 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
| HomeDiscussion Groups General MotorcyclesHarleyYamahaSportbikesRacingOff-roadSnowmobilesTechnicalCountry Specific Australian GroupUK GroupClassic (UK Group)Related Topics CarsBoatsMore Topics ... |
Motorcycle Forum / General / Sportbikes / September 2005Thinking of buying a SV650s
I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it.  Signaturea.. Alabama: Yes, We Have Electricity b.. Alaska: 11,623 Eskimos Can't Be Wrong! c.. Arizona: But It's a Dry Heat d.. Arkansas: Litterasy Ain't Everthing e.. California: As Seen on TV f.. Colorado: If You Don't Ski, Don't Bother g.. Connecticut: Like Massachusetts, Only Dirtier and With Less Character h.. Delaware: We Really Do Like the Chemicals in our Water i.. Florida: Ask Us About Our Grandkids j.. Georgia: We Put the "Fun" in Fundamentalist Extremism > I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. Popular opinion is that the SV650 (and the S version) are among the best values around, in terms of bike-for-the-money. There are LEGIONS of loyal fans. The only downside I can see doesn't specifically apply to the SV, but to the notion of getting ANY new bike as a first bike: If you're like 98% of other new motorcycle riders, you WILL drop the bike. If you had a used bike that already had some scratches on it, you wouldn't feel so bad about dropping it. But with a new bike that can be a traumatic event, and then you're back to the dealership shopping for new brake levers, mirrors, turn signals, gas tank, whatever. No one wants their shiny new bike to be scratched and dented, do they? If they wanted a scratch & dent bike, they would have bought one in the first place. My point is that you might rather buy a cheaper used bike that's already been chucked on the ground a couple of times and move up to a "pretty" bike when you're reasonably sure you're done making rookie mistakes. In my experience, that usually takes a year or two of riding. The SV650 itself can be a wonderful first bike, and it's a very capable all-around motorcycle in general. There's an S-model in my garage (belongs to my girlfriend), and I don't have a bad thing to say about it. It's perfect for her. She's even dropped it a few times (1st bike), and it's held up remarkably well. Scratched exhaust, broken brake lever, a couple busted signals, some minor road rash on the little half fairing. All easily replaceable when she decides to make it pretty again. If her SV were my bike, I'd have to beef up the suspension a little, as it's set kind of soft for my weight (~200 lbs with riding gear). Soft suspension isn't bad when you're learning to ride, but when you know how to ride well, too soft suspension can negatively affect handling. Not an issue for a rookie. More info for you: http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq.shtml Ha... I beat Timberwoof to it!! :) SignatureJamin Kortegard a popular motorcycle / a popular car "Hokey 600s and trackday usability are no match for a good literbike at your side, kid." - Michael > > I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is > > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. [snip] > The only downside I can see doesn't specifically apply to the SV, but to the > notion of getting ANY new bike as a first bike: If you're like 98% of other > new motorcycle riders, you WILL drop the bike. And, if you are like me, you will also: -- drop your second bike ( well, put it in the ditch on a backroad ) -- drop your third bike ( forgot to remove the disc lock ) > If you had a used bike that > already had some scratches on it, you wouldn't feel so bad about dropping > it. But with a new bike that can be a traumatic event, [snip] Truer words never spoken. It's a horrible feeling. -- Michael > And, if you are like me, you will also: > > -- drop your second bike ( well, put it in the ditch on a backroad ) > -- drop your third bike ( forgot to remove the disc lock ) I've done the disc lock thing (ST1100). I think I've dropped every bike I've owned at one point or another, generally from doing something stupid like forgetting the disc lock. My dumbest mistake ever was simply forgetting to put the side stand down. I was in a furious hurry, had been battling traffic, and was thinking about 15 different things at once when I pulled into the grocery store parking lot and came to a stop, shut the bike off with the kill switch and key, and then started to lean it over onto the side stand I thought I'd deployed. Oops. By the time I realized the bike was leaning a bit far, it had leaned far enough that all I could do was slow it down on it's way to the pavement. Scratched a turn signal and a bar end is all, but felt like a dumb-a.s. Actually I just started laughing out loud at what a forgetful idiot I'd been, and I reminded myself that a scratched turn signal and some parking lot humility was a very small price to pay for such an egregious lack of attention and focus while riding. What safer place to be a fool than stopped in a parking lot, eh? SignatureJamin Kortegard a popular motorcycle / a popular car "Hokey 600s and trackday usability are no match for a good literbike at your side, kid." - Michael > > And, if you are like me, you will also: > > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > and came to a stop, shut the bike off with the kill switch and key, and then > started to lean it over onto the side stand I thought I'd deployed. Oops. I've done the same thing, in similar circumstances. Had to be somewhere in a hurry. Get on the Kwak, back it out of the garage, hit the remote to close the door. Realize that I may have forgotten important papers in the house. Sit up, take off backpack, look inside. Papers not there. Get off bike, start to walk away, and down she goes. Same as you, I caught it, but a little too late. I remember reading a great quote from Jay Leno. To paraphrase, when he has lots of time to get somewhere he takes a bike. When he's late he takes the car. It's just safer. > By the time I realized the bike was leaning a bit far, it had leaned far > enough that all I could do was slow it down on it's way to the pavement. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > attention and focus while riding. What safer place to be a fool than stopped > in a parking lot, eh? Yup. And that's a good attitude you have. However, when I dropped my pristine CBR, I became very pissed. I was so angry I probably exuded death through the pores of my skin. I can laugh about it now. [1] -- Michael [1] Not really. :-) >>And, if you are like me, you will also: >> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > attention and focus while riding. What safer place to be a fool than stopped > in a parking lot, eh? LOL! BTDT SignaturePC Paul 89 PC800 77 R100RS Trip pics at: http://photos.yahoo.com/paul1cart "To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society" - Theodore Roosevelt > > And, if you are like me, you will also: > > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > forgetting the disc lock. My dumbest mistake ever was simply forgetting to > put the side stand down. It happens. Been riding 20+ years, and I have dropped the ST1100 twice and rode it into the shrubs once. I couldn't pick it up from the shrubs I was laughing so hard. (tried to ride between a car and the edge of the driveway to get into the garage...tires slipped off the edge and away I went) SignatureTweak > The only downside I can see doesn't specifically apply to the SV, but to the > notion of getting ANY new bike as a first bike: If you're like 98% of other > new motorcycle riders, you WILL drop the bike. If you had a used bike that well, I am neither very sport talented nor lucky in my life yet have been riding FZ-1 since the spring, put into that almost 6K miles so far, did dare to try 120 MPH on the occasion or two as well as the one wheelie or a few and did not drop it. I have had a few close calls though. Just be very very careful, even more after 2000 miles when you got some confidence, think, think and think. MSF is a great introduction. What helped to gain some skills were two one day middle distance trips 400 and 420 miles. It is great to observe yourself, how the body and mind lose reaction time and how they in fact learn to behave automatically. Another thing read/study/think thru/analyze the close calls/be proactive/be slightly ahead of cars. Other thing is practice emergency stops/tight turns/increasing lean angle/8. Try to ride on the gravel at some point. I am also 35 old and used to drive very aggressively which I get over it after some time. I think already 200K miles on the road in a last few years is a important factor too. Just 2c. A. > > The only downside I can see doesn't specifically apply to the SV, but > to the [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > did dare to try 120 MPH on the occasion or two as well as the one > wheelie or a few and did not drop it. I have had a few close calls though. One more thinkg I forgot to mention, if you are afraid to drop the bike just install frame sliders as I did. A. >I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is >worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. Great bike by any measure. Get the naked version or buy used would be my advise. Also, learn about throttle control very quickly. There are few bike with a better reputation but there are a few that would make a better 1st bike. EXAMPLES: Kawasiki EX 500 twin Suzuki Bandit 600 or Katana 600 (both with similar power as the SV but tamer down off idle), both four-cylinder engines. Yamaha YZF600R Again watch the power but up at "high RPM" on this one. Four-cylinder engine. Also this unit is notorious for having a grabby or non-linear clutch activation-(all or nothing). Honda F2, 3, 4 & F4i (see above, power up high). Four cylinder engines. Suzuki GS500F (perfect & similar to EX500 twin but new plastic to break as Jamin suggested). New model. Bob Nixon, Chandler AZ 01 Sprint ST "RED" 50K miles http://bigrex.net/pictures Buell Blast. A great first bike. The SV is a bit much if you have never ridden before. >I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is >worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. Regards Mike > Buell Blast. A great first bike. The SV is a bit much if you have > never ridden before. Or, if you want to get higher quality and a lower price on a small displacement bike, look at the Ninja 250. Pete >> Buell Blast. A great first bike. The SV is a bit much if you have >> never ridden before. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Pete First off the Buell Blast is a high quality bike. Secondly being it is his first bike he may drop it a time or two. Regards Mike > First off the Buell Blast is a high quality bike. High quality according to whom? Every review of the Blast that I've seen has put it firmly in second place to the little Ninja. In fact, you can go to the Ninja 250 board ( http://forums.ninja250.org ) , scroll down and find a review of the two bikes by an owner who's had both. He prefers the Ninja. Pete >> First off the Buell Blast is a high quality bike. > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Pete I'd have to agree with most of these from that forum. And the wife OWNS a Blast. I've ridden Ninja 250s many years ago. ------------ Transmission: 250 is smoother, Blast is clunkEEEEEE. Handling: The both handle about the same, but the 250 has much more lean angle before scraping. Engine: 250 engine has been around since 87. Blast engine has been around since 2000 and is half a harley engine. On the flip side, there are far more ugrades for Blast engines than 250. Vibration The Blast wins this hands down, but that is expected, it is a thumper. Acceleration The Blast wins this off the line, but once the 250 get's into it's power range, it will go faster. RPM's The Blast redlines at 6500 (might be wrong on this, but I'm close) and the 250 redlines at 14000. I would redline the Blast pulling out of my driveway and, worse than that, would redline it leaned into a turn rolling on the throttle. Not good. Top End Blast 95-99 mph and the 250 105'ish. (closed course, professional rider, etc, etc) Overall build quality Must go with the250 on this one. The Blast has chintsy plastic and funky handlebars and LOOKS like a beginners bike. The 250 pretty much looks like a small rice rocket, to me at least. Final thoughts: Nod goes to the 250. However...the Blast was designed specifically for beginning riders and excels in that role, MAYBE better than the 250. That could be argued well either way. I feel the the 250 can grow with a rider as their skill levels improve where a Blast would not. Evidence of this is that there are numerous track ready 250 and 250 racing in California. Nothing like that for Blasts. ------------- The Blast is more tractable around town, since it's a torquey single. But the seating position isn't "sport bike" like. The pegs are too far forward IMHO. With rearsets, the Blast 'seems' to handle better to me. One thing they didn't touch on, the Blast has better brakes. >I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone >tell me if it is > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to > it. Its a great bike... the s model is a hunched over riding position not at all the best for newbies...Id get the standard SV650 with high bars then get a peg lowering kit for it at least... you will find thats much more comfortable and easy to control than the s model.. then put a mini wind screen on it. you will need that. Downside is that suspension is not the worlds best..but its ok for a newbie for sure. and you can upgrade it later.. If you are short and can't flat foot the bike you can take the riders seat off and replace it with a board and a little foam and upholstry and loose 3" its more comfortable than the stock seat for me....I also bent the bars a lot farther back and lowered the foot pegs 3" and forward 2" or so. The bike is a little jumpy off the line and in slow going you need to get good at tiny throttle inputs and using the clutch when going real slow...no big deal...just something to know. You can get a slightly used one for 3k or so... that might be best, You can sell it for that in a year for what you paid. The bike seems to be pretty well bullet proof. Phil Scott Phil Scott The Buell Blast is another bike that I am looking at for my first bike. Even though I did have a dealer say that if I want a busa I should start with it first becuse that way I get use to ridding that. I do plan on taking a Motorcycle class to teach me how to ride. I have dumped a friends Dirt Bike a few times. Well about 15 times before he said no more. Thanks for all the help and input. I am still open to ideas for a first time bike. > >I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone > >tell me if it is [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > > Phil Scott >The Buell Blast is another bike that I am looking at for my first bike. Look for a used Blast if you can. They can go on the cheap. Say around 2K or so. > Even >though I did have a dealer say that if I want a busa I should start with it >first becuse that way I get use to ridding that. I do plan on taking a >Motorcycle class to teach me how to ride. Good for you. > I have dumped a friends Dirt Bike >a few times. Well about 15 times before he said no more. Thanks for all the >help and input. I am still open to ideas for a first time bike. The dirt is a good place to make your mistakes plus the added bonus of wrecking your frineds bike.:-) Regards Mike >I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. I don't know anyone who does not like the sv650. If you are 6ft or more in height, get the s version. Now little fellas like our Filbert here like the naked one and there's nothing wrong with that either. Dumping the bike I look at as part of owning a bike. Thats why I am going to take my ridding class at a Harley Shop and been looking at safty gear. This has been something I have been thinking of doing after I came back from Iraq last year. And with todays gas price the way they are going I think a bike would be a good move. But I swear people in my area cant drive so my wife is worried about me getting a bike. But for some reason she want to buy a hayabusa. > >I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is > > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. > > I don't know anyone who does not like the sv650. If you are 6ft or more in > height, get the s version. Now little fellas like our Filbert here like the > naked one and there's nothing wrong with that either. >>I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is >> worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. > >I don't know anyone who does not like the sv650. If you are 6ft or more in >height, get the s version. Now little fellas like our Filbert here like the >naked one and there's nothing wrong with that either. 6'1" 220lbs and my "S" is very comfy. I've rattled off 200 mile days before with only a minor case of iron butt... >>>I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it >>>is [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > 6'1" 220lbs and my "S" is very comfy. I've rattled off 200 mile days > before with only a minor case of iron butt... I got rid of the stock seat and I can go 500 before monkey butt sets in. >I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. Its worth the price. I traded a CBR929 for mine. The suspension is the downside. Plus its under appreciated by the literbike set.....who wouldn't like a modern 600 either, but thats another rant. I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And that I should stay away from it. Because I will out grow it in less then a month and also its not that great on its pick up speed. > >I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is > > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. > > Its worth the price. I traded a CBR929 for mine. The suspension is the > downside. Plus its under appreciated by the literbike set.....who wouldn't > like a modern 600 either, but thats another rant. >I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And that I should stay > away from it. Because I will out grow it in less then a month and also its > not that great on its pick up speed. I had a Ninja 250 once and I still have respect for it. It has enough power if you use the gears and will teach you to be a good rider. It is a nice light bike to learn on. If you move up too quick you will miss out on importnt lesssons that can only be learnt on smaller bikes. Don't diss the Ninja, it can teach you heaps, is cheap too. >> >I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it > is [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >> wouldn't >> like a modern 600 either, but thats another rant. > >I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And that I should stay > > away from it. Because I will out grow it in less then a month and also its [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > importnt lesssons that can only be learnt on smaller bikes. Don't diss the > Ninja, it can teach you heaps, is cheap too. I totally agree. I've never ridden one on the street but I raced one in the AFM for my first six seasons. It may sound silly to race an EX250, but they'll teach you everything you need to know about racing, _especially_ keeping corner speed. It was a great delight at track days and practice sessions to occasionally--even at my upper-mid-pack pace--rail around R1s on the outside of sweepers. No worries about high-sides, either--if you weren't going fast in the turn, you're not going to go fast on the exit, either! To the ever-repeated statement "you'll just outgrow it", my response is the ever-repeated "SO WHAT?" So you sell it for what you paid for it and move up. Too many people buy more bike than they know what to do with, thinking they'll just "take it easy", and end up either afraid of the thing (but unwilling to admit it, and not learning anything), or getting dumped in the weeds one day when a small mistake gets amplified by an order of magnitude in 0.1 seconds. SignatureDenise AFM #732 denise dot howard at comcast dot net '00 SV650 | '00 929 Lippman Racing CBR 400RR >> >I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And that I should >> >stay [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > getting dumped in the weeds one day when a small mistake gets amplified > by an order of magnitude in 0.1 seconds. Yes, all the best motorcyclists (both road and track) did their time on smaller cap bikes and many of the best are happy to stay with them too. Then you get these sad nervous types with new big bikes, low experience and lots of fear factor. >>>>I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And that I should >>>>stay [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > Yes, all the best motorcyclists (both road and track) did their time on > smaller cap bikes and many of the best are happy to stay with them too. Someone has taken over Yannick's computer. This is the silliest thing I've ever seen you type. I've mentored three newbies in the last few years. One started on an SV650, read everything he could, took MSF and track classes and wrecks it about every third times he rides it. Two others started out on the same FZ1 and both graduated to ZX-10s within a year. One guy rides like the wind and the other rides pretty well for his experience. I see neither as being a danger to themselves or anyone else. In this pansy a.s day in age, with kids not doing much that's either physcial or risky, it may be a good idea to start newbies out on mopeds. But for mature adults with an ounce of coordination, going with a little more bike WON'T be the end of the world. > Then > you get these sad nervous types with new big bikes, low experience and lots > of fear factor. Those must be the one's doing triple digit wheelies down the highway with their legs dangling over the headlight. > I've mentored three newbies in the last few > years. One started on an SV650, read everything he could, took MSF and [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > his experience. I see neither as being a danger to themselves or anyone > else. I worked with a guy that crashed about 3 times a week. After 2-3 months he sold his motocycle and started riding a bicycle. He crashed only 2 times a week after that. He never bought a car. If he had, he would have totalled it in less than a month. The bottom line? Some people have no business operating a motor vehicle of any kind. pirce >>I've mentored three newbies in the last few >>years. One started on an SV650, read everything he could, took MSF and [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > pirce HAH! Truth! BTW, I really don't care what bike someone rides, just as long as they ride and enjoy it. Which is also why no one should give a sh.t about what I ride...and they don't! :-) SignaturePC Paul 89 PC800 77 R100RS Trip pics at: http://photos.yahoo.com/paul1cart "To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society" - Theodore Roosevelt > HAH! Truth! > BTW, I really don't care what bike someone rides, just as long as they > ride and enjoy it. Which is also why no one should give a sh.t about > what I ride...and they don't! :-) I care HOW you ride, not what you ride. Choose whatever rattletrap you want, just ride it WELL, whatever it is. The only reasonable excuse for not riding well is "I'm a newbie". If you're not a newbie and you're not riding well, or at least TRYING to ride well, you deserve whatever scorn you get. And I don't mean "you" as in "Paul". I meant the collective "you". SignatureJamin Kortegard a popular motorcycle / a popular car "Hokey 600s and trackday usability are no match for a good literbike at your side, kid." - Michael >>HAH! Truth! >>BTW, I really don't care what bike someone rides, just as long as they [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > And I don't mean "you" as in "Paul". I meant the collective "you". Right! Good points. SignaturePC Paul 89 PC800 77 R100RS Trip pics at: http://photos.yahoo.com/paul1cart "To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society" - Theodore Roosevelt SNIP > Those must be the one's doing triple digit wheelies down the highway > with their legs dangling over the headlight. Organ donors in training.... SignaturePC Paul 89 PC800 77 R100RS Trip pics at: http://photos.yahoo.com/paul1cart "To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society" - Theodore Roosevelt > Someone has taken over Yannick's computer. This is the silliest thing > I've ever seen you type. I've mentored three newbies in the last few [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > his experience. I see neither as being a danger to themselves or anyone > else. So I am third FZ-1 one, because what you wrote while back was a factor to decision I made to get FZ-1. I feel that FZ-1 got great and forgiving suspension which is a way more important that the engine for beginner like me. Also FZ-1 carbs problems will force you to learn about mechanics and maintenance too :-). A. >> Someone has taken over Yannick's computer. This is the silliest thing >> I've ever seen you type. I've mentored three newbies in the last few [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > A. Sounds like you're enjoying the bike Andy! Great! SignaturePC Paul 89 PC800 77 R100RS Trip pics at: http://photos.yahoo.com/paul1cart "To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society" - Theodore Roosevelt >>> Someone has taken over Yannick's computer. This is the silliest thing >>> I've ever seen you type. I've mentored three newbies in the last few [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Sounds like you're enjoying the bike Andy! Great! It is cool. Can wait when will be ready to get to the track :-). A. >> Someone has taken over Yannick's computer. This is the silliest thing >> I've ever seen you type. I've mentored three newbies in the last few [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > suspension which is a way more important that the engine for beginner > like me. And great ergonomics (body position) too. > I had a Ninja 250 once and I still have respect for it. It has enough power > if you use the gears and will teach you to be a good rider. It is a nice > light bike to learn on. If you move up too quick you will miss out on > importnt lesssons that can only be learnt on smaller bikes. I guess I moved (event started) "very up" to FZ-1. What is I missed. I am seroiusly asking, it is not a flamebait. A. >I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And that I should stay > away from it. Because I will out grow it in less then a month and also its > not that great on its pick up speed. Oh...and you as a beginner are being told this by who? Someone who has fallen for the "gee if its not a literbike its not a manly man machine"? A Ninja 250 is a fine bike. I used to chase Ben on his through wonderful scenery at 9000 feet through the Colorado Mountains. Little short on ground clearance, but he appeared to be having alot of fun. Might you get bored with the lack of power? Maybe. But my beef is usually with all the plastic, tip it over and it costs real money to fix just like any plastic-shod sportbike. Your initial question was about an sv650. I just crashed mine at 55-60 mph at the track and I think I can have it back on the road for maybe $200 ebay bucks. Try that with a fully faired machine sometime. For a beginner, go get something used, cheap and disposable. Survive your first year riding, then go get whatever you want. >> I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And that I should stay >> away from it. Because I will out grow it in less then a month and also its >> not that great on its pick up speed. > > Oh...and you as a beginner are being told this by who? Someone who has > fallen for the "gee if its not a literbike its not a manly man machine"? Usually the people that say such things have a vested interest in doing so. Possibly to appear macho, as Troy suggests. Possibly to make money, as would be the case if a salesman said it. They make a bigger commission on Hayabusas than they do on Ninja 250s. I still think the SV650 is a great all around choice. SignatureJamin Kortegard popular sportbike / popular car "Hokey 600s and trackday usability are no match for a good literbike at your side, kid." - Michael >>I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And that I should stay >> away from it. Because I will out grow it in less then a month and also its [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] >For a beginner, go get something used, cheap and disposable. Survive your >first year riding, then go get whatever you want. Troy you failed to mention the Buell Blast which has no plastic while parts are available on the Cheap on Ebay as well. Perhaps the Blast sits pretty low too. Most likely one of the lower bikes you are going to find. According to some they are fun too ride and the brakes are good. Regards Mike >>>I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And >>>that I should stay [quoted text clipped - 40 lines] > brakes are > good. The Buell Blast though at 35 hp max is a bit of a toad though... I wouldnt want to stick a person with one of those myself.. unless he got it used ...that would be good. and its heavy. If I were going to go for something with less hp like that I recommend that it be light also... then you have something. the ninja 250 fits that slot and gets nothing but great reviews. Re the SV650 Im with Bob in many aspects on that bike... its a bit grabby and fast for a newbie even though when someone brings it up as a good starter bike I recommend it..it is a good bike. RE Buell. The Uly will put them on the map. Until Yamaha omes out with theirs. By then maybe Uly will have a cult following. it comes from a long tradition. Id like to see it succeed. Phil Scott > Regards > > Mike >>>>I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And >>>>that I should stay [quoted text clipped - 45 lines] >myself.. unless he got it used ...that would be good. and its >heavy. Its a beginner bike Phil. It has no plastic. Beginners have a tendancy to smash up their bikes. I don't know the weight of the Blast off hand but, I don't think it is all that heavy and being that it sits rather low it should serve its intended purpose.I know where a Blast flat tracker is. 54 hp and cool as heck. >If I were going to go for something with less hp like that I >recommend that it be light also... then you have something. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >brings it up as a good starter bike I recommend it..it is a >good bike. Its a great second bike. Would you put your son who has never owned a bike on one? >RE Buell. The Uly will put them on the map. Until Yamaha >omes out with theirs. By then maybe Uly will have a cult >following. it comes from a long tradition. Id like to see it >succeed. Its the biggest selling 2006 model bike this year for both Buell and Harley Davidson. Regards Mike >>>>>I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And >>>>>that I should stay [quoted text clipped - 86 lines] > Buell and > Harley Davidson. Thats truly good news. Nice pics of that hummer in the air ...and it will be tourable too. and its studly looking, and gets good gas mileage in a world of 5 dollar gas. I think the Uly and the Yamaha clone of it will become ultra popular..also motards. We will have those in addition to the i4s. the pure crotch rockets will fade a bit though. The blast flat tracker is fine... I love those kinds of bikes, but at 54 hp it is sucking hind tit from the much higher reving OHC machines.. thats its problem. and of course at 54 hp all of the low end power was sacrificed. It would run in a 500 rpm band near the top of the rev range. Buell needs to make an OHC head and cam drive for it, shorten the stroke, punch it out to over square... then it would haul a.s. I am not sure but Id bet the thing uses a Ron Woods frame not the Buell frame.. any street frame would would be too heavy for pro competition imo. Phil Scott > Regards > > Mike >> Regards >> >> Mike It was not a stock frame on the Blast Phil and what I heard is the frame alone was like 4k but not 100% sure Regards Mike On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 22:31:49 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >>>>>I was told the Nija 250 is not that great of a bike. And >>>>>that I should stay [quoted text clipped - 51 lines] > it sits rather low it should serve its intended purpose.I know where a > Blast flat tracker is. 54 hp and cool as heck. 54HP? My brother said they've gotten as much as 78HP out of those things. > On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 22:31:49 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 68 lines] > 54HP? My brother said they've gotten as much as 78HP out of > those things. Maybe a slim chance with a 4 valve head, racing fuel and 12 to 1 compression, lightened rod, and piston and a very short life cycle.. one race per motor maybe. Phil Scott >> On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 22:31:49 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >> [quoted text clipped - 74 lines] > > Phil Scott 2 valve head. Pump gas. Lots of dyno pulls. You have to understand, my brother is pretty high up in the food chain at HD R&D :) >>> On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 22:31:49 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >>> [quoted text clipped - 79 lines] >You have to understand, my brother is pretty >high up in the food chain at HD R&D :) Tell your brother he can do some research on my M2.:-) Regards Mike >>>> On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 22:31:49 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >>>> [quoted text clipped - 99 lines] > > Tell your brother he can do some research on my M2.:-) It would be a motor than only ran in the top 500 rpm range or tighter. I was running dirt ovals in the day of 500 singles, some OHC singles such as the BSA Gold Star and the OHC model Matchless.. and Norton Manx came close to 60 hp... the push rod jobbies coundn't touch them.. too much reciprocating mass in the rocker arms, and push rods bouncing up and down and prone to floating the valve train. http://www.realclassic.co.uk/goldstar04032900.html Today with more scientific flow benchs, better and lighter alloys 78 hp from 500 push rod single is fathomable...but not for any sort of tractability. When or if buels thummper becomes tractable it will be beating the 500cc rotax and 450cc water cooled OHC yamaha and honda singles on the pro circuit..it isn't so far...but it is a respectable try...more power to them. If this keeps up the US might regain dominance in the world motorcycle market. Phil Scott > Regards > > Mike On Fri, 23 Sep 2005 01:08:56 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >>>> On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 22:31:49 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >>>> [quoted text clipped - 84 lines] > > Mike Mike, you do realize what happens to finished, non production R&D projects at HD don't you? They end up in the crusher. You want your M2 to end up into a small little cube? :) >On Fri, 23 Sep 2005 01:08:56 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 90 lines] >at HD don't you? They end up in the crusher. You want your M2 to end up >into a small little cube? :) Let me check my insurance coverage and I will get back to you.:- ) Regards Mike > 2 valve head. Pump gas. Lots of dyno pulls. > > You have to understand, my brother is pretty > high up in the food chain at HD R&D :) Cool! When is hardley going to race AMA again? With a properly competitive machine this time? >> 2 valve head. Pump gas. Lots of dyno pulls. >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Cool! When is hardley going to race AMA again? With a properly competitive > machine this time? Hehe, ya like that is going to happen when they have th H-D only races (drags and 883 flat track). Sheeesh, Ducati can make a v-twin compete, Why can't Harley? Because Harley can't build a sport bike. Period. I've never seen a Buell Blast on the road BTW. The MSF had one, no one wanted to ride it. Go figure. Bryan >> 2 valve head. Pump gas. Lots of dyno pulls. >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Cool! When is hardley going to race AMA again? With a properly competitive > machine this time? When they'll get a return on investment on it. As it stands, I doubt that will ever happen. >>> 2 valve head. Pump gas. Lots of dyno pulls. >>> [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > When they'll get a return on investment on it. As it stands, I doubt that > will ever happen. If this was their exclusive criteria, what do they need R&D for? New t-shirt designs are that complicated that it requires an R&D department? >> 2 valve head. Pump gas. Lots of dyno pulls. >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Cool! When is hardley going to race AMA again? With a properly competitive >machine this time? Troy the sportbike bike market is highly competitive. HD sells enough bikes so they find little reason to start dumping money in a racing program. I don't like it either but, it's all about business and making money. They do their flat track stuff and the drag racing. Maybe Erik Buell will do a bike someday. We shall see how many Uly's they sell. Regards Mike >>> You have to understand, my brother is pretty >>> high up in the food chain at HD R&D :) [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > bikes so they find little reason to start dumping money in a racing > program. I see...makes perfect sense...plus...the last time they tried it was a collossal embarassment.....myself, I can see how egg on your face more than once would be even worse. > I don't like it either but, it's all about business and > making money. They do their flat track stuff and the drag racing. > Maybe Erik Buell will do a bike someday. We shall see how many Uly's > they sell. Seen any on the streets yet? >>>> You have to understand, my brother is pretty >>>> high up in the food chain at HD R&D :) [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > >Seen any on the streets yet? No not yet. They must be out there because the dealers are selling every single one of them they stock. This new Buell is out selling all of Harleys 2006 offerings. Regards Mike >>Seen any on the streets yet? > > No not yet. They must be out there because the dealers are selling > every single one of them they stock. This new Buell is out selling all > of Harleys 2006 offerings. That isn't saying much considering Hardleys worldwide sales..... >>>Seen any on the streets yet? >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >That isn't saying much considering Hardleys worldwide sales..... It's saying a lot. Never has Buell outsold HD. Well till now. Regards Mike >>>>Seen any on the streets yet? >>> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > It's saying a lot. Never has Buell outsold HD. Well till now. > Regards Thats like saying "Hey! Yugo finally outsold Isuzu!" Hardly like we're talking real numbers...last I looked Hardleys entire production was what, couple hundred thousand machines a YEAR maybe? Someone correct me, what is Hardleys total production output? >>>>Seen any on the streets yet? >>> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >>That isn't saying much considering Hardleys worldwide >>sales..... HD is the most profitable MC company in the world...and the oldest still producing ...and sells in huge volume... the fact that the Uly is overselling HD now is nothing short of *incredible. This represents a sea change for both HD and the motorcycling industry. Phil Scott > It's saying a lot. Never has Buell outsold HD. Well till > now. > Regards > > Mike >>>>> You have to understand, my brother is pretty >>>>> high up in the food chain at HD R&D :) [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > selling all > of Harleys 2006 offerings. Thats a shocker... the reverse was true before the Uly...this bodes very well for both HD and Eric Buell.. Interesting isnt it how many of AMS sport bike riders are going to the dirt..some exclusively dirt... 4 years ago all dirt riding got on the NG was ridicule, they though it was kiddie stuff or something. it isnt of course. Next will be the Uly types and motards. that will be hot. the big rice rockets will still be on the menu though. Phil Scott > Regards > > Mike [...] >>Seen any on the streets yet? > >No not yet. They must be out there because the dealers are selling >every single one of them they stock. This new Buell is out selling all >of Harleys 2006 offerings. >Regards This is nuts, Mike! The Uluy is a tall bike like the BMW-GS. This makes it a no sell for lots od us <6' folks or the majority of sport bikers. Follow my logic? If you need a step ladder to mount the ride, what about stop lights, etc? Bob Nixon, Chandler AZ 01 Sprint ST "RED" 50K miles http://bigrex.net/pictures >[...] >>>Seen any on the streets yet? [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >makes it a no sell for lots od us <6' folks or the majority of sport >bikers. Follow my logic? Yes I do Bob. I ride a tall bike myself though so I don't see an issue with this. They do offer a lower seat for the bike. That being said in order to take it off road you have to have some suspension travel. > If you need a step ladder to mount the ride, >what about stop lights, etc? I don't think it is that high . Who has the seat height\width of the Uly? Regards Mike >>[...] >> [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > I don't think it is that high . Who has the seat height\width of the > Uly? From the Buell website, this is the measurements of the ULY seat height with a 180lb'r sitting on it: Height 33.1 in Width 35.1 in For comparison, here are the new Lightning (tall bike like your's) specs: Height 30.5 in Width 29.7 in Notice a difference? >>>[...] >>> [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > >Notice a difference? My bike has a very wide seat and I can tell you the Cyclone feels tall. My YZ now that is a tall bike Regards Mike > On Fri, 23 Sep 2005 23:21:59 -0700, _Bob_Nixon > <bilbo@nospam.com> [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > order to take it off road you have to have some suspension > travel. The Uly is limited by its weight on the extent rough ground it can traverse at speed. It could probably do with 2" less travel for most riders. It could have a lowering option to suit that imo. Too tall ruins a bike for trailing or fast fire road rides or going deep into canyons etc. especially a heavy bike. Tall suspensions came with motocross. very high speeds over very rough terrain..that then morphed for use on high speed desert and cross country bikes. The tall suspension is indeed wonderful for that...IF you are a world class rider that can ride over a 12" log at 60 miles an hour... for the rest of us, its like a gixxer liter bike... over kill and a net liability... you dont need all that travel.. or ground clearance. Phil Scott >> If you need a step ladder to mount the ride, >>what about stop lights, etc? [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Mike >>[...] >> [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > > Mike Besides which, when I sit my fat a.s on it, it squishes the suspension down far enough so that I have no problem flat footing it. :-) SignaturePC Paul 89 PC800 77 R100RS Trip pics at: http://photos.yahoo.com/paul1cart "To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society" - Theodore Roosevelt [snip] > No not yet. They must be out there because the dealers are selling > every single one of them they stock. This new Buell is out selling all > of Harleys 2006 offerings. I don't believe you. Harley sells an amazing amount of Sportsters every year. 60,000+ Even if you split the number up by displacement and trim, it wouldn't surprise me if the base 883 sold in the range of 10,000 a year - or more. Buell's total output is around that, no? -- Michael >[snip] >> No not yet. They must be out there because the dealers are selling [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > >-- Michael I said HDs 2006 offerings ONLY. Not last years models selling this year. I should have been more specific. Regards Mike > I said HDs 2006 offerings ONLY. Not last years models selling this > year. I should have been more specific. You should supply evidence to support your claim. I don't know why I continue to have faith that someday the lightbulb atop your head will illuminate. > >[snip] > >> No not yet. They must be out there because the dealers are selling [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > I said HDs 2006 offerings ONLY. Not last years models selling this > year. I should have been more specific. You should be. So how many have been sold? What's the max production run for the year? -- Michael >> >[snip] >> >> No not yet. They must be out there because the dealers are selling [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > >-- Michael I don't know. I hear things on the Buell board and post them hear. Perhaps I could find out. Regards Mike On Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:26:54 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >>> >[snip] >>> >> No not yet. They must be out there because the dealers are selling [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > Mike They aren't SELLING better than HD models. There is a longer waiting list for one however. Buell doesn't have the automation, or facilities to keep up with the demand for the ULY at the moment. >On Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:26:54 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] >for one however. Buell doesn't have the automation, or facilities to keep >up with the demand for the ULY at the moment. Somebody on Badweb stated that the new Uly is out selling all 2006 HDs. Regards Mike NOSP...@yahoo.com wrote: > >On Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:26:54 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: [snip] > >>>You should be. So how many have been sold? What's the max production > >>>run for the year? [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > HDs. > Regards Somebody on AMS has stated that the statement from Badweb is improbable. -- Michael >>On Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:26:54 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >> [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > Somebody on Badweb stated that the new Uly is out selling all 2006 > HDs. It is interesting to note that the Uly I sat on a couple weeks back is no longer on the lot. On Tue, 27 Sep 2005 07:03:35 -0400, saddlebag wrote: >>>On Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:26:54 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >>> [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > It is interesting to note that the Uly I sat on a couple weeks back is > no longer on the lot. That's the way it is around here. There are none to be had. And I live 20 miles from the Buell factory. My local dealer, Hals HD in New Berlin, WI is keeping one for a demo. They still have the low seat on order. On Mon, 26 Sep 2005 23:29:19 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >>On Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:26:54 +0000, NOSPAM* wrote: >> [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > > Mike Well, they stated wrong then :) Buell just doesn't have the resources or facilities to MAKE enough bikes to outsell any HD model. You ever been to the factory? It's not big. And bikes are still built by hand. > I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. excellent bike..... if this is your first bike you might want to get one that you don't mind beating up a bit...you will probably put a few scratches in it.... find yourself a used (i prefer the pre 98 versions) suzuki Katana... one of the most under appreciated sport/tour bikes ever made... they are very tame, yet can give you plenty of fun in the twisties.... on the plus side a used 600 or even 750 can be picked up fairly inexpensively. my 93(nearly mint condition with only 7k miles on it was a great find) 750 Katana(aka mighty tuna) gets nearly 50 mpg on highway and is plenty comfortable to ride decent distances... plenty of power to get you into trouble if you wish... > I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. Newbie information http://www.moto-rama.com/html/new_riders.html Jim Stinnett I have not made a choce of what kind of bike just been looking at the Blast and the SV650S and it was a salesman that told me that I would out grow the bike. But I was thinking more of my hight and weight for the 250 Ninja. Not looking for mocho bike at this moment looking for learning and getting better on a bike. I all ready have the mocho bike picked out and know its too much for me at the start. And would scare the hell out of me if I dumped it. So I am looking at what has been posted on the internet for a first time bike. And look at a few shops. As far as used goes in my area used is hard to find and if you do find one they are beat to hell in back talking more about the motor then anything. Body I dont care about. But do want to thank you guys and please keep the information coming. Because I wise man learns from others mistakes. Where a Fool does not learn from anyones mistakes. > > I thinking of buying a SV650S for my first bike can anyone tell me if it is > > worth the price or not. And what are some the downsides to it. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > http://www.moto-rama.com/html/new_riders.html > Jim Stinnett > I have not made a choce of what kind of bike just been looking at the Blast > and the SV650S and it was a salesman that told me that I would out grow the [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > you guys and please keep the information coming. Because I wise man learns > from others mistakes. Where a Fool does not learn from anyones mistakes. It's smart to seek advice, but not from the salesman. He has an interest in selling you something. You won't outgrow the SV anytime soon don't worry. You can do much worse than the SV650 but, strongly consider the non-S model instead of the racier 650S. It's cheaper, easier to ride, more comfortable, has no bodywork to replace if you tip it over, and it has the exact same motor. A 250 ninja is probably the best beginner bike you could possibly get. The SV is much more powerful, but you can always upgrade later. Good luck. Greg. You've received lots of good advice here. I throw in my 2 cents. Ever consider a Nighthawk 750? A little heavy, but very tame. Relatively cheap. I went from an old Rebel 450, to the Nighthawk 750 to a CBR600f4i in short order. Bryan >I have not made a choce of what kind of bike just been looking at the Blast > and the SV650S and it was a salesman that told me that I would out grow [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] >> http://www.moto-rama.com/html/new_riders.html >> Jim Stinnett > You've received lots of good advice here. I throw in my 2 cents. > Ever consider a Nighthawk 750? A little heavy, but very tame. Relatively > cheap. > > I went from an old Rebel 450, to the Nighthawk 750 to a CBR600f4i in short > order. That's not a bad idea. I went from a Nighthawk 250 to a Nighthawk 750 to a CBR600 F3. I still miss the 750 sometimes--it was a great bike, smooth, bulletproof. The only problem was its weight. I sold it in order to buy my SV650, 100 lbs. lighter. SignatureDenise AFM #732 denise dot howard at comcast dot net '00 SV650 | '00 929 Lippman Racing CBR 400RR > But I was thinking more of my hight and weight for the 250 Ninja. We have a guy who races one in the AFM and does quite well on it, who is 6'3" and 300 lbs. If you're concerned about your weight (or even if you're not), have the suspension worked on. The stock suspension is known to be mush. SignatureDenise AFM #732 denise dot howard at comcast dot net '00 SV650 | '00 929 Lippman Racing CBR 400RR I wanted to think you guys all for the great advice and the information you have shared with me. It seems like I am on the right track by not running out and buying the first bike that I see. I am also looking at used not dead set on getting new. But I am going to look around for a good used bike. And after the info that was shared about the nijia 250 that bike has now been put back into my selection. > > But I was thinking more of my hight and weight for the 250 Ninja. > > We have a guy who races one in the AFM and does quite well on it, who > is 6'3" and 300 lbs. If you're concerned about your weight (or even if > you're not), have the suspension worked on. The stock suspension is > known to be mush. >I wanted to think you guys all for the great advice and the information you > have shared with me. It seems like I am on the right track by not running [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > after the info that was shared about the nijia 250 that bike has now been > put back into my selection. Thanks for listening. I still WANT a ninja 250, even though I have a 600. Bryan Well guys thank you so much for the help and the info you have given me. Now lets talk about something a little more fun. Has anyone been ridding in Central Florida? And can you do doughnuts on a street bike like you can on a dirtbike? > >I wanted to think you guys all for the great advice and the information you > > have shared with me. It seems like I am on the right track by not running [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Bryan > Well guys thank you so much for the help and the info you > have given me. Now > lets talk about something a little more fun. Has anyone been > ridding in > Central Florida? And can you do doughnuts on a street bike like you can on > a dirtbike? Not unless you are real talented or wish to take a big risk. the bike is too heavy for that and the traction too good... to break it loose takes a lot of horse power..that can be hard to control. if its a crotch rocket with clip ons its even harder. a bike is fun anywhere...central florida would be a hoot year round rain or not. its flat though..short on curvy roads..so you would have to have your fun stabbing it out of street corners...and SV is good for that. a crotch rocket isnt...a ninja 250 wouldnt be either in that case. Phil Scott >> >I wanted to think you guys all for the great advice and >> >the information [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] >> >> Bryan I live in central florida and cant wait to start ridding a street bike in this area because its flat and I know a lot of backroads to go out and ride on. But at the same doing my research on bikes before I get one. > > Well guys thank you so much for the help and the info you > > have given me. Now [quoted text clipped - 41 lines] > >> > >> Bryan >>But I was thinking more of my hight and weight for the 250 Ninja. > > We have a guy who races one in the AFM and does quite well on it, who > is 6'3" and 300 lbs. If you're concerned about your weight (or even if > you're not), have the suspension worked on. The stock suspension is > known to be mush. As is the engine. I once barely outran a UPS truck on one of those. Talk about DANGEROUS! > >>But I was thinking more of my hight and weight for the 250 Ninja. > > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > As is the engine. I once barely outran a UPS truck on one of those. Talk > about DANGEROUS! Then the UPS truck was hauling a**. Top speed for an EX250 is about 110. SignatureDenise AFM #732 denise dot howard at comcast dot net '00 SV650 | '00 929 Lippman Racing CBR 400RR >>>But I was thinking more of my hight and weight for the 250 Ninja. >> [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > As is the engine. I once barely outran a UPS truck on one of those. Talk > about DANGEROUS! Ahem! With a 0-60 time of 5.75 seconds, 1/4 mile specs of 14.6 sec. @ 88 mph, and a max speed of circa 105 mph, a Ninja 250 out-accelerates most everything but performance cars, and can outrun any UPS truck with ease. If ya wanna go fast on a Ninja 250 it helps if you remember to keep the engine turning between 9,000 and 14,000 rpm... If ya lug the engine you get what you deserve. Sloth. Pete |
Enable EMail Alerts
Start New Thread
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Pos |