Coming home.

About to get another machine after a gap of 6 years although I`ve had my
`full` for 26 years. Only got 3-4 grand to spend so thinking about a
Suzuki 650 on maybe a 5/6 plate. However I am torn between the Bandit
and the SV. I`ll be doing a bit of commuting but mainly riding for fun
on evenings and weekends so would love to hear from owners of the above
for advice.

Also is it true that no claims bonuses `drop-off` after so many years if
you cease riding for a while like I did? If so it sounds a bloody cheek!
Thanks in advance folks.

 

It probably varies, but my current insco allow a maximum of two years
between policies before that happens. ISTR a previous insurer did the
same after six months.

Only about as much as not carrying any car NCB onto a bike policy.

 

I`m veering towards the SV as I think the low-middle range grunt is what
I`d prefer as I am used to big singles and have only had one multi which
was a GSX 600 (not a benchmark I know). Also it`s lighter and has a
lower insurance group which means I`ll have more to spend on a lid and
jacket (any more recommendations?). Thanks guys!

 

I`m veering towards the SV as I think the low-middle range grunt is what
I`d prefer as I am used to big singles and have only had one multi which
was a GSX 600 (not a benchmark I know). Also it`s lighter and has a
lower insurance group which means I`ll have more to spend on a lid and
jacket (any more recommendations?). Thanks guys!

 

The SV is what WC has just got rid of right? He complained it had no
bottom end to speak of.

 

I sit corrected.

Probably right.

 

Also consider a Cagiva Raptor 650. It's got an SV engine but in a
slightly higher state of tune, & typically excellent Italian handling.
SWMBO's got one & it's an absolute hoot. It even says 'MV Agusta' on
the frame plate (MV own Cagiva), so you can tell all yer mates you've
got an MV.


--
Krusty
www.MuddyStuff.co.uk
Off-Road Classifieds

'02 MV Senna '03 Tigtona 955i '96 Tiger '79 Fantic Hiro 250

 

Will go and check this out. Must be a decent motor if the Eyeties are
using them!

 

They used to make a Raptor 1000 & Navigator big trailie too, both using
the TL1000 engine. Unfortunately Suzuki have stopped supplying that
motor now, so both the big Raptor & Navigator are no more.

--
Krusty
www.MuddyStuff.co.uk
Off-Road Classifieds

'02 MV Senna '03 Tigtona 955i '96 Tiger '79 Fantic Hiro 250

 

I've got an SV650 K5 - there's no difference between any models from 03
on, other than the paint. 3100 quid with 1800 miles on the clock, so
your 4k budget should find a perfect one and leave you enough to pay for
the insurance and a new lid. It's smaller than my last two bikes (bandit
12, ZX7R) and makes around 40bhp less than either of them, so I find the
engine quite underwhelming, but if you're coming back in after a layoff
you may not find that an issue.

The suspension is pretty rudimentary, but there's not really enough
power there to trouble it too much. But, as demonstrated over this
weekend, if you thrash the thing to within an inch of its life, they can
be made to keep up with much bigger machines ridden enthusiastically,
it's just fucking (enjoyable) hard work. It's also surprisingly capable
as a mile-muncher. Good seat, great screen, and the v-twin just rumbles
away so amiably that seeing triple-digits on the speedo often comes as
an unexpected surprise.

As to the bandit, never ridden one, but I did have a '99 bandit 12.
Great engine, appalling handling, not sure I'd touch a 6 with a
bargepole - probably a great commuter but not exactly awash with
entertainment.

 

the raptor is an excellent bike but you will need to be a shortarse,
otherwise you'll be riding around with your knees around your ears.