That is the only time you will be looking for more power…but I would imagine you will want more after you ride the SV for a while as well. In the corners and in the city, you just don’t need it. If you are really stuck on the SV and it is comfortable for you, then get it. Just be careful, the accelleration is quite a bit more on that bike. Just means you can get in trouble as a new rider quicker. Like I said in my review, I have already had the thoughts of more power, but I have more than enough power to stay ahead of traffic and to travel on the hiway…so I would save the money on insurance and fuel, and get the smaller bike. The choice is yours to make, and no one will fault you for getting the SV, it’s a nice bike that has smooth power delivery…it just has more power to deliver.
As for the two up, I would wait a year of continuous riding to be sure of my abilities before taking on the extra challenge and responsibility of a passenger. Again it’s your call, if you are confident after six months…who am I to tell you, but I won’t be taking my kids on mine for atleast two seasons…and they are already driving me…”I wanna go for a ride Dad…”…Nope, too much at stake…
Good Luck!