Fazer FZS600 to new SV650S - is it worth it?

[ding dong]

I'm looking to replace my 98 Fazer with something a bit newer and less tired, for the daily 7 mile commute through London. Now I'm a big fan of v-twin noise and want something reliable and cheap (ish) - hence the SV650 seeming to fit the bill. Put a sports can on and I am told they sound great too.

Could anyone with experience of these bikes advise if it is worth the upgrade, or if there is a more sensible alternative? Thanks!

[2wheelsonmawagon]

I had a 99 Fazer 600 before moving on to Aprilia Falco (1 litre v-twin) and haven't looked back. Reckon you may find the SV a bit a downtrade power wise. SV seems a great bike and will sound great but, different engine character and sportier riding position (faired version)aside, it looks at best a sideways move. Have you had a look at the SV1000?

Guess it boils down to what you want from your next bike.

[muffles]

i have a new sv650s, so feel free to ask me any questions, however it's my first bike so i won't be any good for comparisons! i do commute through london every day (11 miles each way) though.

[ding dong]

Hi muffles - have you changed the stock exhaust to beefen up the sound? If so, what did you put on?

[Fire99]

The SV 650 is a great bike and if you are new to proper sized bikes a good start but my Stepdad has a Fazer 600 and it definitely has more out and out poke than the SV.

Personally i would go for an SV 1000 if i was already used to the fazer...

[muffles]

i've got a full akrapovic system, it sounds loads better i have to admit! though i didn't think the standard exhaust system sounded too bad, not compared to other bikes.

[Mikey G]

Fire99 said:

The SV 650 is a great bike and if you are new to proper sized bikes a good start but my Stepdad has a Fazer 600 and it definitely has more out and out poke than the SV.

Personally i would go for an SV 1000 if i was already used to the fazer...

Its a different sort of power though, V-twins are very lazy to ride, makes overtaking a lot easier and i find myself selecting top gear rather shorter than id expect. The Fazer may have the top end but i recon the SV will pip it in the mid range which is what you want on a commuter bike.
I love my SV but the Fazer is better in the looks department i recon, But i prefer the v-twin sound and rumble.

The SV1000 does everything the 650 can do but a lot faster, oh and it comes with twin pipes

[ding dong]

Mikey - is the 650 'fast' enough for you, as although I appreciate the 1000 will be significantely quicker, it's 4x the insurance and I'm not sure I need all that power...

[Mikey G]

It is plenty fast enough for most people looking to buy a daily bike that isnt a full sports bike, i enjoy it, you can only do 70 mph at the end of the day
Get out and try to test both bikes, a lot of people are surprised at how capable the SV really is.

[SVS]

Mikey G said:

It is plenty fast enough for most people looking to buy a daily bike that isnt a full sports bike ... Get out and try to test both bikes, a lot of people are surprised at how capable the SV really is.

I too have an SV650, which is my sole form of transport these days, and agree with Mikey G. Go forth and test ride! You may be pleasantly surprised

Top end power isn't everything on the road. It's where the power's delivered and the V-twin's midrange is useable where you need it.

For its price bracket, the SV's handling is good. I've taken it on the odd track day, with which the SV650 coped with aplomb.

Hope this helps and enjoy your new bike, whichever you pick.

Cheers

[ding dong]

Thanks for the advice guys - the one problem you have done now though is get me interested in the SV1000. Mikey G you are indeed a devil on the shoulder! SVS - sensible advice which I shall take up, as ever I think a test ride is the first next step - just a shame the usual test rides don't offer bikes with after market cans...