Anyone own both the SV650s and FZ6 or have riden both for more then a couple weeks?

[jeff2015]

I had a brand new sv650s a couple weeks ago but I got cut off by a truck and laid it down. Since it was brand new I was just up to the 600 mile mark and hadn't broken it in yet so I wasn't past 5500rpm. So it ended up the bike was totaled and I have to get another one. Since then I've found an SV650S and a Yamaha FZ6 - both at about the same price (well SV about $200 less). I just would like some advice... I ride a lot on 55+ highways but I also like to go around town some. I really liked the SV650S, for the short time I had to spend with her, but I really didn't like the hunched over seating position. So that's why I'm really considering the FZ6. I would think about the SV650 naked but I just don't like the look of it at all. I am going to try to keep it under 75mph so I don't know if I would get the full benefit out of the high rpms and I've heard a lot about the really low end torque compared to the SV. So I would really like to hear from some people who either own or have ridden both for a substantial amount of time and see what they recommend... Thanks!

 

[paul1149]

You're up against the same decision I had. I wanted the SV's low end torque, but couldn't abide the posture. I ended up with the fz6. Great bike, but it wants to scream. At 8k the motor really starts taking off. Only problem is that's not the way I ride. And it's buzzy at lower rpms. I really like the bike, but may only keep it a year. I've got the versys in mind. But for now, as a fairly new rider, I'm trying to learn as much as I can from the fz.
Good luck,
p.

 

[OneTrack]

What I am noticing is that many of the riders that I know who've purchased SV650's (both the "S" and non "S" models, tend to keep them for a very short time before trading them in for another bike...usually a 4 cyl inline. I dunno...I suspect that there may be a bit of a boredom factor with the SV650's? Just my very personal and humble opinion, of course.

 

[Oranje]

I'd love to test ride a SV...I think I could be sold on the low end torque. Never liked having to rev the FZ.

 

[rsw81]

I traded with a classmate of mine for a day of riding, his SV650 faired with my FZ6. The SV puts out gobs of torque, which was great for around town riding, but I really didn't like it for canyon carving. The FZ is a much more capable bike in my opinion and much more predictable at the limit. It also just feels better put together when revving it up, but that may just be the different feel of a v-twin versus a inline-4.

 

[dankatz]

I have a scanned copy of the 2007 comparison in Motorcycle consumer news between the SV650S, FZ6 and the Ninja 650. I think it is a great article. The FZ6 beat the SV and Ninja hands down. The only category where the SV was better is torque - as expected. PM me if you'd like me to email it to you. My biggest argument against the SV was the hunched down position. I think there maybe after market solutions to the handlebars. The other issue I have is that the SV is starting to get old. The seat is not as comfortable from what I read. It is a great bike with a long following. My friend has had one since 2003 and has no intention of replacing it. For longer highway rides I think there are better options. The Versys or even Vstrom may be better depending on how tall you are. They are both bigger bikes. I like my FZ6, but my biggest complaint is also the engine/drivetrain needing to be revved. It is fine around town. But, it is much more powerful than the SV when you rev it. Lastly, check out the GSX650f which seems to have much better ergonomics compared to the SV. Ignore its weight.