Thinking about a first motorcycle...

[pauldun170]

 

[pauldun170]

SV650 is back on the market with updates

http://www.cycleworld.com/2017-suzuki-sv650-first-ride-review#page-14

 

[JulesMaximus]

SV650 is back on the market with updates

http://www.cycleworld.com/2017-suzuki-sv650-first-ride-review#page-14

I had an SV650 for a few years. It's a great bike. Lots of fun to ride but the suspension isn't great and the brakes are a bit wooden.

That's the bike that got me into twins. Twins are great because they make a lot of torque and the bikes feel very narrow compared to a four cylinder bike. You also get a lot more engine braking with a twin. They just feel completely different than a four cylinder. I love L-twin motors.

 

[Greenman]

South East, hot summers, hills, etc.
Mostly as an alternate form of transportation when I am not going far, need to carry nothing, and can accommodate the armor and helmet at my destination, but also in "a just feel like looking around/going nowhere in particular" type role. I get bored of only having the one option.
I honestly don't pay much attention to them (or anyone else on the road) beyond the "this is another person that I need to pay attention to and not run in to" factor. I know this isn't a helpful answer, but it is the true answer.
Yes, with plenty of room. I used to keep two cars in it, but I've since downsized to one car.

I've owned everything from econoboxes up to c7 Z06s in regards to cars. Right now, I drive a Model S. I need something that I will be drawn to and want to choose over the car from time to time. That's why I am trying to put a lot of thought in to the type of things I want to consider.

I think that "need to carry nothing" statement is an enormous mistake. The difference in utility between a bike with bags and a bike without is huge. I rode my bike for 2 or 3 years without bags, and often the ability to carry a little bit of stuff made the difference between using the bike or the car. Adding hard bags completely changed my riding experience. Most of all it increased the range of places I could go. Having a place to store a heavier jacket, rain gear, and enough stuff for an overnight trip made 600 mile weekends fun.
Think that one through before you commit a lot of money, I didn't and adding bags cost me $1000. I got a great deal because they retailed for $1800.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I think that "need to carry nothing" statement is an enormous mistake. The difference in utility between a bike with bags and a bike without is huge. I rode my bike for 2 or 3 years without bags, and often the ability to carry a little bit of stuff made the difference between using the bike or the car. Adding hard bags completely changed my riding experience. Most of all it increased the range of places I could go. Having a place to store a heavier jacket, rain gear, and enough stuff for an overnight trip made 600 mile weekends fun.
Think that one through before you commit a lot of money, I didn't and adding bags cost me $1000. I got a great deal because they retailed for $1800.

I have panniers for my Ducati but have never used them (they came standard on the S model when I bought it). I had every intention of doing some long distance touring with this bike but just haven't found the time yet. I do commute on it quite a bit though so I bought a locking top case for it made by GIVI which I leave on the bike permanently. Between the mount and the top case I spent a few hundred dollars extra. I prefer the top case to the panniers because I lane split all the time and didn't want the extra width of the panniers for daily commuting. It is the best money I ever spent on a motorcycle accessory by far... and I've spent a fair amount of money on motorcycle accessories over the years.

Tank bags are a pita and you can't lock soft cases plus you have straps everywhere and they are a pita to put on and take off the bike. Plus, tail bags mount on the rear seat pillion so it makes throwing a leg over the bike more difficult. Tank bags you have to remove or fiddle with every time you refuel, which is a lot on a motorcycle. Backpacks suck too. Just extra weight on your shoulders and back and they create lift and drag the faster you go. I totally agree with you regarding the ability to carry stuff. This is something I've struggled with through a few different bikes. If you go anywhere at all you will need to carry stuff, or at least want to. The top case is awesome.

This is my bike with the top case mounted. It's like having a trunk for your motorcycle. When I commute I just take my helmet and gloves off and lock them in the top case. My work clothes, laptop, lunch, shoes etc can easily fit in it for commuting. Even for a day trip, it is the difference between leaving your helmet hanging from a mirror where someone could steal it or carrying it around with you. I just take it off and lock it in the top case. So much convenience.

 

[olds]

I leave my bags on and have highway pegs, I still split.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I leave my bags on and have highway pegs, I still split.

I wasn't used to having them on the bike and didn't want the added width at the rear. Thought it would be too easy to catch them on something. Maybe it is a bit unfounded on my part.

 

[Greenman]

I wasn't used to having them on the bike and didn't want the added width at the rear. Thought it would be too easy to catch them on something. Maybe it is a bit unfounded on my part.

Probably. The bags on my bike are very wide and I've never had an issue splitting lanes, other than the stress of splitting lanes. I've also just about given up riding around here, the traffic is really bad and the average driver seems to have given up the entire concept of using mirrors and blinkers. It's like a mad max movie in rush hour.

 

[agent00f]

The MSF class is first on the list obviously.

I've already gotten that out of my system with cars and track time a few years ago.

If anything bikes are a better toy for track or pushing in general than most any car. It's putting around on them, esp a fast one, that's more insufferable.