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Peter
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 12:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Blake,
If you feel this subject shouldn't be on this board, let me know and I'll remove it. No problem.

A dancer where I work has just got her license. Licensing in Holland is a lot stricter than in Australia (and I'm guessing America) so I think her standard may be a bit better than the beginners I used to see around home.
I've noticed that a few of you are pleased with the SV650 as a bike.
What are your thoughts on it for a novice? Too much or potentially a good thing?
Any known common problems with them (no prizes for guessing who will end up doing the maintenance on it......)?
Oh, and the Blast is not exported to Holland.

Thanks for any input.
PPiA

PS. Her course of about 20 hours was done on a CB500 Honda.
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Court
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 01:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Peter:

Several folks at Buell had SV650's and held them in high regard. They are a bike, in my opinion, that accomadate a wide range of riders. Curiously, what they seem to do best are first time riders and first time racers.

For the new rider, the bike is cheap, low, has sufficient power, is visually pleasing and not intimidating.

For the aspiring racer the bike is cheap, handles reasonably well, cheap, has more aftermarket parts available than a '57 Belair, is cheap, has sufficient power and is not intimidating.

She'll do just fine.

Court
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Spiderman
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 01:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Where's JQ (Jose Quinoes [sorry bout the spelling JQ])
He has one and loves it.
He should be able to tell you everything on it.
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Anonymous
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 01:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>>>He should be able to tell you everything

Doubtless
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José_Quiñones
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 02:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

SHould I even bother, you all seem to know what I'm going to type!

Peter,

Great bike, HUGE Aftermarket support, cheap to insure, low operating costs, doesn't try to shake itself apart, the mirrors are clear, it's quiet (except the chain), pretty easy to work on (you can do everything with the included tool kit) plenty of usable power, you can either short shift it and cruise around or ride it at redline and have a lot of fun with it, it won't complain. Low points are the budget suspension (won't notice it unless you really push it) and the paint scuffs easily, and chains are a pain in the ass.

Check out SVRIDER one of the many SV websites.

Enjoy the bike!
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Reepicheep
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 02:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Peter...

I have ridden 3 different SV-650's, and helped a buddy buy one. They are nice bikes...

It is at the high end of what I would consider a good "first bike", an old beater less sporty bike might be better. Something that you could drop a half dozen times the first season or so and not feel bad about.

That being said, if the first time buyer is serious about learning the sport and has moderate self discipline, the SV would be great. It is still a really revvy bike, so the lower rpm range that a new rider would spend a lot of time in is pretty safe and weak. Yet decent power is there if you wind it out. The piped SV's that I have ridden feel close to my Cyclone for the top half of their RPM range... it's just that the whole anemic bottom half of the RPM range is there in the way. This would be annoying for me, but would be a plus for a new rider.

It feels (to me anyway) like a really nicely tuned inline four rather then the twin that it is (based on my Cyclone owning warped view of the motorcycle universe).

I would be nervous about a more aggressive personality new rider getting one as a first bike (read: testosterone poisened). It has the power and handling to get you into a pretty dangerous place before things start to get scary, unlike an old beater bike that gets scary at much safer velocities. I would worry about the first "pucker" moments happening at 70 mph instead of 35 mph, and being far more dangerous.

My buddy with the SV650 and I (2000 M2) both had very similar lowsides within a few months of each other, both of us going down at about 15 to 20 mph. My Cyclone had a total of $12 worth of damage (clutch lever). His SV had over $500 (had he repaired it all)... bent bars, dented tank, scratched headlight bezel, scratched exhaust can, broken mirror, broken signal, bent brake lever, etc. Just about every part on the right side of the bike was touched.

He was quoted (and the dealer may have been confused) $60+ for just a new brake lever... thats gouging.

When somebody asks me (as a lot of friends have seem to be doing lately) about getting into riding, I tell them to find an old, common, and reliable UJM like a Yamaha Radian, old 550 Suzuki, Kawa ZR-7 (Zephyr), Honda Nighthawk (though they are typcially overprices) first... something tough and that goes for $1000 to $1900 or so.

Ride it for a year, practice maintenance and parking lot drops on it, and sell it next season. By then you will know the bike YOU REALLY WANT, and can go buy it. You will likley sell your old UJM for about what you paid for it (though you probably put $500 in repairs on that season that you won't get back).

If they absolutely positively won't consider a used older bike to discover what kind of riding they are all about, then I tell them to go get an SV-650. Its a solid, decent performing, cheap, and flexible bike.

And just to keep this "on topic" for Buell... I went out looking for an SV650 for a next bike (from the aformentioned Yamaha Radian) when I ended up buying my Cyclone. I tried as hard as I could to fall in love with the SV-650, and just couldn't. I tried as hard as I could to NOT fall in love with my Cyclone, but could not help myself.

Two years later, I don't regret my decision in the least in going with the Cyclone. I love my M2, and will likely never sell it, at least not without tremendous regret (damn you -- you XB9s temptress). I have not doubt that had I bought the SV, I would have sold it by now looking for some other bike. (but this is of course a different topic, a Cyclone would make a lousy first bike).

IMHO. No offense to the SV folk, I recommend that bike to people all the time.

Bill
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Court
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 02:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>I tried as hard as I could to NOT fall in love with my Cyclone, but could not help myself.

Smart move. One of the best motorcycles EVER made and I can prove it. :)
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Hootowl
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 02:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Quote:
"I love my M2, and will likely never sell it, at least not without tremendous regret (damn you -- you XB9s temptress). "

I'm having the same dilemma.
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Spiderman
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 03:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>>>>>Smart move. One of the best motorcycles EVER made and I can prove it.

This is why Court rocks. He belives that the M2 is the Best and it is ;)
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José_Quiñones
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 05:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Another good thing about the SV650 is that if you buy the Blue one, the M2's flyscreen fits and the color match is pretty good:


Here is my Girlfriend Linda on her SVS at the track:



Another benefit is that if you do go on a track day on it, you'll be among many people that can help you tune/tweak it.
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Jimmytwobuells
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 07:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Court,
The reason racers ride the SV is that it dominates the lightweight classes with superior handling and power ( in supersport trim at least).

Has anyone else noticed how grabby the SV's clutch is? Could be a problem for a newbie.
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Jimmytwobuells
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 07:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

BTW Court,

When are you planning to unveil your proof of the M2 being "one of the best motorcycles ever made"?
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Ramon
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 07:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Please, show me the proof!
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Imonabuss
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 09:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

One British magazine did a comparison between an M2 and a Sportster. Their comments were not only that the M2 was dramatically superior to the Sportster, but that it was a fantastic motorcycle that unfortunately virtually no one knows about. They commented that it was really too bad Buell has stopped making one of the best all-around bikes ever.

Now is this fact or opinion? Heck, it's all about opinion, and Court is welcome to his, and he's not alone! I guess that "proves" it as much as anything.
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Blake
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 10:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The M2 proof has been done. It is here. :) I would clarify to say that the '97/'98 Cyclones were better than the obese versions that emerged in '99.
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José_Quiñones
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 10:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Here is that roadtest for you reading pleasure

Having owned a Sportster XL1200S and ridden M2's I would agree with that comparison. IMHO, however, if the Sporster didn't try to shake the eyeballs out of your sockets when you wound it out, it would be a much closer contest, it's a fun bike to ride, handles pretty good for most situations (I had fun beating some people at Battletrax with it) with plenty of character and it just looks so cool.....
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Christaylor
Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 10:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Bought a well cared for SV for the wife late last summer. She thought she was ready for something sportier than her XL 883. The following observations have been noted.

1. On a group sport ride she has moved closer to the leaders while maintaining a good comfort zone

2. She says her Sportster now feels like "it's going to shake my teeth out"

3. She's researching local track days

4. Her Sportster may be for sale next summer

5. The little SV is so much fun to ride it might get ME in trouble


Chris '97 S3
Loni '99 XL, '99 SV
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Mikep
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 12:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Harleybritt,

If you want cheap, try/buy a new Kawasaki ZRX1200. Less than $7000 out the door (and Triumph copied the engine if not most of the bike in order to make their comeback . . . Take a close look at an '86 vintage Kawasaki engine, and compare it to your Triumph).

Plenty of power.

mikeyp
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Peter
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 02:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thank you all for your input. I think I'll probably try to steer her to one of these of the F650 BMW.

The M2 proof has been done. It is here. I would clarify to say that the '97/'98 Cyclones were better than the obese versions that emerged in '99.
The post '99 were a definite improvement on the earlier ones Blake. I KNOW it's true.
PPiA
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Hans
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 03:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Peter, I do think that you do well to advise a new rider to an BMW 650. The SV 650 can be a mean machine for an unexperienced rider: Even with the most developed muscle control as she has: Riding on a motorbike asks different reflexes. The Honda Hawk would have been an ideal machine. Not in production anymore. Honda does not make any middle class engines anymore (apart from low saddlers): Honda is unbeaten for balancing their machines at such way that they induce trust to riders, without nasty back bites. I forgot the BMW 650 completely but those bikes are a joy to ride and also fun to look at. I did consider to buy one for myself before Buell crossed my path. BMW dealers are dedicated mostly to that brand and very competent. I support your idea strongly.
Hans
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Newfie_Buell
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 03:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sorry Boys,

But you are all WRONG

The S1 was the best bike ever built.

Around here I have noticed a few GS500 inline twin cylinder Suzukis. They seem to be good starter bikes as well.
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Rocketman
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 06:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

At last Newfie, someone who really knows what they're talking about.

How the hell can anyone call the M2 a better bike than the REAL THING?


Court, someone should take you outside and shoot you!

..............is visually pleasing ? Shame on you and on a Buell board too!

Rocket
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Ray_Maines
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 06:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm going to go with Court and the rest of the guys on this one. I really believe the '98 S1 is the coolest bike ever made but the M2 is the better bike. The S1 has that short tail and Bad Ass attitude but the '99 and up M2 is a better all around bike.
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Libnosis
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 06:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Newfie,Rocket %$#@...A!

Why drink Diet Pepsi when you can have JOLT COLA .

back on topic...
The SV looks ok I guess except for the big *&^$% can. I wouldn't buy one. Looks too much like an M2.

lib
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Rocketman
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 06:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hear we go again........

All around bike? Thousand to choose from.

Lightning, they broke the mold, period!

Rocket
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Eeeeek
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 08:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)


Quote:

Court,
The reason racers ride the SV is that it dominates the lightweight classes with superior handling and power ( in supersport trim at least).




I don't agree with that. The SV gives up a lot in both handling and power to the SuperSport bikes. The supersport category, at least in AMA, CCS, WSMC and AFM, is dominated by R6's, GSXR600's, ZX6's and F4i's. I've seen more wins from R6's and although you can run an SV650 in the Supersport class, I have yet to even hear of one placing in that very competitive category. SV's are usually run in a Twin's category (different names in different clubs).

I bought an SV650 for racing for all the reasons court stated, plus, they are damn near bulletproof. Once you sort out the suspension, they are competent track bikes. I don't think they're on par with the race replicas, but you can really flick one around the track.

So far I'm into my '01 SVS for about $3000. This includes the purchase price of the bike, a sport chock, a rear stand, an Ohlins shock and some other little bits. I still need to redo the forks (probably about $400 more) and rejet the carb. All in all, I'll be on the track with a one year old bike for well under $4000. I'm sure as time goes on, I'll start building up the Engine and go with race fairings, but for now, I'm just excited about my first race.
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Matty
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 08:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The #1 reason you see SV's all over the club racing cicuit:

>So far I'm into my '01 SVS for about $3000.FunSo far I'm into my '01 SVS for about $3000.<
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José_Quiñones
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 09:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The #2 reason you see SV's all over the club racing cicuit:

>they are damn near bulletproof

Reliable Bang for the Buck Winner, bar none.
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Eeeeek
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 10:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Another benefit I forgot to mention about the SV's class: small grids. The Supersport grids are HUGE. One false start and you have to wait a while while everyone gets back into position. It seems everyone want to race Supersport.
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X1glider
Posted on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 10:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

In TX the grids are full, sometimes even get a 2 wave start. Monsters compete with SV and Buells in the same class. That's about all we have in that class. Definitely nowhere near as cut throat as SS class. You'll like competing in it Vik.
But, yes, everyone is buying 2500 buck SVs and putting another 1500 into the suspension and plates. Instant race bike. Can't argue with that. And they do wreck very well. What a tough frame! Engine seems to do well. We had 2 superbike rods puncture cases this season, no SV catastrophes. Gotta love those lower revving engines.
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