SV1000 owners

[Alpinestarhero]

Calling all SV1000 owners...

For reasons unknown to my wallet, I want to get an SV1000. I don't know much about these bikes though...so what are the known major issues with this machine? Is there anything that requires a bit more special attention than normal? I know they are thirsty beggers, but then they have a big ol' engine :smt050 and are loud as...errr...a loud thing with race cans on.

What are the typical service intervals? What tyres do people recommend? How long should I expect tyres, chain and sprockets to last?

Thanks,

Matt

[Sid Squid]

Calling all SV1000 owners...

For reasons unknown to my wallet, I want to get an SV1000. I don't know much about these bikes though...so what are the known major issues with this machine? Is there anything that requires a bit more special attention than normal? I know they are thirsty beggers, but then they have a big ol' engine :smt050 and are loud as...errr...a loud thing with race cans on.

What are the typical service intervals? What tyres do people recommend? How long should I expect tyres, chain and sprockets to last?

Thanks,

Matt
SV1000s have few known problems of great importance, a few early ones had some engine niggles, (the great 'knock' debate), and some clutch hydraulics leaked a bit quite early, mine included, but I sincerely doubt you'll find one that is still unattended to.
Thirsty? Well, they're hardly what you'd describe as economical, but many have found them not significantly poorer than a 650 - it really depends on the use to which you put it. Town riding brings the light on at about 100 miles, leave town and that becomes 130-140 without trying.
Service intervals are the same as a 650, (can't think of anything off the top of my head which is different).
Tyres; I've used the original Pilot Roads, Road Attacks, Stradas and now Road Smarts, they've all been just fine, and lead me to believe that it's not a bike that's fussy about rubber, plenty of people have used sticky stuff and because of the the good quality suspension it's always worked well, there's not really been a concensus that any of the popular tyres suit it better than others.
Tyre life - how do you ride and what tyres have you got? How long is a piece of string? Best for me was the Road Attacks, got a dab over 8000 from that rear, Stradas were 6500-7000, the Dunlops are wearing well but only have about 2000 on then so far.
Chain life; the original on mine lasted about 25,000, Scottoilered from new.
Engines are excellent, feeling very long legged and lazy, but when revved pull very very hard, the engine doesn't notice the difference when two up.
Cans are easy to find as they're the same as the TL, (both models).

[mattSV]

Squiddy has pretty much covered it;)

I used Z6s on my SV1000 which I was more than happy with, plenty of grip wet & dry for road use.

If you get one with non-standard cans, and need some standard ones for MOT time let me know - I have a pair of standard SV1000 cans still in my garage that I can't be ar5ed to ebay - you can collect, or just pay the postage it you want them Matt.

[dawn07]

One of my pals left for Benidorm in his last week.
Recons he's only getting about 80miles to the tank?!!

[mattSV]

I used to get the light coming on at around 80 miles if I was riding like a c0ck when commuting, however normally got 100-120 when on a run, even if caning it, and could easily get 150 or so if sticking to under 80 on the motorways (if I had to!).

He must be having some fun then ;):p

[Alpinestarhero]

Ah yea, I recall my dad mentioning that a friend of his brought an SV1000 when they came out and it had the knocking issue, but thats the only case I've heard of. I'd almost forgotten about it completly tbh!

With regards to tyre life, I expect I'll be able then to retain my 8000 mile from a rear.

Hmmmm

well its very tempting :D I'll have to see what my insurance company says about it aswell...

Thanks guys

[merlin427]

I'm in a similar situation, I've been thinking of buying a 650 to use as a daily commuter and project bike but now I'm starting to think "why not go for the 1000?"

The 1000 has always seemed much bigger and more clumsy (comparatively) than the 650 although this may be my imagination or simply due to the twin pipes making it look wider. Can anyone give an opinion on this based on riding both machines? What are the weight figures?

The other point is the MPG, I used to get 55-60 from my curvy and could get some more if I took it easy (why bother?), on a recent post regarding SV thou fuel consumption some mentioned getting 50 MPG, this does not seem too bad to me, is this normal if not what MPG could I expect (please note 'miles to light coming on' is not a meaningful figure to me it's MPG I'm looking for)?

[markmoto]

ive had one, i wasnt impressed, wooden suspension, heavy/lazy compared to sv650, 650 is more fun and more rewarding to ride. Only my opinion mind get a test ride before you buy. ;)

[merlin427]

Thanks for the feedback mototech, that's kind of how I feel about the thou' although I'm not too bothered about the suspension as that is one of the things I intend to change (for GSXR front). Is the thou' physically significantly bigger/heavier?

[mattSV]

Thanks for the feedback mototech, that's kind of how I feel about the thou' although I'm not too bothered about the suspension as that is one of the things I intend to change (for GSXR front). Is the thou' physically significantly bigger/heavier?

I had a curvy 650 for 4 years, and a thou for 5 years so feel fairly qualifed to reply;)

The thou is a completely different bike to the 650, apart from a few shared plastics/tank etc.

The suspension on the thou IS better than the 650, even as stock. The brakes are excellent (ex-GSXR750), and the engine is awesome.

The extra weight (and suspension) makes it feel more stable to me when in corners, however it does need to be 'muscled in' to a corner rather than just thrown around like a 650.

I used to get anywhere from 80-150 miles from a thou tank, compared to around 110 - 160 from the 650.

Ride a thou, and make sure you get the chance to give it full throttle in 1st, 2nd & 3rd - then you will see the big difference that the extra +-50bhp makes.

[Sid Squid]

SV1000 suspension is good quality, although it's quite fair to say that the standard settings are often considered a bit odd, (which doesn't mean anyone can improve on it, more on that below), the forks particularly are very good, and a GSXR front end swap on an SV1000 is a waste of time and money.
The 650 is a brilliant bike - on paper it doesn't stand out, but even a brief ride makes it clear that it's one of those happy devices that is definately more than the sum of its parts, but the reality is that the SV1000 is better at everything*, although there are some out there that handle less than ideally on account of the owner having taken advantage of the adjustability available, (although that's no more common than with any other modern motorcycle).
It must be bourne in mind that an SV1000 is most definately not a big SV650, they share styling and nothing else, very few parts are the same and what is the same is incidental only. And I can't really entertain criticism of a bigger bike for being a bigger bike, is an RS250 'better' than an SV650 'cos it's lighter?

*With the obvious exception of cost - do you need the capability of a 1000cc bike? Perhaps the 650 suits your usage well enough.

[merlin427]

The 650 is a brilliant bike - on paper it doesn't stand out, but even a brief ride makes it clear that it's one of those happy devices that is definately more than the sum of its parts, but the reality is that the SV1000 is better at everything*,

*With the obvious exception of cost - do you need the capability of a 1000cc bike? Perhaps the 650 suits your usage well enough.

I think you're correct, the idea came about as I wanted a relatively cheap bike to commute on and play around with, something nice and simple and nimble in traffic, the 650 fits this bill, I know from past experience, perhaps the 1000 doesn't so well.
I any case I already have a 1000cc bike for when I need that capability.

[stevebetts]

i currently have a K5 SV1K.
I have in the past had a curvy 650.
The 1K is miles ahead of the 650 in all aspects (except fuel consumption).
How anyone can say it is heavy and wooden is beyond me- it only weighs 189KG.
I have done the usual mods including GSXR1000 rear shock.
I usualy get 100 miles before the fuel light comes on.
I ride 2 up most times so find the extra power very usefull.

I would recommend the thou to anyone

here is one to throw in the mix - i had a firestorm before the SV and found it to be good.
The insurance is far cheaper than the SV.
It is a good alrounder - but the fuel consumption is worse than the SV.
just a thought.

[Ratty]

Hi Matt

I had an 650SK3 from new for over 3 years and really enjoyed it. I didn’t want to go back to fours and decided to try the 1000 as a way to get more of the same. I believe that is exactly what I got. Maybe I have got very used to the thou but I don’t think the handling is heavy and slow. It does need more input but I believe that makes the ride more involving. The suspension is much better when you have dialled it into your weight and style and as already mentioned, the brakes are much better. It’s more solid in corners but still will change direction easily.

I’ve done four track days on mine and it holds it’s own fine in inters, feeling safe and predictable but you will get through a tank of fuel in three sessions. Economy is fine on the road and if your worried about the difference between it and a 650, don’t bother or buy a CG125. I also find the seat much comfier although it’s supposed to be the same ?

Try one first but ensure the suspension settings are set to factory because they can be seriously screwed, as mine were when I bought it.

I use Michelin PP 2CT and think they are ace. Very grippy on track, just feeling a little ‘cold’ in town on cold days, but I’ve had no big scares.

Go for a K5 or later because a series of improvements to intake, ECU and compression gave better power and smoother delivery.
There is a green connecter under the air box which is known to burn out giving a total power loss and is well documented on the SV1000 forum. Some people think it’s caused by higher mileage bikes with worn ignition switches inducing higher current through the circuit through arching and burning out the weak connecter..

Like I said earlier, try one, but don’t be put off by people who have only ridden their mates badly set up one around the block. I persevered with mine and now love the way it rides and steers.
Some pics
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4750&stc=1&d=1247339511
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4749&stc=1&d=1247339511
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4748&stc=1&d=1247339511
Hope this helps.

[Alpinestarhero]

Ok, awesome stuff! this has given me alot of good information. Its easy to get good info on the 650 on here, but a bit harder to find good info on the thou'. I'm glad this thread has been able to generate a complilation of owner's opinons and knowledge.

Squid....na, i dont need one, TBH for day-to-day duties, i'm probably better off on a big scooter :lol: BUT i do want one...because its big and its loud and its fast. I think thats a good reason :lol:

Chances are, i wont be able to afford the insurance and will just end up getting a K5 650 or something. But i will consider it and try and get a ride on one. A thou' would be better for two-up riding with luggage, and better on the longer journeys that i frequently make between london and brighton

Matt

[Bibio]

have been thinking about this one myself.. in my case i reckon i could swap all the goodies from mine onto the 1000 and get it about the same hight/seating position as the 650. will have to wait till next year though. the extra power would be nice on longer runs.

[merlin427]

Hi Matt

I had an 650SK3 from new for over 3 years and really enjoyed it. I didn’t want to go back to fours and decided to try the 1000 as a way to get more of the same. I believe that is exactly what I got. Maybe I have got very used to the thou but I don’t think the handling is heavy and slow. It does need more input but I believe that makes the ride more involving. The suspension is much better when you have dialled it into your weight and style and as already mentioned, the brakes are much better. It’s more solid in corners but still will change direction easily.

Nice looking bike that Ratty, looks like a GSXR but isn't! In my view it better for having fewer cylinders, is that a standard paint job or have you had it done?
How does the thou compare for insurance, I'm not a spotty youth anymore and have a clean licence (fingers crossed)?
Thanks for your write-up.

[jambo]

BUT i do want one...because its big and its loud and its fast. I think thats a good reason :lol:

Matt
Loud, yes, but the static noise test at brands had my curvy SV650S with slip-on can @ 106dB, and Toad's K5 SV1000 with twin scorpion cans @ 105dB. So don't expect a massive step up in the shouty department.:D

Jambo

[thedonal]

i currently have a K5 SV1K.
I have in the past had a curvy 650.
The 1K is miles ahead of the 650 in all aspects (except fuel consumption).
How anyone can say it is heavy and wooden is beyond me- it only weighs 189KG.
I have done the usual mods including GSXR1000 rear shock.
I usualy get 100 miles before the fuel light comes on.
I ride 2 up most times so find the extra power very usefull.

I would recommend the thou to anyone

here is one to throw in the mix - i had a firestorm before the SV and found it to be good.
The insurance is far cheaper than the SV.
It is a good alrounder - but the fuel consumption is worse than the SV.
just a thought.

Temporary thread hijack (sorry Matt). Steve- I'm seriously considering a Firestorm for my next bike (in about 12-18 monts time)- post 2001 as it's got a bigger tank.

Do you know if the cam chain tensioner and water pump problems were ironed out in the later models?

Also, in comparison to the SV Thou-

How much more thirsty is the Firestorm in normal commuting (I do 10 miles each way- some in local traffic some on the A3- essentially motorway riding)?

Also, how is the power delivery- I've read that the Firestorm tails off at higher revs, but what's the SV thou like?

Cheers!

D

[Fuzz]

I'll just mention something about the cluth on K3-4 models. Sometimes the clutch slave cylinder will leak, and is due to dirt and general crap getting to the fliud seal and deteriorating it fast. I had my K3 for about 2 months before this developed for the first time, so I took it back to the dealers and they replaced it under warranty. Two months later, the same thing happened again, so back I went. They told me there was scoring on the cylinder causing the fliud leak and they wouldn't replace it under warranty. So I sodded them off and fitted a dust seal from the K5+ model, which I found out was retro fitted under warranty. Since then I haven't had a single problem, and that is since September.

It also stood up to the winter quite well, and it also crashes really well too! The bar ends and exhaust seem to take all the brunt, which means that crash bungs aren't as neccessary.

[Ratty]

Nice looking bike that Ratty, looks like a GSXR but isn't! In my view it better for having fewer cylinders, is that a standard paint job or have you had it done?
How does the thou compare for insurance, I'm not a spotty youth anymore and have a clean licence (fingers crossed)?
Thanks for your write-up.

It was an official Suzuki scheme for 2005 to celebrate 20 years of the GSXR range. Plenty of them about too if you fancy one. The insurance is still a lot cheaper than supersport bikes. The chap I bought from in Stockton was also quite young and it was his first big bike after a scooter. I think he paid about £600 for his cover but may have been only TPFT.
Ratty

[Cazza]

Loud, yes, but the static noise test at brands had my curvy SV650S with slip-on can @ 106dB, and Toad's K5 SV1000 with twin scorpion cans @ 105dB. So don't expect a massive step up in the shouty department.:D

Jambo

Quite. My GS500 with a Scorpion can came out louder than Raf's SV1000 when tested up at the Ace some time ago. :D

[Mark_h]

I went from a 650 to the thou a couple of years ago. Hated it for the first week but love it now.

More power
Better suspension
Better brakes
Overall more planted
More power
More cans
Loads more power

Soon get used to chucking it around country lanes gets even better when you get the hang of real counter-steering.
Oh and it's pretty lively.

Keeps up with pretty much everything in day to day riding and even the litre sports bike crowd unless they are one of the rare ones who actually know what they are doing.

Insurance now under £100 fully comp but I am an old git with IAM discount too. Fuel light on average 120 miles (works out at 10 miles per litre. about the same as my 650) my record is full to light in 65 miles but I was a very fun 65 miles :)

Tyres (Mitch pilot 2cts.) and chain have done about 8k with plenty left.

Mine's one of the original K3s. It had the "knock" which is either the main bearing or clutch basket. Allegedly no one has ever actually had one go pop, they just get a little louder. I have a spare clutch in the shed so it's pretty much guaranteed to never go wrong now. In the mean-time it sounds like a ducati until you pull the clutch in.

I think they are brilliant value for money, but will not suit everyone so make sure you get a decent test-ride.

[kwak zzr]

the sv1000 is a great bike, very under rated id say and cheap as chips too.
the knock issue was a recall on the k3 when suzuki actualy admitted it was due to a crank bearing machined to the wrong tolerences but the knock itself was only just a "knock" hardly noticable unless you actully walk round the bike and listen hard, no engine fatalitys was caused by this according to the letter i read on sv1000zyns. the sv1000 was the first bike i got my knee down on so they cant be bad handling either :)

[custard]

just got mine how i like it with lower pegs (who puts gilles on a naked??) and i have just fallen in love with it.

proper grunt and good handling. realtively cheap to insure as well.

still find the power utterly mental to the point i havent given it full beans in 2nd...

absolute plug - gilles for sale.

[kwak zzr]

full beans in 2nd is about 100mph lol :)

[custard]

not quite... have topped it out... 85mph. :) i just wont give it a massive handful (cos i is a big gurl)

[kwak zzr]

i deffo seen mid 90's on my k3 s model.

[custard]

serious?! hmmmmmm. intriguing

mines and N - are they geared differently or was i being a pansy again?

[kwak zzr]

prob gearing, race cans may help too :) mind you a recent thread i was replying too intrigued me to see what the gixer6 could do in its gears and lets just say 2nd saw a comfortable 3digits :)

[custard]

kin nora! good job you have 6 of them :)