SV650 vs. 650 V-Strom - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

japgen · 03-27-2005, 07:45 PM

I'm a new rider looking for my first bike, and have read great things about both the SV650 and the 650 V-Strom. Can anyone give me some tips on the differences? Unfortunately my dealer doesn't have either model in the showroom right now, so the closest I've seen is the SV650S which I know is not the same. Thanks for any ideas for a first timer.

**inspiron** · 03-28-2005, 10:40 AM

japgen

The SV650 is the same as the SV650S, except that the "S" has a sportier (lower) rider position and lower handlebars. Both are designed to be "sporty".

The V-Strom is more of a touring bike, with a fairly upright riding position, and a windshield and fairings to make longer rides more comfortable.

If you want to see pictures of them, just goto the Suzuki website: http://www.suzukicycles.com

Is there really only one dealer in your area? Most dealers should have a good stock of 2005 bikes now - the season (and demand) is just beginning. Some dealers should also have some 2004 models left over.

In any case, I would strongly recommend NOT to buy a new bike for your first bike. You WILL drop your bike - we all did. You should really start with a used bike, get a few years and a few thousand miles under your belt, THEN consider getting a new bike. Use the $$$ you save to get yourself some good gear and some good training!

HTH!

japgen · 03-28-2005, 06:56 PM

inspiron...that's good advice. i just learned today of a second dealer in my area who has a used sv650 with low mileage....i'll be going to look at it later this week..

**Louis** · 03-28-2005, 07:37 PM

You also give a quick glance at something I did a while ago comparing the riding positions of some different bikes.

Clicky

SERGE · 03-31-2005, 10:57 AM

I was one of the ones that bought a new bike as a first bike. I ended paying over $400 (plus the emotional cost) after it fell at a stop light.

I changes bikes recently and bought a SV650. I also looked at the SV650S and the VStrom. I have a back problem and the ridding position of the SV650S was a killer, so I had to choose between the naked version (SV650) and the VS.

They are two different bikes. If you want the sporty looks and feeling go for the SVs. If you want to "tour" around for hours go for the VS.

As for a used SV, they are great in maintaining value. Depending on the year they can go for about $4,500.00 (a good '04); $1,500 less than a new one.

Cheers,

03-27-2005, 07:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
japgen Newbie Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: Still shopping for first! Location: Northwestern PA Posts: 7	SV650 vs. 650 V-Strom I'm a new rider looking for my first bike, and have read great things about both the SV650 and the 650 V-Strom. Can anyone give me some tips on the differences? Unfortunately my dealer doesn't have either model in the showroom right now, so the closest I've seen is the SV650S which I know is not the same. Thanks for any ideas for a first timer.

03-28-2005, 10:40 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: 12,070	japgen The SV650 is the same as the SV650S, except that the "S" has a sportier (lower) rider position and lower handlebars. Both are designed to be "sporty". The V-Strom is more of a touring bike, with a fairly upright riding position, and a windshield and fairings to make longer rides more comfortable. If you want to see pictures of them, just goto the Suzuki website: http://www.suzukicycles.com Is there really only one dealer in your area? Most dealers should have a good stock of 2005 bikes now - the season (and demand) is just beginning. Some dealers should also have some 2004 models left over. In any case, I would strongly recommend NOT to buy a new bike for your first bike. You WILL drop your bike - we all did. You should really start with a used bike, get a few years and a few thousand miles under your belt, THEN consider getting a new bike. Use the $$$ you save to get yourself some good gear and some good training! HTH! __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

03-28-2005, 07:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	You also give a quick glance at something I did a while ago comparing the riding positions of some different bikes. Clicky __________________ Louis

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03-28-2005, 06:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
japgen Newbie Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: Still shopping for first! Location: Northwestern PA Posts: 7	inspiron...that's good advice. i just learned today of a second dealer in my area who has a used sv650 with low mileage....i'll be going to look at it later this week..

03-31-2005, 10:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
SERGE Seat Tester Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 69	I was one of the ones that bought a new bike as a first bike. I ended paying over $400 (plus the emotional cost) after it fell at a stop light. I changes bikes recently and bought a SV650. I also looked at the SV650S and the VStrom. I have a back problem and the ridding position of the SV650S was a killer, so I had to choose between the naked version (SV650) and the VS. They are two different bikes. If you want the sporty looks and feeling go for the SVs. If you want to "tour" around for hours go for the VS. As for a used SV, they are great in maintaining value. Depending on the year they can go for about $4,500.00 (a good '04); $1,500 less than a new one. Cheers,

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