READERS' COMMENTS

John swapped his old Suzuki GSX1100 for a Suzuki SV650. He tells us the story of this.

“My GSX1100 EFF 1985 was the last of the 1100s before the GSX 1100R and I found the weight was becoming a problem. When I went looking for alternatives I spotted the SV650 which was in immaculate condition, and owing to the excellent write ups Spanner Man (in Motorcycle Trader, Elwyn) had given them, I couldn’t go past it. I also felt not only the weight a factor but the cost of rear tyres, chains and sprockets and the ever increasing cost of fuel would be on my list of necessary criteria.

“On purchasing the SV I was pleasantly surprised to discover the power of the bike rivalled my GSX and that a pillion has no restriction on its performance (thank God for modern technology!).

“I have since purchased a 2012 V-Strom as I found the SV to be a little too restrictive due to my arthritis (mind you I am considering keeping the SV as a toy for short Sunday blasts to keep my brain cells alive).

“The V-Strom is simply amazing and will probably be a keeper. It is only the second brand-new motorcycle I have ever owned, the first being a Yamaha XS650B and my goodness how far technology has come!  The SV and the V-Strom make the XS seem like a slug. The performance and handling of the Suzukis is ample for what I need as someone who has been riding for more of my life than not, and who although has noticed a changing set of requirements in what I look for in a bike over the years as aging begins to become a factor, has never lost the need for some speed and all of the original thrills that drew me to motorcycling in the first place.”

Thanks John, there’s good advise and a good report there!

Otto is currently in the process of downsizing from his Suzuki Hyabusa. He is looking for – and expecting to find – the qualities he likes in a smaller package. His story can be found in our “Me And My Bike” section, (click here) but suffice it here to say that he still likes big bikes, but realises that it is certain qualities he likes, not size. He writes, “Big is not all bad, but tight and sweet handling would do it for me just about always.”

Martin is considering swapping his Triumph Sprint ST for Triumph Bonneville. His rationale here is that he doesn’t do the touring thing and the Bonnie is lighter.

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