Re: [St] I can't decide...

[John Ulizzi <jaulizzi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Matt,
 
Interesting that you went through almost the exact same process...Even though Costa Rica is where I first fell in love with the RS, enough to come home and buy a leftover 02 for myself, I am inclined to think the same. After my initial post last ight I started to research the fees a little more accurately, and there is a difference. The cost of admission with the RS may well be $500-800 less than the SV. Something to consider as funds are kinda tight right now....
 
John

--- On Mon, 11/24/08, Matt Knowles <matt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Matt Knowles <matt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [St] I can't decide...
To: ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Monday, November 24, 2008, 1:38 AM

Before I looked at getting the Sprint I looked at the SV650. But this  
was when they first came out and they weren't importing the faired  
version to the states. If they had, I might be riding an SV650 instead.

You sound like you've thought it out pretty well. But if I was going  
to Costa Rica, I'd want my KLR650.

So I guess if the roads are bad, I'd go with the lighter more  
maneuverable bike.

On Nov 23, 2008, at 7:24 PM, John Ulizzi wrote:

> 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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Matt Knowles - Ferndale, CA - http://www.knowlesville.com/matt/ 
motorcycles
  '99 Sprint ST - for going fast and far (2CZUSA)
  '01 KLR650 (A15) - for exploring the North Coast backroads
  '97 KLX300 & '01 Lakota - for playing in the dirt
  '79 KZ400 - just because it was the first vehicle I ever owned

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