QuestionI have not ridden a bike in 14 years. I have never owned a bike (except for small motor cross bikes when I was a kid). I have some experience with an 81 Kawasaki KZ650. Recently, I decided that I would like to start riding again. I enrolled in a safety course.
Now I'm trying to figure out which used bike to buy. I would like to spend about $3,500. I am looking for the fall/winter bargain. I have been considering naked bikes and some entry level cruisers. I have been doing a lot of reading. Based purely on paper, I like the SV650.
My criteria has been:
1. Versatility (i.e. Styling, comfort-I'm 6'1", acceleration, highway speed capabilities)
2. Low maintenance
3. The KZ650 had decent speed/power. Will I get bored with my new bike?
4. Price (My wife went back to college for 3 more years.)
5. I will probably buy a Sport/Tourer in a few years. I'd like to buy a bike that I intend to keep around as a local fun bike too.
Can you suggest a few bikes and their "pros & cons". Also, is their a good Consumer Reports style buyers guide for used bikes? (I've seen Motor Cyclist's Oct. issue)
Finally, I have never riden a bike with the forward seating position of a sport bike. Is it difficult to make this transition?
Thank you.
AnswerJeremy, you've made a wise choice in taking the safety course first. That's the best way to start again in your motorcycle career.
As much as I would love to pro and con all the naked bikes out there, there simply is not a better one available than the SV650. They're nearly bulletproof, fun to ride, easy to handle, with plenty of usable power but not so much it can get away from you. The insurance and gas is cheap. You can customize it to make it fit you better. If you like that bike, I highly recommend it.
As far as getting bored, I doubt it. I've been riding a VFR800 for the last three years and am looking to pick up a second bike--and SV650--for commuting and sport riding on the weekends--and track days. I've raced a few SVs at Brainerd and they are unbelievably competent at ten-tenths riding--with some aftermarket suspension components and supersticky tires.
While some sportbike riding positions are tortuous, the SV is not. You'll find that the riding position is actually more comfortable than bikes where you sit straight up and down or lean back. Most standards and cruisers put an awful lot of weight on your lower back, while most sportbikes distribute the weight more between your butt, feet, and wrists, lessening the load on your lower back and making for quite a comfortable ride. It keeps your back straigter, too, and the forward position offers much better control of the bike.
I have a friend who put higher, wider, dirt-bike style bars on his and he loves it--he can ride all day on it and he's nearly 60 years old.
Good luck and have fun with that Suzuki!
Pat
