Torn between bikes..

I've never ridden before, taking the MSF course in early May. Looking to get a bike ASAP after I complete the course.

The two I'm considering are the Suzuki GS500F, and the SV650S.

The GS500F is cheaper, lighter, more beginner friendly.

The SV650S is much better looking, a little bigger (more visible), and has more power so I don't get bored after a few months.

Any advice?

The SV650S, most definitely. Fuel injected, digital speedo. And the power is intoxicating for most situations.

Hrmm that means I have to wait a little longer to get it :frown:

By mid summer (late june, early july) I'll have about 6000 dollars which would get me a 650.

Also a little worried about the SV being a little too big. I'm 5'6", 150 lbs. Would I be able to touch the ground?

Yes, Im the same height and youll just end up on your toes a bit more than most people...little scary at first but nothing unmanageable. If it werent your first bike it wouldnt bother you at all...

Well balancing at lights doesn't bother me. Will I be able to push the bike in reverse?

so long as the incline isnt very steep :-p Its going to be like that on anything other than a cruiser though anyway. And even cruisers are tough beyond a slight incline as they weigh a ton more in most cases...

So how am I supposed to back out of a parking space?

I'm sure I'll learn all of this stuff in the MSF course tho.

I've never ridden before, taking the MSF course in early May. Looking to get a bike ASAP after I complete the course.

The two I'm considering are the Suzuki GS500F, and the SV650S.

The GS500F is cheaper, lighter, more beginner friendly.

The SV650S is much better looking, a little bigger (more visible), and has more power so I don't get bored after a few months.

Any advice?

are these new bikes? if i were u i would start off with a used bike first

No if I got the Sv650 it would be an 03 most likely.

So how am I supposed to back out of a parking space?

I'm sure I'll learn all of this stuff in the MSF course tho.

Unless you live in a hill riddled area, it shouldnt be a big deal. However, if you have to park in a spot where there is an incline, just make sure you back it in then so you can just drive it out if its uphill otherwise. Either that or you can grab it while off the bike front and back and push it up the hill...just going to be hard if your stradling it. Im sure the riding course will help with some of this...the rest youll find out or figure out easily enough.

What about between the Ninja 250 and the GS500F?

The GS500F has looks better and has double the displacement so I won't get bored as quickly, but is also almost 100 lbs heavier.. even heavier than a ZX-6R.

The Ninja is light and tiny.. basically all I can see going for it.

I'm thinking the SV might be a little too pricey for my first bike, especially never having ridden before. Would hate to drop a $4k bike rather than a $2k bike, ya know?

As a rider going into my 5th riding season, I took a friend's Ninja 250 out for a ride and boy was it FUN!!! The light thing is SOOOOO nice when you are going through some nice turns... it just "flicks" itself right over. I couldn't believe how much fun it was. Don't get me wrong, I was rowing through the gears to keep it at the peak power band, but I was trying to push the bike pretty hard to get some of the gunk out of the system.

Yeah I know the 250 is a great starter.. the problem is I can't get over the looks. I hate the boxy look, even just compared to the GS500F. Which is why I was wondering how the GS stacks against it.

Looks, 'schmooks'. As a new rider do you want to feel confident and comfotable on a smaller displacement machine or do you want to 'look good' as you wrap you and your machine around a telephone pole. If perfomance counts, you're more likely to get into trouble.

roger

Well the GS500F is still a small displacement bike.. only 38 hp..

Saturn wasn't the 500 your first bike? How is it?

Well the GS500F is still a small displacement bike.. only 38 hp..

Saturn wasn't the 500 your first bike? How is it?
Yeah, I had a 91 GS500E for my first bike and it was a great bike. It was definately HEAVY compared to the 250, and secondarily, it was supposed to be naked (the model year wasn't full faired like the 05+ models are), but mine had an aftermarket "african engineered" fairing that was pretty cool, to me at least. Granted, I did choose to get rid of it after my first season on it, but it was EASY to resell, and I barely lost any money on the deal (all things considered). I am still glad that I started on the 500 than on a 600, especially cause I got a nicer bike for the money than I could have buying any 600 at the time.

i got a question what about the buell bikes as a first bike??? ive got friend that owns one and i like the short wheel base it has. I belive its a firebolt if its not what could a bike like that be compared to??

i got a question what about the buell bikes as a first bike??? ive got friend that owns one and i like the short wheel base it has. I belive its a firebolt if its not what could a bike like that be compared to??

Harley. :LOL:

Look up SV650 far as sport v-twin goes, it handles just as well 600 supersports, if not better.

Harley. :LOL:

Look up SV650 far as sport v-twin goes, it handles just as well 600 supersports, if not better.


you dont like harley??? and its compared to the 650 ill remember that

I think I'll probably end up looking for a GS500F. Thanks for the comments.

you dont like harley??? and its compared to the 650 ill remember that

No, I am not a big fan of Harley. And that little SV is still quite faster than most stock Harleys. Buell uses Harley engines.