Most likely gonna sell my Evo next year to get something more practical for making the trip down to college park (~55miles each way) 3 days a week next fall. So on top of a new prius, I'm gonna have to get something to scratch my itch, and that is gonna be a bike. I'm leaning heavily towards a Suzuki SV650. Any of you guys have any other recommendations?

 

Why not the gsx-r 600?

 

Is this your first bike?

I hear the Yamaha R6 handles really well... that's a good thing coming from an Evo.

 

No offense guys, but I'm really looking for advice from people who ride street bikes.

 

I ride street bikes, and dirt..

Why buy a mediocre bike that is kinda fast? You have an evo, so I assume you can appreciate performance. You should definately get a steering stablizer for sure, I hear some of the new bikes have them as standard issue. Head shake = bad..

I like the R6 too...

 

I want to get something a bit more forgiving than race bike to learn on.

 

I have been riding for over a year now. My first bike was a UM ( AKA Hyosung) 650R. I really love it for a first bike. Handles well, good power but not to much, and a good price tag. There are none sport models available also if you like that better. If you got any questions about the bike or want pics let me know

 

My preference is the cbr... I had a cbr 1000 that i loved (had to sell insurance was hell on it) and i know it will be to much if your a beginner but u should check out the 600

 

Never ridden a bike. Sat on one for a while though, so I feel I have enough experience to comment.


First bike: Something <$1,000 to learn the ropes on. Something you won't mind dropping and mild enough that wrecking it won't end with parts of you in different places.

 

I was in the market earlier this year and the sv650 was one of my choices. It seems like a very good compromise for a first time bike. Buell Blasts go for pretty cheap and are good for newbies as well. You could also get an early 90's 400cc sportbike.

I think you just want to make sure you don't get something that is too heavy or too powerful. Just make sure it has enough power to get out of the way of other cars if you need to. Another thing you need to ask yourself is if you are going to ride on the highway. The SV650 may not have enough juice if you are on the highway.

 

SV650s run high 11's in the quarter and will do 60mph in 3.7secs. Plenty of juice to learn to ride on two wheels on IMO.

 

SV650 is a great first bike, although personally I would recommend an older Ninja 600 as a first bike. Fuel injected is nice, but not necessary for your first (you'll probably only have it a year anyway). Keep in mind to save some money on the bike for your GEAR. So many people spend everything on the bike and then have crap gear for the first few years.

 

I suggest a 500R as a first bike. They are STUPID cheap.. and get 55+ on the high way... and if you drop it.. you just dont care.

Then after a few months.. get a 600 like the R6 or even f4i.


This is how I learned.

Bikes an evos.. good pairs.

 

if its your first bike I say just get a hyabusa and kill yourself... <--- not a learning bike

I don't have my own bike but have many friends that do.... and have ridden many of them... if this is your first bike... get a learning bike first, pretty much guarenteed to drop it :-)

Otherwise it seems like you want a rice rocket... I would stay with the Kawasaki's or Yamahas, sazuki's are ok too.

Neverforget my first time on a hyabusa... its a drag bike really not great in the corners but the throttle is so senstive its like the bike accelerates by thinking about it.

 

I got my license for big bike in 1990. I love speed but I would recommend something like what you have in mind. I am part of the statistics, I have scars in my face hand and knee(guess from where). Soon or later it will happen, just start with something that you feel comfortable.

Don't look for speed on your first bike. There are too many people that think they can handle everything but you need to get something not too fast first and work your way up.

Carlos