Need your advice, Please!!! | GTAMotorcycle.com

Need your advice, Please!!!

RednBlax

RednBlax

Well-known member
Forum Sponsor
Hey Guys/Gals,

I really need some advice here. I just got my M1 and have started my bike shopping. I have my rider course with RTI on June 8th so an M2 is imminent. I have so far found 2 good bikes...click on the links below. I am on a work assignment in NB, so I decided to buy a bike locally and practice my riding here since I won’t me returning to GTA until the fall. Plus the traffic here is waaaaaaay better than GTA which should benefit towards my riding practice.

First one is a 2006 SV650 with 25,000 km. An older gentleman in his early 60s has decided to sell it since he “is no longer young to ride”. I checked the bike today and it seems to be in pretty good condition. Except there seems to be a bit of rust on the exhaust pipe…part close to the engine. Price is $3500, but I plan to bring it down to $3000. He said he has maintained it regularly and has records to prove it. One downside is there’s a small dent on the exhaust. A deer was near the bike and accidentally kicked it trying to run off. But, I plan to get an aftermarket exhaust anyway so that’s no biggie.

http://newbrunswick.kijiji.ca/c-car...sport-bikes-2006-Suzuki-SV-W0QQAdIdZ304705168


Second is a 2009 Gs500F with only 2975 km for $3800 (seller willing to let go for $3500). It’s the original owner selling it who upgraded to a V-storm. Judging by the pics, it seems to be in perfect condition. He told me that he babied it and maintained very well. As far as damages are concerned, he said his bike tipped over in the garage but onto his lawn mower which resulted in a minor scratch on the gas tank. He actually took it to a body shop and had the scratch repaired professionally. But the downside: this guy lives in Tremblay, which is a 4 hour drive from where I stay. So, I have to rent a bike trailer, drive 4 hours to him and back. Bikes are scarce here in NB unlike the GTA and finding a bike like this is rare. I could ride the bike back, but have to wait until June when I get my M2.

http://newbrunswick.kijiji.ca/c-car...ort-touring-2009-Suzuki-GS-W0QQAdIdZ375135148


So that’s my dilemma here. Which one to choose? My budget for a bike is 3000. Should I go with the slightly high mileage SV being it the bike I really wanted for a long time or fork out an extra 500 and go with an almost new 500cc, the bike I kinda wanted to ride for learning. I find both bikes are fine for a beginner like me. I know that I’m more of standard/ naked bike rider, so these are perfect.

I already called my insurance and I can afford the rates on both these bikes…it’s 850/year for the GS and 980/year for the SV650 I know by next year these rates should drop drastically.

Any guidance would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you guys for your help!!!

Anoop
 
IMO there are several factors to consider. The SV is a more powerful bike with a higher seat, the GS500 is lower in power and in seat height. If you are a taller/heavier rider the SV may be a better choice given a bike in good condition.
Now another thing you might want to consider is your comfort level on two wheels.

I have ridden bicycles a long time (mtn and rd) so I came to motorcycling with a certain comfort level that I guess translated to confidence in my abilities to pick up the requisite skills. If you are coming into this with minimal experience on any kind of two wheels it might be prudent to go with the GS500 to start as it will dampen your early 'miscues' much better than the SV.

Don't forget you will have more than one bike, keep any ego in check and allow yourself the initial time to build some good base skills. Once you have ridden for a bit you will likely revise your views on riding and what bike will be appropriate for you next.

Good thing is both bikes are common and parts are plentiful so repair and maintenance should be fine. There are many on the board with experience on both bikes so I am sure you will get more opinions.

Good Luck and ride safe.
 
Thanks NealT.

I actually used to ride dirt bikes and a manual Vespa 10 years ago so I am quite comfortable atleast with the sc650 or 500. However I used to rid on private roads only near farmlands.

I was intimidated by the sv650s because of the position being more forward. Off the bat I told myself its notthe bike for me yet. Yes I'm tall 6'2" and weigh 215 lbs. so both bikes should pull my weight easily. My feet land flat on the ground sitting on both bikes as well.

This is going to be a tough one to decide.
 
For $500 get the bike you've always wanted, 25000kms on a 2006 doesn't seem too bad
 
I'd be more inclined to consider what bike suits me better. What one fits better. The SV appeals to me more in terms of style and looks but, I wouldn't let looks alone be the deciding factor. IMO, I don't think the SV would lead to any more trouble than the GS powerwise. \


I've never really followed practical logic when it comes to bikes and always followed my heart. It's never let me down yet.
 
Get the SV. 25K on an SV is nothing. Bumps and bruises on a bike (as long as they are truly cosmetic are nothing as well) You will be adding your own dents and scratches soon enough.

There is a lot more room to grow on an SV as well. Good luck.
 
SV is a better deal and you won't outgrow it, but GS500F is a better beginner bike. SV (V-twin) is a very twitchy/torquey bike, whereas GS500 is more lenient and easier to learn on (I spend my first couple of seasons on GS500F, and tried my friend's SV650 before upgrading). To be honest, I'd wait for the better priced GS500F. I'd seriously consider trying ask to ride both bikes, as like I said earlier, SV650 is very twitchy, so may not be the best bike to learn on.
 
Thank you guys for the feedback. Unfortunately the sv650 is not in "good" condition as the owner told me over the phone. The seats were worn out and cracked, there was rust at places, cobwebs by the rear fender and the paint was a faded black. I felt really good sitting on it and the owner let me test the clutch and I went for a spin not to far off. Bike runs fine but given the condition I tried to bargain it down a bit. The owner was sticking to 3500. I mean it's the bike I want but I will wait on this one.

So this leads me to the GS500. I'm going to see the bike tomorrow and will take the cash with me. If its in mint condition I'm bringing her home. I think for the price given the mileage and immaculate condition, I would say its a sweet deal.

I'll keep you guys posted on what happens.

Oh, if i do get the GS, I'll be riding back back to Saint John. 4 hour trip through local highways. I can't take the major 100 km/hr highway with due to my m1 restriction :(

Thanks again guys for the advise.
 
I've riden both and the GS is a lot easier to learn to ride on. You'll love it and it really moves if you ride in it's powerband.
 
rafiki911 said:
I've riden both and the GS is a lot easier to learn to ride on. You'll love it and it really moves if you ride in it's powerband.
Click to expand...

Agree on the GS. I decided to go with it. It's almost brand new, easy to ride and learn on. Ill be putting in a deposit to hold the bike until all the formal stuff is taken care off.
 
RednBlax said:
Agree on the GS. I decided to go with it. It's almost brand new, easy to ride and learn on. Ill be putting in a deposit to hold the bike until all the formal stuff is taken care off.
Click to expand...


Good luck and happy shopping. Here I am getting excited and it is not even my bike.

I recall when I bought my first bike. Once it is yours. it's plated and you are taking the secondary roads of NB you will not remember the second bike that you were interested in. If it is clean and appears to be looked after from its previous owner the only advice I can give is ride it, maintain it and enjoy it to its fullest.

My father in law said to me on thing that I will never forget. The bike you learn on is not your first bike, not your last bike and in many cases not your dream bike. Get comfortable with the ride for a couple of years, if that. Get some miles under your belt and in 18/22 months once completed your course get your full "M."

Good luck on your course. What location are you taking your RTI course?
 
If you haven't yet decided, just think of what's more important to you: Being comfortable with your ride (safety and performance) or loving your ride (the type of bike, the looks, the potential, etc.).

Like Nakkers, I followed what my heart said and at first I wasn't real comfortable with the bike, but that went away after a few weeks of careful riding and testing. If the bike is too twitchy/short or tall then you may not get comfortable with it which would be a problem.
 
dougsC90T said:
Good luck and happy shopping. Here I am getting excited and it is not even my bike.

I recall when I bought my first bike. Once it is yours. it's plated and you are taking the secondary roads of NB you will not remember the second bike that you were interested in. If it is clean and appears to be looked after from its previous owner the only advice I can give is ride it, maintain it and enjoy it to its fullest.

My father in law said to me on thing that I will never forget. The bike you learn on is not your first bike, not your last bike and in many cases not your dream bike. Get comfortable with the ride for a couple of years, if that. Get some miles under your belt and in 18/22 months once completed your course get your full "M."

Good luck on your course. What location are you taking your RTI course?
Click to expand...

Thanks man.

Your father in law is quite right. This is neither my first nor my last.

I'm going to the oakville location. I plan to pick up the back in 2 weeks from the sellers place and hit the back road all the way to saint John. 4.5 hour ride. Looking forward to it and thankful that I'm doing this.
 
bboySushi said:
If you haven't yet decided, just think of what's more important to you: Being comfortable with your ride (safety and performance) or loving your ride (the type of bike, the looks, the potential, etc.).

Like Nakkers, I followed what my heart said and at first I wasn't real comfortable with the bike, but that went away after a few weeks of careful riding and testing. If the bike is too twitchy/short or tall then you may not get comfortable with it which would be a problem.
Click to expand...

I visited the sv and it was in poor shape. The paint was faded rust all over and not to mention cobwebs. The gs 500 was simply a steal deal given its condition and loooow mileage. It's a practical decision. Nonetheless its the riding that I'm looking forward to. I'll get the bike I really want after 1-2 riding
Seasons.
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom