Re: was-Value of 2001 SVS650 as a collector bike, now world cruising

Thanks for all of your responses and thoughts about the value of a 2001 SVS.  Since the more recent SVS650 has changed to a more pointy style, similar to the FZ1 and others of this ilk, the 2001 SVS650 is really is a unique more rounded design.  I don't care about the style so much, I just like riding it.  After 5 years of riding it, I have not outgrown it.  The SV is fast and flickable.

Looking ahead to some future cruising in Mexico and other locales, the consideration is what bike is better for that purpose.  I am looking for a bike for say, 90% pavement, 10% gravel/unimproved roads.  At some point, I may two-up in Mexico.  A 250 would be a good bike size, but is not really designed for long distance, and may not have the zip get out of the way of that Mexican bus.  A 650 is a large bike in Mexico, anything bigger, is too big.  I read about the KLR 650.  Great 3rd world bike, but too high for some of us height challenged people.  The Suzuki DR650 has a good write-up, and good(low) seat height.  Then I read about the V-Strom 650.  In many respects it does not seem to be a major difference between the DR650, V-Strom650 and the SV650.  So I guess, unless there is some major reason, I may as well as take the SVS650 to Mexico.

There are a couple of good websites like, http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/, which describes the in's and out's of world cruising.  There are people who have gone around the world on little Hondas to big Harleys.  While a lot of bikes are discussed, I have yet to hear about anyone using a SV650 for distance cruising, except for some Euro stuff.

So what is your ideal bike for 3rd world cruising?


Bob

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