Sv650 vs Monster?

yamaha wrote: In reply to FSP_ZX2: I know its fixable, its just something I'd rather not have to do.

Short of having a full-on track day bike, the belt works just fine. Well, in fact. Never a problem for me...

In reply to singleslammer:

No truer words have been spoken......especially since the modern triumphs don't require much.

Really nothing wrong with aircooled Ducs aside from narrower maintenance intervals, which amounts to timing belts and valve adjustments. They're pretty easy to work on, and servicing your thoroughbred Italian machine is a pretty satisfying way to spend an afternoon. Some parts are pricier, but if you shop around online (or get in good with your local shop) you won't be spending exorbitantly.

I'd look for at least a 750 or 900 if you have much riding experience. Unless it's a seriously built 900, they're really pretty easy bikes to ride.

Beware with Monsters: if you drop it, you will put a nasty dent in the tank where the controls whack it. And new/used tanks are damned expensive. If you're not a stickler for aesthetics, find one that already has the "Monster dent" and dump it without worry of further damage. Aside from the tank dent, they actually fall pretty well, especially with frame sliders installed.

Thanks Alex. Would you happen to be a Monster owner? I am just looking for a thinly veiled reason to throw together a STL meet.

SV. You're done.

yamaha wrote: In reply to nocones: Mine was an older one, and nothing felt "good" about it. The lack of power wasn't my biggest complaint.

Me, too!! I had a naked '02 and an S '01. Hated both of them.

It wasn't the power - the power was fine. Hell, I have a little Royal Enfield. 60hp is fine.

SVs just don't feel like fun to me. I don't enjoy them. Every Monster I have ridden, even the little baby 696, puts a smile on my face.

In reply to singleslammer:

I don't own a Monster, though I've worked on a ton of them (including down-to-the-frame custom build) and I've wanted one for about as long as I can remember. At the rate I'm going, my girlfriend will probably wind up with one before I do. Or maybe you will...

Ha ha, I am still not "allowed" to buy a street bike by SWMBO. However, it may show up one day when I have gotten a bit better on the financial side of things.

In response to Lugnut and Yamaha:

I will find a Monster to ride before settling for an SV. I am also looking into some of the naked sport standards (Z750 and the like). A bit more power but probably less torque down low.

My wife has been trying to make this exact decision.