Get the 750. Treat it with respect and take it easy. It has no more power (in fact considerably less) than a Jap sports 600 or even something like a Fazer, so a bigger engine doesn't always mean more scary.

I've never ridden a 750, but I am reliably informed that they have a lovely smooth engine. If it's anything like my Duke it won't have huge amounts of power, but it will have the lovely flexible power that you can use easily with no fear of it spinning the rear tyre (except in the wet of course). The sort of power that you can use most of the time wiithout it getting you into big trouble.

If you take your time learning to ride it, you'll soon get used to the power. As somebody has already pointed out, it'll only go as fast as you twist the throttle, but it will have all the other characteristics of a bigger bike so I reckon it'd be a good un to learn on. The weight shouldn't be an issue. Like all V twins it'll be heavier than a Jap 600 but not by a huge amount, and unless you're built like an elf you shouldn't find it too heavy.

The Suzuki SV650 is a bike that's often recomended to new riders because it's nice and friendly to ride. Since the Suzuki is a 4 valve engine and the Duke is a 2 valver, they'll be similarly powered bikes (except that the Duke will have more grunt in the mid-range courtesy of it's extra capacity and two valve characteristics). So the 750ss will be similarly user friendly - BUT, it'll be a real Duke

Thanks for all your replies - they've been very useful. I'll stick to my guns, the 750 it is then. I'm older and wiser now, had lot's of bashes when i was little on my 125, didn't care too much about the bike or myself for that matter, now i' old, and hopefully the owner of a nice bike i can be proud of i'm sure i have the sense and maturity to go easy and keep both myself and the bike in one bit. Thanks again peeps.

Leave my 750 alone!
 

I am in the same situation - my test is on Thursday. After going through the same type of anguish you seem to be experiencing I came to the conclusion that:

THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES A BIKE SENSIBLE IS THE RIDER - YOU!

I think choosing between a CB500 and a ST2 is like choosing between a Porsche and a Ferrari after passing your driving test. If you have a death wish then pretty much any bike is capable of delivering. Trying to convince yourself that a smaller bike makes you safer is probably tempting you not to accept responsibility for your actions.

Reasons for getting a smaller bike a primarily money: cheapre bike, cheaper insurance, cheaper repairs.

I personally will probably go for a 750SS or ST2, dependant upon test rides.

So, get what you want and:
- put photos of loved one on dash / inside crown of helmet with "daddy slow down" type comment
- choose a few bikes based upon usual criteria: fit, style, riding type...
- do several test rides
- make choice and get bike serviced
- drive carefully and practise
- continue learning through various post test training sessions
- remember that months 2-12 are most risky for new riders

Get the 750, just dont get mine!

Good luck.

Yeah but the big prob is, who in their right mind is going to let me have a test ride on a bike when they know i've only just passed my test and the biggest thing i've ever ridden is a cb500 :D

I'm sure it'll be fine though, as i'm an average sized person (6 foot tall / 13 stone weight). I have no intention of killing myself so i'll deffo take it easy, plus i wouldn't wanna bend the bike ;)

Just gotta pass my test now (Monday morning test), good luck for Thursday by the way!

Good luck for your test Ali_G

750SS
 

As mild mannered as you want it to be and yet still able to run with the big boys when you've got the experience. :D
Just don't try too hard! It's easier said than done but worth the wait.

If you're serious about a test ride on the "new" 620/750/800SS then try talking to your local dealer face to face, you'd probably have to put down a sizeable deposit but lots of places are doing that to everyone now.

750SS - because a small jap 400 demands to be ridden hard and encourages you to push it.

Everton has it right - spend any extra cash on training and good clobber.

good luck:cool:

Well i've already got the clobber which cost me an arm and leg (might effect my balance?:frog:) and i do intend on getting extra training a couple of months after passing once i've gotten used to my new bike. Can't wait, let's hope this horrible weather goes away by Monday as i don't fancy doing my test in gale force winds and rain etc:o

GOOD LUCK with the test.

Get the 750 pretty safe power and ride a LOT in all weathers!! this very important and rubbish weather helps with bike/thought control etc. I got my 'first' Fireblade after only a few months (few years ago now) but i have been doing 20000+ all weather miles a year.

I found a dealer that would let me test ride the SV1000 and an ST2 but they also demanded my credit card for a £1000 in case of dropping it. Of course I didn't drop it and made my choice - ST2 or I wouldn't be here I'd be on the Suz site :lol

Me ride in all weathers? I thought not in the beginning but on a few ride-outs the weather changed - you have to just get on with it. I don't bat an eyelash now. Even in the torrential rain coming back from Cadwell TA1 in May, I was still confident at 70.

Since I bought my ST last May I have done 10k and hope to do many many more in the next 12 months.

Best of luck to you both in your tests, Dennis and Ali G.

SA