[Formula WS6]

does anyone happen to know of a motorcycle forum that is not brand specific? im looking into a naked bike, as they are called, and im torn between the susuki SV 650/1000 and the Honda 919. so i was hoping to do some research on the two or others but i only know of brand specific forums and i do not foresee them being too helpful for a comparison basis. thanks

[Tony99SS]

I have always ridden naked. My first time was an 88 Hawk GT. From there I went to an SV650 , 01 Speed Triple (still my favorite in Roulette Green) to my present ride, an 03 FZ1.

You shouldn't be too quick to characterize the SV650 as a beginner bike. I miss the agility and flingability of the 600 class vtwins. You definitely lose something when you go for the liter bikes. I could ride the snot out of the 650, beat on them as hard as I could, and the return in terms of enjoyment just kept going up. You quite simply cannot do that on a liter bike! If I rode my FZ1 with the same gusto I did my Hawk, I would quickly end up on a stretcher!

Liter bikes demand a great deal of respect. That dynamic can really inhibit you as a learner. I always recommend a beginner chose something less intimidating, that will allow him to be comfortable enough to really stretch his skill level.

For unbiased, intelligent and enthusiatic opinions on naked bikes, V-twin sportbikes or sport-standards, I would heartily recomment HawkGT.com. It was my home online for ages, though I have not been there for several years. I might have to wander over there myself.

Tony