Discussion
Well got home and the SV-650S was sitting there for me all bright and blue. 18k on the clock, a few scrathces, and first main impression is...some clown has nicked most of the fairing...not used to seeing a half faired bike, you see.
Once I get on it feels like a lot more upright riding position than the 748...I guess that may be obvious to a lot of you, but when it comes to bikes, I've only ridden a couple, so experience is limited. When I came to ride off, boy the clutch is sharp, and the brakes...the brakes are kind of there, but all spongy and sloppy, though to be fair the rear brake is probably better than the Duke!
Suspension is pretty soft - soaks up the bumps very well, but feels all soft and squidgy - can feel it dive and rise a lot more than the 748, a little bouncy for my 15 stones maybe?
When riding around there is noticably less grunt than the 748, and the throttle seems to have one hell of a long travel to get it all the way round. Found a nice clear road and gave it some welly - Hmmm. Went OK but nowhere near the same level of get up and go...I know it is a 650 not a 750, but there does seem to be quite a bit of difference bwtween the two. Don't get me wrong the engine sounds smoother when not gassing it and I do love the digital display (it has a clock!) so does have some redeaming features!
But...where is that lovely Ducati sound...Bring me back my Ducati Burble!!!!!!
As for corners, the Ducati just settles into a corner and goes where you put it, where as the SV seems to bob about a bit and seems more nervous holding a line.
I know it costs a lot less than a new Ducati, but you really can see a huge difference between the 748 and the SV-650...not that I am suggesting they are a direect rival, just the closest thing I have been able to compare...
So if you are in the market for a v-twin, I'd seriously consider a second hand Ducati over a new Suzuki...
Just my two pence worth.
Once I get on it feels like a lot more upright riding position than the 748...I guess that may be obvious to a lot of you, but when it comes to bikes, I've only ridden a couple, so experience is limited. When I came to ride off, boy the clutch is sharp, and the brakes...the brakes are kind of there, but all spongy and sloppy, though to be fair the rear brake is probably better than the Duke!
Suspension is pretty soft - soaks up the bumps very well, but feels all soft and squidgy - can feel it dive and rise a lot more than the 748, a little bouncy for my 15 stones maybe?
When riding around there is noticably less grunt than the 748, and the throttle seems to have one hell of a long travel to get it all the way round. Found a nice clear road and gave it some welly - Hmmm. Went OK but nowhere near the same level of get up and go...I know it is a 650 not a 750, but there does seem to be quite a bit of difference bwtween the two. Don't get me wrong the engine sounds smoother when not gassing it and I do love the digital display (it has a clock!) so does have some redeaming features!
But...where is that lovely Ducati sound...Bring me back my Ducati Burble!!!!!!
As for corners, the Ducati just settles into a corner and goes where you put it, where as the SV seems to bob about a bit and seems more nervous holding a line.
I know it costs a lot less than a new Ducati, but you really can see a huge difference between the 748 and the SV-650...not that I am suggesting they are a direect rival, just the closest thing I have been able to compare...
So if you are in the market for a v-twin, I'd seriously consider a second hand Ducati over a new Suzuki...
Just my two pence worth.
oggs said:
Well i've just picked up a new SV650S with full fairing 
as my first bike 
I'm loving it
350 miles done since Friday afternoon
as my first bike I'm loving it
350 miles done since Friday afternoon
Not dissing your bike in one bit, just highlighted to me how 'sharp' the Ducati is compared to what in fairness is probasbly a bit of a knackered 'mainstream' (is that fair?) bike.
Good luke with the SV though...any bike is cool to have...
gethyn said:
.bet you can't wait for the Ducati to come back! 
chilli said:
Neil,
Any news on the Duc?
Any news on the Duc?
Don't think the Ducati will be coming back...Engineer seemed to think I'll be getting a cheque, not a bike back. Still, will ask how much they want for what is left and see if it is feasable to have a track bike...and seen a couple of nice 996s kicking about
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