[speediva]

Originally Posted by Brock79

my 2 cents worth
First, I'd say steer away from the Triumph. They're a little more pricey(relatively speaking) in comparison to the other bikes, parts are hard to find and so is service. And they're not quite as reliable as the Japanese bikes.
the 599's are pretty cool but they're new so you'd have to buy new, they're a little underpowered and I think it only comes in yellow. The ergos are okay(I'm 6'2, 270) but not great and aftermarket items will be hard to come by since it's brand new.
So that leaves the FZ6 and the SV650. I don't think you could go wrong with either of those two as long as you were cautious and took the MSF. I personally have the FZ1 and have checked out the 6 on occasion. It's just as comfortable as the FZ1(super comfy for guys our size) it's got plenty of power since it has the R6 motor and it's a pretty good price even for a new one. They'll be super reliable and eventually in a year or so aftermarket parts will be easy to find.
Sv650-it's a great starter bike
-you can find a really nice, used one for cheap(just in case you drop it you won't feel as bad)
-tons of mods and accessories
-cool v twin engine
-plenty of hp to keep you interested for a while
-decent suspension stock and they're easily upgradeable.
-not quite as comfortable as the FZ6, but not the worst either.
I'd personally pick an unfaired SV650(the fairing on the older ones is ugly). I would buy an FZ6 for my wife if the brought the unfaired one over to the US.

^ Great job breaking it down!!!