went to a bike show today. looking for a city commute bike. traffic at times and plan to zip through traffic.. My Bagger just can't handle the traffic and the bike just don;t like the heat... Never driven a sportster... just wondering if anyone has tried the SFV650 Suzuki... . Cost vs ownership is in my mind too.. but does a HD rider have to hide now ? Ya -- ill wear a full face lol..

 

Apples and oranges... Everyone here will lean toward sportster as well... Get what is comfortable and looks good to you. Both good bikes.

 

I'm sure the SFV650 is a great bike. I had 2 Honda 650 HawkGT's in the '90s. Reliable, zippy, and fun. Took them all over the country. Hard to beat. No Stage 1, or suspension, or seat tweaks of any kind needed.

I love my 1200. Tons of fun to ride. Great commuter or anything else for that matter. Feels nothing like my Dyna, never mind a tourer. A total blast and practically bullet proof. That said...I had to change the seat, prefer it with a stage 1 and am still planning suspension mods...the usual Harley taxes....etc.

Side by side which bike would I like and enjoy more?? The Sportster.

The Japanese bikes I've owned have all been fun and capable, but ultimately a utilitarian machine. They will last forever, but they do not age particularly gracefully. They lose their luster and refinement while Harley's seem to develop character and flavor. Kind of like Jeeps. The only thing better than a new Jeep, is an old one.

As for the Sporty, I plan to keep it forever and it is a great motorcycle with the character and motor personality I love in any Harley I've ever owned. The 650 would be cheaper and less involved, but more disposable. For me that makes it a done deal.

 

I am partial to the Sportster, but also ride a sport bike. For city traffic/commutes, the Gladius is a good choice. Better still would be a Yamaha FZ-07. Test ride all three, you'll probably pick the FZ.

 

Why not compare to the Suzuki to the HD 750 Street? The 1200 Sportster is a totally different animal.

 

I think i would look into the street if I were you. The 500 is a few thousand cheaper starting off than the sportster and should be able to do what you are asking for.

 

As a former owner of two SV family bikes, they're great machines. If you're thinking about a city commuter, and decide to go the Suzuki route, consider the older SV650. They can be had cheap and take a beating.

 

sounds like something water cooled would be best in traffic, plus something light weight,

 

I agree that you should consider the Street 500 and 750. We haven't seen them over here in the UK yet, but as an alternative to a Suzi they have to be a contender, staying loyal to the bar and shield!

 

Basically it just comes down to what you prefer, the Street 500 & 750 water cooled Harley's has opened the door for the guy just looking for a traffic commuter without paying out his *** for it. It still carries the Bar and Shield and down the road if you decide to sell it you'll be able to get more of your money back.