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[theolodian]

nowadays 250 cc s are pretty strong..

Even this is dangerous for a beginner..

Don't need a huge engine, but I do need a decent size frame due to my height.  Small engined bikes usually can't handle one large adult, much less with a passenger.  Not just power, also suspension.

My concern about the SV 650 is that it's too small of a bike, not that it's too small of an engine.

[Paul M]

Want something that is a good first bike and the missus will be comfortable riding.

Sorry but definitely a small engine for security..not over 250 cc..

I disagree. It's all about how you ride it -- if you're stupid on a 250cc you're going to get hurt just as much as on an SV650. The advantage of a bigger, but more lazy (torquey) engine like the SV's is that it's got enough power to get you out of trouble at most points in the rev range. So when you're still getting used to riding, if you get caught out in the wrong gear the bike will still pull reasonably well.

I wouldn't recommend a super sports 600, but stuff like the SV650 or "commuter twin" 500s are very common first big bikes here.

In fact if you want to do a direct access test (which gives you an unrestricted licence) you have to take the test on a bike producing at least 46 BHP, which usually means a 500cc. This is to prove you can handle a larger capacity bike, rather than passing on a 12 BHP 125cc and jumping onto a superbike.

I had an SV650S as my first bike, and it served me very well for a few years. Absolutely no regrets -- I'm sure if I'd gone for a 250cc I'd have been bored of it rather quickly.

[Paul M]

Thanks.  I keep coming back to the SV 650, so it looks like a good first place to start looking.  £2K for a first bike is also reasonable.

I paid £2.5k for my first one, rode it for two years with absolutely no problems at all -- only servicing costs. Sold it for £2.1k. Can't complain with £200/year depreciation!

[cem_devecioglu]

Want something that is a good first bike and the missus will be comfortable riding.

Sorry but definitely a small engine for security..not over 250 cc..

I disagree. It's all about how you ride it -- if you're stupid on a 250cc you're going to get hurt just as much as on an SV650. The advantage of a bigger, but more lazy (torquey) engine like the SV's is that it's got enough power to get you out of trouble at most points in the rev range. So when you're still getting used to riding, if you get caught out in the wrong gear the bike will still pull reasonably well.

I wouldn't recommend a super sports 600, but stuff like the SV650 or "commuter twin" 500s are very common first big bikes here.

In fact if you want to do a direct access test (which gives you an unrestricted licence) you have to take the test on a bike producing at least 46 BHP, which usually means a 500cc. This is to prove you can handle a larger capacity bike, rather than passing on a 12 BHP 125cc and jumping onto a superbike.

I had an SV650S as my first bike, and it served me very well for a few years. Absolutely no regrets -- I'm sure if I'd gone for a 250cc I'd have been bored of it rather quickly.

Dont understand me wrong but I dont expect another style from a V8 owner..

Anyway between bike owners is a consensus that you must not start with a strong machine..In many countries schools recommend 250 CC ..

[Martin_1962]

I started on a 100 - you learnt every trick in conserving momentum, slipstreaming, and 2 stroke tuning. *

Got a 250 when the market collapsed, not much that faster despite being quite a bit more power (heavier) but not so easy to tune. Tended to still use similar techniques.

Perhaps the old Honda CX500 should be brought back.

* Head by clocks, flat over tank, engine going deep into the red in top despite being higher geared than the 125 version. The next stage - rebore to 56mm was stopped by a cheap 250.

[theolodian]

Dont understand me wrong but I dont expect another style from a V8 owner..

Anyway between bike owners is a consensus that you must not start with a strong machine..In many countries schools recommend 250 CC ..

Most countries you start on bikes a lot younger.  I missed that wave.  I appreciate what you're saying, and agree in many ways, but the classic big wreck in anything is when you enter a turn too fast.  I'll do the direct access (airfield and road course on 600cc bikes) before I make a final decision, but for now I'd rather get a smooth 650 (not sport bike) and start with a relaxed driving style instead of a 250 that I'm going to have to thrash to enjoy.

I'm not after a sport bike, but it has to be more fun than a 200hp/ton car or there really is no point.

[cem_devecioglu]

Even M3 or EVO can not compete with 650 cc s..

Will be real fun I accept

[Paulus]

suzuki sv 650 is a great first big bike, but try out first with pillion.

Absolutely agree with that. Possibly the best middleweight bike for the novice.

[Paulus]

Want something that is a good first bike and the missus will be comfortable riding.

Sorry but definitely a small engine for security..not over 250 cc..

RD250LC  . Mega bike.