Yamaha FZ6 Vs. Suzuki SV650 Vs. Suzuki GS500 (56k) - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

FmanFORPS3 · 04-25-2006, 12:37 AM

I wanted to know what you guys thought about these three bikes. Which one do you think looks and preforms the best?

Yamaha FZ6

Suzuki SV650

Suzuki GS500

Specifications

Yamaha FZ6----------------------------------------------------------------------------Suzuki SV650 ---------------------------------------------------------------------Suzuki GS500

**inspiron** · 04-25-2006, 02:18 AM

Sorry to disappoint, but there is no "best".

Looks are totally subjective. What appeals to me probably won't appeal to you. I happen to find Sandra Bullock quite beautiful. Other guys prefer blonds or red-heads, bigger or smaller chests or butts, asians or latinos, whatever.

As for performance, the Yamaha and SV650 offer a bit more power than the GS, simply because of the higher displacement. The trade off is higher fuel consumption and slightly higher insurance rates.

Other than that, the FZ6 and SV650 are both excellent bikes. Yamaha or Suzuki? Both are well built. 600 vs 650ccm displacement? You won't notice the difference. The one thing that may make a difference is the rear tire - the Yamaha has a 180 where the Suzuki a 160. The wider rear on the Yamaha will give it more stability, whereas the SV will be more eager to lean into turns.

YMMV.

**Louis** · 04-25-2006, 07:29 AM

Great to see that you moved away from the supersports!

There is indeed no best but there are better choices

For a first bike? GS500.

stp1971 · 04-25-2006, 07:52 AM

I am really quite happy with the SV650's engine transplanted onto the Wee-Strom. It is MORE THAN enough power for a beginner. Check out the Wee-Strom and see what you think of it. It is just the right amount of power for a beginner,, enough to ride past the learning stages and not too much to get a noob in too much trouble. IMO.

**intimid8er** · 04-25-2006, 08:52 AM

I have to agree with Inspiron on this. It's all subjective. Each is a nice bike in it's own right. Each has it's own quirks whether they be looks, mechanical, or ride related.

I like the fact the FZ went completely Nekkid, to me, that looks cool. Nice bike, but geared more towards the top end of things (top speed, less low to mid range grunt). There were some issues with the fuel injection. It was a little harsh, but it would force one to become a little more judicious on the throttle.

The SV. I've never heard one complaint about it. Being a V-Twin, it is geared more for low to mid range grunt, and less top speed. Translation. Twist the throttle, and it moves. As an added bonus, you can find a 3 or so year old one on E-Bay for anywhere between $2000-$3000. Nice value.

The GS....again never heard a complaint about it. The bike has been around since Christ's chosen vocation involved hammer and nails. Just some minor updates. However, the Eighties called, and they want their wheels back!
Other than that, everything I've heard about the bike is that it has an unimpeachable reputation for reliability.

Did you consider the Ninja 500 and 250's? You can get a Ninja 250 for under 2K and it'll run with the big boys.

Pinhy · 04-25-2006, 09:35 AM

i like the FZ with the exhaust located under the seat...have always like the look better than the side mounted ones. not sure about logistics and functionality though.....

pick the one YOU like best...there isnt enough of a diff for the riding you will do to matter.

.

tlwisner · 04-25-2006, 12:22 PM

The GS500 will make you a better rider starting out. That's what it's about. It's a good looking, solid, fun , easy to ride bike - excellent for developing skills that will lead to many years of enjoyable riding.

The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is probably even a better choice. I'd love to be a young beginning rider with a Ninja 250. Too fun.

viper94bite · 04-25-2006, 01:14 PM

personally I don't even think any of them belong in the same category together. They are all great bikes, but the fz is an inline four so a bit more punch to that one. The sv I have never heard any complaints on other then the suspension. The Gs is a great beginner bike. as far as looks go I like the sv.

dogcatcher · 04-25-2006, 04:00 PM

SV has a more beginner friendly powerband which will be more forgiving while you get accostomed to gear selection. It looks like a sportbike which seems to be what you are ultimately after and can easily carve the canyons (when you skill levels progress) It has dual front disc brakes, as does the FZ6, a feature not present on the GS500.

I think the FZ6 is my 2nd choice for you, I just think that the inline 4 motor has a narrow usable powerband and may suffer the same drawbacks as starting w/ a 600cc sportbike, although a little tuned down.

The SV has somewhat of a cult following. Check out some of the SV specific forums.

http://www.socalsvriders.org/

Good luck, I am glad you had sence enougth to avoid a sportbike as a first bike. Very mature decision that probably saved you a from a rookie mistake on the road. I know they are damn sexy, but only if kept upright. I know it has been said before but "You first bike will not be your only bike"

Be safe,

D

Nexus242 · 04-25-2006, 10:57 PM

Yellow SV650s, 2nd gen with lower fairings and Nate's Motosliders to start with.

==> http://www.svrider.com/

"The SV can never lose...."

stp1971 · 04-26-2006, 08:41 AM

AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!!!! The avatar,,, it has blinded me!!!!!

Nexus242 · 04-26-2006, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp1971

AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!!!! The avatar,,, it has blinded me!!!!!

Imagine how all those other people on the highway felt when they passed by. At least this guy had the sence to snap a few pics.

**Clint** · 04-26-2006, 08:57 PM

Man, we really need to let that unfortunate young lady rest in peace. She just keeps haunting us.

MagnumForce · 04-26-2006, 09:33 PM

Oh no... she's photochop material!

Nexus242 · 04-26-2006, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Man, we really need to let that unfortunate young lady rest in peace. She just keeps haunting us.

I've often wondered if the people in the pics that just seem to get passed around the internet like a fatty at a Dead concert ever see them or know that they are famous?? I'm not really sure what I would say to that lady if I ever had a chance to meet her.

robertc729 · 04-26-2006, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexus242

I've often wondered if the people in the pics that just seem to get passed around the internet like a fatty at a Dead concert ever see them or know that they are famous?? I'm not really sure what I would say to that lady if I ever had a chance to meet her.

BUTT how would you know it was her unless you meet her under the same circumstances

MagnumForce · 04-26-2006, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexus242

I'm not really sure what I would say to that lady if I ever had a chance to meet her.

Tell her that you saw her in that Sir Mix-A-Lot video?

SVZuki · 04-26-2006, 11:53 PM

Sv in da haus!

**inspiron** · 04-27-2006, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexus242

I've often wondered if the people in the pics that just seem to get passed around the internet like a fatty at a Dead concert ever see them or know that they are famous?? I'm not really sure what I would say to that lady if I ever had a chance to meet her.

Are the Dead still playing? I thought Jerry Garcia died a couple of years ago (not that any of the Deadheads would notice)

I was at a Dead concert back around '87 ... a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

View Poll Results: Which bike is best?
Yamaha FZ6	1	7.69%
Suzuki SV650	10	76.92%
Suzuki GS500	2	15.38%
Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll

04-25-2006, 12:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
FmanFORPS3 Newbie Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario (Canada) Posts: 11	Yamaha FZ6 Vs. Suzuki SV650 Vs. Suzuki GS500 (56k) I wanted to know what you guys thought about these three bikes. Which one do you think looks and preforms the best? Yamaha FZ6 Suzuki SV650 Suzuki GS500 Specifications Yamaha FZ6----------------------------------------------------------------------------Suzuki SV650 ---------------------------------------------------------------------Suzuki GS500 __________________

04-25-2006, 02:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,068	Sorry to disappoint, but there is no "best". Looks are totally subjective. What appeals to me probably won't appeal to you. I happen to find Sandra Bullock quite beautiful. Other guys prefer blonds or red-heads, bigger or smaller chests or butts, asians or latinos, whatever. As for performance, the Yamaha and SV650 offer a bit more power than the GS, simply because of the higher displacement. The trade off is higher fuel consumption and slightly higher insurance rates. Other than that, the FZ6 and SV650 are both excellent bikes. Yamaha or Suzuki? Both are well built. 600 vs 650ccm displacement? You won't notice the difference. The one thing that may make a difference is the rear tire - the Yamaha has a 180 where the Suzuki a 160. The wider rear on the Yamaha will give it more stability, whereas the SV will be more eager to lean into turns. YMMV. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

04-25-2006, 07:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	Great to see that you moved away from the supersports! There is indeed no best but there are better choices For a first bike? GS500. __________________ Louis

04-25-2006, 07:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,833	I am really quite happy with the SV650's engine transplanted onto the Wee-Strom. It is MORE THAN enough power for a beginner. Check out the Wee-Strom and see what you think of it. It is just the right amount of power for a beginner,, enough to ride past the learning stages and not too much to get a noob in too much trouble. IMO. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

04-25-2006, 08:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 10,075	I have to agree with Inspiron on this. It's all subjective. Each is a nice bike in it's own right. Each has it's own quirks whether they be looks, mechanical, or ride related. I like the fact the FZ went completely Nekkid, to me, that looks cool. Nice bike, but geared more towards the top end of things (top speed, less low to mid range grunt). There were some issues with the fuel injection. It was a little harsh, but it would force one to become a little more judicious on the throttle. The SV. I've never heard one complaint about it. Being a V-Twin, it is geared more for low to mid range grunt, and less top speed. Translation. Twist the throttle, and it moves. As an added bonus, you can find a 3 or so year old one on E-Bay for anywhere between $2000-$3000. Nice value. The GS....again never heard a complaint about it. The bike has been around since Christ's chosen vocation involved hammer and nails. Just some minor updates. However, the Eighties called, and they want their wheels back! Other than that, everything I've heard about the bike is that it has an unimpeachable reputation for reliability. Did you consider the Ninja 500 and 250's? You can get a Ninja 250 for under 2K and it'll run with the big boys. __________________ Song Pick of the Week 11/26 The Boss - Johnny 99 I had no idea 20% ABV beer could get me drunk so fast!

04-25-2006, 09:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
Pinhy Doesn't think you're funny Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5,210	i like the FZ with the exhaust located under the seat...have always like the look better than the side mounted ones. not sure about logistics and functionality though..... pick the one YOU like best...there isnt enough of a diff for the riding you will do to matter. .

04-25-2006, 12:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	The GS500 will make you a better rider starting out. That's what it's about. It's a good looking, solid, fun , easy to ride bike - excellent for developing skills that will lead to many years of enjoyable riding. The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is probably even a better choice. I'd love to be a young beginning rider with a Ninja 250. Too fun. __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create Last edited by tlwisner; 04-25-2006 at 12:25 PM.

04-25-2006, 01:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
viper94bite Sit speling cheker Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: 2008 Yamaha FZ6 Location: omaha, ne Posts: 1,792	personally I don't even think any of them belong in the same category together. They are all great bikes, but the fz is an inline four so a bit more punch to that one. The sv I have never heard any complaints on other then the suspension. The Gs is a great beginner bike. as far as looks go I like the sv. __________________ *yippee*

04-25-2006, 04:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
dogcatcher Seat Tester Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Blue M50, 04 Honda VFR Location: So Cal Posts: 98	SV has a more beginner friendly powerband which will be more forgiving while you get accostomed to gear selection. It looks like a sportbike which seems to be what you are ultimately after and can easily carve the canyons (when you skill levels progress) It has dual front disc brakes, as does the FZ6, a feature not present on the GS500. I think the FZ6 is my 2nd choice for you, I just think that the inline 4 motor has a narrow usable powerband and may suffer the same drawbacks as starting w/ a 600cc sportbike, although a little tuned down. The SV has somewhat of a cult following. Check out some of the SV specific forums. http://www.socalsvriders.org/ Good luck, I am glad you had sence enougth to avoid a sportbike as a first bike. Very mature decision that probably saved you a from a rookie mistake on the road. I know they are damn sexy, but only if kept upright. I know it has been said before but "You first bike will not be your only bike" Be safe, D

04-25-2006, 10:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
Nexus242 Can Ride And Chew Gum Joined: Aug 2004 Bike: yellow and black Location: Wide awake in dreamland... Posts: 1,935	Yellow SV650s, 2nd gen with lower fairings and Nate's Motosliders to start with. ==> http://www.svrider.com/ "The SV can never lose...." __________________ The killer in me is the killer in you My love I send this smile over to you...Smashing Pumpkins

04-26-2006, 08:41 AM	#11 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,833	AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!!!! The avatar,,, it has blinded me!!!!! __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

04-26-2006, 09:33 PM	#14 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	Oh no... she's photochop material! __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

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