[OT] 2007 Suzuki SV650 S For My Son

[wiggledbits]

So I'm thinking about getting a bike for the kid (just about to graduate from college). He has some hours in the dirt but this would be his first street bike. This being The Peoples Republic of Portland he has many, many hours on bicycles in urban traffic. I have a lot of concerns about him on a street bike, safety and how would I feel if he got hurt, etc, even though he has been pretty responsible since about 18. Don't ask about the 14 - 18 years. He isn't all that big at 5'8" & 145ish.

I'd like to get him a good first bike for working as hard as he did to graduate (I'll leave out my questions on his major.), (OK I get a riding buddy) that will be low maintenance, has some grunt/a power curve that is more horizontal than vertical, so he doesn't have to dance on the shifter while balancing the motor at 10-13k, is easy to maneuver at lower speeds IE lighter, while being sporty enough for the back roads around here.

There is a 2007 Suzuki SV650 S local with 3,500 mi that I should be able to get for ~$3,200. I haven't checked but insurance should be relatively cheap. Use would be mostly short highway rides ~50-100mi at most to the mountain back roads for 1 or 2 day trips.

I don't know anything more than what I can dig up on the internets about the SV line but I read that they fit the above and most unprofessional reviews say the bike is fun and easy to ride and dependable. I think it looks nice with the sport/street fighter look, it may be a bit tall but I'm guessing they measure the seat unloaded at 31.5 and at 380lbs it is at least light than my R11S.

Any experience with the Suzuki SV line, dependability, suitability as first bike, use in urban and light sport/touring role, "out of the box" comfort, maintenance issues?

Price? Kelly has retail for non ABS @ $4,200, trade in at $2,800.

[wswartzwel]

Good choice.... They are reliable , plentiful, and easy to sell if he wants to move on to something else.
I am looking at those and the BMW F800S and F800ST for my 18 year old.

[Guest24]

Bill, my son-in-law is really enjoying the Kawa Versys he picked up a few months ago. Just got him a couple of t-rex stands and spools for his Christmas present.

[roger albert]

Very good choice for all the reasons you've stated,

plus, that year is late enough that it is both 2nd gen, AND has the crank well sorted (not true of 03-04) No real maint issues on that bike. Perfect no-brainer for your stated use.

Of course, like on all budget bikes, the suspension is crap, but they've fun even stock (just more fun at least mildly tweaked)

You've made a good choice and found a good price -- get on it before it goes away.

[wiggledbits]

Originally Posted by roger albert

Of course, like on all budget bikes, the suspension is crap, but they've fun even stock (just more fun at least mildly tweaked)

Well Roger, you'd say that about all stock suspensions wouldn't you?

He is a bit conservative in his riding which I feel better about. If he was like me at that age I wouldn't even consider a street bike for him. So I don't thnk he'll hit the limits on the frame/springs and motor for a couple of seasons.

Good to hear that any issues have been worked out on this model.

Thanks to all for the input so far.

[BumbleBeemer36]

I mentioned the SV650 to a kid asking me about a first bike today. I also mentioned the GS500 and Ninja 500.

He was all about to go for a Ninja 250 but I thought that was a bit small for freeway driving here in the valley. By kid I mean he's 23. I think he really liked the newer GS500 and I do too. A parallel twin with a 6 speed and the looks were nice too.

[Scottly]

My friend has been campaigning one of those in the AMA series for several years now. He does Ok on his Buell, and OK on his 600 Gixxer ....but he WINS on his SV.

It's a great handling bike, and the engine is such a good design Hyosung or one of them has pretty much copied it.

I say it would be a great graduation gift.

[roger albert]

Well Roger, you'd say that about all stock suspensions wouldn't you?

Not at all, There are many good stock components. Rear shock on GSXR100s. Front forks on CBR1000s. Most showa on most Ducatis. For average pace guys, the front end on S1000RRs. The Öhlins on recent Ducati Multistrada. The Showas on 10 year old Thunderbird sports.

Lot's of good stuff out there, a fair amount mediocre, and some pretty bad like on the SVs.
Actually, the SV shock, if you're the right weight, is mediocre, not bad. The front end is bad. But for the street and some learning, it should be fine.

[wiggledbits]

Originally Posted by roger albert

Actually, the SV shock, if you're the right weight, is mediocre, not bad. The front end is bad. But for the street and some learning, it should be fine.

I was just kidding. I think the kid falls in the mediocre rage at 145-150 from what I've read about the springs.

[PFFOG]

The SV's are great bikes, and fun to ride.

The only caution is the history, they are pretty bullet proof EXCEPT if they were wheelied, they suffer oil starvation if ridden doing stand-ups.

The GS500, and Ducati 620/750 also make great bikes too.

[Guest24]

PFFOG I'd buy it for my son base on the fact that it won't last if you do wheelies.

[roger albert]

Touche'

[signit98]

Without all too much effort, you can put a front end from the GSXR 600 in and that will turn it into a capable bike... get an Öhlins rear shock on top of that and you have a real carver.

I like the SV's... fun little bikes, but yes, stock suspension is about as bad as it gets. There are front fork internals to be had a decent prices... that'll resolve some front end issues.

[Steve Carlton]

Great choice for starter bike, probably the best I'm aware of.

That said, and please don't take this the wrong way, are you sure you want to put him on a bike? Does he *have* to have one from his perspective? I would just urge you to consider the downside and how you're going to feel if something bad happens. Even mature, cautious riders can have accidents. And I would assume he'll be on a lot of wet pavement in Portland. Just sayin'...

[ckcarr]

Originally Posted by wiggledbits

He is a bit conservative in his riding which I feel better about. If he was like me at that age I wouldn't even consider a street bike for him.

All mothers believe their daughters are virgins.

[Nitro]

My wife had a 650S before she sold it. Great bike no doubt. The V90 sounded great with a can, it's sprung OK for light-medium weight riders but it needs heavier springs for heavy weight riders. The bike is virtually perfect and they seem never to have any issues. Go for it!

[wiggledbits]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

That said, and please don't take this the wrong way, are you sure you want to put him on a bike? Does he *have* to have one from his perspective? I would just urge you to consider the downside and how you're going to feel if something bad happens. Even mature, cautious riders can have accidents. And I would assume he'll be on a lot of wet pavement in Portland. Just sayin'...

That is a big is a big consideration and if something bad was to happen... well I just don't know... I made it through... how much of life do you not live because it might hurt you... A lot to consider.

Oregon has a fantastic rider training program for safety and another for skills that would be mandatory by me. He has had some experiences on the streets peddling so he does know how stupid cage drivers can be. He drives his car responsibly when I'm around, no accidents yet. He is a college student so he does party.

I haven't told his mother anything yet, but then we haven't talked but once in 6 or so years. He lives and goes to school within a few miles of my house so I'm his main parent.

[wiggledbits]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

All mothers believe their daughters are virgins.

My experience is it is the Father that thinks that, the Mother knows better. I don't think I have my head completely in the clouds on this.

[wiggledbits]

Looked at 2 yesterday. I'm not in a rush. One was the stocker with low miles, the other was a ~20k miles but had the GSXR forks and Ohlin on the back. Asking price on both were about the same. If I was to buy today it would be the stocker. The only problem I have with the stocker is it is red and my 11S is red.

[ckcarr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton
That said, and please don't take this the wrong way, are you sure you want to put him on a bike? Does he *have* to have one from his perspective? I would just urge you to consider the downside and how you're going to feel if something bad happens. Even mature, cautious riders can have accidents. And I would assume he'll be on a lot of wet pavement in Portland. Just sayin'...

Originally Posted by wiggledbits

That is a big is a big consideration and if something bad was to happen... well I just don't know... I made it through... how much of life do you not live because it might hurt you... A lot to consider.

Oregon has a fantastic rider training program for safety and another for skills that would be mandatory by me. He has had some experiences on the streets peddling so he does know how stupid cage drivers can be. He drives his car responsibly when I'm around, no accidents yet. He is a college student so he does party.

I haven't told his mother anything yet, but then we haven't talked but once in 6 or so years. He lives and goes to school within a few miles of my house so I'm his main parent.

I'm with Steve on this one.

Things happen of course, although it's rare I'll admit. In my family all the brothers grew up riding motorcycles through the teen years, until brother Mark and his girlfriend were broadsided on his bike in the forest preserve back in Illinois. He was in a coma in the hospital for 6-9 months and effectively drained a ton of my parents savings, both cash and emotionally, as the guy that hit him had no insurance or a drivers license. That guy then disappeared.

My dad and mom were never the same afterwards, blaming themselves for what happened.

But, as you imply, it's better to do it right, with proper training, nice bike, etc. with dad involved, rather than skulking around behind the parents back (which would only happen if he had the passion for riding.) And, maybe he's not even interested...