, engine size and weight.  They do seem a bit slow in the 1/4 for how much motor they have compared to the SV but maybe its just a newer design and I can get over that.  I'm not one to stunt or anything else, but want something a bit bigger and more oomph than the little GS has to give.  I also want some more stability on the highway.  We regularly ride 75-85mph here on the highway and thats just KEEPING UP with traffic, not flying past or anything.  Anyway, which bike do you think would give more comfort, better all-arounder, and be highway stable at those speeds for 100-250 mile rides.  Also, which one do you think would need more maintenance as well?  Any input on either bike is great, thanks in advance.

[bombadillo]

Test

[tt_four]

SV is definitely in a whole other league from the nighthawk. The only complaint I ever really hear about the SV is the cheap suspension, but the suspension on the CB is most likely worse. You're definitely getting a better engine and handling from the SV. The nighthawk is probably a little more comfortable. It's definitely more of a standard while the SV is more sporty. You'll spend more on the SV but you're definitely getting more bike. I think the CB could handle cruising at 75-85 but that's probably the most you're gonna get out of it. I think the SV would still feel pretty comfortable at those speeds.

[Jared]

For size/ comfort/ longer rides-ease of maintenance...(self adjusting valves if memory serves...) The Nighthawk.

For Grin factor/exhaust note...the SV...

For what you seem to be looking for the Nighthawk will probably fit the bill best.

Any way you can test ride both?

[madjak30]

Yup, these guys covered it...but I did hear complaints about the SV seat, not good for touring around...absolute blast to ride, good power, very efficient...but a tighter riding position and a hard seat the '98-'02 is the roomiest, but you are looking at the FI units or '03 and newer which have the tight postion (very similar to the GS500, except you are slightly more leaned forward)

After getting off the GS500, both will seem fast...but the SV is faster...and the Nighthawk is more comfortable...

Good Luck!!

Later.

[gsJack]

.................We regularly ride 75-85mph here on the highway and thats just KEEPING UP with traffic, not flying past or anything.  Anyway, which bike do you think would give more comfort, better all-arounder, and be highway stable at those speeds for 100-250 mile rides.  Also, which one do you think would need more maintenance as well?  Any input on either bike is great, thanks in advance.

I thought the GS500 was very capable on the Interstates at those speeds doing many 400 mile days and was stable enough doing it.     I traded a 85 CB650SC (Nighthawk) in on my 1st GS and thought the GS500 felt like a sportbike compared to that nighthawk.  That 85 Nighthawk was lighter and more nimble than the later CB750SC Nighthawks.  I thought the newer CB750SC was much more comfortable than the SV sitting on them in showrooms but never rode either.

The nighthawks had hydraulic valve lash adjusters since 83 so no more valve adjustments with those.  My 85 CB650SC was also shaft drive so it was the most maintenance free bike I ever owned.  The later CB750SC went back to chain drive.

The later CB750SC had a top speed around 120 mph and the first SV650s were closer to 130 mph, The SV about 12 sec quarter and the CB closer to 13 sec.

[bombadillo]

Its funny, I posted this same post up on a gun forum where people tend to be more driven by the looks of things, and an overwhelming majority of people said to go with the SV or something "bigger" from the triumph guys.  I laughed and said specifically I don't want plastics, I don't want a liter bike for insurance reasons, I don't want shaft or belt drive, and a list of others but it was still "go with a gixxer" or things like that.  Oh well.....  I really still like both bikes and am leaning toward a naked SV and try to go with a buell windscreen or something on it.  I want to keep whatever I get factory with the exception of a good set of tires and slip-on exhaust.  I really am leaning toward the SV for what kind of riding I do, which is mostly spirited twisties on highway 36, us101 out to petrolia and what not.  I want something comfy though and so long as the SV is comfy, I will consider one.  I also don't want to spend more than $2500 on my next bike which is getting 1400 from mine and sell a thousand dollar gun to fund my next bike.  Anyway, I rant so I'll stop now but don't stop with the comments if you have em.

[Twisted]

The riding position on the naked SV's is a little more comfortable (upright) than the faired versions. They sound pretty decent with an aftermarket can on too 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGRe6rKD-A4&feature=related

[tt_four]

am leaning toward a naked SV and try to go with a buell windscreen or something on it. 

There's  buell flyscreen on ebay with Suzuki SV stickers on it right now! I saw it listed about 2 days ago.

Did you ever thing about buying a gixxer?? That might be the way to go.