Hello,

I am riding a 1991 gs500e. I got it last summer and I love it. In a year or two I will probably look to get a bigger bike though. I am not sure what to go with and am considering the sv650s. Is this bike similar enough to the gs500 to not be worth it though? I also considered a katana but Ive heard they are heavy and not so nimble. I dont want a superbike yet, so prolly no gsxr or cbr, something in between. I am also on a budget (college student) and will almost certainly buy used. Suggestions?

Sv650 good choice the naked with clip-ons would be a nice step up Katana  bad choice the biek is close to the gs performance wise but bigger and bulkier.

There are many threads on this subject.  I will post links to a few.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=31002.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=4060.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=5138.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=33658.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=22064.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=17622.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=10086.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=27711.0

Great bike.  Bout the same weight, twice the ground power, not tremendous power, though.

SV650 is almost identicle in ergos.
SV650S has lower bars and maybe higher pegs...lot more aggressive than the GS.

I've owned all three of those bikes. If you like the gs, its size and its ability to corner and flick, then you'll love the sv. The katana is a pig. Doesn't corner well, or as well as other bikes. But the katna has a better position and is comfee for long rides...not that the sv isn't.
The sv is a better bike in my book.
Goodluck!

I personally just went from a GS to an 05 SV650S. The GS is more comfy for long distances, the SV bars are lower and the pegs are higher, but not so much so that it is unbearable. Power wise the GS is not even close. I can't confirm handling because my SV is lowered 3" or so, still turns good, but can't lean as hard as my GS. Both bikes are great in my opinion and both sit in my garage with no intentions of getting rid of either bike.

y not consider a 600 like the zzr, yzf600r, or fz6.  they havnt really been changed engine wise in a long time except the fz6.  the zzr and yzf600r ride about the same and have a little more power than the sv.  as for the katana, ive known 2 people with katanas. one traded it back in after a week and the other after one year.  she's selling it for 2000 and its a '92 if your interested

Katana is a major pig. Heard about a friend of my bro's - dropped her Katana and it broke her leg! 

My next bike will be(in no particular order as I LOVE all 3):

1) SV650 Naked
2) Ducati Monster 695
3) Honda 599

Each has their better points, but those are what I have narrowed down to my next bikes.  I do have a Buell XB12scg on my mind as well, but It's quite a bit bigger engine wise than I want(and they are PRICEY)... although I hear that they handle really well, and though "torquey" are not overly powerful for the engine size.  Still, I don't see myself needing anyting over 70 or so HP (EVER... LOL).

I went from the GS (2003) to a Yamaha XT660R - never looked back!

Thats not because I dislike the GS, it served it's purpose in getting me on two wheels cheaply and reliably.  I always wanted a big trail bike and after 2 years on the GS I fancied the Yam.  For a single cylinder 660 it matches the GS for power (approx 45bhp) with a bit more torque.  It's also a bigger bike and I have a full hard luggage set.
Not sure if it's available stateside so here's a pic (ignore the mufflers - they are off now - it gets cold in the winter mornings!)

xt660 not available in the sates such a shame too... if it upholds the reputation of the old xt600 then its probably a GREAT bike!