"Poor Man's" Ducati?

[ohiorider]

I see where Suzuki has dropped the Gladius' model, and returned to the more basic SV650 90 degree v-twin.  The 2017 non-ABS version carries an MSRP of $6999.  Anyone here have any experience with this little 70hp machine?  I may need to purchase something lighter due to a few health issues (hopefully temporary), and nothing is out of the question, including MG V7, V9, KTM 390, others.  I'm off my larger bikes (R100GS and Guzzi 1200S) for an undetermined period of time.

Bob

[oldbike54]

 You already know my opinion 

 Dusty

[ohiorider]

You already know my opinion 

 Dusty

Yep!

Bob

[oldbike54]

 What I should add , buy one , do your normal meticulous maintenance , ride it for 50K miles , and then sell it to me REALLY cheap 

 Dusty

[Triple Jim]

...and nothing is out of the question, including MG V7, V9, KTM 390, others. .

I can tell you that the KTM 390 is a ton of fun.  It might be worth riding one of those to see how it fits you and your riding style.  I was amazed at the torque and HP that single produces, and handling is great.

[Rusnak_322]

$7k buys a real nice very low mile few year old Ducati Monster. Why go with a poor mans version when depreciation allows you the rich mans??

BTW: Ducati maintenance intervals have increased to near Japanese levels. 

took 20 seconds to find an example -

http://dayton.craigslist.org/mcy/5690482066.html



2012 Ducati Monster 696. 700 ACTUAL MILES. Has been garage kept. In perfect, right off the show floor condition. Just completed 600 mile service. Won't find a newer bike in better condition. Aftermarket windshield. Helmet included.

[oldbike54]

$7k buys a real nice very low mile few year old Ducati Monster. Why go with a poor mans version when depreciation allows you the rich mans??

BTW: Ducati maintenance intervals have increased to near Japanese levels.

 Yep , with no warranty , and probably due for an expensive service .

 Dusty

[Rusnak_322]

Yep , with no warranty , and probably due for an expensive service .

 Dusty

yep, gunna have to change the oil.

in 6,800 miles you will have to adjust the belt and valves and then in 14,300 miles you will have to replace that belt!

[rboe]

One of our coffee regulars bought an older SV and he rides the snot out of it. Has a much newer VFR1200 and it does not get nearly the saddle time as his 650 now. He rides pretty hard too.

[swooshdave]

$7k buys a real nice very low mile few year old Ducati Monster. Why go with a poor mans version when depreciation allows you the rich mans??

BTW: Ducati maintenance intervals have increased to near Japanese levels. 

took 20 seconds to find an example -

http://dayton.craigslist.org/mcy/5690482066.html

You can find these all day long. Some kid has to be cool and goes and gets a Ducati. Rides it once and sells it. You can also find a lot of Hinkley Bonnevilles this way too. Some old guy thought they were cool in the 60s so buys one now. Rides it once and remembers that he didn't buy one back then because he really wasn't a motorcyclist.
2012 Ducati Monster 696. 700 ACTUAL MILES. Has been garage kept. In perfect, right off the show floor condition. Just completed 600 mile service. Won't find a newer bike in better condition. Aftermarket windshield. Helmet included.

[Jim Rich]

I've heard nothing but good things about those bikes (previous years).

[mjptexas]

$7k buys a real nice very low mile few year old Ducati Monster. Why go with a poor mans version when depreciation allows you the rich mans??

BTW: Ducati maintenance intervals have increased to near Japanese levels. 

Don't ever ride a Ducati Monster if you aren't interested in buying it.  The SV650 is a great little bike, but it's not in the same league as the Ducati.

[Scud]

Just a short test ride on the SV650, which I enjoyed very much. At the time, I ended up with a Honda VTR1000 (Superhawk). It's a pretty light bike for a 1000cc twin. It was a "poor-man's Ducati" or a "sensible-man's V-twin" depending on how you want to look at it. I was happy with it, except for fairly low range on a tank of gas - and I tend to go for long rides. I think later models got bigger tanks or better mileage (maybe both).

Used Superhawks are very affordable. But, if you have the Ducati itch (which I think you do...) just get a monster.

[Roebling3]

My criteria for cars, trucks and motorcycles, has always been on reliability, looking good, comfort and no surprises.  I've never felt Ducati could meet the 1st and the last. Additionally, I've no interest in hype, logos and who may have the thickest wallet.  I do know that if you want to arrive any place on time, get home when you wish to and do it all without getting your hands dirty, do it with a Honda or a Suzuki. If you want to add great friends and passion have a few Moto Guzzi's!
I've had 2 - SV650S and would like a new one if I were much younger. For a few extra bucks in suspension you'd be hard pressed to ask for a more useful, dependable, do-all motorcycle.
BTW: There has been a problem with the KTM 390 thermostat, iirc. I believe some t-stats wouldn't open, causing overheating and head warping. But what a nifty bike. Great for those of us scaling down and not yet ready for a 3 wheeler.  R3~ 

[Rusnak_322]

My criteria for cars, trucks and motorcycles, has always been on reliability, looking good, comfort and no surprises.  I've never felt Ducati could meet the 1st and the last. Additionally, I've no interest in hype, logos and who may have the thickest wallet.  I do know that if you want to arrive any place on time, get home when you wish to and do it all without getting your hands dirty, do it with a Honda or a Suzuki. If you want to add great friends and passion have a few Moto Guzzi's!
I've had 2 - SV650S and would like a new one if I were much younger. For a few extra bucks in suspension you'd be hard pressed to ask for a more useful, dependable, do-all motorcycle.
BTW: There has been a problem with the KTM 390 thermostat, iirc. I believe some t-stats wouldn't open, causing overheating and head warping. But what a nifty bike. Great for those of us scaling down and not yet ready for a 3 wheeler.  R3~

My wife and I both have 2007 Ducati's that we bought used with tons of aftermarket ($3500 exhausts). Paid well below MSRP. Her's had 3,200 miles and mine had 3,500 miles.

we now each have 22,000+ miles. Only once were we stranded. She just had a major dealer service and they didn't get the fuel filter on correctly (it is in the tank).

They have been reliable, good looking , mine is comfortable (she has a 1098 that is like a torture rack) and no surprises other then the one issue. But we went in knowing that is wasn't a Suzuki.

I have had two other Monsters, a air cooled M750 that I bought sight unseen from a salvage auction on the other side of the country and a 2001 S4. Never had any issues with them. Also had many new Honda's and Yamaha's and never had problems either.


PM is king with older Ducati's but they made major changes to the service intervals and they are now close to what Honda has.

BTW: I had a SV650 race bike, they are good bikes, but the original poster wants a Ducati - otherwise why compare a SV to it? I also don't see where he said a used bike is out of the question.

[oldbike54]

 The OP is a friend , my comment about him not wanting a used bike was based on personal knowledge . And no , he doesn't really want a Ducati , it was just a point of reference . I actually like the monster , but like the OP , would probably be more comfortable with the SV .

 Dusty

[LowRyter]

I see where Suzuki has dropped the Gladius' model, and returned to the more basic SV650 90 degree v-twin.  The 2017 non-ABS version carries an MSRP of $6999.  Anyone here have any experience with this little 70hp machine?  I may need to purchase something lighter due to a few health issues (hopefully temporary), and nothing is out of the question, including MG V7, V9, KTM 390, others.  I'm off my larger bikes (R100GS and Guzzi 1200S) for an undetermined period of time.

Bob

Just outstanding bikes.  I've ridden the 2nd gen and the latest VStrom.  Light and quick.  Simple suspension, good power and riding position.  Very reliable.  With all due respect, I'd rate it above the others mentioned, although I haven't ridden them.  I've recommended these bikes to two first time riders/buyers and they both have kept them with many years of ownership.  One purchased new and the other one used.

The other bikes to consider would be the 650 Versus and the Yamaha 700.  I've not ridden them but they get good reviews too.  I like Vtwin look of a Japanese Duc, so I am a little partial. 

Now compared to a Monster, a different story.  Suzukis are just reliable as rocks.  Actually hard to hurt them.  Certainly an advantage.  I'd also wager the little 650 would out perform the smaller air cooled Ducs.  Now getting with newer water cooled Ducs, that's another class of power and handling.  Suzi still have reliability and maintenance advantages but the new water cooled Ducs are in another class (like Mike's 821!!).

I don't know anyone that's owned or ridden an SV 650 and its derivatives that's ever said a bad word.

[Muzz]

My bro-in-law in Oz has got one, had it for a few years now. Loves it. No problems.

[elvisboy77]

A Suzuki will NEVER be a Ducati.  And Vice Versa.

[derek533]

Might I recommend the Yamaha FZ09.  I had it's previous version from which it came from (the FZ6) and what a great, problem free bike that was.  The power was incredible once you got above 6K rpms and the riding position was darn near perfect and so comfortable. 

[Matt]

I found this '05 locally for $2100 with 3K original miles, needed a little work but now all good.

Motor is a blast to run through the gears, suspension is bargain basement and brakes are decent but not much initial bite.

I could flip it for a decent profit but I think I'll keep it around for a while, it makes me smile. 



 

[ohiorider]

 Well ...... most of the responses re the SV650 have been positive.  Seems like a lot of bike for not a lot of money.  Thanks to all forum members who responded.  (Still curious about the KTM 390 ..... )

[Sheepdog]

I've never cared much for Ducatis. The early models had dodgy electrics and the new ones have pretty ridiculous parts (factory and aftermarket) and maintenance costs...all for a bike that is somewhat one-dimensional. The SV 650 on the other hand, is affordable to purchase and own, enjoys a great aftermarket, and you can find a dealership most anywhere. Bob, imagine a lighter, better handling/braking, and 18% more powerful Bonneville. The SV650 has been in production for 17 years and is still a relevant and modern machine...I think that it would meet your needs quite well.

[ohiorider]

I've never cared much for Ducatis. The early models had dodgy electrics and the new ones have pretty ridiculous parts (factory and aftermarket) and maintenance costs...all for a bike that is somewhat one-dimensional. The SV 650 on the other hand, is affordable to purchase and own, enjoys a great aftermarket, and you can find a dealership most anywhere. Bob, imagine a lighter, better handling/braking, and 18% more powerful Bonneville. The SV650 has been in production for 17 years and is still a relevant and modern machine...I think that it would meet your needs quite well.

Sheepdog, good to hear from you.  It's been more than a few years when we were both on the TriumphRat forum.  I appreciate your comparison of the SV with the Bonnie, as you know how much I liked my 2003 Centennial Edition Bonnie. 

Regards,

Bob

[flip]

My son has a 2007 SV650S with ABS. It has been a great bike. A sensor went bad for the speedometer but that has been the only problem. We added a conventional handlebar kit, Corbin seats, Ricor shock and fork upgrades and several other small things. The bike is quick, fun, reasonably comfortable, gets absolutely great fuel mileage, feels light and dark s fun.

[NC Steve]

The new SV is nothing like the old SV, so comparisons to the earlier bikes or Ducati Monsters are irrelevant.
It's a helluva bike and a fantastic bargain, get one

[jim_W]

  I've have owned two SV650's . the first was an older carb version and the last a late model with ABS. Both would put a smile on your face when you opened the throttle.  Never had a problem with ether one.

[OlderSlower]

Yamaha FZ 07 gets nothing but GREAT press.  Light as a feather...

[jas67]

The OP isn't interested in a used bike , and a new 796 Monster is what , $3,500.00 more than a new SV 650 ?

 Dusty

If there are any new ones left.   2014 was the last year for the 696 and 796.    I bought my 2013 796 as a left over in 2014 for $9k.   I love it!

[Kev m]

Not for the OP, but for the Ducati discussion, fwiw our 2011 696 has been flawless. Not a single problem or complaint.