What is better than an SV?

[Crconnor18]

Spring is coming and I’m pondering the idea of upgrading my street bike and looking for options.

Current bike is a naked SV with some suspension parts, a Slipon and some better brakes.

The bike is only being used as weekend backroad rider with limited touring.

It is great for what it is but is there a better bike that is just as light or even lighter that has better handling than the SV?

I wouldn’t shy away from older carb’d bikes either.

[dontpanic]

Two SVs.

[MattR302]

Duke 690. Street triple. FZ-07. Ninja 400. A plated motard.

The newest (‘16+) Duke 690 felt amazingly light when I sat on it at a dealer, and the ergos were perfect for me. And 20+ more hp than my big-bore DR650 sumo.

[nhbubba]

Unless you like dirt, no, not for the money.
I like the SV so much for what you describe that I will probably keep mine forever.

[loudbeard]

Husky Vitapilen /thread

[MUZ720]

A Boston Cream Pie!!

[Mustang]

Do you like crazy-quick tip-in? If so, consider a mid-00's Buell XB9S or XB12S.

[Garandman]

You didn’t mention budget.

There’s no substitute for cubic dollars.

[Falko]

Front wheel drive with snow tires...



you guys are getting slow.

[Paul_E_D]

Last year I would have said nothing. But I can now say the 790 is better in every way. worse in no ways.

[nhbubba]

Worse in cost.

[Crconnor18]

i was on the fringe for replacing it with a 790 but for a near $10,000 cost it would be a hard pill to swallow.

I have not spent any time on a Buell but seems like a great excuse to scour Craigslist for one and see if they are better.

I’m thinking of something that is “fast, cheap and unreliable” so a Buell definitely fits that ticket.

[Garandman]

Striple.

[Paul_E_D]

Striple is great, but it has a big bike feel. Not SV like at all. the 790 feels like an SV, but makes middleweight power. It could easily have an impact on the category like the SV did if they produced it in big enough numbers.

[ducatirdr]

Stay away from tube framed Buells. The gas in frame Buells are surprisingly great long term bikes. The hydraulic valve clearance, FI and rubber belt drive make for a very low maintenance bike. Oil/filters and lube cables is about it for normal maintenance. I had an XB12R with 20k miles. My clutch cable snapped and my battery died over the 8 years I had it. Other than that it was really reliable.

I find SV owners tend to look for simple, reliable and cheap. That leaves out the EU brands. I'd say look for a Yamaha FZ09 or a 900 Tracer used.

Oh wait you want light... Get a use Husky 701 SM. Pure insanity.... Track day goodness on the short tracks of NE and a hoon on the back roads with plush suspension for those nasty heaves.

[Point37]

https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/mc...110342732.html

[loudbeard]

https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/mc...110342732.html

Can't see this one because work has Craigslist blocked, but when shopping for a 690 Duke, the 2008-2011 model years are the gems:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KTM_69...Specifications

You get: forged Marchesini wheels, fully adjustable suspension, Brembo calipers

[01xj]

2012 Street Triple R

I'll work with you on price if your interested. Sorry for the shameful self promotion.

[Paul_E_D]

Can't see this one because work has Craigslist blocked, but when shopping for a 690 Duke, the 2008-2011 model years are the gems:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KTM_69...Specifications

You get: forged Marchesini wheels, fully adjustable suspension, Brembo calipers

It's true, but the nice power bump came along in 2012 and again in 2016.

[nhbubba]

This is an SV thread. Get out of here with your power bumps.

[Paul_E_D]

It's a BETTER than SV thread...

[loudbeard]

It's true, but the nice power bump came along in 2012 and again in 2016.

It's still and LC4, you can make more power if you want.

[tls25rs]

https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/mc...110342732.html

Can't see this one because work has Craigslist blocked, but when shopping for a 690 Duke, the 2008-2011 model years are the gems:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KTM_69...Specifications

You get: forged Marchesini wheels, fully adjustable suspension, Brembo calipers

It's true, but the nice power bump came along in 2012 and again in 2016.

It's still and LC4, you can make more power if you want.

Post 2016 motors I believe added a balance shaft or something that makes them smoother and able to rev higher which likely led to the ability to make more power.

Also, there is a 701 for sale that has been shared to the TTD facebook group that I know nothing about other than seeing the post

[dankatz]

I have a 2011 Street Triple R. My only experience with an SV is a 200 mile rental in 2011 in SF - naked 2008 version. The street triple R is a sports bike - a true streetfighter. It is a ton of fun with superb suspension, brakes and motor. It is more aggressive. The motor is to die for. Did I mention the motor? The SV is a terrific all around bike and it sounds like you addressed its weaknesses. It is a bike that is an older design but a good one at that. It will likely remain reliable. The one in CT looks like a good deal for STR

[tucktuvak]

I got an SV earlier this year to race. Riding it on the street, it feels so gutless and boring! But that's compared to my superhawk or futura. Those sort of older, big twin sportbikes can be had for cheap and are tons of fun. (I currently have both listed for sale at around $2k). Yes they're not lighter than an SV but the torque is addicting and the handling just slightly heavier.