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Which bike would you get if you can't have the SV650? And why?

1470 Views 63 Replies 21 Participants Last post by  XT50033
I get it. You love your SV650. That's why you are here.

But if you were to get a different bike, which one would you pick, which is more fun than the SV650?
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I'll just say I'm okay with my KTM because I no longer require a motorcycle to be everyday reliable. I ride about 3000 miles per year now, and if it weren't for fair weather commuting it'd probably be more like 500 miles.

I currently have put 3500 trouble-free miles on it.
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I'll just say I'm okay with my KTM because I no longer require a motorcycle to be everyday reliable. I ride about 3000 miles per year now, and if it weren't for fair weather commuting it'd probably be more like 500 miles.

I currently have put 3500 trouble-free miles on it.
That works fine as long as you have at least 2 bikes.
But then N + 1 kicks in.
That works fine as long as you have at least 2 bikes.
But then N + 1 kicks in.
I have considered a few bikes to round out the stable: M50 Boulevard, a Wee Strom, an RC390, and a small dirtbike but the reality is the Duke satisfies 99.9% of my current riding needs.

And because both my Duke and SV were naked sportbikes, and I was moving, and the SV needed some maintenance to be track worthy again, I made the decision to go N - 1.
I am curious. Which bikes would you consider? You had mentioned Yamaha, Kawasaki and Triumph models earlier in this conversation.
Not sure I understand. I mentioned three that I would consider, Street Triple RS, XSR900, ZX6R?
Italian bikes have style.
They really do have style, some beautiful bikes!
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How are the Italian models for reliability and upkeep costs?
Ive had two Dukes and an Aprilia 660 now with 15,000 km on the clock and out of all of them only a couple of minor issues that you can get with a Jap bike. I cant help but wonder if the unreliable Italian thing is over reported.
I used to service the Ducati's myself so the upkeep costs were not an issue but I have heard at a shop they can be more expensive. The valve clearance check is due on the Aprilia at 20K so we'll see how much that is. For the joy it brings me I'm happy to put up with potentially higher major service costs.
Italian bikes have style.
I've heard the SV650 called a Japanese Monster, and think I am OK with that.

Have also heard, buy Italian suits and shoes, and Japanese bikes. :)
I call the SV a Ducati Lite. All the fun at 2/3rds the cost.
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I'll just say I'm okay with my KTM because I no longer require a motorcycle to be everyday reliable. I ride about 3000 miles per year now, and if it weren't for fair weather commuting it'd probably be more like 500 miles.
I wouldn’t even ride that much, but two things kept me from pulling the trigger on one of the beautiful KTM 790 Dukes that were priced VERY aggressively at a local dealership a couple of years ago. One was perceived reliability, and I heard that model tended to get oil leaks. Second was the ‘tall and thin’ feel it had. A lot like a dirt bike, which I wasn’t really attached to.

I cant help but wonder if the unreliable Italian thing is over reported.
They’re not. It’s like the same thing with cars, though. Think of it as playing roulette, with ever-increasing odds. Buying Japanese, you get a very low chance of having serious issues. Buying Italian, it’s a much higher chance. Plus, it’s also how the dealer and manufacturer treats you when something does happen, under warranty especially. Usually the same standards apply.

The payback is in the ‘feel’, though. A Japanese bike just can’t match the ‘feel’ of an Italian one, but those parts are sacrificing themselves to provide that. I’d also buy a 10 year old Japanese bike/car in a heartbeat. A European bike/car of the same age? I’d have reservations! 😄
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It's fun to read this while I'm sitting here on vacation in Italy. The culture here really helps to explain why Italian bikes are different from German, Japanese etc. (we won't discuss American). From what I can tell, the Italians love BMW, Honda, Yamaha for their "big" bikes; I've seen plenty of GSs, Africa Twins, Teneres, even a couple Goldwings. I saw a 660 Tuono in Rome, and maybe two Ducatis. From what I've seen of Italian manufacturing is a heritage of agricultural necessity. Much of the country has been poorer than other European countries, so you see that in their small, utilitarian vehicles. Certainly they go all out on something like a Panigale, but that's not for everyday use. Ducati produces an opera: it's a testament to the beauty of this place. Do you want one to go to work though? No. Give me a Vespa, or a Fiat Panda.

Seriously, I want a 4x4 Panda so bad. They are too cool.
It's fun to read this while I'm sitting here on vacation in Italy.
Enjoy your Italian holiday.
Should you happen to visit that big pond in NW Italy, called lago maggiore, drop me a line.
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Enjoy your Italian holiday.
Should you happen to visit that big pond in NW Italy, called lago maggiore, drop me a line.
We're in the Cinque Terre currently; ending in Florence. What a beautiful country, you made a good choice!

Panda time:
Tire Wheel Car Vehicle Window

Automotive parking light Car Wheel Land vehicle Vehicle
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That Panda, in 4x4, was truly a workhorse.
You will still find many of them in the rural areas.
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I wouldn’t even ride that much, but two things kept me from pulling the trigger on one of the beautiful KTM 790 Dukes that were priced VERY aggressively at a local dealership a couple of years ago. One was perceived reliability, and I heard that model tended to get oil leaks. Second was the ‘tall and thin’ feel it had. A lot like a dirt bike, which I wasn’t really attached to.
I went to a local dealer, only one in my area to get a close look at the 890 dude R. Was seriously considering purchasing. I asked to hear it. They could not fire it up, stating something to do with the electronics. They said should be ready tomorrow. I went in the next day and was informed that they are unable to get it to run and KTM through computer access to the bike will work to resolve the issue. That was enough for me to say good bye to KTM.

Not long after that I found this video stating KTM warranty only covers engine, frame and swing arm, everything else is sold as is, including all the electronics that come with the bike😲

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I love
We're in the Cinque Terre currently; ending in Florence. What a beautiful country, you made a good choice!

Panda time:
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View attachment 66534
Panda looks so awesome.
We're in the Cinque Terre currently; ending in Florence. What a beautiful country, you made a good choice!
Shipping my daughter to Florence in 2 weeks!
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racing: r7
street: probably s1000rr just cause it's currently the pinnacle of what i can buy
or some supermoto. ktm 500 maybe or something like it
Shipping my daughter to Florence in 2 weeks!
We'll be en route bright and early tomorrow morning!
We'll be en route bright and early tomorrow morning!
Can't wait to visit her there. My favorite part of the country.
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I went to a local dealer, only one in my area to get a close look at the 890 dude R. Was seriously considering purchasing. I asked to hear it. They could not fire it up, stating something to do with the electronics. They said should be ready tomorrow. I went in the next day and was informed that they are unable to get it to run and KTM through computer access to the bike will work to resolve the issue. That was enough for me to say good bye to KTM.

Not long after that I found this video stating KTM warranty only covers engine, frame and swing arm, everything else is sold as is, including all the electronics that come with the bike😲

The OEM batteries are notoriously cheap and many Duke owners have had them go bad prematurely, causing all kinds of problems.

Duke R owners only get warranty for one year.

I've seen a lot of complaints on the forum for oil leaks that are really the tiniest of seeps.

Beware of Demo Mode, which is that all the goodies are unlocked for 60 days and then they automatically turn off unless you pay to have them unlocked again.
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