OMG!!!
I came here looking for advice on an SV650 (thanks to those that answered about it
)...The best advice anyone will give you...
GO TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND SIT ON THE BIKE!!!
I did just that today... Sat on an SV1000, and an sv650s... the guys didnt seem to care, (but since im 20, and told him i was looking to buy within 3-5 months, the guy didn't seem to want to follow me around
)...
The first bike i sat on was the SV1000 (because i wanted the more standard position, but they didnt have the non s version SV650) and right off the bat, i noticed that it was a VERY big bike (pictures don't do these machines justice), not to mention heavy, and it felt uncomfortable and...well... scary. The riding position felt somewhat awkward, and the handbars felt kinda far away from my arms (maybe thats why i didnt feel so secure taking it from side to side)
Then, i sat on the SV650s.... very different machine, didn't feel as heavy, went from side to side very comfortably (the weight felt like it was in the right place), the riding position felt quite comfortable even though the pegs were noticeably higher (with the more agressive, leaned in stance)... It was a VERY good feeling. I would've gotten on a GS500F, but they hadn't come in yet.
For all those asking about the first bikes... go to the dealership and get a bike between yer legs first... I feel I'm a level headed 20 yr old, 5'10 230 pounds, and now im having doubts about getting that 650. It was VERY different to look at the bikes in pictures, and actually see one in person/get on one.
but anyways...OMG, the SV650s is teh ownage!!!

I came here looking for advice on an SV650 (thanks to those that answered about it
GO TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND SIT ON THE BIKE!!!
I did just that today... Sat on an SV1000, and an sv650s... the guys didnt seem to care, (but since im 20, and told him i was looking to buy within 3-5 months, the guy didn't seem to want to follow me around
The first bike i sat on was the SV1000 (because i wanted the more standard position, but they didnt have the non s version SV650) and right off the bat, i noticed that it was a VERY big bike (pictures don't do these machines justice), not to mention heavy, and it felt uncomfortable and...well... scary. The riding position felt somewhat awkward, and the handbars felt kinda far away from my arms (maybe thats why i didnt feel so secure taking it from side to side)
Then, i sat on the SV650s.... very different machine, didn't feel as heavy, went from side to side very comfortably (the weight felt like it was in the right place), the riding position felt quite comfortable even though the pegs were noticeably higher (with the more agressive, leaned in stance)... It was a VERY good feeling. I would've gotten on a GS500F, but they hadn't come in yet.
For all those asking about the first bikes... go to the dealership and get a bike between yer legs first... I feel I'm a level headed 20 yr old, 5'10 230 pounds, and now im having doubts about getting that 650. It was VERY different to look at the bikes in pictures, and actually see one in person/get on one.
but anyways...OMG, the SV650s is teh ownage!!!