planning to get my first bike in the year and im wondering if a SV650 would make a better training bike than a gs500 and looks dont matter to me. I eventually someday would like to be able to ride a Gixxer750 or 1000 when i get comfortable enough ,which would provide me more potential to learn on and long term? I dont want to get a gs500f and then have to upgrade to a 600 then to the next level.

the sv has more horse power but the gs500f is cheaper?

the SV is a better performance machine all around stock vs stock. but those gs500 are cool looking bikes too. really i think you'll be happy with either for a first bike. the 500 will be a bunch cheaper on insurance. if you can score a gs for a couple grand or less i'd hop on it. both bikes can be modded to the hills if you want.

Go with the SV. It will take you farther in your riding. The GS will bore you within a year and the SV will probably end up staying with you when you get the bigger bike.

If you are in the NJ area, Pompton Honda/Suzuki has a BRAND NEW left over '02 SV650S that you can probably get for the same price as an '04 GS500.

both are good but SV is more up to date and has a higher ability to increase with you as you gain experience. ie. more aftermarket parts available. do you need to upgrade to a gixxer or supersport bike? not really. SV has enough power and once suspension is sorted, rails as good as any supersport.

GS if bought used will tend to maintain their value as most "starter" bikes do. same goes for the EX kawi series. you could buy a used one and ride it for a while then sell it for the same or very little loss.

The SV is THE bike to get for a 1st timer and even an experienced rider.....I had an SVS and in retrospect I could have easily kept it, modded it out (like my 1K), and been just as happy. My 1K has too much power for local twisties- not that I'm unhappy

My first streetbike was the GS...very good bike. A little outdated compared to most of what's out though. Has decent top speed and handling but not much power...hard to wheelie..not that I'd know http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

SV

Definitely go with the SV. I was a beginner last year, and i started right away on my '03 SVS , and i'm so glad i did this, because i know if i would of went with a GS500(which i was looking at also) I most likely would of been bored with it by end of summer.As your skills improve, the fun level goes up as well on the SV, it's quite a surprising little bike.

mullerjd said:
My first streetbike was the GS...very good bike. A little outdated compared to most of what's out though. Has decent top speed and handling but not much power...hard to wheelie..not that I'd know http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif



Are you kidding me? My Gs500 would wheelie like a pro. Must be rider flaw! Anyway, I can't believe you guys are telling a newbie to get an SV650 for a starter bike over a GS500. If you are not a very good rider (which chances are you won't be at first) the SV could get you into serious troube. Trust me, my wife rides an 2002 SVS and I have a shit-load of fun on that thing, and I ride a Gixxer 1000. My first street bike was a GS500E and I loved it. I rode the piss out of that thing. That could have been the most reliable bike I ever owned, and I sold it for damn near what I paid for it two years earlier. I would go with the GS especially since you know in your mind you want a full blown sportbike (GSXR, Rsomething, CBR, ZX, etc.) If you know you want a full faired bike, it won't matter how much you like your SV650 you will still want a full faired bike. Good luck either way, and no, I'm not knocking the SV it's an awesome bike, but I am saying it may be too much for the average starter. It is my wifes second bike, and she rode a 1991 Bandit 400 for about 2 years before moving on to it. If you think a GS500 is slow, you should ride a 400 Bandit! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
P.S. it's for sale in the classifieds!! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I ride a GSXR 750 and my best friend has a 2000 SV650 and let me tell you that thing has almost bitten me in the arse a few times.. very Torque and diffrent ride from a Gixxer! I like IT!

I would go with the SV650, its a great starter bike and overall a keeper.

how much about does insurance cost (full coverage) on a SV650? ... or even a GS500 ? (I'm turning 20 in another month... only have my Motorcycle permit (saving money to buy a bike eventually) ...? I live in Maine though... so I'd only have it insured for 6 months out of the year...

I am curious about insurance too. I am going to call my agent. I have a multi-policy and multi-car discount with state farm as well as being over 25 years of age. Hopefully an SV650 or 1000 would not cost me a whole lot to insure.


Fear187 said:
how much about does insurance cost (full coverage) on a SV650? ... or even a GS500 ? (I'm turning 20 in another month... only have my Motorcycle permit (saving money to buy a bike eventually) ...? I live in Maine though... so I'd only have it insured for 6 months out of the year...

Well i just bought a SV650s used for 4000$ and full coverage insurance on it for a 45 year old man (my dad) is under 300 a year 280 or so i think

i have an 03 svs for sale for 4000 and it has only 2900 miles. let me know if your interested. Clean title

Don't get a new bike for your first bike.

Get the classifieds, look for something at least 10 years old and under 600cc. I hate to state the obvious, but a 1975 honda CB550 will have the controls in the same places as a 2004 sv650s, and they will do basicly the same things, get good gas mileage, and have enough power to keep you interested while you learn how to ride. beyond that, you can pick them up for under a grand, and when (not if) you do fall over, you can get a new blinker and clutch lever and be out $30... vs talking to your insurance company to see if your sv650s is "worth fixing'.

The SV650S is a great bike, and I highly reccomend them... as a Second bike.

SV definitley...Greatn bike to learn on...Will prepare you for the upgrade if you decide on it in the future. Lots of Fun...PM me if you are in the NYC metro area I have one for sale (Blue 2001 SVS. $3,800 - )..Buy mine or not I definitley recommend it....

Stocky said:
SV



+1 http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

i'm looking at the naked sv650 now... I have an 03 gsxr 600 but I love the naked look. my vote is for the sv http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

None,go for something like a Bandit 400 or 600!I ride a B6 and it's a great bike,much better than an SV,since it's not a twin.Same power as SV but a little on the heavier,but for the gs,it's nice if you like light weight and under powered!But the bandit is just right,I would know since I own one and if anyone tells you differently then they have never owned one nor ridden one!But hey it's u who desides on what to get so good luck on whatever you decide!