I'm slowing closing in on the time to buy another bike and I'm thinking of the SV650S or a CBR F4I.

I need a bike that can do it all. Some commuting, some track days, some super slab riding, some riding the twisties.

What do you guys think?

sv all the way... personally i prefer the low end torque and styling of the twin.

I really like the ergos and the banana seat on the 04 F4i.  If the difference in price is not a factor, I'd rather have the Honda.

I have a SV, and I've ridden a F4i.

SV's are great bikes, tons of fun, good and popular for the track, comfortable enough for the superslab (I recommend a gel or corbin/sargent seat), and great for the twisties once you do a few small upgrades to the suspension.
Plus the cheap insurance on the SV is nice.


The F4i was nice too, but different.  I wouldnt want to do much long distance riding on it.

Im happy with my choice.

RedMonkeyButt, do you have the S version?

I had thought the Honda would be more comfortable ergonomically, but haven't ridden one, so that is a guess.

I like the SV for the "insta-torque" V-twin, looks, and price.

I like the Honda for the build quality and higher quality suspension.

The Honda is supposed to have decent mid-range torque for an I-4. I'm sure the SV has more torque, but I would guess the Honda has more torque then the GS.

Decisions, decisions  

Any other opinions....I know everyone has one...

In my opinion I would take the CBR600F4i. I have always loved the looks of the F model CBRs. More than enough power for the street. Good suspension for the track. Nice banana seat for long distances and I would think way better for 2-up. Good luck in your decision.

Quote from: RCI like the SV for the "insta-torque" V-twin, looks, and price.

I like the Honda for the build quality and higher quality suspension. ...

sounds like you prefer the SV for its soul-stirring effect on you but the F4i is the practical solution...

Seems in the back of your mind you want the SV over the F4i-thats how I see it.

BUT, having gone from the gs500 (naked) to a 600rr (fairings) I have to say that having wind protection is AWESOME. I would NEVER go back to naked.

Both are very capable bikes. I prefer the F4i to the SV.

What about the SV650S with lower fairing?

The S def ain't as comfy as the regular one. How about a YZF600R? Very good bike.

SV pros: cheaper, cheaper to insure, more crash worthy, fun torqy motor.

SV cons: ugly, 70 hp, aweful seat, old limited adjust suspension, lightweight/small size tiring on hiway.

F4i pros: Full wind protection, nice seat/decent ergos, fully adjustable suspension, 98+ hp.

F4i cons: More expensive, 600 "sportbike" insurance, delicate bodywork.

The SV is a good bike for commuting and track days, but I've done multi hundred mile trips on mine, and it wasn't fun.  I bought a YZF600R to have a do it all bike, and its very good at it.

SV650S with the factory lowers offers fine wind protection.  If you want, you can get a double-bubble windscreen to get even more.  by the time you buy all that extra plastic you will have spent as nearly as much on the SV as you would for a YZF600R, which has AWESOME wind protection and better road-eater ergos.

it all depends on your useage.  I give town to the SV, superslab to the 600R/F4i, and twisties/track is a tossup.  base your decision on your expected useage.  I spend little time on the highway, so I went with the SV.  My longest highway trip was about 300 miles and save for the hard stock seat, I came out feeling pretty good.

Quote from: RCRedMonkeyButt, do you have the S version?

I had thought the Honda would be more comfortable ergonomically, but haven't ridden one, so that is a guess.

I like the SV for the "insta-torque" V-twin, looks, and price.

I like the Honda for the build quality and higher quality suspension.

The Honda is supposed to have decent mid-range torque for an I-4. I'm sure the SV has more torque, but I would guess the Honda has more torque then the GS.

Decisions, decisions  

Any other opinions....I know everyone has one...

No, I have the naked.
w/ a naked, you get used to the wind after a while.  It can actaully be a benefit 'cause it holds you up, and is easier on your back.

I'd have to agree with VTLion.  So, yeah.  What he said.

I went with an 04 SVS-  

The first 2 days I owned it, I put over 1500 freeway miles on it.  The bike did great.  My arse was sore- but what do you expect?  I couldn't see myself making a large trip without some sort of fairing.  

Power is decent- not the fastest bike on the block but fast enough to get me in trouble.  The suspension is outdated- but I haven't riden the bike hard enough to care about upping it.

Insurance is great- $250 a year for FULL coverage (but I do have a multi- vehicle and homeowner policy).    

Economically, it was a better a choice for my wants and needs.

I will always recommend a GS as a first bike- but when it comes to bike two- to each his own.  There are always good and bad things to be said about any bike.

The SV can have a snatchy tranny.  If you are looking used make sure it shifts good.  Actually I am not too impressed with the build quality of the SV.  I owned one so this is my personal opinion.

iF I had a choice, I'd buy the Honda.

I'm looking for a new bike too. I sat on both the f4i and the sv-s. Just by sitting on them i felt the ergos on the honda were way better. don't know about the naked. i'm sure its more comfortable than both if you just sat on it. Myself, I prefer full fairings so I'd go with the f4i. Whatever floats yer boat. Damn, i wish I could find a place around boston where i could actually go for a test ride.

If you're looking towards faired then i'd suggest comparing the yzf600 too.
For me it's more of a toss up between the F4i and the YZF.

I'm also looking to upgrade in the near future and am considering the SVS, R6, 600RR, F4i, Gixxer.

My main concerns are:
1. gas mileage (since I use the bike to commute)
2. insurance
3. looks

1. Gas mileage - SV gets about 45mpg. Other 600 sportbikes - 35mpg.

2. Insurance -
I checked into insurance for 3 bikes using the same full coverage I now have as the basis.
'04 SV650S - $531/yr (actually cheaper than what I pay for the GS)
'01 600RR - $1360/yr
'03 F4i - $1700/yr (I think the year is a huge factor, an '01 - lot less)

3. Looks - love the looks of any of the 600's, but the SV650 not so much.
However I did find a lower fairing company that does a nice lower for the SV: http://www.eurobikes.com/jmvsv65003-04.htm

Other factors:
- initial cost - can buy a new SV for the same price as a used 600.
- comfort - not sure about this one, sat on both, still not sure

Leaning toward the SV because of the $$ factor.  :dunno:

Quote from: cucamonga
'01 600RR - $1360/yr

first, you must mean a 03 or 04 RR because those are the only years.
second, I pay ~$520/yr for FULL coverage on my 04 RR! Yikes...

Quote from: pantablo

Quote from: cucamonga
'01 600RR - $1360/yr

first, you must mean a 03 or 04 RR because those are the only years.
second, I pay ~$520/yr for FULL coverage on my 04 RR! Yikes...

I didn't know there wasn't a RR in '01, the lady at McGraw must have given me a $ for the F4i or something else then... hmmm...

How long have you been riding Pablo? Is that a factor? I'm 32 but this is my first year riding so I'm expecting the cost to be a little higher. Maybe there is some insurance coverage I'm overpaying for as well. How much did you pay per year for your GS?

Quote2. Insurance -
I checked into insurance for 3 bikes using the same full coverage I now have as the basis.
'04 SV650S - $531/yr (actually cheaper than what I pay for the GS)
'01 600RR - $1360/yr
'03 F4i - $1700/yr (I think the year is a huge factor, an '01 - lot less)

I looked into insurance as well through Progressive.
I currently pay ~$300/yr for the GS for liability and uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Both the SV650S and '04/05 F4i with collision and compressive were $1700/year!!! I think a lot of that is b/c of living in Harris County, TX. Home of freeway mishaps all the time. I'm going to call Geico and some others to compare b/c the $1700 is too much. For comparison, I have no tickets or accidents and 1 year 8 months of riding experience. I have the MSF course under my belt and will being taking the advanced course next weekend.

Were I live means superslab riding to get to the fun roads. I'm tired of the wind blast so next bike will have to have some protection.

VTlion, the Yamaha is another good one to look into.

May have to get the Suzuki Burgman if I can't lower these insurance cost