Bike: 2005 SV650 Naked.
Engine: 650cc V-Twin

My first full sized motorcycle. Enough power to scare the living crap out of me, but enough power range that it was and still is, a good learning bike for me.
Being naked, I have no wind protection, but it is something I have come to enjoy, and live with.
Aftermarket parts are plentiful except for rear storage options.
The handlebars and riding position, since it is a "standard" naked bike is quite upright, and well suited for high visibility while riding, but again, at the expense of comfort at anything above 100kph. However with a 10k redline, there is enough power to get that high in 2nd gear, and still have another 4 gears left for fun.
At only 360lbs it is very light, and corners very nicely, easily handled and almost light enough to be able to power it in and out of corners.

The only negative, again is a lack of wind protection - however much like the Ducs (which were the inspiration for the SV line) there are pros and cons to it, but it certainly allows for a more comfortable riding style for long distance trips.

Being a V-Twin, it has oodles of low-end torque - TONNES of it - it can pull off the line and eat most cars in 1st gear. Cursing RPM are around 5-6k, and in town I rarely get a chance to take it anything higher for risk of going triple digit on the speedo.

Speaking of which, the instrument panel is small and well thought out. The only gauge is the RPM, the speedo, temp are all digital. There is a 4L and 1.5L warning fuel light (no fuel gauge), but having a digital temp sensor is very nice.
The speedometer is 1 inch tall numbers and very easily in view when looking at the road without much of a need to re-focus.

For a first bike and around town, I would give it a solid 9/10, the additions of a fairing (while keeping the riding style and feel of the naked bike) would give it the perfect 10. There is a "Type S" model which is the Sporty edition. Same everything except for riding position is more "hunched over" and it has limited fairings - but not my cup of tea.

Hope this helps

Richard T.