SV650 vs ER-6F

[skahigh]

Having now passed my theory, completed CBT and got Mod 1 test booked in, all being well I hope to have my license in a month or so and I'm starting to think about buying my first bike.

Although I'd love to go out and buy a 998 I think I'm best off going for something a bit more learner friendly and have narrowed it down to the ER-6F (09 onwards) and SV650 (fully faired 08 onwards).....I think.

I'm led to believe that both these bikes are fairly light (so good for learning on?) and obviously being twins not too powerful but also not so slow that I will get fed up quickly.

Does anyone have any opinions on one versus the other for my situation or any suggestions of other bikes I might consider?

I like fully faired, angular sports bikes and looking to spend less than 4k on my first bike.

[skahigh]

Would those not be considered full fairings?

[skahigh]

LoonR1 said:

Isn't that an optional extra? Most SVs are definitely half faired



Google them and there's far more half faired.

I wasn't attempting to show anyone up.

However, whether it's an option or not, I'm buying second hand and would choose one fully faired personally. As I understand it the ER-6F is always fully faired, the ER-6N is a naked.

The reason I'm not planning to go straight out and buy 4 cylinder 600 sports bike is that while I realise that ultimately the power is entirely within my control, I'm a big believer in progressive learning and I fully expect my skills to take some time to develop, something I think will occur most easily on a lighter lower powered bike with a more comfortable riding position.

Appreciate the advice re. riding both but, how amenable are UK used bike dealers to letting newly qualified riders out on test rides?

[skahigh]

SMar said:

Have you looked at the Yamaha FZ6 fazer (not fully faired but enough protection from the elements). I tried the SV, ER and then went for the Fazer, when I came back to biking, they are cheap as chips and great bikes. The engine is docile under 8k and then lift off. So you choose how you want to ride. If your new to biking you will find a sit up bike easier to get to grips with as well.

I hadn't considered a fazer actually, how would this compare as a first bike vs the sv? Big difference or not much in it?

[skahigh]

Argh so many options!

That yam is nice!

I have had a sit on an er6 and it certainly felt noticeably smaller than the bandit I rode on Sunday, not tiny though.

I'm 5'11 with average length legs so should fit on most stuff fairly comfortably I think.

[skahigh]

RizzoTheRat said:

Make sure you have a good sit, and preferably a test ride, on whatever you buy. the ER6 is a very small bike which some can find cramped, but the low CofG makes them easy to ride, and I find the silly tank shape on the Fazer digs in to my legs and makes it uncomfortable. Personally I'd go for the ER6 motor in the more upright Versys, but I assume you want something a bit sportier looking.

Just to add more options how about the XJ600?

Looked in to these a bit more tonight and I am VERY tempted!

Shame they are notably more expensive than most of the other options.

Need to find some locally to go and sit on now!