Practical differences between I-4 and V-2?

[spicy]

So I'm like 90% sure I'll be buying an SV650S 2-3 weeks from now, but I've never really ridden a v-twin before, as my girlfriend's ninja 250 and the nighthawk (or rebel, can't remember) 250 I rode at the MSF course 2 years ago are both parallel twins, I believe...

Excluding those, as I feel that the hyper-small displacement probably muffles a bit of the typical characteristics, I've never really ridden anything other than I-4s (my '93 Kat 750, my bro's 04 600RR, and a friend's 01 R6). Anything I should know or expect?

I know it's not a super-powerful bike (although it's certainly powerful enough), I'm not really too concerned with that. Speed isn't my goal. It's only my 2nd bike (only put about 2k mi on my katana before she died), so I consider myself a slightly-seasoned but quite novice rider, still.

I think I read on here (although it might've been one of the other sportbike forums) that V-Twins have much stronger engine-braking than people who've only ridden I-4s are used to, and that many a new rider have been caught offgaurd by it's severity, but I don't really understand how that would be true. Can anyone shed any light on that?

Aside from the fact that the torque curve is much flatter, and the engine produces much less horsepower but evenly throughout it's lower rev-range (only revs to 11k), is there anything anyone thinks I should be aware of?

I was also considering the FZ6, but when I sat on one, it didn't ring to me as much as the SVS. I also figured that it could borderline be a little more power than I think I'm ready for... It's also a smidge more expensive, and I kinda like the look of the SVS with the factory lower fairings better anyways, lol (although the FZ is a pretty bike). I thought I'd try something new (the v-twin), and I know the SV has a cult following and rave reviews from all the owners I've talked to.

I'm welcome to all thoughts/suggestions...


~Aaron

[Currently]

SV's have a cult following that is well deserved.

You can do whatever you want with the aftermarket parts support and
it will teach you well if you show it respect.

I initially got mine as a step up to a bigger bike ... I am going to burn it
out first. Everytime I get on it, there is a big grin that can't come off my face.

There are faster bikes out there ... true. But the majority of those fast bikes
can't really be used unless you like the chrome bracelet fashion accessories.

I can use all six gears, crank around the twistiest roads ever made and keep
right up with most bikers out there.

I will get another bike ... but the SV stays.

[schleppy]

You will love the SV, I know I love mine....

[mycirus]

Skip the SV and get an RC51......

Bruce

[TLRMan]

The SV is a good choice, all around good performer, and it does have aftermarket support up the ass. Plus you got tuning support right up the street from you!

BTW, I saw a nice Blue SVs at cycles yesterday with your name on it...

[SVRACER01]

be prepared to smile....alot

[Ryno]

SV is a great bike

[Doc]

Really can't go wrong with an SV. It can be your future racebike too.

[WhiteMtnCruiser]

I'd say you can't really go wrong with the SV. Tons of fun, more aftermarket support than you'd imagine, and plenty of owners/followers meaning lots of support and forums online. It's got more than enough power on the street. I plan on riding mine for a few more years and then turning it into a track bike when I pick up a new street bike.

WhiteMtnCruiser