Your pick of these motorcycles?

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
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What would your choice be and why? I just did my last motorcycle lesson last night and I have my closed-circuit test on Monday, so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for deals and spending a lot of time researching various bikes. For the longest while, all I could think of was the Suzuki SV650. It does indeed seem like a fine bike and I'm sure I'd be happy with it, but I want to look at all my options. So here's the list:

1. Suzuki SV650 or Gladius SFV650

2. Kawasaki Ninja 650 or ER-6N

3. Yamaha FZ6

4. Aprilia Shiver 750

5. Yamaha FZ8

Before taking the motorcycle course, I was skeptical about starting with a 650 despite all I had read about the SV650. Now that I've done the course, and tried out various bikes including the cbr 125 and 250, Suzuki GS500, Honda Hawk 647 and several others, I'm pretty comfortable with getting at least a 650 so long as the bike is beginner friendly in the sense that it is predictable and has smooth/somewhat easy controls.

Our last day of class, we actually got to ride on the road including the highway, we had to take the cbr 250 for that. It was fine for riding around town, but I definitely wouldn't want it for any extended periods of riding above 60mph.

Haven't looked too much at Triumph, Ducati or MV Agusta. If I should, I'd love to hear about it. I did look at Honda, and I'm sure the CBR600RR is a wicked bike, but I doubt it's good for me right now. Didn't see anything too interesting in their other offerings.

So what are your opinions on these bikes (feel free to suggest others in the same class) and why?
 

halik

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
25,696
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"Haven't looked too much at Triumph, Ducati or MV Agusta. If I should, I'd love to hear about it."

Heh that's like saying "I just got my driver's license, but i haven't really looked at Ferrari or Pagani." Get something slow and used - mid 90s sporty bike?
 

Vdubchaos

Lifer
Nov 11, 2009
10,408
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Just make sure you get yourself a full body suit and a helmet.....I would probably recommend sticking to 250s/500s.....any brand you want.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,534
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"Haven't looked too much at Triumph, Ducati or MV Agusta. If I should, I'd love to hear about it."

Heh that's like saying "I just got my driver's license, but i haven't really looked at Ferrari or Pagani." Get something slow and used - mid 90s sporty bike?

No, it really isn't. The Ducati Monster 696 is a great beginner's bike, makes about the same power as the SV650 and weighs about the same, but it will require more maintenance and be a bit more finicky than the Japanese bikes. The only thing I would agree with you on is that you'll hate yourself for dropping your bike if you get a Ducati as a first bike... and you probably will drop it at some point. Get frame sliders whatever you decide on.

I loved my SV650. I put almost 17,000 miles on it in the 3 years I owned it and never had a single problem with it. Just a great great bike.

I wouldn't bother with the Aprilia. Sure, it is sexy but the aftermarket and dealership support is virtually nonexistent. Besides, the SV is a much better value for the money and every bit as capable as the Ape or the Duc.
 

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
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Just make sure you get yourself a full body suit and a helmet.....I would probably recommend sticking to 250s/500s.....any brand you want.
The CBR250R sucked balls on the highway, and I'm definitely going to be doing plenty of highway riding, so that's out. I'm not going to sit there at 7000rpm+ for an hour.

I already have a helmet, definitely will be getting all the riding gear, no doubt about that. There are many significant differences between various bikes of the same class, from what I've learned so far. So it really isn't so simple as "just pick any 250 or 500".
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,534
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The CBR250R sucked balls on the highway, and I'm definitely going to be doing plenty of highway riding, so that's out. I'm not going to sit there at 7000rpm+ for an hour.

I already have a helmet, definitely will be getting all the riding gear, no doubt about that. There are many significant differences between various bikes of the same class, from what I've learned so far. So it really isn't so simple as "just pick any 250 or 500".

The difference between a 50hp bike and a 75hp bike is huge. Likewise, the difference between a 75hp bike and a 100hp bike is also huge. I'd say the SV650 (which is a 75hp bike) is definitely the upper range for what I would consider a sane choice for a new rider.

No way would I recommend a 600cc supersport to a new rider. Those bikes make over 100hp and they are way way more capable than you are able to handle. I also wouldn't recommend the Triumph Street Triple as a first bike (it also makes over 100hp).

Find a good used SV650 for $3.5-4k, put some miles on it, I gaurantee you won't be bored with it, and then sell it for $3.5k when you're ready to move on to something else. Chances are you'll regret selling the SV and may come back to it at some point anyway. A lot of people do... even experienced riders.
 

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
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No, it really isn't. The Ducati Monster 696 is a great beginner's bike, makes about the same power as the SV650 and weighs about the same, but it will require more maintenance and be a bit more finicky than the Japanese bikes. The only thing I would agree with you on is that you'll hate yourself for dropping your bike if you get a Ducati as a first bike... and you probably will drop it at some point. Get frame sliders whatever you decide on.

I loved my SV650. I put almost 17,000 miles on it in the 3 years I owned it and never had a single problem with it. Just a great great bike.

I wouldn't bother with the Aprilia. Sure, it is sexy but the aftermarket and dealership support is virtually nonexistent. Besides, the SV is a much better value for the money and every bit as capable as the Ape or the Duc.
Thanks for the real input. More maintenance and more finicky is exactly what I'd like to avoid. I've only heard good things about the SV, it's definitely at the top of my list. Haven't had the chance to ride one yet, but the Honda Hawk 647 that I did ride was really nice and easy.

I found during our lessons that everyone who dropped their bikes really weren't listening to the instructors. I don't blame them really, cause I made plenty of mistakes even when I "knew" what to do, too. My goal for now is to find the best bike for me that will remain fun for a long time while being easy to ride/practice/grow into.

I find that a lot of people generalize, you show them an SV650 and because it looks sporty they say it's not a good first bike, start with a 250, etc. Seems like mostly BS, but I guess it depends on the person. A few people in my class, I definitely wouldn't recommend anything bigger than 125 or 250 big max, based on how they were doing during the course.
 

Fenixgoon

Lifer
Jun 30, 2003
32,119
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They all look like fine choices. The FZ8 might be a little big though (power wise).
 

pauldun170

Diamond Member
Sep 26, 2011
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1. Suzuki SV650 or Gladius SFV650
Can't go wrong with a SV650, they can be had for cheap. Just look out for wear and tear.

2. Kawasaki Ninja 650 or ER-6N
Often overlooked, they are fairly comparable to the SV650s except with less fanboys.

3. Yamaha FZ6
Can't recommend due to some drivabilty issues with some years. I know.. there will be a bajillion FZ6 owners piping in with how trouble-free and awesome their FZ6 is but screw em. Its mah opinion.

4. Aprilia Shiver 750
What are you? Some sort of wanna be anti-hipster hipster? Just get a Monster like everyone else. Shiver me timbers ever see Aprilia wiring age gracefully?
Having said that its nice bike.

5. Yamaha FZ8
Don't be a wuss. Just get a Busa.
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,512
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I've usually been a cruiser/UJM guy, but given what you're looking at I'd also take a look at the Honda CB500F / CBR500R if you're considering a brand new bike. Admittedly I've always been a Honda fan when it comes to motorcycles, but Honda's new 500s are getting great press and I've always thought that the 450-500cc range was truly the ideal for beginner riders.

ZV
 

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
6,115
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Can't go wrong with a SV650, they can be had for cheap. Just look out for wear and tear.


Often overlooked, they are fairly comparable to the SV650s except with less fanboys.


Can't recommend due to some drivabilty issues with some years. I know.. there will be a bajillion FZ6 owners piping in with how trouble-free and awesome their FZ6 is but screw em. Its mah opinion.


What are you? Some sort of wanna be anti-hipster hipster? Just get a Monster like everyone else. Shiver me timbers ever see Aprilia wiring age gracefully?
Having said that its nice bike.


Don't be a wuss. Just get a Busa.
Is the Kawasaki as reliable as the SV, and as beginner-friendly? For the FZ6, I'm mostly looking at the 2013, and I only really have my eye on that one because I found a pretty good deal on one. Having said that, I'm not necessarily stuck on getting a new bike since I'm a noob. lol @ the anti-hipster hipster. I just found out about the Aprilia, never saw it before and thought it seemed pretty sweet.

as for the honda 500 - it does seem like a good beginner bike, and I did really like the honda 125 and 250 once I got used to them during training, at least as far as the "feel" goes.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,534
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Is the Kawasaki as reliable as the SV, and as beginner-friendly? For the FZ6, I'm mostly looking at the 2013, and I only really have my eye on that one because I found a pretty good deal on one. Having said that, I'm not necessarily stuck on getting a new bike since I'm a noob. lol @ the anti-hipster hipster. I just found out about the Aprilia, never saw it before and thought it seemed pretty sweet.

as for the honda 500 - it does seem like a good beginner bike, and I did really like the honda 125 and 250 once I got used to them during training, at least as far as the "feel" goes.

The Kawasaki is very comparable to the SV. It is a parallel twin vs an L-twin so it may sound and feel a little different but it's a good bike and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

Another bike you may not want to overlook is the BMW F800. It is another parallel twin that should be a bargain on the used market, if you can find one, and aren't afraid of the maintenance costs. It is belt drive so none of the mess and frequency of maintenance of a chain driven machine.
 

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
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Interesting... didnt know of that one. Found a 2009 with 9k km for 7500. Does that sound like a decent deal for that bike?
 

T2urtle

Diamond Member
Oct 18, 2004
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I'm a SV650N rider and i love it. No issues in the 2 years i've owned it.

However i'm kinda thinking of moving over the cruiser side of the world. Like a Honda Shadow all blacked out. Same V-Twin power 750cc should be a little slower then my SV.

The SV is very simple bike, cheap to buy/own/insure/use many people just do oil, tires and chain lube.

W/E you end up getting... get frame sliders as a day one mod. Its like putting a helmet on your bike.
 

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
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Cool. I will definitely look into these sliders. While I dont feel like I will drop my bike at all, ive heard enough stories from new and experienced riders alike. Not to mention I got the "tipping over" feeling on the GS500 during training when I had leaned over just a bit too much coming to a stop. I knew instantly why it is so easy and so common for that to happen. Luckily I saved myself the embarrassment that time, but who knows what could happen out there.

The F800 looks like an interesting bike, but the SV and FZ6 are still at the top of my list. I will probably go check out both of them next week back to back to get a better idea of what suits me better. There is a pretty good deal on an FZ6.
 

pauldun170

Diamond Member
Sep 26, 2011
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Is the Kawasaki as reliable as the SV, and as beginner-friendly? For the FZ6, I'm mostly looking at the 2013, and I only really have my eye on that one because I found a pretty good deal on one. Having said that, I'm not necessarily stuck on getting a new bike since I'm a noob. lol @ the anti-hipster hipster. I just found out about the Aprilia, never saw it before and thought it seemed pretty sweet.

as for the honda 500 - it does seem like a good beginner bike, and I did really like the honda 125 and 250 once I got used to them during training, at least as far as the "feel" goes.

Reliable? Define reliable.
If you are buying new everything is reliable.
If you are buying used everything is reliable as the owner.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,534
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Cool. I will definitely look into these sliders. While I dont feel like I will drop my bike at all, ive heard enough stories from new and experienced riders alike. Not to mention I got the "tipping over" feeling on the GS500 during training when I had leaned over just a bit too much coming to a stop. I knew instantly why it is so easy and so common for that to happen. Luckily I saved myself the embarrassment that time, but who knows what could happen out there.

The F800 looks like an interesting bike, but the SV and FZ6 are still at the top of my list. I will probably go check out both of them next week back to back to get a better idea of what suits me better. There is a pretty good deal on an FZ6.

It will happen at some point. I dropped my SV once, lost my balance when stopped at an angle on steeply inclined pavement, and sliders prevented all but the most minor of damage. Broke the tip off the brake lever, that was it. Put Pazzo levers on and all was right with the world.

I have sliders on my Ducati but haven't dropped it in 2 years of ownership. It is cheap insurance.

BMW F800S or F800ST is the model I looked at. Never rode one though. They are nice bikes but fairly pricey new for what you get. $7500 for a used one sounds like a reasonable deal depending on mileage and condition of course, I would expect it to be under 10k mileage and pretty much mint for that price.
 

Zargon

Lifer
Nov 3, 2009
12,218
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I wouldn't bother with the Aprilia. Sure, it is sexy but the aftermarket and dealership support is virtually nonexistent. Besides, the SV is a much better value for the money and every bit as capable as the Ape or the Duc.

dealership support depends on location

aftermarket is small and expensive, because italian

the shiver is imo the best looker of the bunch, but I'd go SV650 for a newb, parts/used parts are cheap and plentiful
 

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
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Reliable? Define reliable.
If you are buying new everything is reliable.
If you are buying used everything is reliable as the owner.
While that may be true, come on. You know what I mean. I'm sure reliability isn't equal across all bikes any more than it is with cars. The SV650 has a very good track record as far as that goes. Are you saying that there are no unreliable motorcycles that are known to break down more than the SV650?

I noticed that most of these motorcycles seem to have 12 month warranty. Is that normal? Such a big difference compared to cars. Mostly because of what people do to their motorcycles? :D
 

pauldun170

Diamond Member
Sep 26, 2011
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While that may be true, come on. You know what I mean. I'm sure reliability isn't equal across all bikes any more than it is with cars. The SV650 has a very good track record as far as that goes. Are you saying that there are no unreliable motorcycles that are known to break down more than the SV650?

I noticed that most of these motorcycles seem to have 12 month warranty. Is that normal? Such a big difference compared to cars. Mostly because of what people do to their motorcycles? :D

What are you hoping to hear?
XXX brand are notorious for xxxx problem?
If you are buying new...you are not going to get the answer you are looking for.
Warranties are market driven. Some brands have 3-5yr warranties.
Others send you on your way with a year.
Bikes last as long as cars but since we ask more of them we pick up on the little things that we typically don't notice on cars.
 

Scotteq

Diamond Member
Apr 10, 2008
5,276
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What are you hoping to hear?
XXX brand are notorious for xxxx problem?
If you are buying new...you are not going to get the answer yoiu are looking for.
Warranties are market driven. Some brands have 3-5yr warranties.
Others send you on your way with a year.
Bikes last as long as cars but since we ask more of them we pick up on the little things that we typically don't notice on cars.

Yah - modern bikes are very reliable. It's not the case anymore where we have electronics from "Lucas, Lord Of Darkness" or flies entombed in the paint. :eek::D


...old Triumph and Ducati references if you're too young to remember such things... ;)
 

Occ

Senior member
Nov 11, 2009
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76
I like naked bikes since there's less stuff to break if you drop it and maintenance tasks are easier. Also, don't be afraid to go used, particularly for a first bike.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,534
911
126
While that may be true, come on. You know what I mean. I'm sure reliability isn't equal across all bikes any more than it is with cars. The SV650 has a very good track record as far as that goes. Are you saying that there are no unreliable motorcycles that are known to break down more than the SV650?

I noticed that most of these motorcycles seem to have 12 month warranty. Is that normal? Such a big difference compared to cars. Mostly because of what people do to their motorcycles? :D

I bought my SV650 new in 2008. It came with a 1 year warranty, I owned it for 3.5 years and put just under 17,000 miles on it. Never had a single issue with it at all, no recalls, no warranty repairs. Just tires, oil changes and 1 valve adjustment.

I bought my Ducati new in 2011. It came with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty. I've owned it for just over 2 years and have put over 12,000 miles on it, had 1 recall and 3 warranty repairs. It has never left me stranded anywhere and dealer support has been excellent. All I have paid for is tires, oil changes and 1 valve adjustment.

A 12 month warranty is typical with Japanese bikes.

Prior to the SV I had an old Honda motorcycle that I had tons of problems with and it left me stranded a couple times. Gotta expect that with a 30+ year old motorcycle though.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,534
911
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dealership support depends on location

aftermarket is small and expensive, because italian

the shiver is imo the best looker of the bunch, but I'd go SV650 for a newb, parts/used parts are cheap and plentiful

We had an Aprilia dealership near me for about 2 maybe 3 years and they closed. I checked out the Shiver 750 while I owned my SV650 but I saw no compelling reason to trade the SV650 for the Aprilia. The Ape was heavier and slower plus my dealer support would be gone now. I'm sure there is an Aprilia dealer around here somewhere but not close by. So glad I didn't buy that bike.