I also started on a Ninja 500EX and moved to an 01 F4i. A friend of mine has an 03 SVT650 and it's nice, but looks and sounds more like a dirtbike than a streetbike. Ive never had or heard or anyone having major mechanical probs with an f4i as long as the reg. maintenance (oil, etc) is taken care of. Like the other said, its a great all around bike. I love it

 

fast or slow is relative. all I can say is that both of these bikes can easily go over 130+mhp which is enough for most of us. the adventage of the sv is that you can 12oclock easier and you can have fatter chicks on your back (if thats your thang). SV is more for street/tour riding purpose and f4i can be street/track/touring. I do think that 03+ SV650s full fairing look hot as hell. I recommend you buy a bike that happens to be the cheapest. for 5 grand you should have something very nice as a new toy. good luck and be safe.

 

I'm fairly new to my f4i (3 months 2k miles) it's an 03 with 6k miles and I absolutely love it. Im 18 commuting to college and insurance for me was $285 for a full 12 months! 500$ deductible I'm in Ohio so they factor in that riding weather is generally only 8 months a yr which I think is why it's cheaper they said. I personally chose the f4i because: like you said it looks amazing ( I wanted the 01-03 for split seats), the Honda reliability, plenty of power, great on gas, and it's just so much fun. Plus like others have said its so versatile, being able to take to the track, twistys, or everyday road riding. Just my input. Choose which fits your style. And good luck!

 

We all know that video of the f4i on youtube that has over 200k miles (over 230K now), but i do not know of any other bike that has also done that or i just do not look hard enough. anyway that video there is proof enough the reliability of this bike with good maintenance.