Sv enough or not?

[markmoto]

So how many of you have sold your sv to get a different bike and then come back to an sv because you find the sv enough for your needs?
Ive had loads of different bikes but am seriously considering getting another sv because it does everything i need a bike to do.

Also how many of you have gone to the dark side and find they miss the v twin?

[21QUEST]

So how many of you have sold your sv to get a different bike and then come back to an sv because you find the sv enough for your needs?
Ive had loads of different bikes but am seriously considering getting another sv because it does everything i need a bike to do.

Also how many of you have gone to the dark side and find they miss the v twin?
May I tag onto your thread :) ......just been cmtemplating a similar decision.



Ben

[kwak zzr]

i went to the 1000 but do long for a 650 again.

[dirtydog]

I went to a Daytona 955i then bought another SV about 3 months later. Am now on SV numbers 4 and 5

[MR UKI (1)]

Went from 650 to 1000 and DO NOT long to go back ;) Had a 600 Hairnet for first bike and miss that a little though. Probably cos first bike though :confused:

[ArtyLady]

The SV is everything I will ever want and need :cool: ...

V Twin,
Modern, comfortable and reliable (compared to my first bike - 1979 Guzzi and my original wishlist - Triumph Bonnie)
fast (enough for me!)
easy to ride - flickable on the twisties :D

[Balky001]

I have fond memories of my blue K3 but not sure I'd want to go back to my first bike. It's a great bike but I prefer the riding position and feel of the GSXR.

[Razor]

I miss my GS650 Katana...

[BigBaddad]

I'm contemplating changing my SV for a bigger V twin in the winter........but then again do I need to? me thinks not as the SV is such a great real world bike for real roads.

[Stig]

Hmmmmm

I've been all the way up to Supersport 750's. YZF & GSXR and come back down again.

The SV does it just fine for me. It has enough speed to get me into trouble. I have sorted the handling, it's cheap (most important).

I do fear though, there is not a decent replacement mini v-twin out there at the moment. When this one goes pop, I shall be looking to replace it with something similar. There isn't anything out there. Don't bother saying a pointy, as they are just ugly and wrong.

[kitkat]

well said mr ape.

I moved on from sv to raptor and the only reason was the raptor is lower and means I dont have to struggle when I stop. on the sv I could only get tip toes down or 1 foot. raptor its both feet flat and it gives me so much more confidence. just need to get it fixed and learn to ride the thing again

[markmoto]

thanks for the input everyone ;-) prity much what i thought, if i do buy another 650 which i probably will il get the handling sorted and sort the seat out with something comfier and also get a set of superbike bars on it to make a more forgiving riding position. Agree with big ape that there is no real alternative to the sv in the medium sized v twin area i mean there is the the aprilia shiver but im not convinced on that small ducati ermm no dont think so. Think its about time suzuki gave the sv a make over.

[petevtwin650]

Hmmmmm


The SV does it just fine for me. It has enough speed to get me into trouble. I have sorted the handling, it's cheap (most important).

I do fear though, there is not a decent replacement mini v-twin out there at the moment. When this one goes pop, I shall be looking to replace it with something similar. There isn't anything out there. Don't bother saying a pointy, as they are just ugly and wrong.

Totally agree.:cool:

Luckily at the moment there are still plenty of low mileage curvys about. But for how long.:(

[neio79]

It is enough I think; I miss the low down grunt and instant power of the SV for easy relaxed riding. The Kwak means I am up and down the gear box to get anywhere quickly. I would say the SV offers enough for most riders if they are honest. If they updated the looks a bit and made a few tweeks next year I would concider trading in again.

And considering the power comes in at around 130 in 4th I don’t get chance to use much of its power. In fact for most of the riding I do I could remove 4th 5th and 6th with out missing them.

It is nice to be able to get from 0-100 in a few seconds though, and knowing it can pull above a ton in comfort.

[kwak zzr]

not many ppl can push the sv650 to its limits, i like to watch blue's videos when he rides round bigger much more powerful bikes, i think a 650 ridden well is much more satisfying than 140 in a straight line.

[flymo]

Oh no, dont start that pointy/curvy thing again. Just a matter of preference surely.

[DanAbnormal]

Got rid after about 6 months of ownership. Didn't really rate it but I do miss the noise. I htink I was expecting a bitmuch from it tbh, may well buy a cheap sv650 curvy for commuting though.

[Bear]

Well, having just done my first track day on my zx9r I can safely say that I was fater on the SV.

That's probably more a confidence/familiarity with the bike thing tho' TBH. Later in the year I aim to be quicker and more confident!

[Devil Biccy]

I moved from a K5 to a curvy and find the curvy much better in handling and ride postion to the Pointy and louder as everything on my pointy was standard.

[muffles]

I have been through 3 IL4's since selling my SV, and I miss it. I am contemplating (though not that seriously - just thoughts!) changing the CBR for a K3 SVS like I used to have. I'd probably want to upgrade the brakes/suspension as it was soft for me even as a new rider.

However I've got a brand new set of tyres that fit the CBR so they'd go to waste with an SV, and I'll probably go down the route of upgrading the CBR. The suspension is adjustable (although I haven't touched it & god knows what its set to) but the brakes are quite honestly pretty awful. So that's where I need to upgrade :)

[21QUEST]

I've always said, handling wise, the SV as standard does what is says on the tin. It can be made 'sorted' of course.

My 650 is very much at the point where I can almost go 'yesss' :). That in a way makes it a touch more difficult as if I decide to keep my 1000, I'll more than probably want to get similar quality on the suspenders which will cost money.

Don't really care for straight tline speed myself and never really been a horse power person either so only reason for a bigger bike is more relaxed touring....but then my touring heroes(Yes Pete :p) blow that theory out of the water :lol:

I'm very close to making a choice...I think hehe.


Ben

ETA: Mine is running a GSXR750 K5 front end, Technoflex triple adjustable rear shoock and a custom top yoke to get to where it is. The above are not strictly necessary but it's really almost just purfect, setup wise for me.

[G]

I love my SV, although I'm looking at changing at the moment as your only young once, and I want to experience the supersport ownership side to motorcycling whilst my mind is still 110% on the ball.

If it had just a little bit more power and slightly better handling it would be perfect.

These are the only areas I think are negative on an sv.

Edit - Its the perfect commuter and summer bimbling bike though, I would consider getting another for commuting when I have abit more disposable to my name.

[STRAMASHER]

Would never buy the same bike again. Too much choice. Would consider an updated version though. (750 please)

Fine bike though the SV is..........

it is slow:-#













......so you end up having a ton of fun, ragging it to an inch of its life:cool::D


In the bigger scheme of things though , its a "NOT".

[DanAbnormal]

Well, having just done my first track day on my zx9r I can safely say that I was fater on the SV.



So what you're saying is that you've lost some weight? Or maybe the SV was smaller so you looked 'fater'. :lol:

[BillyC]

I moved from a K5 to a curvy and find the curvy much better in handling and ride postion to the Pointy and louder as everything on my pointy was standard.

Hardly a good comparison - a standard naked pointy to a gixxer forked curvy. ;)

[BillyC]

So what you're saying is that you've lost some weight? Or maybe the SV was smaller so you looked 'fater'. :lol:

No, he was just slow ;)

[T0mm0]

Traded the SV in for an R6 on Friday, so its not fair to compare as I'm still in the honeymoon period. The SV is a great bike but at the moment in ore of the R6. :love:

[plowsie]

The SV isn't what I long for but I felt comfortable at being quick on it, never felt out of comfort zone on an SV once I got used to it.

[fizzwheel]

I kept my SV when I bought the GSXR. I sold my SV recently as its been sat in the garage as I dont use it as I didnt enjoy riding it anymore.

Its a great bike and it got me to where I was now, but I wouldnt go back to one if it was my only bike.

Yes I'm probably slower on my GSXR, yes its harder to ride in the wet, but and heres the big but...

I actually like the fact that I have to think about what I'm doing on it, whereas on my SV I'm in my comfort zone all the time, on the GSXR I'm not alot of the time and I like the challenge that it gives me.

Also its more comfortable and it has awesome brakes and front end out of the box so no faffing with spanners as thats not really my thing.

[gettin2dizzy]

Yes I'm probably slower on my GSXR, yes its harder to ride in the wet, but and heres the big but...
.
Slower on the GSXR?!

[fizzwheel]

Slower on the GSXR?!

In certain circumstances yes I'm slower. Especially in the wet, the SV's linear power delivery is a real bonus in the wet.

I ride the GSXR slower anyway. Whereas on the SV I'd try to beat anybody I came across. I just dont feel like I have anything to prove anymore.

[markmoto]

I think if they made an updated sv with better suspenders and a larger engine say 750cc alot more people would be tempted back.

Those of you now on the dark side do you miss the twins characteristics or do you prefer the il4?

[fizzwheel]

I think if they made an updated sv with better suspenders and a larger engine say 750cc alot more people would be tempted back.

I still wouldnt go back, I'd just buy a 748 or a 749 if I wanted a faster twin. I realise that Ducati's arent everybodies cup of tea, but with one in our garage Its certainly a bike I'd consider if I was moving from an SV to something else again.


Those of you now on the dark side do you miss the twins characteristics or do you prefer the il4?

No I prefer the IL4, I like the way the power comes in at 4000rpm, then theres a shove at 6000rpm and then builds from there and then and goes banana's at 10'000rpm. Also the GSXR is quite raw and the induction growl at low RPM now I have a K & N in it is awesome.

[BillyC]

I still wouldnt go back, I'd just buy a 748 or a 749 if I wanted a faster twin. I realise that Ducati's arent everybodies cup of tea

You see, this is where Suzuki are missing a trick. I'm not saying that the SV and a standard 748 are comparable... but when you look at the power:weight, an SV does very well.

It really wouldn't take much effort on Suzuki's part to update the SV to be a serious contender here - the parts bin is full of goodies to do it, and the 700cc bored engines have proven to be quite reliable I believe.

When the SV stops being a budget bike, and gets the parts its engine and chassis demand... then people will take it more seriously.

[fizzwheel]

You see, this is where Suzuki are missing a trick. I'm not saying that the SV and a standard 748 are comparable... but when you look at the power:weight, an SV does very well.

It really wouldn't take much effort on Suzuki's part to update the SV to be a serious contender here - the parts bin is full of goodies to do it, and the 700cc bored engines have proven to be quite reliable I believe.

When the SV stops being a budget bike, and gets the parts its engine and chassis demand... then people will take it more seriously.

I just dont see that theres that big a target market out there for a "SVR" I tihnk the Ducati name attracts those looking for a sporty middleweight twin.

[Stu]

Hardly a good comparison - a standard FAIRED pointy to a gixxer forked, ohlins suspended??? 180 section rear seriously sorted curvy. ;)
+1,000,000 (& corrected for you;))

[fatneck]

So whats wrong with the SV1000 then people, isn't that a natural progression from the 650...? Or does it not 'just work' the way the 650 does?

(not that I know as I've never ridden one...)

[Tim in Belgium]

Following this thread closely, the SV is too slow at the 'Ring, long up hill straights can leave you stretching the throtlle cable for miiles on end. Plus riding the SV on roads I know now just seems to be an exercise in full throttle. I'd like to have that feeling of feeding in the power and giving the bike some respect rather than being able to hammer it everywhere. The SV has been great, don't get me wrong, it's just that I don't lust after it anymore, it's brought me a long way in 2 2/3 years.

Bring on the next dream machine.

[Razor]

I like my SV for exploring unknown roads. Now I've sorted the suspension and the comfort issues it's just what I want in a cheap no nonsense bike. When I finally get out of debt and get a garage with house attached I'll maybe get something else, but for now I do love the little biatch.

[fizzwheel]

So whats wrong with the SV1000 then people, isn't that a natural progression from the 650...? Or does it not 'just work' the way the 650 does?

(not that I know as I've never ridden one...)

Nothing, its just that it has the wrong "image" after Suzuki f*cked up the marketing of it after the worries about the TL being the widow maker...

[yorkie_chris]

Nothing, its just that it has the wrong "image" after Suzuki f*cked up the marketing of it after the worries about the TL being the widow maker...

At least that has an attraction.

I've heard the SVthou described as "an excellent introduction to a thou" etc etc. IMO that makes it seem a bit neutered compared to the TLS reputation of mentalism. The SVthou, despite being a highly recommended "next bike" does not appeal to me at all, despite being the sensible choice.

[Bluepete]

As a bike, it's wonderfull. But then I have no other point of reference as it's the only bike I have owned. I think it is fast, good looking and if looked after, very reliable.

However, I will (hopefully, Mrs BP!) be changing it in the new year, and having seen the Tiger 675 in MCN, I am very tempted. That is mostly 'cos it's physically a bigger bike and more suited to me and my wonky knee.

[zunkus]

I hate the way Suzuki market the sv as an entry, budget bike. Alls well that it's affordable. All I wish for is they take the Ducati route. You can buy a standard Monster 696 and customise it with factory parts, or you can upgrade to a S2R, an S4R, an S4RS, an S4RS Tricolore...
Suzuki has got the parts bin right? So why not do this. Not the company's policy? Not the way it does business? Why?

[neio79]

i miss the SV pul like a train from o revs compared to the Kwaks, ok ill think about going fast when i want to, but the the kwak sems to shift from 80-120 a lot lot quicker than the sv. it wants to go mental, on the way up the M4 home ysterday, i decided to see if i couls red line in 4th, oh that was a mistake, hit 130, then i thought it was going to take off as it hit the real power above 12K, 145 showed for second before i ran out of space.

[yorkie_chris]

Extra 50bhp or so probably has something to do with that ;-)

[markmoto]

I hate the way Suzuki market the sv as an entry, budget bike. Alls well that it's affordable. All I wish for is they take the Ducati route. You can buy a standard Monster 696 and customise it with factory parts, or you can upgrade to a S2R, an S4R, an S4RS, an S4RS Tricolore...
Suzuki has got the parts bin right? So why not do this. Not the company's policy? Not the way it does business? Why?

Its a good idea but the japs dont seem to work like that!

Nice choice bluepete the 675 is a great looking bike, im hoping to get a test ride on a speedtriple to see what the 675 triple is like as i havent ridden one yet its meant to be excellent.

[markmoto]

i miss the SV pul like a train from o revs compared to the Kwaks, ok ill think about going fast when i want to, but the the kwak sems to shift from 80-120 a lot lot quicker than the sv. it wants to go mental, on the way up the M4 home ysterday, i decided to see if i couls red line in 4th, oh that was a mistake, hit 130, then i thought it was going to take off as it hit the real power above 12K, 145 showed for second before i ran out of space.

This is what i mean about il4s they lead you into temptation my fazer does it! before you know it your doing 130+ (On a private road of course) get caught doing that on the road and its bye bye license.

[yorkie_chris]

Whats the SVthou like for that?

[neio79]

This is what i mean about il4s they lead you into temptation my fazer does it! before you know it your doing 130+ (On a private road of course) get caught doing that on the road and its bye bye license.


the kwak begs to be taken ther, its not a happy teddy under 10K ans is more at home above 12K, but its just rediclious , a ton flashes up in a blink.

infact i think kwak have built the first S&M bike, it begs to be punisshed, it talks to me and tlls me to go faster honest officer.

[markmoto]

TBH i havent ridden it much needs moting which il hopefully get done this week then i can put some miles on it, i dont find twins encourage you to do silly speeds as much because of the nature of the engine, with its torque.

[markmoto]

the kwak begs to be taken ther, its not a happy teddy under 10K ans is more at home above 12K, but its just rediclious , a ton flashes up in a blink.

infact i think kwak have built the first S&M bike, it begs to be punisshed, it talks to me and tlls me to go faster honest officer.

All the supersports are like that, used to love the sound my j2 ninja made the growl from its ram air was ace. but that begged to be punished and always wanted more :cool:

[yorkie_chris]

the kwak begs to be taken ther, its not a happy teddy under 10K ans is more at home above 12K, but its just rediclious , a ton flashes up in a blink.

infact i think kwak have built the first S&M bike, it begs to be punisshed, it talks to me and tlls me to go faster honest officer.

An acquaintance of mine has an EXUP streetfighter, which seems to have the opposite idea, so completely mental it just quietly whispers "I'm going to hurt you, sooner or later..."

[markmoto]

An acquaintance of mine has an EXUP streetfighter, which seems to have the opposite idea, so completely mental it just quietly whispers "I'm going to hurt you, sooner or later..."

Lol :D

[gettin2dizzy]

the kwak begs to be taken ther, its not a happy teddy under 10K ans is more at home above 12K, but its just rediclious , a ton flashes up in a blink.

infact i think kwak have built the first S&M bike, it begs to be punisshed, it talks to me and tlls me to go faster honest officer.
Sounds like it's frustratingly too much for the road.

[neio79]

An acquaintance of mine has an EXUP streetfighter, which seems to have the opposite idea, so completely mental it just quietly whispers "I'm going to hurt you, sooner or later..."

It wispers tha as well, tells me if i get something wrong its going to fall out with me big style.

Sounds like it's frustratingly too much for the road.

Sometimes yes. On the ride out on Sunday, i was in second a lot of the time 3rd maybe, and then when i accelerated it waited a bit then shot off and by then it was time to slow down again.

[muffles]

the kwak begs to be taken ther, its not a happy teddy under 10K ans is more at home above 12K, but its just rediclious , a ton flashes up in a blink.

infact i think kwak have built the first S&M bike, it begs to be punisshed, it talks to me and tlls me to go faster honest officer.

As mentioned that's how all the SS600s are, my GSX-R600 and CBR600F were/are pretty similar to that (the CBR less so as it's more a commuting bike). I've heard it's actually a lot better as there is no way you are not going to realise you're going fast - the engine is screaming it's t*ts off beneath you.

On a litre bike (twin or IL4) it seems to be that you do that speed without realising as they just accelerate so fast without really ragging the engine. I have yet to experience this...750 being the closest... but that's worse IMO...

[21QUEST]

As mentioned that's how all the SS600s are, my GSX-R600 and CBR600F were/are pretty similar to that (the CBR less so as it's more a commuting bike). I've heard it's actually a lot better as there is no way you are not going to realise you're going fast - the engine is screaming it's t*ts off beneath you.

On a litre bike (twin or IL4) it seems to be that you do that speed without realising as they just accelerate so fast without really ragging the engine. I have yet to experience this...750 being the closest... but that's worse IMO...

Yup :).

On the first day of picking up my SV1000, looked down and I was doing almost hundred. I was only pottling back home :p .


Ben

[BillyC]

Yup :).

On the first day of picking up my SV1000, looked down and I was doing almost hundred. I was only pottling back home :p .


Ben

You say that like you thought it was fast... ;)

[philbut]

i still have my SV and also a ZZR600 (with hagon suspension, not the stock rubbish). I use the ZZR for long distance and winter riding cos its more comfy and has better wind protection. Getting back on the SV felt rough and the components felt cheap at first. After a few rides though, I forgot all that, and remembered how much fun it is. I havent sorted the susspension, and yes it feels a hit wayward when you really push it, but its just so much fun, without needing to do warp 10. It does feel a bit slow, but thats fine as I prefer to ride more technical twisty roads, so I don't need massive acceleration above 90. Its a bit breathless on the motorway at above 100, but I have the kwak for that anyway.

I'm looking to sell it at the mo, but only because I'm about to loose my garage when I move house. I would definatly consider another one, maybe even as my only bike if I wasn't about to go touring.

[gettin2dizzy]

I'm tempted by a 600ish supermoto for those reasons ;)

[Beenz]

The SV650 is a cracking bike, first bike or for an experienced rider. I got mine after a forced 14 year sabbatical, the perfect bike to get me back on the road. Yes I still miss it although not quite as much since I got the MT-03 single lunger. Loopy torque and huge fun but a lot slower top end than the SV (tops out about the ton)

My gixer thou is just plain nuts, loads of grunt from tickover to redline, I really don't need to thrash it but is a lot of fun on the occasions when I do ;). The finish, brakes and spenders are in a different league to the SV but so was the price :-?.

Would I consider getting another SV, well if I hadn't got the MT then that would be a resounding yes, but it would be a naked one for the slower speed comfort on my 40 mile round commute on the lanes to work.

[dizzyblonde]

I love my SV's. Perfect for little old me, I can be my usual slow self or be really silly on them. I have the S's cause of the clip ons with my dodgy shoulders, they is a perfect slump and no pain. I tried YC's nakid one a couple od times but I feel like I'm sat in mid air and the bars are kack for my oen personal comfort. I love my other halfs VRaptor and if I decided to get rid of the Svs I would love to ride the Raptor but the flat bars are not good for me. I don't like the CBRs of this world or any gixxer jobbie, cause they just sound wrong. Never sat on one or tried them so I can't judge them for now.

Unless both bikes were squashed by a bin waggon I wouldn't consider anything else other than another curvy. Any other bike would have to be ergonomically correct for me...its not just about poke, or noise or cc for little old me