I have been thinking of getting another bike for a while.
Current: 2005 Concours (good power, good luggage room, average gas mileage, a heavy pig). Would probably trade it in. I am looking for something a little more economical. I ride solo so don't need 2-up capability any longer.
I like to take longer trips, so would probably use a top trunk or just a duffle bag strapped on for my stuff.
My short list is:
Suzuki GS500F- price is reasonable, good mileage, light, enough power for solo rider + luggage, the air cooled engine appeals to me, it seems to be a simple bike overall.
Suzuki V-Strom 650- similar to GS500F- I like the styling, V-twin engine appeals to me, ABS optional.
Suzuki SV650- might be fun to ride a "sport" bike, V-Twin, ABS optional.
Suzuki GSX650F- new bike, somewhat heavy, price kind of high though ($7000), maybe too much bike for me.
I think a 650 would be the right size for me. I also have a Honda Shadow 1100, which I would keep, it's so reliable and is nearly maintenance-free.
Can anyone offer their opinion on the SV650, I know that a lot of owners swear by their WeeStroms. I just don't know enough about the SV650 bikes. And there are a lot of passionate GS500F fans out there!
Thank you very much.
Someone should kick you in the nads for the blue thing...
The SV/Strom/GSX may be too much for a beginner but they're right at the border line of what I consider a "beginner's" bike. It doesn't take much in the way of maturity and self control to handle the power they'll produce, but they produce enough power that it also doesn't take much in the way of idiocy to really do some damage. I'd say stick with the GS. If you want a little more power than the GS, go with an EX500. But I'd really stick with the 500's.
I started off on a GSXR750 and backed up to a GS500 after 13 years of riding.I think the new Sv650s with full fairings would be my next step up.Better power than the GS and a little more comfy IMO.The main reason I chose the GS is economy,ease of maintence,and easy to mod.I really don't need alot of power.I like to play in the curves.I've planned a couple weekend trips this summer.I've never traveled more than a day trip of 300 miles.
you're giving up a connie ? wow, I thought those just got rode into the dirt and disappeared after 200,000 miles or something ! no really, I never see them for sale unless they're spent. That is one fantastic machine.
I'm still waiting on some long term opinions of the new gsx650f. It looks like it will be a very nice bike. Hopefully the brains @ suzuki made it reliable. :) No, I wouldn't purchase one -now- simply because it's so new still. Let them work the bugs out.
The v-strom gets raves everywhere from thinking folks. Good power, good comfort, not too pig-ish, you know the drill. It's proven.
Then the sv650s. Another proven bike. Guess it's a toss up between the v-strom and the sv. Would insurance be cheaper for the vstrom ? If you get a chance for a gsx650f test ride, post a first impression here, good luck !
I wouldn't be afraid of getting the 650f just because it's the first year. The bike is using the Bandit 650 powerplant and engine controls so I doubt there will be any reliability issues.
Not so sure about your heavy comment it's designed as an entry level I4 sportbike, not going to be as lightweight as a GSXR but sounds like it'll be comparable to the R6S or ZZR600 and the F4i.
And being the owner of an F4i I can tell you this entry level does not mean it's not fun. I actually enjoy my wifes F4i as much as my 954. Different reasons but entry level sport bikes are great fun.
Quote from: ohgoodWould insurance be cheaper for the vstrom
Depends on your insurer.
For example State Farm does not care what type of bike it is, only thing they care about is what it's displacemnt is.
Say I wanted full coverage on a new VTX 1800
Progressive 300 year, State farm 420 year
Now say I wanted full coverage insurance on a new CBR1000RR
Progressive 3600 year, State farm 330 year.
Right now I pay 254 a year for a full blown 5 year old superbike.
Ok at 475 lbs she definately is not yesterdays supermodel that just wasn't skinny enough to cut it anymore.
But hey if she puts out and has curves in all the right places, well let's just say there's nothing wrong with a classic figure like the Venus de Milo.
Entry level sport bikes are great fun, especially after learning how to ride on something like a GS that forces you to become a better rider. I rode with a couple of other guys last sunday and left em all in the dust every time we hit a curve :icon_mrgreen: Goin out now to ride with em and I'm the smallest bike in the group, they're on 1000rr's and Gix750's.
On the other hand, there is a 954 for sale locally that I keep drooling over............
Sorry about the blue font. :oops:
Concours are pretty much indestructible. True you can do maintenance yourself. I was just looking for something smaller and that gets better mileage. I just don't need something that big in reality.
The GSX650F weighs 475 dry. compared to SV650 at 370 dry and WeeStrom at 437 dry.
And GS500F is 397 lb. (still reasonable)
The GSXR600 is only 359 dry.
Concours is about 600 something and it is a top heavy pig when carrying 7.5 gallons of gas. It can never really get good mileage. I have installed a vacuum gauge to the dash, and still can't get the upper 40's, no matter how I ride.
I find it odd that the new GSX650F adds over 100 lbs. from the GSXR600. :o
I have sat on the various 650 bikes, they generally have a lighter feel. :) And I want to try a Suzook next time.
Thank you for all of your replies.
The engine is a little more robust in the 650f, as well as steel being used in construction compared to lighter alloys in the Gixxer. Even my 8 year old Gixxer hits the scales at 380 dry..
Quote from: spcterry on March 02, 2008, 08:49:30 AM
On the other hand, there is a 954 for sale locally that I keep drooling over............
Don't do it, you'll kill yourself.
Seriously if you do a 954 and it does not have a damper installed buy one. It really is amazing to ride a big bore bike that handles almost as well as the 600's but keeping that front on the ground is a major and I do mean major PITA and with the geometry of the 954 you will go for a wild tank slapper ride if you cross a wheelie up or hit a bad bump under hard acceleration.
It's got a GPR, comes with 2 jackets, 2 helmets and has 16k miles..........guy wants 6k for it. Based off location I would say he's a marine that got in trouble on it. :dunno_white:
That's on the high end but if maintenance has been done regularly and the bike is in impeccable shape than it's still worth it.
I paid KBB high value for mine 1.5 years ago($6500) but it had 3000 on the ODO was in absolute mint condition with a GPR, hotbodies undertail, frame sliders, galfer steel lines and mototech flush mounts up front it also came with track plastics and a pitbull stand.
I prefer the rotary to a lnear damper