Which Bike to get?

brandontrek · 06-09-2006, 05:30 PM

For all of you motorcycle riders, i am looking at getting a street bike. I have ridden dirt bikes/4 wheelers for many years now and want something for the road. I have narrowed my choice down to two bikes(these aren't the bikes i am looking at buying, these are just examples):
Buell Firebolt XB9R

or

Suzuki SV-650(will be nice and modded after it reaches my hands)

Which one do ya'll like and why?

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87rustbucket · 06-09-2006, 06:20 PM

buell is a racer as is and always will be-conversation over.

gregbreakseverything · 06-09-2006, 07:32 PM

what he said. Suzuki's GSXR line is sweet, but ive never read about the SV. The buell is essentially a good handeling Harley. It will deffinatly turn heads though.

Elton · 06-09-2006, 07:44 PM

i like the Buell i hear they handle better since the fuel is down low in the frame............... how much you willing to spend

SouthernComfort · 06-10-2006, 02:51 PM

The Buell looks better and is a little better balanced than most other bikes because the muffler is in the middle of the frame and down low (simply put the muffler is in Center Of Mass). This however will not make much difference to the average street rider.

Bikes are a lot like cars. If you want something that is actually going to be more reliable, buy Japanese. However, if you are going to ride it for only a season and get rid of it, then maybe you might like to have the Buell because it is definitely better looking than the SV.

Another thing to consider is the Buell will not rev as high as the SV because it is a V-Twin (less cylinders=less RPM). So there again, if you want a bike that has the distinctive crotch-rocket like sound, SV is the way to go.

I personally like the looks of the Buell better, but I voted for the SV because of reliability, and I already know how to work on metric bikes.

Another thing to consider is the riding position. You are used to riding sitting pretty straight up or standing, and the Buell is "laying down" while the SV is closer to what you are used to.

Just my $0.02

brandontrek · 06-10-2006, 04:18 PM

i am leaning twards the buell for riding style and the fact that you see 1000 honda's yamaha's etc running around. i love the style and attitude the buell carries with it. i saw a firebolt riding round the other day and loved the sound...

fireteacher · 06-10-2006, 04:51 PM

looks alone...the buell

99_Runner · 06-12-2006, 08:55 AM

Granted the Buell looks really good. If this is going to be your first street bike then I would suggest the SV650, and if you want the sportier look just go for the SV650S. The SV may not be as fast as the Buell in a straight line, but the way these are setup, they handle with the best of them. They are very reliable, and will be very forgiving for a first time street rider, where as the Buell may not be. I voted for the SV, but again, you have to get what you really want so that you will be happy.

1stgenrnrdude · 06-12-2006, 06:42 PM

I like the suzuki. ive always been a suzuki guy

wrenchmonster · 06-12-2006, 07:26 PM

Zuki... because of reliability. I also like the look of the SV better. It seems more honest and intentional in its construction, whereas the Firebolt looks like the designers are trying to cover everything up. I definately prefer the headlight treatment on the SV.

OutdoorLiving · 06-13-2006, 06:59 AM

This thread is entertaining.

Had this been posted on a motorcycle forum, you'd get laughed at for comparing a Buell to an SV650.

pat161 · 06-13-2006, 08:29 AM

Do more research and you won't even question. The SV will be faster than the Buell in every way, the 650 is a fast bike. The Buell is basically using a last generation Sportster motor. Sure the Buells are cool looking and they do handle well with the fuel in the frame and the oil in the swing arm, but I prefer a more conventional design. The Sv will handle just about as well and will be more dependable. HD dealers don't stand behind the Buell line and they are not reliable, not to mention the engines run incredibly hot and get uncomfortable between your legs. The new SV650 is fuel injected and liquid cooled, both good features. I ride a 03 SV1000N and love it, if you want more power go for the 1000, actually a more fair comparison. And as far as the V twin thing, try to know what you're talking about before you post, the SV650 and 1000 are Vtwins, just a 90 degree as opposed to the 45 degree that HD uses. The SV1000 pretty much uses the TL1000 motor.

Bad Monkey · 06-13-2006, 09:59 AM

I think that the Buell is way over priced for what you get... I own a SV650S and I have enjoyed it. I am selling it at the moment becasue I would like to move up to the GSXR1000. The V-Twin handles very well in and out of the corners. I would go with the SV...

View Poll Results: Whhich Bike to Buy?
Suzuki SV650	8	36.36%
Buell Firebolt XB9R	14	63.64%
Voters: 22. You may not vote on this poll

06-09-2006, 06:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
87rustbucket Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ludlow MA Posts: 443	buell is a racer as is and always will be-conversation over. __________________ It may be old and rusted.....but its definately fun!!! When the going gets tough, the tough get duct-tape! Kevin...

06-09-2006, 07:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
gregbreakseverything Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Smithers, BC Posts: 696	what he said. Suzuki's GSXR line is sweet, but ive never read about the SV. The buell is essentially a good handeling Harley. It will deffinatly turn heads though. __________________ -Greg Sold- 85 4wd toyota pickup. Stock and sweet! '99 SR5 - Deckplate, ISR, Sweet stereo, all synthetic, KC day lighters, headlight wiring harness, Sonoran Steel #7, 285/75's.

06-09-2006, 07:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,644	i like the Buell i hear they handle better since the fuel is down low in the frame............... how much you willing to spend __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck Last edited by Elton; 06-09-2006 at 07:45 PM.

06-10-2006, 04:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
brandontrek Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Miami FL Posts: 1,244	i am leaning twards the buell for riding style and the fact that you see 1000 honda's yamaha's etc running around. i love the style and attitude the buell carries with it. i saw a firebolt riding round the other day and loved the sound... __________________ 2003 Buell Firebolt Trek STP400 Sneakers

06-10-2006, 02:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
SouthernComfort Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: The south Posts: 23	The Buell looks better and is a little better balanced than most other bikes because the muffler is in the middle of the frame and down low (simply put the muffler is in Center Of Mass). This however will not make much difference to the average street rider. Bikes are a lot like cars. If you want something that is actually going to be more reliable, buy Japanese. However, if you are going to ride it for only a season and get rid of it, then maybe you might like to have the Buell because it is definitely better looking than the SV. Another thing to consider is the Buell will not rev as high as the SV because it is a V-Twin (less cylinders=less RPM). So there again, if you want a bike that has the distinctive crotch-rocket like sound, SV is the way to go. I personally like the looks of the Buell better, but I voted for the SV because of reliability, and I already know how to work on metric bikes. Another thing to consider is the riding position. You are used to riding sitting pretty straight up or standing, and the Buell is "laying down" while the SV is closer to what you are used to. Just my $0.02

06-10-2006, 04:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
fireteacher Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 1,687	looks alone...the buell __________________ Shaun 99 limited 4runner 3.4L MODS: TJM-17/Sonoran shackle hangers/driving lights - DIFF Breather - Sliders - Cobra 19 ULTRA III cb and 3ft. Wilson ant - 265/75/16 Definity Dakota A/T - "SATOSHI MOD" - All Weather Mats - Locker Mod - Fog Light Mod - Vortex Classic Muffler My profile http://yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=96117

06-12-2006, 08:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
99_Runner Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 1,115	Granted the Buell looks really good. If this is going to be your first street bike then I would suggest the SV650, and if you want the sportier look just go for the SV650S. The SV may not be as fast as the Buell in a straight line, but the way these are setup, they handle with the best of them. They are very reliable, and will be very forgiving for a first time street rider, where as the Buell may not be. I voted for the SV, but again, you have to get what you really want so that you will be happy. __________________ Drew 99 4Runner SR5, auto, 3.4 V6, factory rear locker, 265/75 Yokohama Geolander AT+II Stock for now, but hopefully not for long.

06-12-2006, 06:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
1stgenrnrdude Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 544	I like the suzuki. ive always been a suzuki guy __________________ "Better to be pissed off, than to be pissed on." -mr.gregory www.midatlantictoyotacrawlers.com

06-12-2006, 07:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
wrenchmonster Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 660	Zuki... because of reliability. I also like the look of the SV better. It seems more honest and intentional in its construction, whereas the Firebolt looks like the designers are trying to cover everything up. I definately prefer the headlight treatment on the SV.

06-13-2006, 08:29 AM	#12 (permalink)
pat161 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central MA Posts: 320	Do more research and you won't even question. The SV will be faster than the Buell in every way, the 650 is a fast bike. The Buell is basically using a last generation Sportster motor. Sure the Buells are cool looking and they do handle well with the fuel in the frame and the oil in the swing arm, but I prefer a more conventional design. The Sv will handle just about as well and will be more dependable. HD dealers don't stand behind the Buell line and they are not reliable, not to mention the engines run incredibly hot and get uncomfortable between your legs. The new SV650 is fuel injected and liquid cooled, both good features. I ride a 03 SV1000N and love it, if you want more power go for the 1000, actually a more fair comparison. And as far as the V twin thing, try to know what you're talking about before you post, the SV650 and 1000 are Vtwins, just a 90 degree as opposed to the 45 degree that HD uses. The SV1000 pretty much uses the TL1000 motor.

06-13-2006, 09:59 AM	#13 (permalink)
Bad Monkey Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 505 Posts: 7	I think that the Buell is way over priced for what you get... I own a SV650S and I have enjoyed it. I am selling it at the moment becasue I would like to move up to the GSXR1000. The V-Twin handles very well in and out of the corners. I would go with the SV...

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