sv650s vs honda f4
07-07-2005, 07:32 PM
#31
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
All the bikes are good these days, and I would never give any rider (except maybe those Harley freaks) any crap, because generally the only one that will help you when you need it is a fellow rider.
However, Just to talk a little about reliability, I just sold my 1984 Interceptor 700 with 50000 miles on it. This is the third time I have parted with it (and I imagine it will eventually come back to me again), and through all the owners very little has needed to be done to keep it on the road.
The only things I've ever done were for performance and looks save for adding a switch to manually turn on the fan. The thing was bulletproof, and I heard rumblings when I bought it (the first time) about 10 years ago That they had oiling problems on the front cyl bank, but no problems with mine.
Regular oil changes with a good oil makes tons of difference I think, as well as just plain keeping it clean. I would challenge anyone else with a different make bike to say that they have had to do virutually no maintence on that age of bike.
However, Just to talk a little about reliability, I just sold my 1984 Interceptor 700 with 50000 miles on it. This is the third time I have parted with it (and I imagine it will eventually come back to me again), and through all the owners very little has needed to be done to keep it on the road.
The only things I've ever done were for performance and looks save for adding a switch to manually turn on the fan. The thing was bulletproof, and I heard rumblings when I bought it (the first time) about 10 years ago That they had oiling problems on the front cyl bank, but no problems with mine.
Regular oil changes with a good oil makes tons of difference I think, as well as just plain keeping it clean. I would challenge anyone else with a different make bike to say that they have had to do virutually no maintence on that age of bike.
07-07-2005, 08:42 PM
#32
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
My one buddy with the sv and gsxr1000s is real **** about his bikes. The gsxr has about 23000 miles on it and it still looks like the day he brought it home in 2000. So obviously he does all preventive matainence even before it's recommended.
He owned an 1100 and a TLs before those and I really can't remember him having problems. I'm not going to judge all the suzukis by his experience though as I already said that my other freinds sv650s is broken just after a year and it was new as well.
He owned an 1100 and a TLs before those and I really can't remember him having problems. I'm not going to judge all the suzukis by his experience though as I already said that my other freinds sv650s is broken just after a year and it was new as well.
07-07-2005, 09:03 PM
#33
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Exactly, you could tell anybody else who doesn't ride a Honda what all has been said and it'll blow up. Everyone has pride in what they ride, and they should. I just don't undertand the hype about "oh, mines faster and sounds better."
As for me I like to shoot back with the yea, I have a 1986 Honda Rebel 450 that has never been touched mechanically. When I bought it and redid it up, we checked the engine.. extremely solid, checked carbs, cams.. nada. Perfect shape! Ran wonderful after 19 years and still is.
I've got a buddy who has 2 Yamaha dirtbikes, both with extremely bad electrical problems. His dad has a V-Star.. only 3500k miles and already needed a valve adjustment because it was ticking so bad. He's got a Suzuki in which he's had less than 4 months and is having to replace the front end.
Another thing that really surprised me was, I was looking into a Yamaha and a buddy of mine who happens to work at a Suz/Yam/Kawi shop even told me himself that Yamaha has a lot of clutch/tranny problems. He told me Kawi just plain isn't the greatest bike because of the way it's built. Although, he is a diehard Yamaha fan. More power to him. Everyone I've talked to know well enough that Honda is the most reliable yet, most underrated IMO.
As for me I like to shoot back with the yea, I have a 1986 Honda Rebel 450 that has never been touched mechanically. When I bought it and redid it up, we checked the engine.. extremely solid, checked carbs, cams.. nada. Perfect shape! Ran wonderful after 19 years and still is.
I've got a buddy who has 2 Yamaha dirtbikes, both with extremely bad electrical problems. His dad has a V-Star.. only 3500k miles and already needed a valve adjustment because it was ticking so bad. He's got a Suzuki in which he's had less than 4 months and is having to replace the front end.
Another thing that really surprised me was, I was looking into a Yamaha and a buddy of mine who happens to work at a Suz/Yam/Kawi shop even told me himself that Yamaha has a lot of clutch/tranny problems. He told me Kawi just plain isn't the greatest bike because of the way it's built. Although, he is a diehard Yamaha fan. More power to him. Everyone I've talked to know well enough that Honda is the most reliable yet, most underrated IMO.
07-07-2005, 09:14 PM
#34
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Hey greep I had an '84 vfr1000f I think it had about 32000 when I sold it! My brother had the 500 as his first street bike. Light weght and 16in front wheel don't go good together!!! 
Less then 6 months on crappy Connecticut roads and it tankslaped him off. 
Less then 6 months on crappy Connecticut roads and it tankslaped him off.
07-07-2005, 09:43 PM
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Ah, another question for you wonderful gentlemen.
What do y'all think of Jardine slipons compared to Yoshimura.
I know slipons are just for the sound but is it worth the extra 100 bucks for the Yoshimura or just go with Jardine for about $265 including tax?
Which is a hell of a deal in my book compared to $365 for Yosh.
What do y'all think of Jardine slipons compared to Yoshimura.
I know slipons are just for the sound but is it worth the extra 100 bucks for the Yoshimura or just go with Jardine for about $265 including tax?
Which is a hell of a deal in my book compared to $365 for Yosh.
07-07-2005, 10:15 PM
#39
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Jardine is the official race exhaust for Honda. 'Nuff said! 8)
Remember, your exhaust will sound totally different from our VTRs. The Jardine Race systems are loud, but very nice on a V-twin. On a CBR I'd say the Jardine standard systems would probably sound best. The Yosh pipes are metallic sounding and shrieky, which appeals to some, but not me. The Jardine standard slip on will give your bike a deep, low growl that will not increase in pitch a lot as you wind it up, which is the most annoying thing about most I-4 slip-ons. And if you have a choice between polished or painted, choose the painted can unless you like playing Karate Kid (wax on, wax off) to re-polish the can once a month.
And I'm Adam here...unless you work for me. If you work for me, and you're watching this forum, get back to work, slacker. Only the boss gets to play. 8)
BTW, ekathryn86, are we calling you Kathryn, Kathy, Katie, E-girl, or what?
Remember, your exhaust will sound totally different from our VTRs. The Jardine Race systems are loud, but very nice on a V-twin. On a CBR I'd say the Jardine standard systems would probably sound best. The Yosh pipes are metallic sounding and shrieky, which appeals to some, but not me. The Jardine standard slip on will give your bike a deep, low growl that will not increase in pitch a lot as you wind it up, which is the most annoying thing about most I-4 slip-ons. And if you have a choice between polished or painted, choose the painted can unless you like playing Karate Kid (wax on, wax off) to re-polish the can once a month.
And I'm Adam here...unless you work for me. If you work for me, and you're watching this forum, get back to work, slacker. Only the boss gets to play. 8)
BTW, ekathryn86, are we calling you Kathryn, Kathy, Katie, E-girl, or what?
07-07-2005, 10:46 PM
#40
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
back on the topic of the sv650... back when it first came out, and for a few years afterwards... i really liked the sv... it was lite.. and really fun to ride around town... i don't know about taking it on long trips... but i prolly wouldn't do that with any 600cc bike. but today... man is it ugly.. i was at the dealership today checking on out while i waited, could not believe how ugly they have become...
07-07-2005, 11:04 PM
#41
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
And I'm Adam here...unless you work for me. If you work for me, and you're watching this forum, get back to work, slacker. Only the boss gets to play.
My friends call me Adam.
It's Doctor Bradley to you.
Thanks Adam Ineeded a laugh.
My friends call me Adam.
It's Doctor Bradley to you.
Thanks Adam Ineeded a laugh.
07-08-2005, 07:09 AM
#42
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Even though I like the looks of some other bikes out there, some are really ugly. That called personal taste and can't be discussed, I can't judge someone's bike caus it doesn't look good to me. Though we certainly can judge reliability. Hondas are like tanks. I ve been riding my 1979 XL 185 in the woods for about 8 years. I use it about 10 times a summer and the engine will start at first kick (clean the spark plug, put a little fuel in cylinder and it's ready for the season). I think we all had the good reasons to pick Honda for our bikes.
Even if my opinion for other bikes isn't that positive, yesterday while riding my brothers Camaro I passed a ZX-10 and it was very cute girl driving. God that was nice. I only wish I was on my bike at that time !!! I cute girl on a sportbike is one of the sexyest things you can imagine whatever the bike she is riding.
Us guys are really competitive between each other but when it comes to a girl rider, we don't giva a crap what she's riding, she already won our heart.
A lot of the guys out there never rode a R1 before buying one. People think that bike is cool because of the marketing around it, and yes it does impress people. Does it mean the bike is good and powerful ? NO . When you see a guy on his R1 you think : dumb innocent showoff !!! But when you see a girl on the same bike you think : Damn that chick is wild!!!
If i knew nothing about mechanics and my only demand in a bike was good looks, I would probably look at the R1 too. Guys riding Yams and Kawas is the same phenomenon as people driving Tiburons, it looks good but is as reliable as mexican VW.
A lot of people want to have the nicest, most powerful bike out there but dont even stop a second to investigate on it's reliability. I personally don't give a crap if my bike is not a fast as a gixxer 1000 or if people prefer the R1's looks, in the long run i'll be riding on my machine while these guys wait for their's to be repaired.
Even if my opinion for other bikes isn't that positive, yesterday while riding my brothers Camaro I passed a ZX-10 and it was very cute girl driving. God that was nice. I only wish I was on my bike at that time !!! I cute girl on a sportbike is one of the sexyest things you can imagine whatever the bike she is riding.
Us guys are really competitive between each other but when it comes to a girl rider, we don't giva a crap what she's riding, she already won our heart.
A lot of the guys out there never rode a R1 before buying one. People think that bike is cool because of the marketing around it, and yes it does impress people. Does it mean the bike is good and powerful ? NO . When you see a guy on his R1 you think : dumb innocent showoff !!! But when you see a girl on the same bike you think : Damn that chick is wild!!!
If i knew nothing about mechanics and my only demand in a bike was good looks, I would probably look at the R1 too. Guys riding Yams and Kawas is the same phenomenon as people driving Tiburons, it looks good but is as reliable as mexican VW.
A lot of people want to have the nicest, most powerful bike out there but dont even stop a second to investigate on it's reliability. I personally don't give a crap if my bike is not a fast as a gixxer 1000 or if people prefer the R1's looks, in the long run i'll be riding on my machine while these guys wait for their's to be repaired.
07-08-2005, 07:21 AM
#43
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Speaking of the looks of hte R1, although it's off subject, I think that is the best looking new bike out there this year. If looks were all that mattered, though, I would not be in a very good place in life. . . .
07-08-2005, 07:35 AM
#44
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
I have always liked the looks of the R1, it's sexy yeah baby and now I'm spent. Sorry brain full off useless movie quotes. 
I was going to buy one instead of the hawk but comfort and insurance changed my mind.
I was going to buy one instead of the hawk but comfort and insurance changed my mind.
07-08-2005, 07:46 AM
#45
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Friends call me Kathryn, and that is what I go by.
Jardine sounds like what I want. I don't want anything that's annoying like D&D pipes... those are just crazy loud. I wish my bike sounded like a VTR, that'd be a wonderful thing.
I made a choice to get an I-4, and I back it up. It's definitely going to keep me humble as I learn to ride and really get used to the fact that this bike is not a toy. I know some people don't like to shift so much on these bikes but it does teach me to be in the right gear at the right time.
They may not be able to pull through corners at any gear like a Twin.. but that's the fun is keeping up with a Twin on a bike that's power doesn't kick in till 8k.
Speaking of looks, the GSXR didn't really appeal to me. Yet little by little everyday it grows on me. I like the R6 and R1, but man... Kawis I don't know. Even though Honda doesn't have the greatest selection of bike appeal... I still got one and I think it's sexy. I picked reliability over speed and appearance.
Not to mention Honda overall is a more comfortable and better handling of the bikes out there. Not just IMO but even guys who ride Suzkis and Yamaha. Can you believe that?
The look of the 05 SV kinda came off different to me. When I look at it from the side it looks like a crouched scared cat. I must say, I do like the front end. But that's the only thing I like, minus the sound.
Jardine sounds like what I want. I don't want anything that's annoying like D&D pipes... those are just crazy loud. I wish my bike sounded like a VTR, that'd be a wonderful thing.
I made a choice to get an I-4, and I back it up. It's definitely going to keep me humble as I learn to ride and really get used to the fact that this bike is not a toy. I know some people don't like to shift so much on these bikes but it does teach me to be in the right gear at the right time.
They may not be able to pull through corners at any gear like a Twin.. but that's the fun is keeping up with a Twin on a bike that's power doesn't kick in till 8k.
Speaking of looks, the GSXR didn't really appeal to me. Yet little by little everyday it grows on me. I like the R6 and R1, but man... Kawis I don't know. Even though Honda doesn't have the greatest selection of bike appeal... I still got one and I think it's sexy. I picked reliability over speed and appearance.
Not to mention Honda overall is a more comfortable and better handling of the bikes out there. Not just IMO but even guys who ride Suzkis and Yamaha. Can you believe that?
The look of the 05 SV kinda came off different to me. When I look at it from the side it looks like a crouched scared cat. I must say, I do like the front end. But that's the only thing I like, minus the sound.
07-08-2005, 07:58 AM
#46
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Don't sweat your choice Kathryn, just about all of us here learned on 600 I-4s as you should. The cbr is one of the best 600s out there in all regards and as it was stated before a woman on a sport bike is one of the sexiest things on the road!! IMHO
07-08-2005, 08:23 AM
#47
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You thought out your choice more thoroughly than most guys. I've watched guys who've never sat on a bike before walk into the dealership with the newest issue of Motorcyclist Magazine under their arm, and walk out with a payment book and insurance bill for a new liter bike. One guy was leaving the parking lot on his new GSXR1000 (after talking his wealthy fiance into paying cash for it) and plowed into the side of a parked Tahoe...which happened to belong to the sales girl who had just sold him the bike. Since he paid cash, he had no insurance, the bike was totalled, her Tahoe had $3000 worth of damage, and he got to spend the night in the hospital. He owned the bike for a total of about 20 minutes, and it ended up being a $20k mistake...not to mention the suffering and recovery time of his broken bones, and the money lost from time off work.
Your choice is a good one, Kathryn. Now go get that Jardine system and ride that *****.
Oh, and BTW...
*****WE*****
*****WANT*****
*****PICTURES*****
*****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*****
Your choice is a good one, Kathryn. Now go get that Jardine system and ride that *****.
Oh, and BTW...
*****WE*****
*****WANT*****
*****PICTURES*****
*****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*****
07-08-2005, 09:03 AM
#48
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Yeah I have a similar story. My brother used to be in motorcycle sales and he was one of the few with a conscience. A guy came in to buy a Hyabusa so my brother asked what kind of exp. he had, the guy told him none. 
Long story short my brother refused to sell him the bike so the guy asked for another sales rep. This salesmen didn't care about anything but the allmighty dollar so he sold him the busa. Ironically he ended up in my wifes truma unit two days after stumbling and stalling out of the parking lot.
Long story short my brother refused to sell him the bike so the guy asked for another sales rep. This salesmen didn't care about anything but the allmighty dollar so he sold him the busa. Ironically he ended up in my wifes truma unit two days after stumbling and stalling out of the parking lot.
07-08-2005, 12:33 PM
#50
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
I hear you, while not as far north, at 4200 feet SLC gets about the same, I often have to stop by the end of october and don't start until late march or early april. My rule of thumb-If it's withtin 5 degrees of freezing in the morning the ride won't even be enjoyable.
07-08-2005, 02:03 PM
#51
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
I had a rule when I lived in Conn. 50f or above we ride anything elese is too cold.
Now that I live in FL. it's 60 or above the blood has thinned out since moving!!
Also riding weather is backwards here can't ride as much in summer due to extreme heat and rain!! But that leaves the rest of the year!!
Now that I live in FL. it's 60 or above the blood has thinned out since moving!!
Also riding weather is backwards here can't ride as much in summer due to extreme heat and rain!! But that leaves the rest of the year!!
07-08-2005, 02:45 PM
#52
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
I agree with Adam, or should I say the doctor.
I would like to see pictures of your new CBR, you mentioned that it had a nice paint job.
So where is it?
I would like to see pictures of your new CBR, you mentioned that it had a nice paint job.
So where is it?
07-08-2005, 10:16 PM
#57
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
There we go. I'm actually thinking of painting it flat black just because I think it'd actually look sweet. Not to mention easier to touch up, unlike this custom paint job. It's a dark green with yellow. Not sure how the guy did it, but when sunlight hits it right you can see the flakes of yellow. Very cool idea, yet a pain in my *** cuz I can't touch it up. 
07-08-2005, 10:18 PM
#58
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
yeah.. i was about to say... i really like the paint on that bike.. flat black is cool though.. but only if the entire bike is flat black.. frame swing arm... like i said, i really like that color!
07-08-2005, 10:21 PM
#59
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Oh no, I love the color. But I scratched the fairing and it's got nicks that I'm unable to touch up because of the complexity of the paint.
But yea, flat black would be the entire bike. No short corners on paint jobs for me. Experience is a wonderful thing.
But yea, flat black would be the entire bike. No short corners on paint jobs for me. Experience is a wonderful thing.
07-09-2005, 07:19 AM
#60
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Re: sv650s vs honda f4
Looks good, What they do is use the yellow as a base color and then layer the paint to get the effect, otherwise known as "flipflop" or "pearl".
My old man has a mystic mustang with a green to purple effect, and yes they are a pain to touch up!
All blacked out would look interesting though.
My old man has a mystic mustang with a green to purple effect, and yes they are a pain to touch up!
All blacked out would look interesting though.
