Hey Yammie, I very much enjoy watching your videos. I am 15 and getting my license soon, I have previously gotten my racing license as I like to ride on track days, I like the SV650 but was thinking the Honda cbr650f was a good option, do you think that would be a good idea?
I have never ridden any motorcycle except my SV650S, so I have to say it was a perfect starter bike for me. I have put 40K+ miles on it and have started taking it to the track. It literally does everything I want from a bike. I've even sold my car.
@@danielmembrillo6472 You need insurance in order to ride on the street, but I don't know about the track. Frame sliders can help sometimes if you do go down, but there's no guarantee it will save your bike. I haven't dropped it at the track yet, but I'm pretty sure insurance won't pay for track related accidents.
I got the 2018 sv650x as my first bike. And honestly, it is the best starter bike I could have asked for. Comfortable, not too crazy, but enough torque to have lots of fun street riding. It really comes down to how mature you are to learn with the machine and not be too over confident with it too fast.
What age did you get it at? I'm 16 and am planning on getting one, but in the video he said "if you're 20 and have never ridden before it might be too much" and I'm not sure if it would be okay for me to learn how to ride on.
@@tazmainian3479 I got it at age 21, but bear in mind I had legit no riding experience. So really, if you think you can respect a machine that has a potential to kill you, that is your call if you think you are ready for that. Be smart, take rider safety courses and be very smooth on the controls until you get a feel for what the bike can do, then and only then can you start testing your personal limits (safely of course). I really think you would be happy with the bike, but you know yourself best! :)
Just started riding a month ago and purchased the 2018 SV650. I’m 27 and I never rode a motorcycle in my life. This bike is amazing. I haven’t pushed it too much yet but I’m happy that there is still so much power to experience. I’m glad I didn’t get something with around 300cc because I would be bored of it soon. I feel like this will be a great bike to keep for years to come.
The SV650 is a great starter bike. Suzuki also had the Bandit 650 with about 15hp over the SV. The bikes are basically in the same category, but if you strangle the throttle, you can (and probably will) get yourself in hot water! Getting through the basic skills on the SV650 is pretty easy, but the advantage of having a bike that forgiving to learn on is a blessing! Thanks for the vid!
In my opinion, "too much bike" to me means too much low end torque and like you said, a really snatchy throttle at low speeds. When you're just starting out, especially if you have no previous riding experience, it's really important to get the basic maneuvers down just like when you started learning to drive a car, and a bike that is too jumpy on the throttle can either make a really good rider out of you, or most likely make you too timid to get out there on it and really build a strong foundation on it. As always, great video man!
Hey man I have some advice for you! I turned 21 on the 4th of July and I took a Motorcycle safety program almost a year ago back in September and my dad has been kind enough to let me use one of his bikes (cb300f) after I got my m1 about 6 months ago. If you are serious about motorcycles I suggest taking a course, you will learn all the basics and prior to the course I had very little experience on a bike, I watched UA-cam videos on "how to ride a bike" but that's about it. Also since you are under 21 the course should be cheaper (mine was). So ya man the amount of money I've saved riding a bike has been epic, takes me less than $7 to fill "my" particular bike with fuel and it lasts me all week commuting to and from work as well as school. Not to mention I look and feel like a total bad ass once I arrive at the Golden Arches or even algebra class! Sure beats a Toyota Camry!!. So do yourself a favor and get started my guy! Since you have virtually no experience I recommend a 300 unless you're really really REALLY mature and have great hand eye coordination. Lucky for me my dad's been riding since he was 13 (back in the 70's) and his father rode motorcycles in world war 2 so I come from a long line of riders. So far I've put 1,900 miles on my dad's bike and the numbers gonna go up, he doesn't care cause he got it dirt cheap (he works for Honda) so all is well. I understand your situation might be very different but that doesn't mean you can't do it, because you definitely can. I believe in you! So go ahead, hit up Craigslist and make Papa yams proud!
Really depends. As a returning rider of 51 and having not ridden much in the last 15 years it was my choice to start again with. Had mine for 2 years and recently upgraded to a Street Triple R. The SV is still such an amazing choice for almost anyone and that sound!!!
6:41 - I have heard that for the SV650, prolonged wheelies can starve the front cylinder of oil, causing the engine to seize. Maybe find a different bike to turn into a wheelie machine...
The first bike I rode and owned after my Motorcycle Course (never rode before the course) was an SV650, riding it home on the highway from another state, and then owned it for years before I got sick of electrical issues (used '99 model). It's definitely not too much for a new rider as long as the new rider is not an idiot, but I also think it's plenty to keep experienced riders well entertained. Heck, I'm selling my current bike (traded the SV in for it) to go back to an SV650 10 years later because I miss the SV so much. If not for the electrical issues I couldn't fix I'd still have that first SV.
In my opinion, living in the UK, I was on an A2 license which meant the bike was restricted to 47hp. It was really dangerous whenever I did overtakes, I would lose the extra power when I needed it most. When I passed my full A license and took the restrictor off, it was much nicer and felt safer since all the power was there, it would not cut out when I need it to be there. Bearing in mind, I have ridden an mt125, and then an R3 so I wasn't too unfamiliar with riding bikes and can handle the SV. It is a great starter bike
The Gladius was actually the bike used by the riding schools here in my country. Kids learned and took their tests on them. Personally, I love it because the v-twin teaches them how to handle torque with respect when first starting out.
I like how even though you’re an American, you still do your beginner bikes, which meet British A2 laws! Thinking world wide is really appreciated, helps us Brits out too. Really appreciate this channel.
The 2018 SV650 ABS is my first ever bike. After a few initial hiccups as you mentioned, it almost threw me off the back at start, I can say I love it so far. But then I have no other reference, but as i am riding it more, and gaining experience, I am liking it even more. The wind buffeting at higher speeds was my only complaint, installing a windscreen solved it. Hoping to get some more years of riding before I contract upgraditis
I just bought a 2013 SFV Gladius on thursday as my first bike Papa Yam! I actually feel WAY more comfortable on my SFV that I did on the 125x pro i used during my MSF. I had NO experience before the course. I recommend it for a beginner, just be mindful of first gear. You dont need to give it much throttle at all when you start out.
I never learned until my 40's. Did a safety course, bought a Honda CBR125R and the SVF650. I used the 125 on the safety course and drove it for 1500km to get use to the controls and then sold it. Been driving the 650 for 4 months now and respect is real, this bike is so much fun.
I've had my 2006 sv650s (my first bike) for a little over a week and I'm loving it. Yam is definitely right about the throttle being a bit choppy at lower speeds. I love this thing though, I don't feel like it's too much to start on, but I'm very very safety conscious and in my mid 20s, so maybe if you know you're a bit reckless get something a little smaller.
A SV650, like the MT07 and Z650 are excellent starter bikes that are also excellent for intermediate and advanced riders. They have plenty of torque and are very reliable to provide years of riding pleasure.
25yo looking at getting unrestricted license... never ridden before... this is one of my only options tbh. I'm not the greatest fan of the old style headlight, especially when compared to the mt07 as a direct competitor, but this one is cheaper 2nd hand. I also don't have the financial means to be swaping bikes every 2 years, so this kind of bike has more than enough power to entertain you for more years and still be gentle if you want it to. i feel like i won't be bored as fast and that it makes a future transition to something bigger a lot easier/less scary. i love the "750 class" of bikes, wich would be my ultimate goal to reach (gsx-s750/street triple...) just need me some free time to finally go for it and sign up for the classes 😅👍
I have an 2001 sv650s with the fairings removed. My buddy has a 2019 Kawa ninja 650. We swapped bikes for a few miles, his bike was hands down the most robotic, no feeling, and quiet thing ive ever ridden.
I have been YEARNING for an SV for several years now; I've looked at the market and the SV looks PERFECT for me; I rode many years ago and want to start again.. that SV makes me salivate... definitely entering your contest: I WANT THAT SV!!!
Started out on a 1989 FZR600R, old girl was phenomenal to learn on, rode it for a few months and got a Honda CBR600F4i for my 20th birthday. I've put over 1000 miles on it in less than a month.
Beginner here. Bought a 2015 FZ-07 4 months ago for my first bike. Love it. Just needs a Yoshimura pipe, fender eliminator, aftermarket turn signals, LED headlight, and shorty clutch and brake levers.
Personally as a 17 year old noob I would recommend starting small. Even though I'm really, really bored with my ninja 250 after just under a year, focusing on learning the ins and outs, the ups and downs of riding on something small and inexpensive is the best way. No matter how much research you do, you're going to experience some things you won't expect. If you decide motorcycling isn't your thing, you'll be glad you went with the beat up old $950 ninja 250 instead of a 7k depreciation monster. As Regular Car Reviews said, the ninja 250 is a bike you can buy for 1000 and sell for 1000.
I disagree. I got a sv 650 as my first bike at 17 and I think that I learned way more from it than I would have on a smaller bike. Now I agree that a starter probably shouldn't go out and buy a brand new bike unless money doesn't matter, but I sold my sv a year and 4k miles later for a few hundred more than I bought it for. So I basically got to learn/ride for a year completely free. Now I have a gsxr 600 for about 2 years now and love it.
@@Nick-sx6jm I suppose it's just me. Personally I've been more responsible than most others in my family, so for me getting a bike, aside from the practicality and the intense passion for motorcycles, was a way to let loose and let my irresponsible "fun" side have some room to breathe. Having a little more fun on the road meant that I got into a few situations where I'm very happy I wasn't going faster. Also, being a little older and smaller, it was a great learning tool, and I've got a few new skills and tools for my next bike's maintenance and mods. And insurance is insanely cheap, I only got liability since it's so old and not worth a lot and I'm paying 20 a month. I have no doubt that having a bigger bike like a 650 is just as good a bike to learn to ride on, as long as your head is on straight and you don't plan on using the road as your personal track. But the other things, maintenance, responsibility, insurance, etcetera, are things that I'm very happy I had a smaller bike for.
Smart guy. Don't let ego get the best of you. I once heard someone say the bigger bikes teach you lessons you won't learn in a smaller bike. That's true. But those lessons wont be much use if you end up sliding under a 16 wheeler truck..
Got myself a 2017 sv650 March this year as my first bike. A bit jumpy in 1st and 2nd gear which took a little getting used to but if you take things slow there's no better bike. It's great for short riders, it's very light and easy to handle. You just need to be very mindful as it is a proper bike. Oh and it's cheap!
My first bike ( age 32 ) was an old r6 carb model scared the shit out of me at first but got used to it! I sold it after 2 years bought 2017 Sv650 new I love it will never sell it I do everything on it!
It depends on the beginner. My son started on a 50cc dirt bikeat 6 years old, and by 13 was competent on a CR250R and a CRF450R. A beautiful, low mileage Gen 2 SV650 was his first street bike in 2015 when he was 14 years old, and it has been the only street bike he has needed. He still rides it, and it has never given him a minute's trouble. It starts right up and will take him to the end of the earth and back.
Sold my 1200 bandit and bought a 2005 sv650 with some mods including leovince pipe. What a sound! Corners perfectly, stable at freeways, accelerates beautifully, starts imeddiatly regardless the temperature. i'm in love with the bike. Not as powerfull as a 1200 but a lot of usefull torq and hp.
Started a year ago on an 07 sv650. Absolutely loved it. Wanted something for longer trips so sold it and bought the v Strom 650 which has the same engine. 650 is a perfect level of power for beginners, rides. On the freeway with no issues, and I get 60 mpg. Great bikes for sure. 10 out of 10 would recommend.
Bro I recommend the sv650 as a beginner bike for sure I started on a 2008 sv650 a few months ago and I’m 17. I love it man whoever wins the bike will definitely be excited
My first bike last year is a 2008 Suzuki Vstrom 650, and I think it was the perfect bike for me. I'm 42, 6'3", was 245,now 220, and it has been an awesome bike. I took a course within two weeks after getting it and had no problems. Honestly, I think if I had gone with a smaller bike, I'd already be bored. The vstrom is the adv version of the SV, and very comparable to the SV (the vstrom engine is directly derived from the SV). If you want more adv than street, the vstrom is a good alternative. Lots of fun on the street, and kitted right, fun off the main roads too. Myself, I added Outback Motortek crash bars, skid plate and center stand, and went to 50/50 Heidenau K60 Scout tires.
I've put 29000 miles on my old Gladius (SV650 with different styling) and have about 16000 miles on my V-Strom 650 so far. Same engine? Yes. Do they feel the same to ride? Yes and no Would I take an SV and V-Strom both in my garage? Absolutely. That's the plan once I can afford an SV
Been riding 5 months now. Got a ‘12 Ninja 650 and planning on keeping it for a long time. It has plenty of torque to keep it exciting but the power is still forgiving. I’m also bigger guy (5’10” @220lbs) so the 300’s just felt too small for me.
I love my SV 650 The weight of the bike bill so balance and if you twist the throttle hard enough on first gear you will Actually power Willy about 2 inches off the ground There honestly so much fun :)
I started on a sv650 they are heavy but tough. Way different than any Supersport I've rode has alot of bottom and mid end, still a very good bike just different. Dont wheelie them for long times though because they don't pick up oil when you do and will fry your engine.
Here's my personal experience. I bought my 2018 sv650 last year after only 4 months of riding around on a CBR250. I can tell you it was the smartest choice I made. I no longer had to shift as quick as possible into 6th gear just to keep up with traffic. I no longer had deal with a jittery and unstable ride at highway speeds. The ergonomics of the sv650 were leaps and bounds ahead of the CBR too. I was worried that the jump to 650cc would be too much especially with my lack of experience but honestly I felt right at home on it from the minute I hopped on. Lots of power but really manageable. With all that said I'm 38 so I guess I'm considered an "older" rider. I don't have much a need for speed, I just like to cruise around and ride thru some twisties whenever I can.
Thanks yammie noob nice to hear your thoughts on this . At 43 i just had my 2nd set of lessons today and went from a 400 to this bike n loved it . I Had little to no riding experience before my lessons . I was v wary about the power of the sv650 but having said that during the whole lesson i was never above 2nd gear . As a total newby its overwhelming all the things involved in learning to ride safely and confidently. Throttle ,clutch and brake sensitivity are hard to get use to for a beginner. Respect the bike no matter what size i think. A newby on a bigger bike thats afraid of it might be better than a newby on a 125 with no respect for it .
Hi, big thanx for the review 👍. I am a 50 years old beginner passing from maxi scooter to a motorcycle. I just love the SV, the look, the sound, everything. I really consider to take the Sv my first bike, at my age don't want speed races or similar, just chill rides. My second choice is the Honda CB500x, different bike, less power, beginner friendly, but the SV is still my favorite!! Thanx again and ride safe. Regards from Serbia 🇷🇸✌️
I've made my license on an sv650. To be fair, it's a A2 license so most of the times I was riding a bike that was throttled down to 48hp, but I made a few rides on the full power one, so yes: the full power can be a bit too much for a beginner, but with 48hp it's one of the best beginner bikes you can buy, and after 1-2 years of riding you can still open it up to full power. The hardest thing to get used to was the reeeaally twitchy throttle at low speeds, that got me really frustrated while learning the maneuvers for my license
You are the first reviewer to mention the snatchy throttle on the SV650a. My SV is a nightmare, and applying the power at slow speed in the wet can be downright dangerous! As well as that, it yoyo's back and forth on a neutral throttle in the lower gears. Other than that it's a super bike, great low down torque with an extra kick in the butt at 4500 rpm.
I'm in the U.K. and currently have a 125cc, which is all you can have here without passing your motorcycle test. A 650cc bike is considered to be a big bike here by most people. I'm planning to upgrade to a 400cc once I've passed my test and then maybe end up with a 500-600cc as my final bike. I would say that any 650cc bike is waaay too much for a beginner. I've seen some people who can't handle a 125cc. I myself had an accident on a 50cc when I was a teenager. I'm sure that there are some people out there who can jump straight onto a bike of that size and have no problems at all but 'beginner bike'? Definitely not IMHO. P.S. I know somebody who did a direct access course on a 600cc and then bought an 800cc as their first bike, on the recommendation of their instructor. They let it sit in the garage for 12 months before selling it because they were too frightened to ride it, so buying a big bike can kill your interest in motorcycles stone dead, or kill you lol.
Im 22 and Ive ridden a few dirt bikes nothing bigger than 125cc and used to ride around my neighborhood on a little 125cc moto. Ive been looking at the MT03, Z400, CB500f, and my friends recommended me the sv650. After watching this video I think this might be my first real motorcycle
I chose the 2019 SV650 ABS as a returning rider. I’ve owned a 1996 Bandit 600, BMW R1200C and a 2009 Triumph Speed Triple. I am truly enjoying my first v-twin. I will need to replace the seat and can at some point. Want a more comfortable seat with a little more height (I am 6’1” and 190) and maybe a bit more bark but past 5k rpm the stock can sounds great.
I started on an MT-03 (naked R3), which I rode for two years, and now as it happens I have an SV650, which I've had for just a couple of weeks. I'm glad I started on the 300. It takes a while to develop a disciplined throttle hand. You just don't have that as a raw beginner. A 300 is more tolerant of a clumsy throttle hand. Also I learned to ride in big city traffic. The SV would have been too much to handle in that setting. If I had been in the countryside or in a small town, maybe it would have been okay.
@@DarnellHendeason-dk3uw it's the perfect beginer bike, I jumped on one with hardly any experience on a bike, I had been on a 125 twice in my life for maybe 2 hours , a few weeks later I rode a 650, and was fine , learnt how to ride on a 650, and bought a sv650 after taking 2 bike lessons, so I can assure u it's perfectly fine
I had a ‘17 SV650 as my first moto, and my first ride in the road was the ride home from purchase. Far too powerful for a very new rider, but after a couple of weeks it is perfect and, for me, was a great platform to learn. I did not have a problem with the throttle, which on mine was snatch free. A lot of fun on the track. The suspension has its limitation, but it clearly is not a S1000R or Super Duke.
800 mile trip on my 17 SV, it was great. My butt didn't hurt too bad. I put a givi windscreen on it (helps alot) threw on some soft saddlebags, Oxford heated grips. Good to go. Now to only put a fender eliminator on it. The stock fender is pretty ugly
In my opinion, whether or not a bike is too much depends on how much of a tool you are going to be on it. If you are gunna ride like a tool, a Ninja 400 might be too much but if you have some self control and discipline a more powerful bike is ok. I started on a GSXR600 and then went to a NSR250R neither are nanny bikes but I survived to tell the tale. The SV650 is a great bike for anyone under 6' so long as you aren't the above mentioned tool. Be honest, you know whether you are a tool or not. If you are a tool maybe a dirt bike is a better option, keep yourself away from cars. If you are gunna be a student of the game and a disciplined rider, buy the road bike that you want and you will be stoked on motorcycling for the rest of your life.
Good video bro! I just wanna give my personal opinion taking into account my background. Did my license in 2015/16 (riding school done on a Kawi ER6N) and tested quite a few of the entry-level bikes before buying anything. I wanted a naked bike, so that's what I tried, MT07/FZ07 was scary as eff (torque everywhere, snatchy throttle, soft suspension - nose diving at every roundabout etc), ER6N was boring (too much weight, not enough grunt), CB650F not my cuppa tea (4 cylinders only make sense on a liter bike, sorry).... I went for a Honda CB500F as my first bike. Not scary, easy to ride and a very good starter bike if you're nervous about losing it in the twisties when you overestimate your abilities. Also a good bike to grow into. Fast enough for me, all cool, loved it. One year later I wanted to add a cruiser kinda bike to my garage, went with the Rebel 500, same engine, lovely bike, did a 2800km tour through the Pyrenees on it and boy you can ride it harder than it was ever intended to be ridden! The year after I thought I was ready for something scarier, but I didn't like the looks of the MT07 - so I swapped my CB500F for an XSR700 (MT07 with old school looks basically). Loving it, wouldn't recommend it to noobs, can be scary and get you into trouble easily. Hooligan machine, makes you ride faster than you should and I got lucky more than I'd like to admit. Summer holiday I hired a CB650F and didn't enjoy it much, also ended up totalling it due to an oil spill on a wet bit of road - needless to say my confidence was at a low. Had to finish the trip on a courtesy Honda NC750S - boring bike but I was scared of bikes at that point anyway... 5 months later I hired a SV650 in New Zealand for a tour - fully equipped with side panniers and top case (talking about your canvas, yep, good little touring machine!). That was my cure, not scary at all, but a lot of fun. Not too much power but enough to make me smile. I didn't think the throttle was snatchy at slow speeds at all tbh. Comfortable, fast enough, smooth engine, inspiring confidence in the wet and the dry, loved it!!! So, to cut a long story short, I don't think anybody should be scared of this one. This bike cured me from being scared, this bike reassured me that I can ride as well as I can expect after a couple of years, this bike for me would be a good one "to do everything", twisties, touring, stroll along the beach, everyday commuting etc! Lovely machine for the "nervous kind of beginner"!!!
Helpful information! Have you tried the SV1000? I'm wondering which would feel like an upgrade to me - the SV650 or the SV1000. I'm riding Suzuki Katana '92, 750cc for over 3years. Great bike, but I'd like to try something different, mostly for commuting and short trips. I'm also looking at the big Bandits - 1250cc, but the SVs are lighter and IMO better looking than any Bandit.
I just got this bike it’s not for beginners…it’s heavy as FUCK😂😂😂 LIKE yall help lmaoo how am I suppose to push this thing yet alone keep it from falling, the previous owner I bought mine from was the same physique as me and I’ve seen women smaller than me handle this bike well and I don’t get why I struggle with it lol. Am I missing something/not doing something right? I heard this bike is a cruiser so it’s supposed to be heavy, so what other bike is lighter? I want a sporty bike but nothing too heavy. Any advice?
my SV650 is my 3rd bike I really couldn't imagine hopping on one to start out but at the same time you can just start out by riding it slowly and working your way up the rev range until you're dragging knee through corners while rev matching perfectly. It really is the perfect bike, not too fast, the low weight makes it super easy to throw around in corners, classic looks, bargain price, very good reliability (except those god damn regulator/rectifiers on older models). What more can you ask for? I'd recommend the RC 390 too if the 60-70hp is too much.
I got a 2018 650 ninja for my first bike. No prior experience riding. Had it almost a month now. Totally in love with it. Almost 100 percent comfortable on it now. Definatly do-able to start on a 650 in my opinion!
My first bike is/was a 2001 SV650 that I picked up for under 2 grand. More or less the exact same as this one, only with an extra 19 years of wear and tear and neglected maintenance that I had to learn to take care of. Also, carbureted (do not recommend for a new rider unless you've messed with carbs before. It's not difficult, but it is pretty detailed and requires messing with some small pieces that are easily lost). I think it's a lot of power for a brand new rider. I got mine when I was 36 with zero riding experience dirt or street, but I'm guessing I have a little more self-control and caution than I did when I was younger. It's also a great platform for lots of stuff, whether you want to commute, ride on the weekends around some twisty roads, or set it up for the track. The biggest downside to the bike in my opinion is the suspension, which Yammie might not notice as much as a bigger rider.
@@chrispotter2948 If you got the extra cash go for the fuel-injected SV. The second generation of the SV has a little more horse power too. I would not say one is better than the other but waiting for the bike to warm up is a bit annoying. I live in the Bay area where it does not get too cold but your climate might be something that you may want to consider with the carburaturos.
started my motorcycle with 2017 sv650, which I still ride. Slapped 17k km (about 10500 miles), no problem with maintenance, no troubles. Great bike! but I am looking at bigger touring bikes due to passenger/cargo issue.
I drove a KSR TW 125 Supermoto with my little license and now i bought a SV650 2018 same color as this and i think i can handle the throttle ^^ I just like the look and sound of this bike it doesnt matter for me if the lights are led or just standard lights
A week ago I got the Kawasaki Z650 as my first bike which in the same power range as the SV650. I had zero bike experience besides taking the MSF class. I am learning and I love the bike. Performance is just perfect.
My buddy has a 2008 SV650 and did a 10k mile round trip from Portland Oregon down to Mexico through the Yucatan and back in the middle of December. I've taken a couple smaller trips with him and that bike under an experienced rider's crotch is really an amazing do-it-all machine.
Good review ! For beginner : If any 650 class bike has too lively a throttle response under 5,000 rpm, you may experience problems when riding about in traffic in some situations, at least in the beginning - if that, rather go for a bike that's more forgiving below 5,00 rpm.
The best bike in the world is the one you're on, 'cos it's the only one you can ride right now. Yours might not be fast, but you practice and learn and you as a rider can still rip past people with bigger bikes and less practiced skills. That said, there's nothing wrong with an upgrade!
I got Z 750 for beginner bike and so far I'm loving it. Considering it has almost 110hp/78kw (factory value), its surprisingly heavy and somewhat big, still IMO it's one of the best beginner bikes. Definitely not too small but not so big that you couldn't enjoy and improve your driving skills with it. I'd even say that it is super easy to drive. The best of that it is really affordable. Before buying I did months of researching different bikes and finally ended up with this. Torque is quite mellow but still enough strong up to 5000-6000rpm which makes it really pleasant to drive in cities and twisty roads. Super easy and great bike for cruising when you really don't need to mind that much which gear you are driving when you got enough torque to cover that. Of course you'll get more out of the bike when you know which gear would be the best. But taking the revs over 5000 gives suddenly insane amount of torque and power that you supposed to have and you can really go fast with that machine. I feel I have really squeeze that handlebar to stay on bike on full acceleration lol. Only downside I have noticed is the standard front shock. (I have older model, newer one has a lot better USD fork) It is pretty soft and on and on dry weather it is totally fine but driving on wet you really have to understand that on hard braking (and sometimes even not so hard braking) you don't have ANY stopping power, grip or feel on rear tire. First time I noticed that it scared the shit out of me lol.
Hey shamy pupes ! I simply wanted to say that your riding style is really nice now ! Great and safe lines in turns, good to see :) I mean you did bad stuff **kof kof yellow Porsche** but now I see a mature rider enjoying the street while being safe... good stuff !
I'm 70 years old and out of riding since '94. bought an SV 3 months ago and have so far avoided becoming the stat of the returning rider killed. Really love this nimble little bike...….
Bought a Honda shadow for my first bike. Had it for 10 years then left bikes for 4 years. Just bought a diavel. So much different then the shadow, love it!
You might be okay if you stay off wet roads for a couple of weeks and have self control, I don't have self control and it rains often where I live, my vtr250 is plenty fun for now, already looking at my next bike but I'll try resist the temptation for at least three months. Good luck mate, have fun 👍🏍️
My first bike was an 82 yamaha maxim 750. I think a bike like that is a good first bike. Easy to work on, high availability at low prices, shaft drive. Won't get you in too much trouble
In my opinion/experience I'd say it's a great bike for beginners. Until you get to stupid amounts of speed, motorcycle safety has a lot to do with decision making and not necessarily power. I've crashed my cbr250 more than my sv650, simply because I was young and dumb on my 250 when I started
For all the viewers that are younger than 16: In most states you can get a M permit at 15 (just like cars) but you can ride by yourself, usually around 20miles from home, daylight hrs, no passengers, the max you are allowed is a 650cc bike tho.
Im looking at a CBR650 as first bike. I have ridden some offroad motorcycle when i was younger (not mine, friend one) only like 1 hours total. Now im 35, taking the Quebec driving lesson (16 hours slow speed maneuver lesson + 10 hours driving on road lesson). I dont do speed, never got any ticket with my car and i dont plan to twist that throttle too much at first, ill stay in low rev. Im 6'3'' living countryside with some small towns around, i think i should be fine :) My bro started on a Super Duke 1290, he had some offroad riding (like 2 years) and took same driving lesson. He like to do speed and wheelie alot haha but thats another story.
I've ridden motorcycles for a long time, and recently I've had the chance to ride this bike a few times. It's a great machine, very responsive and comfortable. I would say it's a little too heavy for first timers, if you have never ridden you should start with a small scooter or a 125cc motorcycle.
I think it depends on the beginner. I’m very attracted to the bike because if it’s low seat height and narrowness - I’m barely 5’ and 100 lb and can’t flatfoot anything; this at stock I can at least get my toes/balls of my feet touching. I’ll have to lower whatever I ride at least to begin with but the less you have to mess the better - an inch is better than two or three. But for a complete total newbie and how petite I am it’s a lot to manage the height and the weight. So I’m now learning on a 125 cc (Grom) and wondering if I can go from that to this without getting something in between. (Can’t find 300 cc bikes that give me better reach to ground anyway, though they are a bit lighter of course. )
Also, I'm on a V-Strom 650 (heavier, slightly detuned fully faired SV) and at first I thought "Damn" but then got used to it in a week. Throttle is snatchy at low speeds, but it's a good bike. I will note that I'm 6'1 ish and 300 ish pounds, sooo... I dont think it's suitable for a sub 200 pound person, and especially not a small female rider. I had only a few rides on a KE100 dirt bike a few years before my msf course, too, so basically a bare assed fresh rider. If you're not comfortable with an SV or V-Strom based on my experience as well as sitting on one, yourself (definitely do this to see if a bike weighs too much for you), then my best recommendation is a Ninja 400. You can find leftover new ones for sub 4k, and if you're a normally weighted person, it's the perfect bike for most, of not all bare assed new riders, including not getting "boring" based on power.
And 1 year after that I bought a 750cc cruiser, although I still have the 1200, but the 750cc cruiser is so much easier to drive and is much more manageable.
@@marioderamus7376 I started at 72cc (Eu laws) and from what i can see if someone never ride A motorcycle or something similiar will have A problem with powerfull machines. I think for someone with zero experience 250cc is max what they can ride. I gived it to my friend who ride only A car and moped. After one min he ride Good enough for streets. I gived it to friend who ride only car. After 5min he was good. I gived it to friend who ride scoter. After 2 min he was good. I gived to friend who never ride anything it took him 2 hours to learn. And i realy dont want to know how much trouble he will have with 650cc. If you have zero experience with riding anything. Go with 250. If you have some experience you can go with 650
My first bike was a k2 sv650s. Id say its a good bike for a "beginner" if said person has ridden dirtbikes and/or atvs and shifting would be natural. I would not recommend for someone with zero motorcycle experience though.
Suzuki is the best overall brand. Plus: The Vstrom is all the adv touring bike you will ever need...and the SV 650 is the only naked- classic bike you will ever need to. Both hits the sweet spot between fun, fast, affordable and easy to drive bikes..
Sup bois - did you know you can enter to win this bike by buying merch now? Every $1 = 1 entry! yammienoobmerch.com/
Yammie Noob I would love to own a sv650 when I’m old enough
Hey Yammie, I very much enjoy watching your videos. I am 15 and getting my license soon, I have previously gotten my racing license as I like to ride on track days, I like the SV650 but was thinking the Honda cbr650f was a good option, do you think that would be a good idea?
Hey yammie can you tell me the name of your arai and your jacket because I really want that arai helmet with that jacket
you should get a m4 exhaust for the SV
He has is gear in the description
I have never ridden any motorcycle except my SV650S, so I have to say it was a perfect starter bike for me. I have put 40K+ miles on it and have started taking it to the track. It literally does everything I want from a bike. I've even sold my car.
Saving for that trackbike yet? Maybe you'll win the r3.... thus making you my moral enemy for eternity🤤
I have a 2018 SV650. I REALLY want to take it to the track...do you get insurance? Have you ever dropped it at the track?
@@danielmembrillo6472 You need insurance in order to ride on the street, but I don't know about the track. Frame sliders can help sometimes if you do go down, but there's no guarantee it will save your bike. I haven't dropped it at the track yet, but I'm pretty sure insurance won't pay for track related accidents.
That’s pure man!
@@alexharkler Im talking about TRACK insurance! I do it whenever I take my car to the track...check it out.
No way! The sv650 is the one bike you'll only ever need! The absolute ak47 of bikes
"AK47 of bikes" i like that lol. It will match when I drive to the range with my AK slung around my back hahaha.
Never have you said something so controversial yet so brave!
I don’t think this is controversial it’s pretty true
strongocho never has someone said something more American
@@strongocho that sounds like what heroin must feel like
I think you mean ak15 or the ar47. Lmao
I got the 2018 sv650x as my first bike. And honestly, it is the best starter bike I could have asked for. Comfortable, not too crazy, but enough torque to have lots of fun street riding. It really comes down to how mature you are to learn with the machine and not be too over confident with it too fast.
Exactly! Any bike can be too much if you only use your head to hang a hat on..
Hey! Same story here =) My first ever bike is sv650x '18. Gonna keep it for long.
@@Alex-es8eq It's a beauty! I will definitely cherish it till it's ready for its funeral, haha! :)
What age did you get it at? I'm 16 and am planning on getting one, but in the video he said "if you're 20 and have never ridden before it might be too much" and I'm not sure if it would be okay for me to learn how to ride on.
@@tazmainian3479 I got it at age 21, but bear in mind I had legit no riding experience. So really, if you think you can respect a machine that has a potential to kill you, that is your call if you think you are ready for that. Be smart, take rider safety courses and be very smooth on the controls until you get a feel for what the bike can do, then and only then can you start testing your personal limits (safely of course). I really think you would be happy with the bike, but you know yourself best! :)
As a 26 year old guy with off-roading experience who’s picking up a 650 next week you just made me feel far more confident about my purchase lol
Just started riding a month ago and purchased the 2018 SV650. I’m 27 and I never rode a motorcycle in my life. This bike is amazing. I haven’t pushed it too much yet but I’m happy that there is still so much power to experience. I’m glad I didn’t get something with around 300cc because I would be bored of it soon. I feel like this will be a great bike to keep for years to come.
The SV650 is a great starter bike. Suzuki also had the Bandit 650 with about 15hp over the SV. The bikes are basically in the same category, but if you strangle the throttle, you can (and probably will) get yourself in hot water! Getting through the basic skills on the SV650 is pretty easy, but the advantage of having a bike that forgiving to learn on is a blessing! Thanks for the vid!
In my opinion, "too much bike" to me means too much low end torque and like you said, a really snatchy throttle at low speeds. When you're just starting out, especially if you have no previous riding experience, it's really important to get the basic maneuvers down just like when you started learning to drive a car, and a bike that is too jumpy on the throttle can either make a really good rider out of you, or most likely make you too timid to get out there on it and really build a strong foundation on it. As always, great video man!
Yam: a 20 year old who's never ridden a motorcycle before...
Me: F.
Hey man I have some advice for you! I turned 21 on the 4th of July and I took a Motorcycle safety program almost a year ago back in September and my dad has been kind enough to let me use one of his bikes (cb300f) after I got my m1 about 6 months ago. If you are serious about motorcycles I suggest taking a course, you will learn all the basics and prior to the course I had very little experience on a bike, I watched UA-cam videos on "how to ride a bike" but that's about it. Also since you are under 21 the course should be cheaper (mine was). So ya man the amount of money I've saved riding a bike has been epic, takes me less than $7 to fill "my" particular bike with fuel and it lasts me all week commuting to and from work as well as school. Not to mention I look and feel like a total bad ass once I arrive at the Golden Arches or even algebra class! Sure beats a Toyota Camry!!. So do yourself a favor and get started my guy! Since you have virtually no experience I recommend a 300 unless you're really really REALLY mature and have great hand eye coordination. Lucky for me my dad's been riding since he was 13 (back in the 70's) and his father rode motorcycles in world war 2 so I come from a long line of riders. So far I've put 1,900 miles on my dad's bike and the numbers gonna go up, he doesn't care cause he got it dirt cheap (he works for Honda) so all is well. I understand your situation might be very different but that doesn't mean you can't do it, because you definitely can. I believe in you! So go ahead, hit up Craigslist and make Papa yams proud!
Ha I am getting my bike license when I'm 16 and I have my dad's old sv 650 s
IM SCREAMING
its okay dude, im a 16 year old kid who only has experience on a 90cc dirtbike. Im the one that should be scared
@@joshloveslax2136 I’m thinking of getting an sv650 when I get my license at 16. How did it go for you?
Really depends. As a returning rider of 51 and having not ridden much in the last 15 years it was my choice to start again with. Had mine for 2 years and recently upgraded to a Street Triple R. The SV is still such an amazing choice for almost anyone and that sound!!!
6:41 - I have heard that for the SV650, prolonged wheelies can starve the front cylinder of oil, causing the engine to seize. Maybe find a different bike to turn into a wheelie machine...
That was a problem with the first gen SV650. Later models relocated where in the sump oil is pulled from, if I remember correctly
@@SuzukiC41 2nd gen had the same problem iirc, i think the new models may have been fixes
All the people on all the SV forums and groups say don't do extended wheelies because it doesn't adequately supply oil to the front cylinder while up.
New sv650s oil sumps have been fixed.
The first bike I rode and owned after my Motorcycle Course (never rode before the course) was an SV650, riding it home on the highway from another state, and then owned it for years before I got sick of electrical issues (used '99 model). It's definitely not too much for a new rider as long as the new rider is not an idiot, but I also think it's plenty to keep experienced riders well entertained.
Heck, I'm selling my current bike (traded the SV in for it) to go back to an SV650 10 years later because I miss the SV so much. If not for the electrical issues I couldn't fix I'd still have that first SV.
In my opinion, living in the UK, I was on an A2 license which meant the bike was restricted to 47hp. It was really dangerous whenever I did overtakes, I would lose the extra power when I needed it most. When I passed my full A license and took the restrictor off, it was much nicer and felt safer since all the power was there, it would not cut out when I need it to be there. Bearing in mind, I have ridden an mt125, and then an R3 so I wasn't too unfamiliar with riding bikes and can handle the SV. It is a great starter bike
The Gladius was actually the bike used by the riding schools here in my country. Kids learned and took their tests on them. Personally, I love it because the v-twin teaches them how to handle torque with respect when first starting out.
I like how even though you’re an American, you still do your beginner bikes, which meet British A2 laws! Thinking world wide is really appreciated, helps us Brits out too.
Really appreciate this channel.
The 2018 SV650 ABS is my first ever bike. After a few initial hiccups as you mentioned, it almost threw me off the back at start, I can say I love it so far. But then I have no other reference, but as i am riding it more, and gaining experience, I am liking it even more. The wind buffeting at higher speeds was my only complaint, installing a windscreen solved it. Hoping to get some more years of riding before I contract upgraditis
2018 sv650 as my first bike, nearly 8000km and two riding schools later I love it more every time I get on it.
I got this as my first bike (2019 model).
No complaints so far.
I'm happy with my beginner pick.
I just bought a 2013 SFV Gladius on thursday as my first bike Papa Yam! I actually feel WAY more comfortable on my SFV that I did on the 125x pro i used during my MSF. I had NO experience before the course. I recommend it for a beginner, just be mindful of first gear. You dont need to give it much throttle at all when you start out.
I never learned until my 40's. Did a safety course, bought a Honda CBR125R and the SVF650. I used the 125 on the safety course and drove it for 1500km to get use to the controls and then sold it. Been driving the 650 for 4 months now and respect is real, this bike is so much fun.
started on a cb125e, went to xv250, and now on an fz6r. imo if u start low like
Yammie should have made this video 3 seconds long. “Hey it’s ya boi yammie, and this bike is perfect! G’bye” lol
Mind blown.... My dad told me the same thing when he was teaching me how to ride.... if you respect the bike it will also respect you
Not true though but cute.
I've had my 2006 sv650s (my first bike) for a little over a week and I'm loving it. Yam is definitely right about the throttle being a bit choppy at lower speeds. I love this thing though, I don't feel like it's too much to start on, but I'm very very safety conscious and in my mid 20s, so maybe if you know you're a bit reckless get something a little smaller.
2005 SV650 naked was my first street bike, perfect learner bike then turned it into a track bike.
My first bike was a naked 2006 SV650 (Blue) and I had a bunch of great mods to it too. It was a perfect beginner bike and I had from 2009-2014.
Tim Kordik that’s my first bike too. 2006 even. I love it
Same I picked up a blue 06 with some nice mods on it for my first bike back in February, amazing bike with a fun amount of torque for street riding
A SV650, like the MT07 and Z650 are excellent starter bikes that are also excellent for intermediate and advanced riders. They have plenty of torque and are very reliable to provide years of riding pleasure.
25yo looking at getting unrestricted license... never ridden before... this is one of my only options tbh. I'm not the greatest fan of the old style headlight, especially when compared to the mt07 as a direct competitor, but this one is cheaper 2nd hand. I also don't have the financial means to be swaping bikes every 2 years, so this kind of bike has more than enough power to entertain you for more years and still be gentle if you want it to. i feel like i won't be bored as fast and that it makes a future transition to something bigger a lot easier/less scary. i love the "750 class" of bikes, wich would be my ultimate goal to reach (gsx-s750/street triple...)
just need me some free time to finally go for it and sign up for the classes 😅👍
I have an 2001 sv650s with the fairings removed. My buddy has a 2019 Kawa ninja 650. We swapped bikes for a few miles, his bike was hands down the most robotic, no feeling, and quiet thing ive ever ridden.
I have been YEARNING for an SV for several years now; I've looked at the market and the SV looks PERFECT for me; I rode many years ago and want to start again.. that SV makes me salivate... definitely entering your contest: I WANT THAT SV!!!
They're really great bikes! And they sound very nice with that V-Twin ;)
Started out on a 1989 FZR600R, old girl was phenomenal to learn on, rode it for a few months and got a Honda CBR600F4i for my 20th birthday. I've put over 1000 miles on it in less than a month.
Yammie seems like a fun dude to roll with on Molly
Beginner here. Bought a 2015 FZ-07 4 months ago for my first bike. Love it. Just needs a Yoshimura pipe, fender eliminator, aftermarket turn signals, LED headlight, and shorty clutch and brake levers.
Personally as a 17 year old noob I would recommend starting small. Even though I'm really, really bored with my ninja 250 after just under a year, focusing on learning the ins and outs, the ups and downs of riding on something small and inexpensive is the best way. No matter how much research you do, you're going to experience some things you won't expect. If you decide motorcycling isn't your thing, you'll be glad you went with the beat up old $950 ninja 250 instead of a 7k depreciation monster. As Regular Car Reviews said, the ninja 250 is a bike you can buy for 1000 and sell for 1000.
I disagree. I got a sv 650 as my first bike at 17 and I think that I learned way more from it than I would have on a smaller bike. Now I agree that a starter probably shouldn't go out and buy a brand new bike unless money doesn't matter, but I sold my sv a year and 4k miles later for a few hundred more than I bought it for. So I basically got to learn/ride for a year completely free. Now I have a gsxr 600 for about 2 years now and love it.
@@Nick-sx6jm I suppose it's just me. Personally I've been more responsible than most others in my family, so for me getting a bike, aside from the practicality and the intense passion for motorcycles, was a way to let loose and let my irresponsible "fun" side have some room to breathe. Having a little more fun on the road meant that I got into a few situations where I'm very happy I wasn't going faster. Also, being a little older and smaller, it was a great learning tool, and I've got a few new skills and tools for my next bike's maintenance and mods. And insurance is insanely cheap, I only got liability since it's so old and not worth a lot and I'm paying 20 a month. I have no doubt that having a bigger bike like a 650 is just as good a bike to learn to ride on, as long as your head is on straight and you don't plan on using the road as your personal track. But the other things, maintenance, responsibility, insurance, etcetera, are things that I'm very happy I had a smaller bike for.
I agree, I bought a rebel 250 as my first bike and I'll never regret it. I always tell people to start small.
Smart guy. Don't let ego get the best of you. I once heard someone say the bigger bikes teach you lessons you won't learn in a smaller bike. That's true. But those lessons wont be much use if you end up sliding under a 16 wheeler truck..
Got myself a 2017 sv650 March this year as my first bike. A bit jumpy in 1st and 2nd gear which took a little getting used to but if you take things slow there's no better bike. It's great for short riders, it's very light and easy to handle. You just need to be very mindful as it is a proper bike. Oh and it's cheap!
Great for short rides? Really? It's a 650CC for gods sake lol. 125cc's are meant for short rides 👍
My first bike ( age 32 ) was an old r6 carb model scared the shit out of me at first but got used to it! I sold it after 2 years bought 2017 Sv650 new I love it will never sell it I do everything on it!
It depends on the beginner. My son started on a 50cc dirt bikeat 6 years old, and by 13 was competent on a CR250R and a CRF450R. A beautiful, low mileage Gen 2 SV650 was his first street bike in 2015 when he was 14 years old, and it has been the only street bike he has needed. He still rides it, and it has never given him a minute's trouble. It starts right up and will take him to the end of the earth and back.
Sold my 1200 bandit and bought a 2005 sv650 with some mods including leovince pipe. What a sound! Corners perfectly, stable at freeways, accelerates beautifully, starts imeddiatly regardless the temperature. i'm in love with the bike. Not as powerfull as a 1200 but a lot of usefull torq and hp.
This is the bike I was thinking about getting for my first bike
MrArtie17 good choice! I’d consider the fz07 as well if you have the budget.
I have an 06 sport model that I got a week ago. It's pretty great, he's definitely right about the choppy throttle at low speeds.
My first bike was the 05 Sv. Great for commuting/ twisties/ date nights/ track says. It’s basically the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles
@@parkerwolfgramm415 yup excels at absolutely fuck all, yet is able to do anything. Learnt on one and wife bought a 2018 as her bike
@@andrewaldrich3602 the Vtwin will do that, and i too have a 06 SV as a first bike, i freaking love her
Started a year ago on an 07 sv650. Absolutely loved it. Wanted something for longer trips so sold it and bought the v Strom 650 which has the same engine. 650 is a perfect level of power for beginners, rides. On the freeway with no issues, and I get 60 mpg. Great bikes for sure. 10 out of 10 would recommend.
Bro I recommend the sv650 as a beginner bike for sure I started on a 2008 sv650 a few months ago and I’m 17. I love it man whoever wins the bike will definitely be excited
Already scraping the pegs on turns😂
My first bike last year is a 2008 Suzuki Vstrom 650, and I think it was the perfect bike for me. I'm 42, 6'3", was 245,now 220, and it has been an awesome bike. I took a course within two weeks after getting it and had no problems.
Honestly, I think if I had gone with a smaller bike, I'd already be bored.
The vstrom is the adv version of the SV, and very comparable to the SV (the vstrom engine is directly derived from the SV). If you want more adv than street, the vstrom is a good alternative. Lots of fun on the street, and kitted right, fun off the main roads too. Myself, I added Outback Motortek crash bars, skid plate and center stand, and went to 50/50 Heidenau K60 Scout tires.
I've put 29000 miles on my old Gladius (SV650 with different styling) and have about 16000 miles on my V-Strom 650 so far.
Same engine? Yes. Do they feel the same to ride? Yes and no
Would I take an SV and V-Strom both in my garage? Absolutely. That's the plan once I can afford an SV
Been riding 5 months now. Got a ‘12 Ninja 650 and planning on keeping it for a long time. It has plenty of torque to keep it exciting but the power is still forgiving. I’m also bigger guy (5’10” @220lbs) so the 300’s just felt too small for me.
I love my SV 650 The weight of the bike bill so balance and if you twist the throttle hard enough on first gear you will
Actually power Willy about 2 inches off the ground There honestly so much fun :)
I started on a sv650 they are heavy but tough. Way different than any Supersport I've rode has alot of bottom and mid end, still a very good bike just different. Dont wheelie them for long times though because they don't pick up oil when you do and will fry your engine.
i started riding motorcycle in my 40's which my friend thought me to ride his wr250 after 2 months of learning i bought a africa twin as my first bike
Here's my personal experience. I bought my 2018 sv650 last year after only 4 months of riding around on a CBR250. I can tell you it was the smartest choice I made. I no longer had to shift as quick as possible into 6th gear just to keep up with traffic. I no longer had deal with a jittery and unstable ride at highway speeds. The ergonomics of the sv650 were leaps and bounds ahead of the CBR too. I was worried that the jump to 650cc would be too much especially with my lack of experience but honestly I felt right at home on it from the minute I hopped on. Lots of power but really manageable. With all that said I'm 38 so I guess I'm considered an "older" rider. I don't have much a need for speed, I just like to cruise around and ride thru some twisties whenever I can.
Thanks yammie noob nice to hear your thoughts on this .
At 43 i just had my 2nd set of lessons today and went from a 400 to this bike n loved it . I Had little to no riding experience before my lessons .
I was v wary about the power of the sv650 but having said that during the whole lesson i was never above 2nd gear .
As a total newby its overwhelming all the things involved in learning to ride safely and confidently.
Throttle ,clutch and brake sensitivity are hard to get use to for a beginner.
Respect the bike no matter what size i think.
A newby on a bigger bike thats afraid of it might be better than a newby on a 125 with no respect for it .
Hi, big thanx for the review 👍. I am a 50 years old beginner passing from maxi scooter to a motorcycle. I just love the SV, the look, the sound, everything. I really consider to take the Sv my first bike, at my age don't want speed races or similar, just chill rides. My second choice is the Honda CB500x, different bike, less power, beginner friendly, but the SV is still my favorite!! Thanx again and ride safe. Regards from Serbia 🇷🇸✌️
I bought one as my second bike after a ninja 250, put 30000 miles on it before selling was a great bike.
Just bought one. Absolutely love it. Not my first bike but definitely the most fun!
I think its more fun to start on small bikes and work up to big ones. Then you really appreciate the power of bigger bikes
Bought new 2017 AL7 as a first bike, couldn't have picked a better one. Done over 30000km on it so far, really loving it!
Super stoked to be riding now I got myself a 2018 KTM duke 390 and couldn’t be more happy
I've made my license on an sv650. To be fair, it's a A2 license so most of the times I was riding a bike that was throttled down to 48hp, but I made a few rides on the full power one, so yes: the full power can be a bit too much for a beginner, but with 48hp it's one of the best beginner bikes you can buy, and after 1-2 years of riding you can still open it up to full power. The hardest thing to get used to was the reeeaally twitchy throttle at low speeds, that got me really frustrated while learning the maneuvers for my license
You are the first reviewer to mention the snatchy throttle on the SV650a. My SV is a nightmare, and applying the power at slow speed in the wet can be downright dangerous! As well as that, it yoyo's back and forth on a neutral throttle in the lower gears. Other than that it's a super bike, great low down torque with an extra kick in the butt at 4500 rpm.
100% - it’s really snatchy at low speeds. Even for an experienced rider I’ve run into some trouble managing it
Snatchier than a thumper?
I'm in the U.K. and currently have a 125cc, which is all you can have here without passing your motorcycle test.
A 650cc bike is considered to be a big bike here by most people. I'm planning to upgrade to a 400cc once I've passed my test and then maybe end up with a 500-600cc as my final bike. I would say that any 650cc bike is waaay too much for a beginner. I've seen some people who can't handle a 125cc. I myself had an accident on a 50cc when I was a teenager.
I'm sure that there are some people out there who can jump straight onto a bike of that size and have no problems at all but 'beginner bike'? Definitely not IMHO.
P.S. I know somebody who did a direct access course on a 600cc and then bought an 800cc as their first bike, on the recommendation of their instructor. They let it sit in the garage for 12 months before selling it because they were too frightened to ride it, so buying a big bike can kill your interest in motorcycles stone dead, or kill you lol.
Riding SFV650 - which is basically the same bike - the baby is my first bike and I enjoy it)
Im 22 and Ive ridden a few dirt bikes nothing bigger than 125cc and used to ride around my neighborhood on a little 125cc moto. Ive been looking at the MT03, Z400, CB500f, and my friends recommended me the sv650. After watching this video I think this might be my first real motorcycle
I chose the 2019 SV650 ABS as a returning rider. I’ve owned a 1996 Bandit 600, BMW R1200C and a 2009 Triumph Speed Triple. I am truly enjoying my first v-twin. I will need to replace the seat and can at some point. Want a more comfortable seat with a little more height (I am 6’1” and 190) and maybe a bit more bark but past 5k rpm the stock can sounds great.
I started on an MT-03 (naked R3), which I rode for two years, and now as it happens I have an SV650, which I've had for just a couple of weeks.
I'm glad I started on the 300. It takes a while to develop a disciplined throttle hand. You just don't have that as a raw beginner. A 300 is more tolerant of a clumsy throttle hand.
Also I learned to ride in big city traffic. The SV would have been too much to handle in that setting. If I had been in the countryside or in a small town, maybe it would have been okay.
Exactly, no way in hell is a 650 a good "starter" bike.
@@DarnellHendeason-dk3uw it's the perfect beginer bike, I jumped on one with hardly any experience on a bike, I had been on a 125 twice in my life for maybe 2 hours , a few weeks later I rode a 650, and was fine , learnt how to ride on a 650, and bought a sv650 after taking 2 bike lessons, so I can assure u it's perfectly fine
I had a ‘17 SV650 as my first moto, and my first ride in the road was the ride home from purchase. Far too powerful for a very new rider, but after a couple of weeks it is perfect and, for me, was a great platform to learn. I did not have a problem with the throttle, which on mine was snatch free. A lot of fun on the track. The suspension has its limitation, but it clearly is not a S1000R or Super Duke.
800 mile trip on my 17 SV, it was great. My butt didn't hurt too bad. I put a givi windscreen on it (helps alot) threw on some soft saddlebags, Oxford heated grips. Good to go. Now to only put a fender eliminator on it. The stock fender is pretty ugly
In my opinion, whether or not a bike is too much depends on how much of a tool you are going to be on it. If you are gunna ride like a tool, a Ninja 400 might be too much but if you have some self control and discipline a more powerful bike is ok. I started on a GSXR600 and then went to a NSR250R neither are nanny bikes but I survived to tell the tale. The SV650 is a great bike for anyone under 6' so long as you aren't the above mentioned tool.
Be honest, you know whether you are a tool or not. If you are a tool maybe a dirt bike is a better option, keep yourself away from cars. If you are gunna be a student of the game and a disciplined rider, buy the road bike that you want and you will be stoked on motorcycling for the rest of your life.
Good video bro! I just wanna give my personal opinion taking into account my background.
Did my license in 2015/16 (riding school done on a Kawi ER6N) and tested quite a few of the entry-level bikes before buying anything. I wanted a naked bike, so that's what I tried, MT07/FZ07 was scary as eff (torque everywhere, snatchy throttle, soft suspension - nose diving at every roundabout etc), ER6N was boring (too much weight, not enough grunt), CB650F not my cuppa tea (4 cylinders only make sense on a liter bike, sorry)....
I went for a Honda CB500F as my first bike. Not scary, easy to ride and a very good starter bike if you're nervous about losing it in the twisties when you overestimate your abilities. Also a good bike to grow into. Fast enough for me, all cool, loved it. One year later I wanted to add a cruiser kinda bike to my garage, went with the Rebel 500, same engine, lovely bike, did a 2800km tour through the Pyrenees on it and boy you can ride it harder than it was ever intended to be ridden! The year after I thought I was ready for something scarier, but I didn't like the looks of the MT07 - so I swapped my CB500F for an XSR700 (MT07 with old school looks basically). Loving it, wouldn't recommend it to noobs, can be scary and get you into trouble easily. Hooligan machine, makes you ride faster than you should and I got lucky more than I'd like to admit. Summer holiday I hired a CB650F and didn't enjoy it much, also ended up totalling it due to an oil spill on a wet bit of road - needless to say my confidence was at a low. Had to finish the trip on a courtesy Honda NC750S - boring bike but I was scared of bikes at that point anyway... 5 months later I hired a SV650 in New Zealand for a tour - fully equipped with side panniers and top case (talking about your canvas, yep, good little touring machine!). That was my cure, not scary at all, but a lot of fun. Not too much power but enough to make me smile. I didn't think the throttle was snatchy at slow speeds at all tbh. Comfortable, fast enough, smooth engine, inspiring confidence in the wet and the dry, loved it!!! So, to cut a long story short, I don't think anybody should be scared of this one. This bike cured me from being scared, this bike reassured me that I can ride as well as I can expect after a couple of years, this bike for me would be a good one "to do everything", twisties, touring, stroll along the beach, everyday commuting etc! Lovely machine for the "nervous kind of beginner"!!!
Helpful information! Have you tried the SV1000? I'm wondering which would feel like an upgrade to me - the SV650 or the SV1000. I'm riding Suzuki Katana '92, 750cc for over 3years. Great bike, but I'd like to try something different, mostly for commuting and short trips. I'm also looking at the big Bandits - 1250cc, but the SVs are lighter and IMO better looking than any Bandit.
I just got this bike it’s not for beginners…it’s heavy as FUCK😂😂😂 LIKE yall help lmaoo how am I suppose to push this thing yet alone keep it from falling, the previous owner I bought mine from was the same physique as me and I’ve seen women smaller than me handle this bike well and I don’t get why I struggle with it lol. Am I missing something/not doing something right?
I heard this bike is a cruiser so it’s supposed to be heavy, so what other bike is lighter? I want a sporty bike but nothing too heavy. Any advice?
my SV650 is my 3rd bike I really couldn't imagine hopping on one to start out but at the same time you can just start out by riding it slowly and working your way up the rev range until you're dragging knee through corners while rev matching perfectly. It really is the perfect bike, not too fast, the low weight makes it super easy to throw around in corners, classic looks, bargain price, very good reliability (except those god damn regulator/rectifiers on older models). What more can you ask for? I'd recommend the RC 390 too if the 60-70hp is too much.
I got a 2018 650 ninja for my first bike. No prior experience riding.
Had it almost a month now. Totally in love with it. Almost 100 percent comfortable on it now.
Definatly do-able to start on a 650 in my opinion!
I had a 2012 ninja 650 absolutely loved it. I recommend it to everyone. I rode on a 300 mile trip without discomfort. Truly a nice bike.
My first bike is/was a 2001 SV650 that I picked up for under 2 grand. More or less the exact same as this one, only with an extra 19 years of wear and tear and neglected maintenance that I had to learn to take care of. Also, carbureted (do not recommend for a new rider unless you've messed with carbs before. It's not difficult, but it is pretty detailed and requires messing with some small pieces that are easily lost).
I think it's a lot of power for a brand new rider. I got mine when I was 36 with zero riding experience dirt or street, but I'm guessing I have a little more self-control and caution than I did when I was younger. It's also a great platform for lots of stuff, whether you want to commute, ride on the weekends around some twisty roads, or set it up for the track. The biggest downside to the bike in my opinion is the suspension, which Yammie might not notice as much as a bigger rider.
In 2017 got a 2001 sv650s for my first bike with no riding experience. Sold it after and year and bought a 2009 sv650s...
How much better is the fuel injection? Am I overthinking wanting to avoid a 1st gen?
@@chrispotter2948 If you got the extra cash go for the fuel-injected SV. The second generation of the SV has a little more horse power too. I would not say one is better than the other but waiting for the bike to warm up is a bit annoying. I live in the Bay area where it does not get too cold but your climate might be something that you may want to consider with the carburaturos.
started my motorcycle with 2017 sv650, which I still ride. Slapped 17k km (about 10500 miles), no problem with maintenance, no troubles.
Great bike! but I am looking at bigger touring bikes due to passenger/cargo issue.
I drove a KSR TW 125 Supermoto with my little license and now i bought a SV650 2018 same color as this and i think i can handle the throttle ^^ I just like the look and sound of this bike it doesnt matter for me if the lights are led or just standard lights
A week ago I got the Kawasaki Z650 as my first bike which in the same power range as the SV650. I had zero bike experience besides taking the MSF class. I am learning and I love the bike. Performance is just perfect.
My buddy has a 2008 SV650 and did a 10k mile round trip from Portland Oregon down to Mexico through the Yucatan and back in the middle of December. I've taken a couple smaller trips with him and that bike under an experienced rider's crotch is really an amazing do-it-all machine.
Good review ! For beginner : If any 650 class bike has too lively a throttle response under 5,000 rpm, you may experience problems when riding about in traffic in some situations, at least in the beginning - if that, rather go for a bike that's more forgiving below 5,00 rpm.
I just bought a 2007 Suzuki SV650S last Saturday. I find it a lot of fun.
I have a 125 and it is almost to little for a beginner, tops out at 70mph/120 kph
The best bike in the world is the one you're on, 'cos it's the only one you can ride right now. Yours might not be fast, but you practice and learn and you as a rider can still rip past people with bigger bikes and less practiced skills. That said, there's nothing wrong with an upgrade!
S, well the speed limit on highway is only 110 kph in Sweden and the Swedish drivers are much better than American drivers in general
I got Z 750 for beginner bike and so far I'm loving it. Considering it has almost 110hp/78kw (factory value), its surprisingly heavy and somewhat big, still IMO it's one of the best beginner bikes. Definitely not too small but not so big that you couldn't enjoy and improve your driving skills with it. I'd even say that it is super easy to drive. The best of that it is really affordable. Before buying I did months of researching different bikes and finally ended up with this.
Torque is quite mellow but still enough strong up to 5000-6000rpm which makes it really pleasant to drive in cities and twisty roads. Super easy and great bike for cruising when you really don't need to mind that much which gear you are driving when you got enough torque to cover that. Of course you'll get more out of the bike when you know which gear would be the best.
But taking the revs over 5000 gives suddenly insane amount of torque and power that you supposed to have and you can really go fast with that machine. I feel I have really squeeze that handlebar to stay on bike on full acceleration lol.
Only downside I have noticed is the standard front shock. (I have older model, newer one has a lot better USD fork) It is pretty soft and on and on dry weather it is totally fine but driving on wet you really have to understand that on hard braking (and sometimes even not so hard braking) you don't have ANY stopping power, grip or feel on rear tire. First time I noticed that it scared the shit out of me lol.
Next Beginner Bike Giveaway should be a CB500X.. would be interesting to see Papa Yam give his thoughts on Honda’s small Adventure(ish) bike
I love my sv650 won't sell it ever! It great for around town or driving to school will by another bike but not want get rid of it.
Hey shamy pupes ! I simply wanted to say that your riding style is really nice now ! Great and safe lines in turns, good to see :) I mean you did bad stuff **kof kof yellow Porsche** but now I see a mature rider enjoying the street while being safe... good stuff !
I'm 70 years old and out of riding since '94. bought an SV 3 months ago and have so far avoided becoming the stat of the returning rider killed. Really love this nimble little bike...….
Bought a Honda shadow for my first bike. Had it for 10 years then left bikes for 4 years. Just bought a diavel. So much different then the shadow, love it!
@1:55 I am a 20 year old guy who has never ridden a motorcycle before. My first bike is going to be a 2007 SV650. Let's see how I can handle it.
You might be okay if you stay off wet roads for a couple of weeks and have self control, I don't have self control and it rains often where I live, my vtr250 is plenty fun for now, already looking at my next bike but I'll try resist the temptation for at least three months. Good luck mate, have fun 👍🏍️
My first bike was an 82 yamaha maxim 750. I think a bike like that is a good first bike. Easy to work on, high availability at low prices, shaft drive. Won't get you in too much trouble
Excited to see your content on Firework man! That'll be dope!
In my opinion/experience I'd say it's a great bike for beginners. Until you get to stupid amounts of speed, motorcycle safety has a lot to do with decision making and not necessarily power. I've crashed my cbr250 more than my sv650, simply because I was young and dumb on my 250 when I started
For all the viewers that are younger than 16: In most states you can get a M permit at 15 (just like cars) but you can ride by yourself, usually around 20miles from home, daylight hrs, no passengers, the max you are allowed is a 650cc bike tho.
Im looking at a CBR650 as first bike. I have ridden some offroad motorcycle when i was younger (not mine, friend one) only like 1 hours total. Now im 35, taking the Quebec driving lesson (16 hours slow speed maneuver lesson + 10 hours driving on road lesson). I dont do speed, never got any ticket with my car and i dont plan to twist that throttle too much at first, ill stay in low rev. Im 6'3'' living countryside with some small towns around, i think i should be fine :)
My bro started on a Super Duke 1290, he had some offroad riding (like 2 years) and took same driving lesson. He like to do speed and wheelie alot haha but thats another story.
Stop racking up miles on my bike!
I've ridden motorcycles for a long time, and recently I've had the chance to ride this bike a few times. It's a great machine, very responsive and comfortable. I would say it's a little too heavy for first timers, if you have never ridden you should start with a small scooter or a 125cc motorcycle.
I think it depends on the beginner. I’m very attracted to the bike because if it’s low seat height and narrowness - I’m barely 5’ and 100 lb and can’t flatfoot anything; this at stock I can at least get my toes/balls of my feet touching. I’ll have to lower whatever I ride at least to begin with but the less you have to mess the better - an inch is better than two or three. But for a complete total newbie and how petite I am it’s a lot to manage the height and the weight. So I’m now learning on a 125 cc (Grom) and wondering if I can go from that to this without getting something in between. (Can’t find 300 cc bikes that give me better reach to ground anyway, though they are a bit lighter of course. )
I own a 2008 SV650 as my first bike and I enjoy every meter I drive with it, couldn’t wish for a better bike
My 2017 SV650 is my second bike, and I love it.
The sv650 first gen was my first bike and it was a perfect purchase 72k miles and still going strong
Also, I'm on a V-Strom 650 (heavier, slightly detuned fully faired SV) and at first I thought "Damn" but then got used to it in a week. Throttle is snatchy at low speeds, but it's a good bike.
I will note that I'm 6'1 ish and 300 ish pounds, sooo... I dont think it's suitable for a sub 200 pound person, and especially not a small female rider. I had only a few rides on a KE100 dirt bike a few years before my msf course, too, so basically a bare assed fresh rider.
If you're not comfortable with an SV or V-Strom based on my experience as well as sitting on one, yourself (definitely do this to see if a bike weighs too much for you), then my best recommendation is a Ninja 400. You can find leftover new ones for sub 4k, and if you're a normally weighted person, it's the perfect bike for most, of not all bare assed new riders, including not getting "boring" based on power.
09 SV650s was my first bigger bike, really enjoyed it! Great bikes and sound good too.
didn't the 2017-2018 SV650's have that low-RPM Assist for beginners? It does move the bike for only 10-15 kph though.
N3il Crox 3rd gen(+2017) SV650s do have them.
I first got a scooter, then I went to a 250cc after 1 year, then 2 years later I went on to a 1200cc.
And 1 year after that I bought a 750cc cruiser, although I still have the 1200, but the 750cc cruiser is so much easier to drive and is much more manageable.
Are you glad to have started on a 250cc
@@marioderamus7376 I started at 72cc (Eu laws) and from what i can see if someone never ride A motorcycle or something similiar will have A problem with powerfull machines. I think for someone with zero experience 250cc is max what they can ride. I gived it to my friend who ride only A car and moped. After one min he ride Good enough for streets. I gived it to friend who ride only car. After 5min he was good. I gived it to friend who ride scoter. After 2 min he was good. I gived to friend who never ride anything it took him 2 hours to learn. And i realy dont want to know how much trouble he will have with 650cc. If you have zero experience with riding anything. Go with 250. If you have some experience you can go with 650
My first bike was a k2 sv650s. Id say its a good bike for a "beginner" if said person has ridden dirtbikes and/or atvs and shifting would be natural. I would not recommend for someone with zero motorcycle experience though.
Suzuki is the best overall brand.
Plus:
The Vstrom is all the adv touring bike you will ever need...and the SV 650 is the only naked- classic bike you will ever need to. Both hits the sweet spot between fun, fast, affordable and easy to drive bikes..