Re: New bike [f]or wife? / SVS??? - Wife Sport Riding

SV vs SVS
For this tall, aged, and aching rider there is a big
difference in the riding position and comfort level
between the naked and S versions of the SV650
(reference my PMS therapy story on how much I enjoyed
the position on a 748 Ducati) I first rode an 03 SVS,
I bought the SV flavor and took it on an 8,000 mile to
COTU in 04 - worked for me.

As far as the suitability of one bike over another for
the wife/significant other - its up to them. My
girlfriend finds the SV to be on the tall side as
well, - easier to handle than the VFR definitely, but
still awkward - she would not be comfortable on the SV
- ergo it's not an option. Don't start with any
preconcieved ideas on what would be best for her, if
she's ridden in the past, take her to one of the Cycle
World shows if you can and let her throw a leg over
everything - alternatively, visit a couple different
dealers. Whether she can articulate it or not, you
should be able to determine quickly what type/size she
is comfortable with. If she hasn't ridden before -
don't even start the process until she's taken the MSF
course to see if it's something she'd like to do.

A cautionary tale
I wanted the gf to take the MSF because even if she
didn't want to pursue any further, it would make her a
better passenger. She wanted to get her own bike after
that and things started out well. A GS250 for the
first year (I would not recommend starting out that
small now), sold at a profit and replaced with a GS500
the following year. We had some good rides that
season, but after that work, travel, and family
matters cut into riding time and she never did enough
miles in the next two years to progress any further. I
spent more time monitoring her progress in my mirrors
than was safe for my own riding. I was glad that it
stayed parked after that (even if the carbs have
become a PITA from all the sitting).

Bottom line - if she wants to ride for the ride's sake
- encourage her and go for it, but if it's only as
something that she'll look at as a way to spend more
time with you - get an ST or FJR and learn to enjoy a
heavier variety of sport riding.

YWMV,
Greg

p.s.
I disavow all responsibility for the follow-on
reponses to the subject line ;-)

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