Harley Nightster vs. Honda 599 vs. Suzuki SV650?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike J
  • Start date Start date
M

Mike J

Guest
I have narrowed down my first bike options to these 3. I'm not sure yet if I'll go the cruiser route (HD XL1200N), or the standard/sportbike route (599, SV650). With the exception of the Nightster, I've heard that all are good beginner bikes, and I also plan on taking the MSF courses all the way through advanced level. I am willing to spend the extra money to get the Nightster instead of standard Sportster 883, and have heard that the power increase between the 883 and 1200 isn't huge, so a smart and able beginner could manage on it. One other point though, is that I would eventually like to buy a Triumph Street Triple, and wasn't sure if the HD would prepare me for that as well as an SV or 599. Just looking to get some opinions and advice on the matter, thanks in advance.
If it helps at all, I am 6'0", about 200 lb, and athletic. I have sat on the SV and Nightster and like the feel of both, but have never checked out a 599 in person.
I know that many people say that the 1200 is too fast for a beginner, and is among the fastest Harleys in production, but compared to the jap bikes, it still gets left behind (I know most of its edge lies in its torque, but I mean overall performance.) Most tell me the 650 and 599 could outrun the HD, but those are still reccomended and the 1200 is not. Is this because of its weight and center or gravity? Or is its low-end torque alone enough to scare off most newbies?
 
The difference between an 883 and 1200 is significant. I ride Harley's only. I have ridden other bikes, but nothing is a sweet. A nightster can be transformed to have many different appearances, and a competent rider should be able to navigate it through some serious twisties. I do, and I have 20 inch ape hangers.

An 883 is a great starting point and a conversion away if you decide you want more power. You can buy the base 883, then make it a 1200, 1250, 80 cu in, 88 cu in, 90 cu in and bigger with just a little work.

check out www.xlforum.net for detailed information about the sporty.

The other bikes will work just fine, but they are Jap bikes and I prefer AMERICAN.

An 883 will break any speed limit in the USA with ease, ask me how i now, and the 1200 is the 2nd fastest HD bike stop light to stop light next to the V-ROD.
 
what's important?

obviously you like the looks of all of them, right?
now which one is going to require less maintenence? (probably the honda)
Which one has the edge on power? (again probably the honda)
Which one is less likely to leave you stranded? (honda)

i think the choice is clear...
 
any are fine bikes, the nightster is just a sportster. But get what you prefer. None will set you up for the triple though as its heavy and powerful and steers/rides totally different. At that point your getting into the top end cruiser/bagger/touring market.
But The bikes you picked are beginners bikes and thats where you need to start. I would also visit kellys blue book and see what the value of each would be in 2 to 3 years. As a beginer, I think you ougth to buy a 2 or 3 year old bike, at half the price and get better trade in later.
 
The Nightster feels a little small to me and I'm 5'8" but if it feels comfortable to you that's cool. The Nightster will not perform or handle as well as the other two, but if you like the styling enough to accept that it would be a fine bike. The 599 would be a great bike, but I just love the SV. It would be my personal choice.
 
There is something you have not consider in this. When you buy a harley, you do not buy a motorcycle, you buy a life style. I have had many metric cruisers in my life and then bought a harley. In 2 weeks I knew that owning a harley was totally different from any other bike I have owned. There are better built bikes out there, why would someone want to buy a harley? There has to be something special about them for peeps to keep coming back and buying more.

Keep this in mind as well, a harley will retain it's value better than any other bike out there.
 
Back
Top