What would you choose: SV650s or YZF600R

[jag69]

I am just toying around with possibly getting a new bike.  I sometimes commute, ride on weekends : backroads, highway and freeway.  What do you guys think?

[JamesG]

More info:
How old are you/ what is your insurance like?

What is your commute distance?


I've owned both (naked SV) and the YZF is a much more "complete" bike. It has full fairings, comfortable seat, very good fully adjustable suspension, and its faster than an SV.  But its also heavier, fairings are delecate/expensive, and its kinda ho-hum (relatively for a sportbike) like a two wheeled car.  The SV is more nimble and has more character.

If you have a mix of good and bad roads, and you do alot of highway commuting/riding, or if you do any kind of distance sport touring, the YZF is a much better bike. But if you zip around in the city, or twisties and can dial in the suspension once then the SV might be better.

[jag69]

I am 35 years old with a beautiful wife and two little girls.

I have been riding for a year and I have ridden approx. 8,000 miles.

Insurance is cheap on the GS ($130.00 / yr)

My commute is really just a skip across town.  5 miles to work 5 back.

I have a brother that rides and lives about 60 miles away.  I ride the Interstate when I go (75 mph).  

There are alot of roads around here that I like to ride (Twisties and 2 lane Highways (speed 45 - 65 mph).  I am considering longer distances.  

I have no desire to break land speed records.  I ride with full gear all of the time and I am constantly reading, studying, and practicing.

Thanks.

[Turkina]

When the temp is really hot in Arizona, would you want more or less wind protection.  100+ degree wind might actually heat you up rather than cool you down!   I was about to say go with the SVS for the extra ventilation, then I thought better... hot wind might cook you.

[johncam4]

yzf

[jag69]

I was thinking the same thing Turkina.  I also want my next bike to be new.  

How does our GS Twin compare to a V-Twin or Inline 4?

[mp183]

Get a V-Strom 650.  Great commuting bike and a pisser to ride.  I'm just getting into it.  It's a blast to ride in the twisties and great on the Interstate.  Smooth and plenty of power.  I was out today and am surprised how smooth it is.  Going 75 I forgot to shift into 6 th a few times.  The fuel injection is flawless.  I was concerned about how it would feel in the corners because it is tall.  I feel more comfortable on it than I do on the GS.

[vtlion]

I just rode 1998 YZF600R for a friend who is thinking about getting it, but hasn't taken the MSF yet.  I must say, after jumping off the R6, onto the 600R, then back onto the R6......

I miss the 600R already  

Slightly mushier suspension and it required a bit more effort to lean it in the turns, but good ergos and the VnH pipe sounded tastey!!!  The windscreen was MUCH more functional on the 600R than the R6.  It almost made me wish I had bought one!  I could certainly see riding the 600R for hundreds of miles at a time... great bike  

[Wrencher]

When the temp is really hot in Arizona, would you want more or less wind protection.  100+ degree wind might actually heat you up rather than cool you down!   I was about to say go with the SVS for the extra ventilation, then I thought better... hot wind might cook you.

It does. The GS was a noticeable amount hotter than my bike with an upper fairing.

Air cooled bikes are a bugger during the summer too. Consider changing your oil twice as frequently for the two or three hottest months and keep the motor clean. This wonderfull clay dust that covers everything is a terrific insulator.

[pantablo]

yzf600r.

better overall bike. more 'complete' package. the sv is still a budget bike, better than the gs but still budget.

[yamahonkawazuki]

yeah desert heat can be a royal [censored]

[Turkina]

There are full fairing kits for the SVS, you could always strip the bike down when you want a little naked action and then dress it up for the long trips and inclement weather.  

[tigerstyle102]

I'm actually contemplating the same thing. SV650s or yzf600r. I probably won't be ready to sell the GS until after the summer around September though. Gotta save up some money first.

The cheaper (i.e. smarter for me) option is obviously the SV, but I'm worried that I might regret it in another year and wish I got the Inline 4 for the extra 30hp or whatever it is. Oh well, I still got time to think about it.

[ash999]

Some of the heatfactors may be different cos i live in the U.K. My sister has a nice sv650, which is a very good allrounder. Ive been on the back, and it has loads of power even two-up, with me on the bike had 120mph, did i say that. The bike is very good at handling, and has a nice bikini fairing to tuck behind to stop the wind buffering, its comfortable as my sister is NOT a fair weather biker. You may want to get new tyres cos the stock ones arent that good. They are a very torquey bike, when she first got it she pulled a wheelie going down hill, turnin a corner with me on the back, SCARY, and the wheelie was accidental.

I dont know about the other bike, but the SV is great value for money, and is a purrfect bike to jump upto, you wont runout of bhp, great
handling, rides good 2 up, great looks, and you can even get the full-faired model and wiv an after market can on which most second hand bikes already have they run reallly well and sound nice!!!

[ash999]

Some of the heatfactors may be different cos i live in the U.K. My sister has a nice sv650, which is a very good allrounder. Ive been on the back, and it has loads of power even two-up, with me on the bike had 120mph, did i say that. The bike is very good at handling, and has a nice bikini fairing to tuck behind to stop the wind buffering, its comfortable as my sister is NOT a fair weather biker. You may want to get new tyres cos the stock ones arent that good. They are a very torquey bike, when she first got it she pulled a wheelie going down hill, turnin a corner with me on the back, SCARY, and the wheelie was accidental.

I dont know about the other bike, but the SV is great value for money, and is a purrfect bike to jump upto, you wont runout of bhp, great
handling, rides good 2 up, great looks, and you can even get the full-faired model and wiv an after market can on which most second hand bikes already have they run reallly well and sound nice!!!

[ash999]

Sorry  :dunno:, i accidentally sent that last one twice, slow computer!!

:lol:

[newbieone]

Given your situation and what you will be using the bike for my vote would be the SV650S. It boasts a half fairing and has enough style to hang with the best of the naked sportbikes. Also, the 1000 won a shoot out in some magazine, compared with the yahama FZ and and a few other italian studs.  Best bang for the buck, plus you can go more with the SV if you plan to travel any, you can save your back.
Good luck

[b1k3r 3li+3]

gah im in the same boat, we all craving mo pow wa!!  i had a 600 sprort bike 5-6 years ago a ninja 600, the boxie looking one, i was deadset on gettting another 600 sport bike, but could only afford to buy cash this time so i bought the gs 500, no im wanting mo powa again, but the gs500 almost got me fully converted to stay with naked bikes, have you thought of a bandit 600 or fz6?

[jag69]

I have thought about the Bandit 600 and FZ6.   I like the bandit but it isn't in production anymore and I do want to buy new.  The FZ6 just doesn't do it for me.

I found a piece of paper I wrote down a year ago as a "Next Bike List".  Not much has changed in a year.  These were my choices a year ago and in no specific order:  SV650s, YZF600R, 599, ZZR600, and FZ6.  I still like the same bikes.  The 599 lacks wind protection.

I am going to check out a few bikes this week.  We will see what happens.  Thanks for all the input.

[cozy]

SPEED FOUR SPEED FOUR SPEED FOUR SPEED FOUR
same price, ass kicking bike - see motorcyclist april 2004 issue. sv, yzf and 599 are in there too.