VFR400 Vs. Hornet Vs.SV650

Stupid comparison I know.

Just I'm a student, so the majority of time I'll be to and from college on it, but still caning it at the weekends.

VFR- Always wanted 1, gorgeous, but can't seem to find a good one, i.e, all either a million miles on them or cracked/chipped fairings.

Hornet- Best looking naked 600, Honda so no reliability issues, but a lot more expensive than SV.

SV- V-twin engine note, cheaper than other 2 (in value, not literally).

Just want honest opinions on what is the best bike to get for a NEW rider!

Thanks.

 

If it has to be one of the three, go with an SV650 standard. A early model ('00 - '01) bone-stock is about 3K, and you can sometimes get one with decent suspension mods for about $500 more. I still have mine, in addition to the VFR, and I plan to keep it. They do a lot of things really well, but the stock suspension is lame compared to other bikes. However, it will take you a while to realize it if you are a new rider. I mean nothing bad by this; there are so many things that will be new to you that suspension is not a major issue for a while.

I usually recommend a Ninja 250, or something similar, for a first bike because it is lighter and easier to deal with. If you are taller than 5'8" and weigh more than about 175, it will seem small, but that is not always a bad thing.

 

VFR 400 whre you plan on finding one of those? yea sorry to say be hard to go to wrong on the SV. thou a simple F4 wouldn't be a bad way to go either. I myself is on the hunt for a CB-1 at the moment

 

I'll add another vote for the SV. I raced an '02 for 3 years (came out of retirement from superbikes) and it was a blast. And, if you start getting bored with it, upgrades are pretty cheap and plentiful.

 

Jay, if you are looking for a CB-1, I know of one for sale by a local promoter, Brok McAllister. He runs a Supermotard series here in CA, and lent his bike to a young hotshoe, Cameron Beaubier to ride at a recent test at Laguna. I think he's asking about $2200 for it. I had one of those for a while, and LOVED it. I regret selling it. It had an incredible motor. I will try to get his phone no. and contact info for you.

-PC

 

Here is Brok's contact info: brokmf@aol.com. Send him an email.
You may be able to contact him here, too: http://www.supermotoschools.com/home.html
Cheers,
PC

 

Sweet! thanks...