Newb, hello n stuff

[elephant]

Hi all, my name is Mike. I'm 21 years old and live in San Antonio, Texas. I grew up with muscle cars and going fast due to my father's "hobby". I've been interested in bikes since the first time I saw my uncle's Indian and several big ass Harleys back when I was probably 13 years old. Only in the past year or two I have actually been entertaining the thought of having one. My girlfriend does not...how do you say..."approve" of it however I think she'll undertand and basically get over it. I've been looking at several bikes that are probably not the greatest beginner bikes and after speaking with some experienced riders I came upon a compromise between what I want and what would be better to start on. I originally wanted a Yamaha V-Max - newb killer. Then I learned how rediculously powerful it is, especially for a new rider, not to mention it's handling downfalls. So then I was interested in a few other large cruisers, all too much for a new rider. Finally I decided that a Suzuki SV650N would be perfect for me. It reminds me so much of the Ducati Monster bikes and is not too much reminescent of a crotch rocket. I love cruisers, they are my thing. I can't stand sport bikes to be honest, even if they are the epitome of performance in the bike world...I just want to cruise.


So I was just wondering everyone's thoughts for a beginner on one, etc. Things I can expect from it (maintenance wise) being a chain final drive. Gas mileage. Aftermarket accessories (I already love the idea of changing the gauges to the blue style Illumiglos ), all that good stuff. After I get a season or two under my belt I'll be moving on to a cruiser, and my sights are set for a Boulevard M50 - just can't stop going back to it, heh. So right now my plan is to get signed up for an MSF course around the summer time and then once I pass I'll be getting finances in order and buy the bike, a helmet, a jacket, gloves, and proper boots as well as insurance for the bike.

Well?



~elephant

[robertc729]

Why not after the MSF class, just buy the M50, if that's what you keep going back to? The M50 would be a good bike to start out on.

[elephant]

Well I'm told by other riders that the M50 would be too big for a beginner to start with. Saying that it won't handle nearly as well as the SV650 and won't be as nimble. The used prices on both bikes can get insanely low considering their new sale prices. Either one can be had for about $2,700 with around 9k miles and in great condition...I just figured the older, more experienced riders** would know a thing or two. This is actually the first time anybody has said "why not? it's a fine bike to start with.", I usually get a volley of "small, cheap, used" repeatedly thrown at me.

** - not saying you are inexperienced, don't take that the wrong way.

So you think the Marauder or Boulevard M50 (newer model) would be fine? This was my line of thinking for the longest time until I spoke with the people on the Motorcycle USA - Motorcycles and Bike Tests forums. Don't get me wrong, I like how the SV650 looks, a lot. But I'm a cruiser guy all the way. If I can get away with starting on a Marauder or M50 then by all means, I will. Honest, experienced opinion?

Also, even though both bikes are V-Twin engines, the SV650 has the crotch-rocket sound, mixed with a slight Harley type sound....whereas the M50 has more of the traditional bike sound. I hate the sport bike exhaust sound almost as much as I hate import rice burner car exhausts. Like I said I grew up around muscle cars and am currently restoring a 68 Camaro SS, just ordered the FlowMaster 40 series exhaust (provides that classic muscle car sound) and that sounds like music to my ears. Whenever I hear a damn Honda Civic buzzing by with that bee swarm exhaust I almost cringe. I like my exhaust to be loud, deep, and rumbling. I honestly don't think the SV650 can do it. On the other hand I have seen videos and heard audio clips of people debaffling their mufflers on their M50's and it sounds great. So...

~elephant

[scrimmer]

Just my $.02 worth elephant...
Just like you I was torn between an SV and the M50. With everything you're saying, I think you should go with what you really want...the cruiser style. The M50, you won't regret it. It has all the power you need and with debaffling or aftermarket exhaust, will give you the exhaust note you want. Don't get me wrong, the SV's are great bikes. A friend of mine owns one and was trying to talk me into getting one. I rode his a lot, but something just wasn't right for me that I couldn't put my finger on. It is a very nimble bike and very fast, almost too fast! But whenever I pictured myself on a bike I just always pictured myself owning a cruiser. But the cruisers are heavier and slower, which is a good thing if you don't have a lot of riding experience. When I went into a dealership and first sat on the M, I just knew it was for me. I have not regretted it at all! Now I will say that even though this is the first bike I've personally owned, due to a friend that owns several I have had a lot of riding experience and was able to ride several different styles of bikes that helped me with my decision. I hope I didn't ramble too long and somehow helped.
Good Luck!

[elephant]

Well now I don't know what to do! Haha. I have somebody that went through what I'm in the middle of (scrimmer), with the exception that you have had some experience, telling me to go with the M50/Marauder, and then on the other hand I have these other guys saying the SV would be better to start on and then later get a cruiser that I want.

Bah. Lol. I was so convinced the SV was the good way to start off, and then later on sell it and snag the Marauder I really want.

What kind of gas mileage do you get with your M50? Would you say it's a bad bike to go out into the country with (slight twisties, nothing major though)? I definitely will be riding it to work the majority of the time, and then on the weekends maybe just out joyriding in the hillside or something, yanno? For the most part it's just hardly curved roads...actually nevermind, scratch all that - I think the curves in the roads I'll be going down are probably weak as hell, no reason to worry. What about aftermarket accessories? Gauges, lights, etc.?

But I still like the SV now, lol. Damn man, now I'm really torn. I guess the best thing in this situation is to just sit on them and see how they feel. I'm 6 feet tall and about 285lbs. I think I'll feel more comfy on the M50, but that's just a guess, and the shaft-drive makes me feel better about the bike too...



~elephant

[scrimmer]

Man, I didn't mean to confuse you, but it's just such a personal preference thing, it's hard to say. For a cruiser, the M does handle extremely well and is a lot more agile than it's weight/size/style imply, but it's no SV. I just feel more comfortable on the M than the SV. The shaft drive is SMOOTH! You've got to figure out what type of riding you'll mostly be doing. Maybe unlike me, you're rich...Buy 'em both LOL I would if I could! They're both terrific bikes!

[bigE]

I have a 2000 SV650 and Marauder (800cc). The SV is WAY faster which would make me say the Marauder is the better starter bike. On the other hand, the Marauder is a lot heavier which can be intimidating for beginners..... If you want a cruiser, get a cruiser. Just ride smart and stay out of heavy traffic. There is no shame practicing in an empty parking lot.... If you know someone with a dirt bike, that is the best way to learn the basics (crashing hurts a lot less)

[SVZuki]

well It's time for someone with an SV to show up. So I bought my bike as a start from a buddy. It is an 2001 sv650s, not the naked version. This means the riding position I have is a little more forward than the naked version, and maybe one other small thing. Can't remember right now.

First and foremost, About the sound thing. The SV with a can does not sound anything like a ricer. It is a V-twin afterall. It sounds like my f-150 with a 302 and flowmaster mufflers on it. It is deep and throaty through the whole RPM range. Sound of the SV will not be an issue.

As for riding wise. I have not ridden a M50, I want one eventually, but I love my SV. It is sooo nimble through any corner and has more than enough power for me. I cannot say whether the M50 would or wouldn't be a good starter bike. If you want a starter bike that more than likely you are gonna toss away(sell) after one year. I'd say, hell get a honda nighthawk..something like a 250. You could pick one up for like $500, hardly hitting the pocketbook and leaving the rest of your money for gear, and saving up for the M.

The SV is a great bike and I would suggest it for anyone. If you are riding alot, you need to oil the chain frequently. If you do that you will drastically cut down on the need to replace the chain. Normal MPG is around 45 ish. I would hold off on the aftermarket parts for your starter bike though, especially if you are going to sell it. You will never get out what you put into the bike in accessories. Focus on riding techniques first and foremost over add-ons