650 vs 1000 I'm coming back!

1276 Views 11 Replies 7 Participants Last post by amg, Feb 3, 2009

brahmus

Discussion Starter · Feb 3, 2009

Well it's been almost a year w/o a bike and I'm ready to come back. I sold the SV650S and kept the 02 F4i around a while because the wife liked it better. The 01's weren't exactly lookers. Well it's time to get back in the saddle and it's my choice. I'm 99% sure I'm sticking with a V-twin so it's got to be an SV. Now my delima is, do I buy a newer 650 or step up to the 1000? I loved the 650s but several times I remember asking for a little more. So can anyone help me choose? Is there something wrong with the 1000's that i should be aware of? Is it a completely different bike? how about the newer 650's compared to my 01 which was bone stock. Are the upgrades available for the newer FI bikes a decent kick in the pants and would give me that little extra I needed on a few occasions? I've even considering going naked this time around. I'll take any and all suggestions and opinions!

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1 - 12 of 12 Posts

Gerard7aa

· #2 · Feb 3, 2009

I say test ride a 1k and even a 2nd gen 650.
You will have to decide for yourself.

I myself would like a 1k when going on long hauls.
But my 650 is just plain fun. Not that the 1k wouldnt be. Its just that it handles a bit heavier. But then again I weigh in at 130 lbs.
Non the less hope you get your new bike and enjoy it as much as I enjoy my six-five-o.

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Jawn

· #3 · Feb 3, 2009

Not to be a dikc but, do a search. This horse has been kicked absolutely to death.

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brahmus

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 3, 2009

I myself only weight about 150.

Understandable, I've been reading but haven't found anything yet, I'll keep digging.

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Jawn

· #5 · Feb 3, 2009

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=90831

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=82962

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=80555

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=77907

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=77776

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=66933

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=60448

That took about 30 seconds.

See less See more

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Muddturtle3

· #6 · Feb 3, 2009

Liutas said:
http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=90831

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=82962

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=80555

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=77907

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=77776

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=66933

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=60448

That took about 30 seconds.

Yes but it took zero seconds for him since you did all the work.

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brahmus

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 3, 2009

Sorry, I managed to find a few links that list some of those same threads. Even saw your response in several. But I'm no closer to a decision than I was before.. haha

I see the "Flickability" of the 650 is above that of the 1000 and the idea that you usually have more fun on a bike you can push to the limits holds water, but it seems most wouldn't mind a little more out of the 650.

And seeing how getting that is not an easy task my thought would be to opt for the 1000. I'm already lighter than most at about 150lbs, shed some weight from the bike and upgrade tires, suspension etc and you could bring the 1000 into the realm of Flickable and allow me to ride two up if the wife so chooses...

I just don't know....

I guess I'll keep reading!

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Jawn

· #8 · Feb 3, 2009

It really comes down to what you want and how you want to ride it. I don' think either one is necessarily better than the other, they're just....different. I don't feel I've given up that much flickability having a 1k but I definitely feel the loss of power when I ride the 650. However, riding something like the dragon, the 650 is just easier to ride fast through there, you don't have to be as careful, you can really ring the sh1t out of it, where you don't come close to using everyhting the 1k has.

On the other hand, if you're a new rider, you'll definitely learn more and learn faster starting with the 650, or maybe even something tamer.

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ryrides

· #9 · Feb 3, 2009

If i recall the numbers HP and torque werent that different from a 2nd gen sv vs a 1st gen
like you had so other than the fuel injection i cant imagine the ride being all that different. i
f you want more id say get the 1000, as much as i like my SV my chief complaint since i
bought it is that it doesnt quite have the acceleration and power that i like, i do mostly
highways and although i dont ride two up i think the 1000 would be much better. also
unless your really into twisties i dont think the extra weight would be a deal breaker.
just my opinion but i think you would be happier with a bigger displacment engine if you
are asking for more than your previous bike had. either way the 650 or 1000 are great bikes.

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Jawn

· #10 · Feb 3, 2009

I find that the biggest hinderence in the tight twisties is not the 1k's extra weight (a lot can be trimmed) so much as it's extra power. You just have to be so much smoother on the throttle and you're in a lower gear, making every throttle input that much more significant.

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Longhair

· #11 · Feb 3, 2009

Liutas said:
I find that the biggest hinderence in the tight twisties is not the 1k's extra weight (a lot can be trimmed) so much as it's extra power. You just have to be so much smoother on the throttle and you're in a lower gear, making every throttle input that much more significant.

+1
Gentle inputs are required.
Not unlike the 650, the 1K suffers in the suspension dept. So either way, plan to spend MORE money on that.

Everyone, regardless of what bike they have, wants to get MORE out of it. To be painfully honest, I don't really know what I'd do with more than my 1K's have.........likely die.

If I lived in town, I might lean more tword a 650, but I don't. I've ridden them before, but after having a 1K, it was not near as thrilling as I care for (and I'm old).

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amg

· #12 · Feb 3, 2009

Liutas said:
I find that the biggest hinderence in the tight twisties is not the 1k's extra weight (a lot can be trimmed) so much as it's extra power. You just have to be so much smoother on the throttle and you're in a lower gear, making every throttle input that much more significant.

Nothing replaces rider's skill.

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