Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, and kind of new to riding. I've got a 94' Ninja 500 that I've put about 5,000 miles on in the last year. I'm looking to upgrade to something else the summer, mainly an 01' - 03' F4i or an 05' - 06' SV650s. I really the like V-Twin a lot. My dad had a 99' SV when they first came out and loved it. We tour a lot (he has a yellow 00' VFR w/ full givi luggage). Anyways, sell me on the F4i.

I'm only 19, so insurance is a big thought. I took the MSF so that cuts me a break - and I have good grades, so that may be another consideration. I'm looking to spend around $5000 at the end of the summer.

What should I look for as far as problem areas on the f4i go? Mechanical, etc. I really am leaning towards the f4i over the sv because of the honda reliability, not to mention it looks pretty sick. I'll be doing lots of touring and riding back in forth to school. My uncle lives in Vonore, TN, about 40 mins from Deal's Gap and the Cherohela, so I'll be up there quite a bit as well.

Tell me, what do I need to know? Anybody else stuck between these two? What sold you on the f4i?

Thanks. I hope to make CBRforum my new home.

 

I haven't heard of any mechanical problems that didn't have to due with lack of regular maintenence. I love this bike. The only draw back is the seat is hard on the 01-03 models. I don't know about newer years. As far as a all around ride it is great. The mods are generally easy to preform and availability of aftermarket is abundant. There is more power than I use and handling is quite nimble. Good luck on your decision, see you back. Oops almost forgot about cam chain tensioner or cct as you'll see. At mid range RPM's it makes noise (kinda like a rattle). Very easily modified, but not necessary to due so. For most guys it is a matter of anoyance more than need.

 

Ruftags said it very well. It is a great all around bike. As far as touring, riding twisties, comfort in a sportbike, ability at the track, agility on the street...you can always find a bike that is better than the F4iat an individual discipline, but I don't think you'll find anything as well rounded as the F4i. I really love mine, and would be hard pressed to trade it for something else. As a obsessed, but casual rider (no stunting, drag races, or track days to date), I drool over the RR and the Daytona 650, but the F4i is exactly what I want in a bike right now.

 

I hear so many good things about the SV that I almost went that way too...but the F4i is comfy enough for longer trips and it is a Honda. Since you are lucky enough to get near twisties, I would definitely go for the F4i.

 

Had mine for a min, never had a problem with it!! In anyway! Great Bike!

 

The v-twin will give you more low-end torque, and the F4i has more high-end power, but they're both very versatile and great bikes. I actually think the naked sv650 looks better than the one with the half-fairing.

 

i have owned a 2004 naked sv650 and now own a 2006 f4i.

both very capable, but i gotta say that the honda is more fun, feels more nimble, is smoother and way sexier.

ymmv

 

hey man, just as a reference.. im also 19, clean driving record, took msf course. using state farm insurance. my dad priced a 05 gsxr 600 with me as the only rider and in my name.. $500 deductible was 105 a monthfull coverage $1000 dollar deductible was 90 bux a month. so insurance aint that bad.. well for me it isnt. my friend who stunts f4i's and rides a 954, said he really liked the sv650 as far as comfort went, but didnt have enough ***** for him.. ha but hes always in the power band...

 

I started out just like you. Ninja ex500. Great bike to learn on. I have never been on an sv650 but I can tell you that I agree with the others about the all-around goodness of the F4i. If you will be taking road trips, I would look in the how to section on this site for the seat re-upholstering. The F4i's are known for the seat issue. You will not regret the CBR. I promise.

 

the sv is an ok entry streetbike, but since youve been riding, you will be much happier with an f4i, svs are slow...f4i are fast and more nimble in my opinion. my buddy has an svS, and he wants a better bike, and its an o6.