Well I just wanted to know what you guys thought on a 2003 or 2002 SV650S? I'm 240lbs, my friend who rides a 2003 kawasaki 636(experienced rider, i think about 3 years) says to get an 03 kawasaki like his or other 600 because since i weigh 240lbs the sv650s may not be for me, says i can handle the ninja. But i really want to make a good decision on a bike. Right now i found a 2002 Honda Rebel for $1800 obo, maybe they'll take $1500, should i consider that first, then move onto an sv650s, or save a little and get the Sv650s. If i go to a dealer is it like buying a car, putting money down or do i have to qualify and get that credit card suzuki offers. I've been trying to get a bike since last April when i took the MSF course, but say credit wasn't good enough, not bad, just a few delinquencies on the credit card. since last March, i've payed the payments on time and just finished paying it off totally. Do you guys think the credit is good enough now? sorry about all the questions but thanks for any advice.

Credit on a bike is a lot tougher than on a car.

for $1500 you can get the rebel, an EX250, EX500, GS500 or one of a number os "standard" 5-600cc bikes.

Buying new, or from a dealer has the advantage of some form of "come back", but nearly everyone drops their first bike a few times - do you really want to drop a brand new one ?