I really, really wanted an R6.

I did my direct access and passed my test at the end of March and I was all ready to splash out on a blue one. Before putting down a deposit I decided to start ringing insurance companies and that's when reality hit me (to the tune of £2500 fully comp). Even if I had been prepared to pay that much I was advised that living in London and being without a garage I could reasonably expect it to be stolen within two weeks. 

So I reluctantly settled for the SV650SX, which although being a nice looking bike (especially in the yellow), is somewhat lacking in the glamour stakes compared to the Yamaha. I was disappointed then - but would I make the same choice if I had it again? 

Well, the simple answer is yes. The Suzuki has been the perfect bike for me in every way.

Firstly, it doesn't look half bad. It usually invites admiring looks and comments from others (especially non-bikers, many of who bizarrely praised the look of my bike whilst standing amidst R6s and ZX-9Rs). And being a pansy foo foo poser like me, looks are important (which is why the Fazer didn't stand a chance). 

The 650cc, V-Twin engine is nice and torquey and pulls smoothly from low down the rev range and red-lines at 10,500 rpm. It obviously hasn't got the adrenaline pumping rush of a big bore 4 cylinder sports bike but that's no bad thing when you occasionally get things a little wrong. Finding you're not in the best gear when you're halfway through a bend is not the trouser-soiling episode it might be. Just twist the throttle and the engine has enough low-end grunt to power you through the bend and out of trouble. 

The brakes, whilst nothing special, are perfectly adequate and well suited to the bike. Like the engine they never do anything but inspire confidence in the newbie rider. 

Where the SV really comes into it's own and beats the crap out of other bikes in it's class is the handling. You can really chuck this bike around and it never bites back. A big difference in this class is the fact that the SV is not a 'parts bin special' and so boasts an alloy frame. It always feels planted even when you slap it over on it's side, helped largely by the standard Metzeler MEZ4 tyres (though I've since fitted Bridgestone BT56 which are even better). 

So would I prefer the R6? Well, right now, after 4 months experience and an advanced riding skills course I probably would. But back then, now way. I think I would have scared myself so much with the Yamaha that I wouldn't be as good a rider as I am now. The Suzuki lets you learn at your own pace and it's got enough power on tap to satisfy the novice.

I've still got much to learn, and I intend to get a bigger bike next year, but I'm glad I got the SV. 

All things considered, for the price, the handling, the looks - as a first bike - it's hard to beat.