GET THE SV! They're great starter bikes. You get more torque out of the twin, and they're easy to work on. The SV isn't as progressive on the ergo side of things. You won't get a tight back as quickly as you would on the the super-sport bikes (RR, R6, ZX, GSXR). The SV's can still be tossed into corners aggresively, and are pretty damn forgiving.
I didn't mean to come off as "that" guy earlier, but I recently went through the same crap with a buddy, and he wouldn't take my advise and now has a wrecked 2008 1000RR. With any bike, nay, any vehicle, you only go as fast as you tell it to go. On the bigger bikes, you can't just cruise off from a stop light in 1st or second, then pin it. You will wheelie away, especially if you have changed spockets (-1,+2) is the most common.
To give you some insight to why I am the way I am, I bought my '98 Kawi ZX6E when I was 18. Put it down once when I was 18. Rode another 7,000 miles and became a much better rider. I got myself in trouble riding at a quick pace and hit some grit and gravel in a turn. By the time my rear regained traction, I was about off the road. I stood it up, both brakes, and looked for a place to crash. All I could do with that bike, and my ability at that point. I then bought my '05 Kawi ZX6R (636cc). It is MUCH faster, more power, better brakes, but the most improved part is the weight and handling. My last wreck is still in the back of my head so I don't push it that hard, but still play around daily. The first weekend I had it, I passed my brother in first gear. I pulled even, paused, then pinned it. Guess what happened... wheelie time. That was with stock sprockets. It honestly scared the crap out of me. I hit the rear brake and set it back down. Yes I had ridden for a few years, but I still wasn't expecting the front to come up like it did since I had been used to my old bike.
Get a bike, all your gear (lid, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots) and take it slow. Do not outride your ability. I ride with a buddy who has probably 50,000 miles on two wheels. He doesn't mind when the bike acts up. He swings the rear out in turns like we do on 4 wheels. Get experience, and enjoy!
No seriously I'm loving the feedback. I'm going to be new to the motorcycle game so yes I don't know anything that's why I'm asking questions from forums, friends and fellow engineers (Repsol 1000RR) at my work. I figure you have to start somewhere, that's how I have learned everything for the stang. I found a 2001 Suzuki sv650r for $2,300 that I'm going to look at, heard that's a good starter bike.
