Wahey! Step one done - a better-than-expected 49/50 on the theory part, and 58/75 on the hazard-perception bit.
Thanks, all, for the advice on how to prepare - my Driving Test Success DVD was great!
To celebrate I went and sat on a few bikes at Infinity Clapham. I liked the Fazer, but I think I preferred the SV650S. It was less comfy, but there was just something so solid-feeling about it…
Go for the Fazer, I am a fan of the V-twin (obviously) but have a Fazer and it is a good all rounder and has taken a thrashing without a single complaint.
Mine is an 06 model and done 25,000+ miles, it’s capable and comfortable around town and holds it’s own on the open road, I even got waved past on a ride out but a guy on an R1, haha. He tried so hard to shake me off but my utter trust in the bike and refusal to brake into corners showed that it’s not all about size.
The SV is a good starter bike but I think it lacks a bit of power over distance and is limited as an all rounder, guess it depends on what you want.