Time to upgrade.. Sv650s-sv1-fz6-fz1

[SAFE-T]

The FZ6 and FZ1 have 1st and 2nd gen versions with different qualities. The FZ6 was replaced by the FZ6R ~ the 6R has better midrange power but less top-end. I have ridden both and they feel pretty similar overall, but I would rather have the 6R because you spend more time under 10,000 rpm anyway.

The 2nd gen FZ1 went the other way, losing midrange but gaining top-end power as it used different versions of the R1 powerplant. A friend of mine had one for a couple of years and loved it. I think the 2nd gen FZ1 looks way better however, and as with the FZ6/6R I don't think you would notice a whole lot of difference in power ~ certainly not enough to say one was a clear winner.

The 2nd gen FZ6R got considerably heavier though ~ close to the samw weight as the 2nd gen FZ1. So if you are looking to choose between these 4 the 1st gen FZ6 and 2nd gen FZ1 will be the lighter and 'faster' versions.

[jdoorn14]

Triumph Street Triple

This would be my choice if I was buying new.

If you were buying new, you'd find that the headlights and other stuff were changed in 2012 on the Street Triple. If I were looking for a Street Triple, I'd have to look at used 2011's or earlier. The 2012's look too much like an insect to me with the new headlight design and low exhaust. Though, I hear that the Street Triple's underseat exhaust gets a bit hot...great for cool/cold weather riding. Not so much in the heat of the summer.


2012 Triumph Street Triple

[xunedeinx]

z1000?

[xunedeinx]

[shonole]

Triumph Street Triple

This would be my choice if I was buying new.

If you were buying new, you'd find that the headlights and other stuff were changed in 2012 on the Street Triple. If I were looking for a Street Triple, I'd have to look at used 2011's or earlier. The 2012's look too much like an insect to me with the new headlight design and low exhaust. Though, I hear that the Street Triple's underseat exhaust gets a bit hot...great for cool/cold weather riding. Not so much in the heat of the summer.


2012 Triumph Street Triple

I'm well aware.  I would prefer new, with dual Aztec8 headlights.  Though the older ones are still incredible.

[BassWoW]

z1000?

I liked the looks of both zzr and z1000. I checked out the 04-05 zx-7r and I really liked that. Just didn't seem comfortable.

The SV1000 has been out of production for a lot of years. The SV650 is a tight fit compared to the GS500, so if your shoulders hurt on the GS it's not going to get better on the SV.

Thats why I was leaning more to the fz. Some people say it doesn't bother them at all.

Hell I even looked into the older style cbr and yzf cats. 01-04.

The FZ6 and FZ1 have 1st and 2nd gen versions with different qualities. The FZ6 was replaced by the FZ6R ~ the 6R has better midrange power but less top-end. I have ridden both and they feel pretty similar overall, but I would rather have the 6R because you spend more time under 10,000 rpm anyway.

The 2nd gen FZ1 went the other way, losing midrange but gaining top-end power as it used different versions of the R1 powerplant. A friend of mine had one for a couple of years and loved it. I think the 2nd gen FZ1 looks way better however, and as with the FZ6/6R I don't think you would notice a whole lot of difference in power ~ certainly not enough to say one was a clear winner.

The 2nd gen FZ6R got considerably heavier though ~ close to the samw weight as the 2nd gen FZ1. So if you are looking to choose between these 4 the 1st gen FZ6 and 2nd gen FZ1 will be the lighter and 'faster' versions.

If I had to choose Id take the fz1 first gen becuase of less issues and the 2nd gen fz6. 

Triumph Street Triple

This would be my choice if I was buying new.

If you were buying new, you'd find that the headlights and other stuff were changed in 2012 on the Street Triple. If I were looking for a Street Triple, I'd have to look at used 2011's or earlier. The 2012's look too much like an insect to me with the new headlight design and low exhaust. Though, I hear that the Street Triple's underseat exhaust gets a bit hot...great for cool/cold weather riding. Not so much in the heat of the summer.


2012 Triumph Street Triple

There both really nice. I think they are just out of my price range =/ but I will admit undertail exhaust is really hott.

[mister]

The pillion seat on the S3 and Striple and not the best for your passenger. if this is your intention then They must also be comfortable. So take them on any test rides you do as well - or at least on the last few narrowed-it-down-to-these-three test rides.

FZ6. Forget about it. Test ride one to satisfy your curiosity. But really... nah.

SV650 - the Sport has a Much more agressive riding position than the naked. The naked position is more upright. I disliked my time on the Sport but loved the naked. Keep in mind, the pillion seat is a tad small on this too. So again, if that is a serious contender after a test ride then do another with your pillion on it.

SV1 - um, yeah, bit more vibey for sure. I kinda feel Suzuki stopped making it for a reason - lack of sales. And the lack of sales were for a reason as well. But test for yourself and see.

I think for versatility.... a Honda 919. Plenty of horses. Sits at 63mph at a tad under 4k rpm in 6th. But can also do this speed in 1st gear if you really want to push it. Ride it sedately or hard and it will provide with Honda smoothness. Plus, the pillion seat is quite large and comfy. And it will do a 55 mile commute without batting an eyelid.

Michael

[SAFE-T]

Mike loves his 919's ~ maybe they are more common on that side of the planet, but I can only remember seeing one. Ever

[simon79]

So the would you recommend the 650?

Well, yes. There are probably better bikes out there but I'm happy with mine so far and I'm finding it a good step up from the GS.

Mk 1's are 2004 to 2007. You can tell a Mk1 from a Mk2 (S2) by the instrument pod - full LCD on the first, analogue speedometer on the second.

[mister]

Other options I feel are better suited for pillion duties... and which can be handy commuters...

XJ900 - old school
XJ1300
Suzuki Bandit - 1200 and 1250. The GSX 1300 and 1400 also.
VStrom - 650 is my preference but if you feel you must the thou is doable, but the 650 can handle pillions fine. Just don't expect to accelerate quickly with the pillion on.

These bikes have more upright riding positions.

BMW F650GS - now the F700GS - is also a great bikes IMO. Quite upright positions, brilliant handling, enough torque and grunt to pass with ease. Can do pillions well too.

Michael

[Worm]

So, this is off topic but the last few posts kept mentioning pillion and I thought it must have been the curse filter because I've never seen that word before. But wikipedia just informed me that it's the passenger seat!

Carry on!

[adidasguy]

I just thought of one thing to consider.

After starting to work on that Ninja 250 and finding you can't even get at the spark plugs unless you remove the tank (which is sooooo lame)....

Look at you choices. If you intend to work on it yourself, how easy is it?

If I had bought a Ninja 500 instead of the GS500, I would never be in to working on my bike myself. I never would have built a bike cave or become a parts whore. The Ninja is not user friendly to work on and is a real pain in the butt. I am so glad the GS500 is simple and easy to wrench. In the future if (when) I get a different bike for my herd, I will make sure I can at least get to the spark plugs.

And to think I always complained about the GS500 helmet lock where you have to remove the seat......

[SAFE-T]

I thought Yamaha addressed some fuel-injection issues in the 07+ (Mk2) FZ6.

[mcg2000]

I've owned a 06 SV650S for about 4 years now. I ride it around town almost every day that its not raining, and I've taken it on 4 hour road trips (longest thus far on a sport bike). The only part I didn't like during the 4 hour ride was the seat. It hurt my butt after about 2 to 2.5 hours. But note that I have a gel seat (made by Suzuki, bought it used for cheap) that I install whenever I plan on riding long distance. The stock sport seat will kill the inside of your legs starting after about an hour or two, due to the sharp angles that allow easy leaning in turns. Everything else is comfortable though. I also ride with a passenger every now and then, and its comfortable to do so as well.

Unless you plan on making profit from racing a SV1000S, I see no reason whatsoever to own a 1000 over a 650. You get better gas mileage and cheaper insurance with the 650. I can get my 650 up to 150 mph and I weigh almost 200 pounds (with stock gearing ratios), not that I do it often, just every now and then. Oh, and its actually pretty comfortable and feels quite stable at 150 mph.

[BassWoW]

I just thought of one thing to consider.

After starting to work on that Ninja 250 and finding you can't even get at the spark plugs unless you remove the tank (which is sooooo lame)....

Look at you choices. If you intend to work on it yourself, how easy is it?

If I had bought a Ninja 500 instead of the GS500, I would never be in to working on my bike myself. I never would have built a bike cave or become a parts whore. The Ninja is not user friendly to work on and is a real pain in the butt. I am so glad the GS500 is simple and easy to wrench. In the future if (when) I get a different bike for my herd, I will make sure I can at least get to the spark plugs.

And to think I always complained about the GS500 helmet lock where you have to remove the seat......

I plan on working on every bike I own. The only thing I dont feel comfortable doing is replacing tires. I've been waiting for you to chime in as well.

I'm still not sure as to which Bike I am going to get. I know im not a millionaire or anything so im positive bikes wont be newer than 07.

So from what I'm hearing people like the sv650(s) and some dont think its that comfortable. Can I get weight statistics.. I'm 154 lbs.

[jacob92icu]

Go with the SV650s man. You'll be happy with the power and the look. Its a really nice bike, and you'll be very satisfied after having just the power of your gs500. 

[tialloydragon]

What about an advventure touring bike like a V-strom or a Kawi Versys?  Very comfortable riding position, and two-up is probably comfortable.

[Bluesmudge]

I can get my 650 up to 150 mph and I weigh almost 200 pounds (with stock gearing ratios), not that I do it often, just every now and then. Oh, and its actually pretty comfortable and feels quite stable at 150 mph.

I find that hard to believe. A GSXR 600 can only do 155 mph and has 30 more horsepower. I've never heard of a stock SV doing more than 135 mph stock or 140 mph with extensive modifications.


Has the OP considered a Hyosung GT650R? I've never ridden one, but my buddy just picked up one of the older carb'd versions in mint condition for $1500 and he seems to like it

[BassWoW]

I can get my 650 up to 150 mph and I weigh almost 200 pounds (with stock gearing ratios), not that I do it often, just every now and then. Oh, and its actually pretty comfortable and feels quite stable at 150 mph.

I find that hard to believe. A GSXR 600 can only do 155 mph and has 30 more horsepower. I've never heard of a stock SV doing more than 135 mph stock or 140 mph with extensive modifications.


Has the OP considered a Hyosung GT650R? I've never ridden one, but my buddy just picked up one of the older carb'd versions in mint condition for $1500 and he seems to like it

I like the style but I heard the way those bikes were made that the engine doesn't last that long in them. Considering how much I ride daily 110mi. I couldn't chance it.

[jacob92icu]

The Hyosong gt650 is simply the knock off version of the sv650. And i have also heard bad things about the life term of them.