brandontrek

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?

87rustbucket

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

gregbreakseverything

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

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

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

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

looks alone...the buell

99_Runner

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

I like the suzuki. ive always been a suzuki guy

wrenchmonster

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

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

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

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...