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[St] I can't decide...



OK folks, here's a nice motorcycle thread for wintertime when we cant be riding. I need to make a decision on a bike purchase, and soon, I have narrowed the field to two, and am weighing the merits of each. Here's the story:
 
I spend a significant portion of my time in Costa Rica. My significant other is there and eventually I will move there. We have a car, a Suzuki Gran Vitara, that is absolutley perfect for our needs there. But there are two of us and only one vehicle. Vehicles are expensive there and so is gas, so I would like our second vehicle to be a bike. It will be enjoyed to be sure, but unlike my bikes here in the states that are pure toys, this will be my daily driver. I need something that is flickable and manuverable for inner city traffic, congested on tiny little pothole filled roads, that will also handle the occasional weekend two up trip. Out in the country, the roads are tight and twisty and small, like the goat paths so many of us ride in West Virginia at Mail Pouch. My two choices are an 01 Sprint RS that is already there, owned by someone I am acquainted with, and I am familiar with the bike, at least I was a few years ago. Bike is, or at least was,
 in good shape the last time I saw it. About 5000 miles, bone stock except for maybe the OEM can and tune, and has mostly sat since 03. The other is an 01 SV-650 standard, owned by a good friend that I know and trust here in town. 4000 miles, great shape, lots of goodies, pipe, jet, fox shock, emulators, give top box, sitting for a year or two. The total cost to have either bike on the road down there, factoring in transport, import tariffs, etc, is similar, about $5000-5500. Budget has narrowed my choices to these two, but the decision between these two isnt about money. Its about which is the better horse for the job. 
 
Pros for the Sprint are:
-Higher performance machine with similar fuel mileage
-Higher residual value , athough I am not sure that matters...
-Better two up
-I am familiar ( put 5k miles on this bike's brother, and own a 02 RS myself)
-Better headlights ( but I can augment either)
-Much less screwing around. Write check, register, title, ride.
 
Cons for the Sprint are:
-It's heavy and has a long wheelbase. Not really flickable
-Clutch pull is hard. Only a problem in city traffic.
-Long reach to bars, leaned over a bit for city riding.
-I trust the american owner, but not so sure about his associate I need to deal with down there.
-I already have one. (Which I may sell...)
 
Pros for SV:
-Smaller, lighter, more flickable
-Cute as hell. ( Yes, the RS is gorgeous too...)
-Upright riding position.
-Givi top box. Read: Lockable hard luggage in a land where one doesnt leave things unattended
-Probably easier to work on.
-Probably wont shred rear tires like the Sprint
-Plenty of power, not the equal of the Sprint, but that may keep me out of trouble...
-Light enough to put on 80/20 tires and handle dirt roads ( no, it's not a dirt bike..)
-I just picture the SV being a better street fighter, where I will spend most of my time. Safety is an issue here.
 
Cons for the SV:
-I am guessing not as good two up. I dont know that for sure. ( Not alot of two up riding, but some)
-Carberated. Could be pro or con. easier to work on, doesnt deal with altitude changes so well. Most of my time will be spent at 4000-5000 feet, but I will go from sea level to 13,000 feet occasionally
- I have to go through the hassle of importing it. That is probably the biggest, and perhaps only con for the SV. HAssle factor and time constraints. Part of me really thinks the SV is the better choice.
 
Opinions please ! 
 
John
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