ST3 R vs. SV650
I recently traded in a 2009 SV650 for a 2010 Street Triple R. The SV was a fun bike for a pretty cheap price tag but when I started looking at upgrading it to make it really work well (forks, rear shock, exhaust, etc) it wouldn't end up being that cheap really. It has a lot of bottom end power and it's very useable power but it's power output pales in comparison to the St3 R. Having gotten the R version of the St3 I already have great brakes, great suspension, great power, etc so really all the St3 R needs is some visual customization if you really want to add them. I added the flyscreen and windshield, a rear hugger, a belly pan, some carbon fiber heel kick plates and a Triumph magnetic tank bag. The St3 is about 40-50 lbs lighter than the SV and has about 35 more horsepower. Being an older rider (57 years old) the upright riding posture of the St3 fits me like a glove. I could only ride the SV for 30 minutes before my back, my knees, shoulders and wrists would hurt. Also, the St3 looks so unique whereas the SV looked a lot like every other Japanese pocket rocket out there. I get compliments all the time on the St3. Sure it costs more but it's so much more motorcycle. Overall I LOVE my St3 R!