F4I vs SV1000S vs GSX750R
#1
08-12-2011, 07:22 AM
F4I vs SV1000S vs GSX750R
A buddy of mine who has been borrowing my SV while I'm out of town has decided to buy a bike. He is most interested in SV1000S, Gixxer 750 and F4i and asked me what I thought about the three. Here is what I told him:
No matter which of those bikes you get you won't regret it. Where one sparkles the others simply shine.
My feeling, based on what you've told me, is to choose the SV. These bikes are all fun at the track, and unless you're a skilled race guy, which one you're on won't really matter.
The Honda, while a wonderful machine in most respects, doesn't have the low end power you'll want for the type of cruising and commuting I think you'll do. Plus, if you wanna take your lady or daughter on a ride, the Honda's power will prove disappointing.
The Gixxer will always be ****s and grins, but will get quickly uncomfortable lane splitting for more than just a short time. It will be the least comfortable of the three for passengers as well. It doesn't have as much low torque than the SV but still has a good amount and is ultimately the fastest of the three. You must insure this bike against theft.
The SV, while heavier and less supple than the others, will be much more comfortable commuting than the Gixxer, and mentally easier than the F4i because you won't always be hunting for the best gear for power. You can lug the engine and still get up and run without shifting (within reason). Twist the throttle and go. This one is the least likely of the three to get stolen.
But dont take my word for it. Go out and ride the Honda and the Gixxer. Then you'll have a better feeling about which one is really best for you. Don't buy a bike without a test ride and make sure they let Crago look at it before you pay the balance.
Does anybody else have anything to add? Thanks!Pros:
GSX-750R - supreme suspension, super reliable, fast fast fast, an uncommon sport bike, light, tear up the track
SV1000S - great low end torque, reliable, great commuter and comfortable on longer rides, v-twin engines sound rad, doesn't hollar "gimme a ticket please", not a big theft target
F4i - Super reliable, comfortable on longer rides, great suspension
GSX-750R - supreme suspension, super reliable, fast fast fast, an uncommon sport bike, light, tear up the track
SV1000S - great low end torque, reliable, great commuter and comfortable on longer rides, v-twin engines sound rad, doesn't hollar "gimme a ticket please", not a big theft target
F4i - Super reliable, comfortable on longer rides, great suspension
Cons:
GSX-750R - do you really want to go 165mph?, uncomfortable commuter, "hi officer, can I please have another ticket?", very big theft target
SV1000S - heavier than the others, "why can't I go faster? 155mph just isnt enough!", all riders being equal this one will place 3rd at the track against the other two, least advanced suspension
F4i - low end torque? What low end torque?, not as stable as the SV not as flickable as the gixxer
These three bikes are great choices for different reasons.GSX-750R - do you really want to go 165mph?, uncomfortable commuter, "hi officer, can I please have another ticket?", very big theft target
SV1000S - heavier than the others, "why can't I go faster? 155mph just isnt enough!", all riders being equal this one will place 3rd at the track against the other two, least advanced suspension
F4i - low end torque? What low end torque?, not as stable as the SV not as flickable as the gixxer
My feeling, based on what you've told me, is to choose the SV. These bikes are all fun at the track, and unless you're a skilled race guy, which one you're on won't really matter.
The Honda, while a wonderful machine in most respects, doesn't have the low end power you'll want for the type of cruising and commuting I think you'll do. Plus, if you wanna take your lady or daughter on a ride, the Honda's power will prove disappointing.
The Gixxer will always be ****s and grins, but will get quickly uncomfortable lane splitting for more than just a short time. It will be the least comfortable of the three for passengers as well. It doesn't have as much low torque than the SV but still has a good amount and is ultimately the fastest of the three. You must insure this bike against theft.
The SV, while heavier and less supple than the others, will be much more comfortable commuting than the Gixxer, and mentally easier than the F4i because you won't always be hunting for the best gear for power. You can lug the engine and still get up and run without shifting (within reason). Twist the throttle and go. This one is the least likely of the three to get stolen.
But dont take my word for it. Go out and ride the Honda and the Gixxer. Then you'll have a better feeling about which one is really best for you. Don't buy a bike without a test ride and make sure they let Crago look at it before you pay the balance.
#2
08-12-2011, 11:26 AM
#3
08-12-2011, 01:39 PM
Opinions
Just my quick thoughts...
The SV1000 is the most comfortable ride but it lacks that extra "fun" factor since they redline at around 8k if I remember correctly. Plus I am not a fan of the 1/2 naked look.
Personally I hate gixxers because every kid on the street has one and it is the bike most associated with dumb and wreckless riders. I'm sure they are great bikes but I will never purchase one.
I am partial to the Honda because they are very comfortable and tanks when it comes to reliability. As for the torque issue, I ride around at 5k+ rpms and there is plenty of punch to get moving in a hurry.
Honestly test ride them all and form your own opinion; but I have yet to hear something negative about a Honda f4i.
The SV1000 is the most comfortable ride but it lacks that extra "fun" factor since they redline at around 8k if I remember correctly. Plus I am not a fan of the 1/2 naked look.
Personally I hate gixxers because every kid on the street has one and it is the bike most associated with dumb and wreckless riders. I'm sure they are great bikes but I will never purchase one.
I am partial to the Honda because they are very comfortable and tanks when it comes to reliability. As for the torque issue, I ride around at 5k+ rpms and there is plenty of punch to get moving in a hurry.
Honestly test ride them all and form your own opinion; but I have yet to hear something negative about a Honda f4i.
#4
08-12-2011, 02:05 PM
Just my quick thoughts...
The SV1000 is the most comfortable ride but it lacks that extra "fun" factor since they redline at around 8k if I remember correctly. Plus I am not a fan of the 1/2 naked look.
Personally I hate gixxers because every kid on the street has one and it is the bike most associated with dumb and wreckless riders. I'm sure they are great bikes but I will never purchase one.
I am partial to the Honda because they are very comfortable and tanks when it comes to reliability. As for the torque issue, I ride around at 5k+ rpms and there is plenty of punch to get moving in a hurry.
Honestly test ride them all and form your own opinion; but I have yet to hear something negative about a Honda f4i.
The SV1000 is the most comfortable ride but it lacks that extra "fun" factor since they redline at around 8k if I remember correctly. Plus I am not a fan of the 1/2 naked look.
Personally I hate gixxers because every kid on the street has one and it is the bike most associated with dumb and wreckless riders. I'm sure they are great bikes but I will never purchase one.
I am partial to the Honda because they are very comfortable and tanks when it comes to reliability. As for the torque issue, I ride around at 5k+ rpms and there is plenty of punch to get moving in a hurry.
Honestly test ride them all and form your own opinion; but I have yet to hear something negative about a Honda f4i.
#5
08-13-2011, 12:26 PM
Senior Member
Pros:
GSX-750R - supreme suspension, super reliable, fast fast fast, an uncommon sport bike, light, tear up the track
SV1000S - great low end torque, reliable, great commuter and comfortable on longer rides, v-twin engines sound rad, doesn't hollar "gimme a ticket please", not a big theft target
F4i - Super reliable, comfortable on longer rides, great suspension
GSX-750R - supreme suspension, super reliable, fast fast fast, an uncommon sport bike, light, tear up the track
SV1000S - great low end torque, reliable, great commuter and comfortable on longer rides, v-twin engines sound rad, doesn't hollar "gimme a ticket please", not a big theft target
F4i - Super reliable, comfortable on longer rides, great suspension
Cons:
GSX-750R - do you really want to go 165mph?, uncomfortable commuter, "hi officer, can I please have another ticket?", very big theft target
SV1000S - heavier than the others, "why can't I go faster? 155mph just isnt enough!", all riders being equal this one will place 3rd at the track against the other two, least advanced suspension
F4i - low end torque? What low end torque?, not as stable as the SV not as flickable as the gixxer
GSX-750R - do you really want to go 165mph?, uncomfortable commuter, "hi officer, can I please have another ticket?", very big theft target
SV1000S - heavier than the others, "why can't I go faster? 155mph just isnt enough!", all riders being equal this one will place 3rd at the track against the other two, least advanced suspension
F4i - low end torque? What low end torque?, not as stable as the SV not as flickable as the gixxer
F4i- low end torque is where this bike shines. Below 5000rpm my f4i will out torque my girlfriends daytona 675. 95% of the time I shift at 4000rpm on the street. As for flickable, this is something that is adjustable on any bike. With my rear end raised and my front end dumped I turn in faster on my f4i then my 08 RR trackbike and my girlfriends daytona 675 or older R6.
#6
08-13-2011, 02:12 PM
In addition to my CBR, I've got both an SV650 & RC51, & neither sounds like crap. ;-)
The SV has a TwoBrothers Titanium exhaust & sounds like many race bikes. In stock form, its much quieter but still doesn't sound like crap...its one of the quietest vtwins on the market off the showroom floor, which is quite an accomplishment for a vtwin engine.
As for suspension, any stock bike can benefit from suspension upgrades, modifications, & set-up adjustments. While the SV does have an economy based suspension, it is sufficient for its intended purpose - daily street riding...especially for a beginner.
Could the SV's suspension benefit from upgrades?...sure. One popular modification to track SV's is to do a gsxr front end conversion. The stock gsxr 750 front end is quite good in its own right & makes a great upgrade to the SV's for track & racing. (Does this discussion pertain to the OP?...no...but important to note.)
My SV650 still has the stock front end & has handled everything that the track(s) have thrown at it. Would I upgrade it? Yes. However, my point is that in stock form, its still very rideable for everyday street riding.
Most street riders will never come close to exceeding the limits of their stock suspension on the street, much less top speed.
Side note... Top speed discussion for the street always make me cringe b/c its more a discussion of bravado that needs. OP, keep your/your friend's mindset on safety & riding technique, not bravado.
OP, is this your friend's first bike??? If so, he needs to focus on lower cc bikes, not 750's or liter. While mature attitudes can start on larger cc bikes, its not recommended b/c the power curve tends to get new riders into trouble w/o the necessary experience.
There are some misconceptions in your comparisons...
While I won't address all of your statements, I will comment on Honda... Specifically, the comment, "doesn't have the low end power you'll want for the type of cruising and commuting you'll do." What would that be??? Unless you are road-racing, which you're not, it certainly has more than ample low end power for daily cruising & commuting...& certainly enough to carry a passenger in those regards. "Disappointing power???"...I don't think so. A mature & skilled rider knows that the F4i has a very respectful powerband. And, is extremely "flickable".
Speaking of power... As far as street riding goes, its not about how big the bike is, its about skill level, technique, & maturity in riding style.
While every bike has its pros & cons, the Honda F4i has a great all-around mix for the street (& track)...which as this forum can attest, is what makes it such a popular design.
I wish your friend the best in finding a bike.
The SV has a TwoBrothers Titanium exhaust & sounds like many race bikes. In stock form, its much quieter but still doesn't sound like crap...its one of the quietest vtwins on the market off the showroom floor, which is quite an accomplishment for a vtwin engine.
As for suspension, any stock bike can benefit from suspension upgrades, modifications, & set-up adjustments. While the SV does have an economy based suspension, it is sufficient for its intended purpose - daily street riding...especially for a beginner.
Could the SV's suspension benefit from upgrades?...sure. One popular modification to track SV's is to do a gsxr front end conversion. The stock gsxr 750 front end is quite good in its own right & makes a great upgrade to the SV's for track & racing. (Does this discussion pertain to the OP?...no...but important to note.)
My SV650 still has the stock front end & has handled everything that the track(s) have thrown at it. Would I upgrade it? Yes. However, my point is that in stock form, its still very rideable for everyday street riding.
Most street riders will never come close to exceeding the limits of their stock suspension on the street, much less top speed.
Side note... Top speed discussion for the street always make me cringe b/c its more a discussion of bravado that needs. OP, keep your/your friend's mindset on safety & riding technique, not bravado.
OP, is this your friend's first bike??? If so, he needs to focus on lower cc bikes, not 750's or liter. While mature attitudes can start on larger cc bikes, its not recommended b/c the power curve tends to get new riders into trouble w/o the necessary experience.
There are some misconceptions in your comparisons...
While I won't address all of your statements, I will comment on Honda... Specifically, the comment, "doesn't have the low end power you'll want for the type of cruising and commuting you'll do." What would that be??? Unless you are road-racing, which you're not, it certainly has more than ample low end power for daily cruising & commuting...& certainly enough to carry a passenger in those regards. "Disappointing power???"...I don't think so. A mature & skilled rider knows that the F4i has a very respectful powerband. And, is extremely "flickable".
Speaking of power... As far as street riding goes, its not about how big the bike is, its about skill level, technique, & maturity in riding style.
While every bike has its pros & cons, the Honda F4i has a great all-around mix for the street (& track)...which as this forum can attest, is what makes it such a popular design.
I wish your friend the best in finding a bike.
#7
08-13-2011, 02:55 PM
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SVs are a very common track bike, and I know some people who would ride your face off with a stock one.
The exhaust sound is that of personal preference. I prefer inline motors, but think the twins still sound kind of cool when given a proper exhaust (twin + cheap exhaust = crap).
The F4i's lack of low-end power is easily gotten around with gearing and experience. Even with a passenger, I've gotten used to it and know how to launch and handle the power band depending on my situation.
Sounds like good advice overall, though. I'd say SV or F4i depending on the style of bike your friend wants more.
The exhaust sound is that of personal preference. I prefer inline motors, but think the twins still sound kind of cool when given a proper exhaust (twin + cheap exhaust = crap).
The F4i's lack of low-end power is easily gotten around with gearing and experience. Even with a passenger, I've gotten used to it and know how to launch and handle the power band depending on my situation.
Sounds like good advice overall, though. I'd say SV or F4i depending on the style of bike your friend wants more.
#8
08-13-2011, 04:12 PM
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I'm not much for the moral lessons and think one should buy the bike he finds the best, but engine size and top speed is all for squids. You have to learn to go slow before you can go fast. That's a fact.
In my opinion the best beginner bikes are
1) Honda Cbr f4i /(f4)
2) Suzuki Sv650
Both have great handling and good brakes. Fun and fast both for road and track. Not too agressive riding style so also great commuters.
Both the gsx-r750 and sv1000 are nice bikes, but with each the purpose. The gixxer has too much power and the sv1000 is too heavy for a beginner. Also the sv1000 is a money pit if you want to track it and you'll never get that a bike that will come close to a standard f4i with aftermarkt suspension.
In my opinion the best beginner bikes are
1) Honda Cbr f4i /(f4)
2) Suzuki Sv650
Both have great handling and good brakes. Fun and fast both for road and track. Not too agressive riding style so also great commuters.
Both the gsx-r750 and sv1000 are nice bikes, but with each the purpose. The gixxer has too much power and the sv1000 is too heavy for a beginner. Also the sv1000 is a money pit if you want to track it and you'll never get that a bike that will come close to a standard f4i with aftermarkt suspension.
