What the?

[kickice24]

Looks like Suzuki decided to put their little pig into a prom dress.
I'll take the SV650 any over this.
Pig in a prom dress

[EvilTwin v2]

I'd definately take the SV650 first, too, but that's not exactly the market they're going after. I'd seriously consider one of those for the wife to learn on.

[Crusher]

"pig in a prom dress"

[Schussboelie]

Look like a bike from ten years ago, apart from the headlight...

[Schussboelie]

Originally posted by EvilTwin v2
I'd definately take the SV650 first, too, but that's not exactly the market they're going after. I'd seriously consider one of those for the wife to learn on.

SV is perfect for learning!
My girlfriend learned on an SV with no probs...
And the really good thing about is, she'll enjoy it much longer that that "promdressed pig" and won't have to go looking for something else in a year.

[mattbl]

Its a parallel-twin These types of bikes are certainly aimed at the entry level market.
I've never liked parallel-twins except maybe for the Yammie TRX850. That was a slant parallel-twin with a 270 degree crankshaft which gave a wicked exhaust note. It still also lacked horse power compared to the other big bikes around at the time.
The 500 wouldn't sell in the AUS market as the 600s are too popular.

[TusherTLR]

...looks an aweful lot like the 1986 GS550EF that I had (as someone already mentioned...except for the headlight)...way to keep up with the times Suzuki!

[kickice24]

I brought it up because I thought it was interesting that did anything with that bike. I'm sure sales have been slumping hard since the inception of the SV. Aside from the cosmetics, the bike is unchanged. I would think that a bike that down on hp, doesn't need any extra weight. Let's not forget that an EX500 will stomp on that bike too. I've had both and had a blast with both. I dunno though. I'd probably drop an extra g on the SV. Money better spent. You could easily buy a used GS and fit all the new plastics for less, I would venture to guess.

[EvilTwin v2]

Originally posted by Schussboelie
SV is perfect for learning!
My girlfriend learned on an SV with no probs...
And the really good thing about is, she'll enjoy it much longer that that "promdressed pig" and won't have to go looking for something else in a year.

I don't have a ton of confidence in her riding, so I'll probably have her take an MSF course first, and then get her something like a used KLR 250 or DR200. That way she can learn clutch & brake without killing herself or scaring herself too badly. Problem w/ the 650, I'll guarantee she'd scare herself with it, and never ride again.

[Schussboelie]

I think that's a good idea.
I believe you're right on that track to roadworthiness you've good laid outv for the Misses.
I guess I just wanted to point out that I'd never buy such a bike, be it for learning or not, you're much better off with a "crashsafe" secondhander or even an enduro

[GXRKLR]

It still looks dated.

[Schussboelie]

That's for sure

[freakinheat]

Reminds me of those ex500's made by kawi.

[mlc34]

You can't polish a turd

[Screwloose]

Originally posted by mlc34
You can't polish a turd

a previuos experiment perhaps ?