Hi, everyone. I'm hoping that people who have ridden both bikes can give me a little feedback between the 07 and the 09.
I currently live in Seoul, Korea and have ridden a Hyosung GT650 for the last two years (it's basically a cruder version of an SV650). The bike has been great, but I am looking to upgrade to something a little more exciting and better made. I test rode a 09 very briefly in heavy traffic and could not really get a feel for just how crazy the engine is. From the reviews I've been reading, the 09 sounds like it is a monster and probably has more power than I will ever need. Unfortunately, there aren't many video reviews in English yet of the 07 other than the press launch.
To me, the 07 looks a little better, has gotten better reviews, and has a better fueling range for sport-touring. I ride in a combination of about 30% heavy city traffic and 70% weekend sprints through the mountains. I sometimes like to go fast and ride in a group with liter bikes, but I am certainly nothing more than an intermediate rider. I occasionally like to carry a pillion as well, which might be a problem because I am a big guy (5'10", 230 pounds with gear.) The 07's haven't arrived yet in Korea, and I'm not sure I will be able to test them for anything more than 10 minutes in city traffic.
So here's my question: is the MT-07's engine noticeably more powerful than an SV650? I'm not looking for a race bike, but I want to buy something that will keep me happily entertained for many years to come. The MT-07 seems like a much wiser choice for my needs, but I'm just worried that I may later regret not going for the bigger bike when I had the chance. Any input would be greatly appreciated- thanks!
I currently live in Seoul, Korea and have ridden a Hyosung GT650 for the last two years (it's basically a cruder version of an SV650). The bike has been great, but I am looking to upgrade to something a little more exciting and better made. I test rode a 09 very briefly in heavy traffic and could not really get a feel for just how crazy the engine is. From the reviews I've been reading, the 09 sounds like it is a monster and probably has more power than I will ever need. Unfortunately, there aren't many video reviews in English yet of the 07 other than the press launch.
To me, the 07 looks a little better, has gotten better reviews, and has a better fueling range for sport-touring. I ride in a combination of about 30% heavy city traffic and 70% weekend sprints through the mountains. I sometimes like to go fast and ride in a group with liter bikes, but I am certainly nothing more than an intermediate rider. I occasionally like to carry a pillion as well, which might be a problem because I am a big guy (5'10", 230 pounds with gear.) The 07's haven't arrived yet in Korea, and I'm not sure I will be able to test them for anything more than 10 minutes in city traffic.
So here's my question: is the MT-07's engine noticeably more powerful than an SV650? I'm not looking for a race bike, but I want to buy something that will keep me happily entertained for many years to come. The MT-07 seems like a much wiser choice for my needs, but I'm just worried that I may later regret not going for the bigger bike when I had the chance. Any input would be greatly appreciated- thanks!