I owned a SV650 before i got my FZ6 and it was a worthwhile upgrade. The inline four makes for a more relaxed ride although there is a significante increase in horsepower. Might be it's because the torque has moved up the RPM range, but i like it.
Only problem so far is the suspension, which deserves to be upgraded, it is way to soft for my liking.
Generally i feel the FZ6 is a better package overall compared to the SV650, but your going to miss the V2 thunder
Hope you will find someone who will let you try a FZ6.
Thanks, that's what I assumed as far as the power. I4's are supposed to make power in a smoother way, seems to hold true I suppose? As for suspension, the way I see it, on most "budget-based" bikes, you'll have to go aftermarket. If I were to get an FZ6 I know I'd miss that power right off the line.
I have no idea what the SV is like but i say any upgrade from a Suzuki to a mighty Yamaha is worth it
:thumbup:.....
:welcome: to the forum aswell :thumbup:
Thanks for the welcome, I don't play fan boy to any brand. I love all sorts of bikes, no matter their brand. :thumbup:
I used to own an 06 SV650 and I recently purchased an 05 FZ6. I don't have a lot of time on the FZ6 yet but there were some differences that were immediately apparent. First, sound. I preferred the exhaust note of the v-twin SV to the higher pitched buzz of the inline 4, but this would be a personal preference. The SV definitely has better low end torque, but there is also that annoying on/off throttle response that makes for jerky slow parking lot maneauvers. I did feel like the wider rear tire hindered me in turning a little over my last bike (DL650 V-Strom) but that may be because I'm just not used to this one, yet. I imagine some more time in the saddle and I won't even notice the difference. I can't say for sure since it's been a couple of years, but I believe the FZ6 feels a lot faster. The SV would probably take it off the line but the FZ6 should catch up pretty quickly. But, the FZ6 motor does make for easy relaxed cruising while still being able to quickly launch you to illegal speeds if you feel so inclined. The FZ6 is, for lack of a better word, buzzier. At certain RPM's the bike becomes a two wheeled vibrator. Should be fun for any women I have on the back. Most of my riding will be solo, so I'll have to report back on that. The fairing on the FZ6 will definitley provide better wind protection than the naked SV. I think I'll be looking into a taller windscreen as the stock one seems to direct the airflow right under and into my helmet. The riding position seems similar with both being fairly upright. I like the fact that it has a centerstand which makes maintenance much easier. The lack of a gas gauge on the SV isn't too bad until you've had a bike with one, and then you'll miss it. So far, I haven't found any reason to dislike the FZ6. Both are good bikes with their own characteristics. If you're like me, you get bored easily. I seem to change bikes every few years. If that's the case, then I say go for it. But, the SV is a good bike and can be set up for touring. But, for some long distance with plenty of room for luggage, I'd say the V-Strom beats both the SV and the FZ6. Same motor as the SV but retuned for more low/mid range power. Wide seat with a rear carrier that I was able to load up with everything I needed to go on a four day camping trip. It all depends on your finances and what you want to do with the bike.
Thanks for the great write up! Much appreciated. The torque in the SV definitely will make for jerky slow maneuvers, which makes slipping the clutch a necessary skill. It's not a big deal to me. I'm surprised to hear people say that I4's are buzzy, you'd think twins or thumpers would be the buzzy ones. Odd. I've looked at the WeeStrom, but I can't stand the 19" front tire or the fact that it's more a touring bike. I need something I can really lean in the corners.
Thank you mellowfelow! That guy's pretty funny though, "3rd generation"; there are only 2 gens for SV's.
The comparison is great. As for the SV losing guts after 7K, once you get used to it, you realize you're right around the corner from it's top end. It pulls all the way to 10K, you just get a feeling of more resistance from it because it's a twin. It was the same with my 500R. I'd take it up to 6K, but it'd feel like it's straining, then you keep twisting and just HANG ON! For a little 50hp parallel-twin, it really moved in the higher rpm range.
I really like the FZ6. I mean I love the low end torque of the SV, but to be honest, it inspires hooligan behaviour! I actually like having to rev a bike a little to get to the power.
Few more questions; How is city traffic with an FZ6? If you need to move, does it take a second to build a little oomph? How about splitting lanes with those wide mirrors?
Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate all your feedback!
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