New Bike Suggestions

[Craig]

I am looking to buy a new bike. The SV650 is on the top of my list right now. I dont want a crotch rocket but I do want something that can keep up with a GSXR 600.

Any suggestions?

[VanDawg38]

New new or new used?  Naked or faired SV?  An '03 SV650S has a riding position not much different than a GSX-R.  May not look like a crotch rocket, but it'll feel like one.  The naked SV's a completely different animal.  On a straight road, you've got no chance of keeping up with a supersport.  In the twisties, I'm told a well-ridden SV will hold it's own against many bikes.  (I suppose a well ridden GS500 would, too.)

Other bikes to consider:  FZ6, 599, Bandit 600, Katana 600, YZF600R, ZZR600.  Maybe even a Speed Four.

Of these, I'd probably pick a naked SV or a 97+ YZF600R.  Plenty of good used examples out there in addition to new ones.  (Both have very strong message boards, too.)

[BanannaMan]

In the twisties the SV will keep up with (or even do better than) the gsxr600.
If you're talking top end (120+mph)....you'll need a SV1000.

Don't know about an 03....but my 02 SVS still has a pretty upright riding position even with clip-ons and higher pegs.....it's still closer to the naked SV's riding position than it is the GSXR's IMHO.

[VanDawg38]

If Suzuki had kept the ergo's on the SV-S the same as the '02, they'd have had a winner.  The '03's are much more aggressive.  I understand that the '04's will have a lower seat and taller bars.

[dgyver]

What is your price range? New or used?
If you like the way the twin delivers power, stay with a twin. I4's (expecially 600's) need to be rev'd high to get power. This has changed some with the new 1 liter bikes but the still don't have the low end torque of a v-twin. 600's need to be shifted alot. The SV650 can keep up with a 600. If you want to be able to go faster than a 600, get a 1000. TLR's & TLS's can be found real cheap and are great bikes. Not just saying that since I own one. Don't worry about the stock ergos of any bike. They can easily be changed to fit you and your riding style. There are good forums for all of these bikes:
//www.tlplanet.com
//www.svrider.com

[Craig]

Price range is around $8000 and I am looking new. The 03 SV650 I can pick up for 5700 virtually brand new from a close friend.

[vtlion]

FZ6

[pantablo]

A Triumph Speed Four can be had for less than an SV. Good bike too-600cc naked sport bike. That'll be my next bike.

Others to consider:
("no crotch rockets" I take to mean no fairings desired)

FZ6
Bandit 1200 (can be gotten cheap!)
Honda superhawk (998cc v-twin) good used prices on 2-3 year old models.
599

[JamesG]

GS500?  :mrgreen:

[Rich500]

Get the Triumph. Or better yet, a Buell!!!

[70 Cam Guy]

FZ6
Bandit 1200 (can be gotten cheap!)
Honda superhawk (998cc v-twin) good used prices on 2-3 year old models.
599

To add to that list,
ZRX1100 or ZRX1200 if you ready for that kind of torque
they can be found for very cheap as well

not sure what your displacement/power limits are but:
Z1000
919
Triumph Speed Triple

I am a big fan of the ZRX, Super Hawk, Z1000 and Speed 4