View Full Version : Anyone gone back to an SV?
Curious really, as I'm thinking about what to buy next, but not sure whether to drop the entire budget on the likes of a Street Triple, or to buy an SV and sort the suspension and brakes out and then also buy something like a DRZ. Ive got roughly a £5k budget so wondering whether anyone has bought another bike but then returned to the SV, or whether I should just concentrate on going forward rather than returning to the past?
Having not ridden an SV since I binned mine in '08, maybe I am looking through rose tinted specs, but I always thought that the bike had a good engine and decent handling although it dived too easily under braking (and the brakes were crap).
yorkie_chris
30-09-10, 08:56 PM
Ridden a bit and keep going back to SV.
Had a GSXR, only rode it for a short time on the road but it was bonkers. Very fast, poor visibility from riding position, no chance of using all motor which is what put me off it.
Keep going back to the SV as it's a nice useable motor which you can get close to limits of performance of and has character in spades.
But... that's with sorted suspension.
Depends what sort of riding you want to do, for little back roads I would take a sorted SV over pretty much anything else. If you are wanting something better on motorway then look at something else.
Wideboy
30-09-10, 09:01 PM
what he said ^^
jump from ss600/1000 a fair bit but always much prefer getting back on my SV, i do find it crap on teh motorways tho
speedplay
30-09-10, 09:04 PM
Had 2 sv and cant see me going back.
If the brakes were better, the handling better, comfier position with more power then I could be tempted.
I may be looking at a different twin soon though to go with the IL4...
yorkie_chris
30-09-10, 09:06 PM
I do not see point about shortage of power... most of people who complain about it could not use 100% of what SV had to offer anyway
I do not see point about shortage of power... most of people who complain about it could not use 100% of what SV had to offer anyway
It's not quite the point though is it? If you are ragging it then fine, and I guess that's why the old 400s are still popular; but for day to day bimbling/commuting then 'lazy' power is a boon.
yorkie_chris
30-09-10, 09:10 PM
600 IL4s do not have lazy power for that.
1100 then yeah, I can see point. But still... not a lack of power, but lack of torque.
I found the SV to be almost perfect on power, sometimes when chasing SS600's it was a bit legless but it had tons of character and I was only thinking of upgrading to something like a GSXR 750 prior to the accident as I wanted something different.
I love the Versys but dont have the same relationship with it. The SV still looks a good bike, and I've really taken to some of the black bikes with black frames on here. I still like blue but would end up just trying to replicate what I had previously.
I can see a black bike with a carbon hi-level pipe, GSXR front end with brakes, braided lines HH pads, bellypan, hugger, seat cowl, double bubble & heated grips :D
I reckon I could do all that for about £3k?
GagginForraPint
30-09-10, 10:41 PM
Not gone back as such, my previous bike was CBR600F. I have to admit I'm impressed with the SV, ok the suspension is a bit basic, but all that lovely torque. I don't think it's as easy to ride as the CBR, definately have to be more gentle with the throttle rolling off, and can't brake deep into a corner. But it's faults will make me a smoother rider.
fizzwheel
01-10-10, 08:16 AM
Yes well sort of
When I bought my GSXR, I kept my SV for a winter hack. I used to ride the GSXR and then get back on the SV and I hated the SV after that.
It felt slow
The brakes compared to the GSXR were sh*te
The suspension compared to the GSXR was sh*te
I'd ride the SV, open the throttle, it'd vibrate some more, make some more noise and then not really accelerate and then on a bumpy road it would be pitching me out of the seat where the GSXR dealt with the road bumps and poor surface much better.
I know its harsh comparing it to the GSXR, but for what I use a bike for and what I want from a bke, the GSXR suits me much better. I found myself reaching for the GSXR keys over the SV pretty much everytime so I sold my SV in the end.
I know I cant use all the power of my GSXR, but then I never used all the power of my SV either. But I still wouldnt go back to the SV now.
Cheers Fizz its the kinda response I was looking for
muffles
01-10-10, 08:56 AM
I'd ride the SV, open the throttle, it'd vibrate some more, make some more noise and then not really accelerate
:lol: Funny that, it is exactly my experience when I went back on an SV about a year or two after moving to a GSX-R 600/750!
I decided to keep the sv1000 as a winter /commuter hack. I took it out yesterday for the first time since I got the zx6r and at the beginning was a bit critical of the agricultural feel. But after riding into work and getting used to the barge feeling again it definitely is a bit more comfortable and I realise all the things I liked about it are still there.
Ok there are things Id like to change but for its purpose it will be fine. I would try an go forward and try different bikes as each has its own characteristics and niggles. Failing that get both :)
mister c
01-10-10, 11:00 AM
I have kept my SV even though I bought a 955i Triumph Daytona, because I like it so much. I will be honest & say that what Chris has said is true, but for 2 up riding (especially when we are of a portly disposition) the SV feels very lathargic on accelleration.
I cant make my mind up about the Triumph & I have a feeling we wont be having a long relationship together
<======= i've got a B1h ninja which lives up to its reputation of rock hard rear suspension. Can sometimes be a bit extreme but on the right roads and you're in the mood an SV wouldnt see which way I went.
But its not all about going fast is it its about having fun :D which is why I kept my naked '99 SV. The higher bars make it so much easier to ride and although the suspension is on the budget side, on most roads I like going down I can bomb down on the SV whereas i'd be like a dismounted jockey on the Kwak. I've done the heavier oil, fork springs and put braided lines on the front and it makes a big difference.
The SV engine is the killer though, useable power and low down grunt :smt047 it really does make some more powerful IL4's seem dull in comparison.
If you can stretch to 2 bikes i'd always have a naked in the garage, best of both worlds :cool:
hardhat_harry
01-10-10, 12:14 PM
I have an SV and a street triple.
The Striple is a much better bike it has the twin grunt and the IL4 power best of both worlds, they also hold their money too so I know which I would have (have :) ).
Yes well sort of
When I bought my GSXR, I kept my SV for a winter hack. I used to ride the GSXR and then get back on the SV and I hated the SV after that.
It felt slow
The brakes compared to the GSXR were sh*te
The suspension compared to the GSXR was sh*te
I'd ride the SV, open the throttle, it'd vibrate some more, make some more noise and then not really accelerate and then on a bumpy road it would be pitching me out of the seat where the GSXR dealt with the road bumps and poor surface much better.
I know its harsh comparing it to the GSXR, but for what I use a bike for and what I want from a bke, the GSXR suits me much better. I found myself reaching for the GSXR keys over the SV pretty much everytime so I sold my SV in the end.
I know I cant use all the power of my GSXR, but then I never used all the power of my SV either. But I still wouldnt go back to the SV now.
Would second that, SV is ok, would mind a naked around town stuff, but compared the GSXR750 i wouldnt go bk and especially compared to my KTM.
The 750 is a real bike, crazy power, awesome handling and the one i had was alot comfier than the SV, could cruise all day on the motorway on it.
If i could have afforded it i would never have the sold the 750, it was an amazing bike. But this all said the Ktm 950 has about 40 bhp less and is much more usable on the road than the 750, better handling as well and more fun to ride.
I would advise you to try one see what you think, especially with 5k budget, you could get a nice one for that.
What kind of riding do you do?
Paul the 6th
01-10-10, 12:51 PM
hey.... rob.... pssst..... over here.... yeah it's me, the tree of temptation.. Listen, if you want to have a go on a 12 year old GSX-R like mine to see what the engine is all about then you're more than welcome to come and have a go.. The handling is pretty fabooooo as well. I can only guess that the newer bikes are screwed together tighter with better brakes and don't look as tired, but I love mine - never in a million years would I have thought I'd bang on about an old tired gsxr. But I do. It's mint.
....now sod off!
(you'll have to have watched big brother for any of that to make sense)
I wouldn't go back for two reasons.
1. I found the SV uncomfortable
2. There are too many options to choose something I'd had before. I love the Kwak, but I wouldn't get another for a road bike; I just want to try something different. In the same way I wouldn't get the same car twice - variety is the spice of life.
So....
Mej: I know you have the 950 KTM and to be honest, I think this would be top of the list if I wasnt concerned about running costs. The servicing and tyre life probably is the biggest concern. Would the likes of Avon Storms give tyre life around 4k? I've heard they chew through tyres in a couple of thousand miles. We are also few and far between on decent bike garages around here to provide a service so I'm not sure where I could get one done.
Paul: Thanks for the offer, I might just take you up on that. FWIW, after Tim said that the 750 was a bit much for the road, I thought about a 600 as they are cheaper to buy too.
Simon: Getting rid of the Kwak?
I want to be able to use the bike on A/B and also the uneven surfaces found around the Dales, and into the Lakes. It sounds like the 950SM could be the perfect bike for the job but then I also thought the Street Triple would be a blast up and around there.
fizzwheel
01-10-10, 02:14 PM
after Tim said that the 750 was a bit much for the road, I thought about a 600 as they are cheaper to buy too.
I agree, the 750 is to much for the road, but then so is the 600 and so IMHO is the SV.
OK so the 600 I rode wasnt the rev fest I was lead to believe it would be i.e it pulled from 6000rpm, the 750 pulls from 4000rpm and it'll down to 30 odd mph in 6th and pull away again. The engines more flexable and on along ride its less tiring as you can leave it in 5th or 6th and ride it like a scooter.
Depends on your riding style and how you like to ride. If you havent had a test ride on either I'd recommend you get one on both the 600 & 750 then you can make your own mind up.
Iansv II
01-10-10, 02:30 PM
Nope and I wouldn't... I initially kept my sv as a hack after I changed to my cbr600rr but I ended up never riding it as it just felt wrong after the cbr...
So many bikes out there and still lots of bikes i'd like to try out so I don't see the point in going back to one i've already experienced...
But it was a lovely bike while I had it and I've considered going back a couple of times but not anymore
Dicky Ticker
01-10-10, 02:32 PM
Simple answer is no,I prefer the lazy triple with 35n.m. more torque than an sv650 and similar fuel consumption but more comfort. In comparison to the sv1000 I have 5n.m. less torque but way better fuel consumption and up on the comfort stakes.
In all honesty it is what you want as an individual,what somebody else likes may not be your choice or mine.
Ian, you still enjoying the Versys? Not missed the Speed Triple?
yorkie_chris
01-10-10, 02:36 PM
I agree, the 750 is to much for the road, but then so is the 600 and so IMHO is the SV.
If I was going to use the hammer to crack a walnut approach (i.e a bike that you've no chance of using all of)... then I'd look at bigger stuff. 1000s and 1100s... then you can be really lazy.
Iansv II
01-10-10, 02:41 PM
Ian, you still enjoying the Versys? Not missed the Speed Triple?
I do miss the triples power on occasion, but I enjoy the versys, getting some handguards fitted tomorrow rdy for the winter... Will probably keep it till it blows up tbh, it'll be worth bugger all in 3 yrs anyway then i'll probably relegate it to hack and get myself something exotic :cool:
That reminds me I really must sell my blueflame triple exhausts
I went back to an SV but not a 650 - I love my 1000 - yes it might be the most sophisticated bike out there and the MPG is pretty rubbish (42mpg average on my 20 mile commute) but it has loads of character which is something I missed about my Blackbird - I toyed with the idea of a hack for winter but I will just keep using the SV as it owes me nothing and I enjoy pulling it out of the garage every morning knowing my commute will be a good start to the day whatever the weather :D
Just need some better tyres on it though - BT021s FTL :(
So....
Mej: I know you have the 950 KTM and to be honest, I think this would be top of the list if I wasnt concerned about running costs. The servicing and tyre life probably is the biggest concern. Would the likes of Avon Storms give tyre life around 4k? I've heard they chew through tyres in a couple of thousand miles. We are also few and far between on decent bike garages around here to provide a service so I'm not sure where I could get one done.
I want to be able to use the bike on A/B and also the uneven surfaces found around the Dales, and into the Lakes. It sounds like the 950SM could be the perfect bike for the job but then I also thought the Street Triple would be a blast up and around there.
i'd have to say so as well, i went out on friday with a plan of being out for half hour and ended out staying out for 5 hrs, getting some food and then going out for another 3hrs, it is addictive, i was activily looking for roads i wouldnt normally ride down as the suspension just soaks up the bumps.
As for the servicing, this is not something i can really report on yet as i have only had it a week and put just over 1000 miles on it.
I cant see it being that bad though, bike is relativly simple and if you are handy with the spanners you could probably do alot of it yourself, the UK Ktm Forum is a good place to go for info. As is www.KTM950Info.com (http://www.KTM950Info.com).
Not so sure on the tyre front, i read the other day that a guy with the same tyres as me (pirelli scorpion sync) got 4500 out of the back and 6800 out of the front. Comes down to how you ride it i guess!!
I dont really have a bad thing to say about either the 750 or the 950. But for me the 950 is everything i want on the road, it has enough power to be quick, but its also low enough so i can give full whack without suddenly shooting up to 130+. The 750 is everything i want on the track least thats where it feels like it belongs, i will probably own one again, when i have enough money, sold it for 2100 thats not a bad price for bike that will manage 170+.
i'd have to say so as well, i went out on friday with a plan of being out for half hour and ended out staying out for 5 hrs, getting some food and then going out for another 3hrs, it is addictive, i was activily looking for roads i wouldnt normally ride down as the suspension just soaks up the bumps.
As for the servicing, this is not something i can really report on yet as i have only had it a week and put just over 1000 miles on it.
I cant see it being that bad though, bike is relativly simple and if you are handy with the spanners you could probably do alot of it yourself, the UK Ktm Forum is a good place to go for info. As is www.KTM950Info.com (http://www.KTM950Info.com).
Not so sure on the tyre front, i read the other day that a guy with the same tyres as me (pirelli scorpion sync) got 4500 out of the back and 6800 out of the front. Comes down to how you ride it i guess!!
I dont really have a bad thing to say about either the 750 or the 950. But for me the 950 is everything i want on the road, it has enough power to be quick, but its also low enough so i can give full whack without suddenly shooting up to 130+. The 750 is everything i want on the track least thats where it feels like it belongs, i will probably own one again, when i have enough money, sold it for 2100 thats not a bad price for bike that will manage 170+.
Well I have been offered an SMR for a shade under £5k available locally. I did most of the servicing on the SV and even managed the valve clearances. Is there anything you need to be aware of when looking at them? I'm tempted to try and source one to test, because they do sound awesome with a set of pipes fitted.
Oh and added to that Mej, is there a reason why you went for the 950 SM rather than the 990 SD?
always wanted an SM, they were the reason i got into bike but i got a bit distracted by Sportsbikes.
Thats cheap for an SMR. I couldnt find one for much less than 6 iirc. The suspension on the SMR is supposed to be a bit more track focused that the normal SM and the fuel tank is smaller which i have been told can be a bit of a pain in the as*.
As for the SD, just wanted SM really, price as well they aint cheap and also insurance, do like the look of the SD and definetly wouldnt turn down a go on one but day to day i think the SM is probably better, i'll let you know if i ever get a blast on one.
Main reason i didnt go SMR is i couldnt afford one, would have bought one if i could of though probably as the colour scheme on them is the best of all KTMs imo. Im gonna get my frame and spring sprayed the same as the R.
Dave20046
01-10-10, 05:31 PM
Buy an SV with gsxr suspension.
I couldn't ride a standard sv after riding mine, imagine you may run into the same issue coming from the kwak.
dizzyblonde
01-10-10, 06:04 PM
Peg jumps on my black SV and loves it to bits. Going from a behemoth ZZR1400 to a little ten year old SV must be the biggest jump back ever. He uses it for work when he fancies a change, loves it to pieces. Says it feels like a moped with the size but has loads of fun. He really enjoys it....even with its higher gearing.
It was him that persuaded me to keep it when it went up for sale in the summer. The VRap was supposed to be its replacement as I would never sell Suzy to anyone. I'm glad he persuaded me, obviously they ain't as carp as people make out, when stepping back.
muffles
01-10-10, 06:35 PM
I have an SV and a street triple.
The Striple is a much better bike it has the twin grunt and the IL4 power best of both worlds, they also hold their money too so I know which I would have (have :) ).
Surely it's going to be an in-between engine, I'm sure that makes it quite flexible but it's going to be a bit down on the HP and a bit down on the torque, but a good balance? The torque curve is similar to the SV but moved up the rev range a bit (but not as far as a SS600s is), and the HP is similar to a SS600. But of course it's doing this with 75cc extra (by way of comparison you could add another 75cc and get a 750 that has better torque and HP).
Anyway don't mean to dig just annoys me a little (as people say it a lot) as it's a compromise, rather than somehow keeping both aspects.
Paul the 6th
01-10-10, 08:18 PM
So....
Mej: I know you have the 950 KTM and to be honest, I think this would be top of the list if I wasnt concerned about running costs. The servicing and tyre life probably is the biggest concern. Would the likes of Avon Storms give tyre life around 4k? I've heard they chew through tyres in a couple of thousand miles. We are also few and far between on decent bike garages around here to provide a service so I'm not sure where I could get one done.
Paul: Thanks for the offer, I might just take you up on that. FWIW, after Tim said that the 750 was a bit much for the road, I thought about a 600 as they are cheaper to buy too.
I want to be able to use the bike on A/B and also the uneven surfaces found around the Dales, and into the Lakes. It sounds like the 950SM could be the perfect bike for the job but then I also thought the Street Triple would be a blast up and around there.
@ Tyre life, I had a pair of Michelin Pilot Road's fitted to my SRAD in march and managed to get around 6,000 miles (rear was absolutely on the limit) out of them til August.. Gone with michelin pilot road 2's now - they've allowed me to master 'kneedown' and taken my confidence even further :)
@ testing the 750 - no problem mate, we could meet at helmsley and you could have a bash up the b1257 if you like (plus some other roads you'll be riding on i.e. dual carriageways/swooping a-roads and tight b-roads). I'd put alot of money on it being a very, very different experience to the newer 750's but it'll give you chance to see what the engine/power delivery is all about with a 750 IL4, and, since mine has had some 'suspension-black-magic' by one of it's 7 previous owners, it handles like nothing I've ever imagined. Everyone who saw me ride my sv650 & sv1000, then the SRAD 750 has commented that my riding pace & confidence has gone through the roof in the last 7 months - I'm quite happy to step back and let the bike take all the credit for it.
As for the 600, not ridden one but heard the SRAD 600's are tedious. Very revy & intense but too much effort to get moving like the 750 does.
I agree, the 750 is to much for the road, but then so is the 600 and so IMHO is the SV.
OK so the 600 I rode wasnt the rev fest I was lead to believe it would be i.e it pulled from 6000rpm, the 750 pulls from 4000rpm and it'll down to 30 odd mph in 6th and pull away again. The engines more flexable and on along ride its less tiring as you can leave it in 5th or 6th and ride it like a scooter.
Depends on your riding style and how you like to ride. If you havent had a test ride on either I'd recommend you get one on both the 600 & 750 then you can make your own mind up.
Yarp, the 750 probably is a tiny bit too much for the road - where the sv would start to show it's limits (or start to show you your own limits), the gsx-r whispers "go on, lean it over a bit more and let me know when you've finished, you're doing great, keep it up!".. it's so capable that it lures you into attacking a set of twisties slightly harder than you probably need to.
But then you're the one in control of the bike & not the other way round :) anywho, I'm out for a short blast tomorrow morning, probably up to helmsley - are ya working or do ya reckon I might see you out and about?
ian505050
01-10-10, 08:30 PM
if you want an sv650 thats just like an sv650 but better, buy an sv1000
yorkie_chris
01-10-10, 08:47 PM
The 1000 is a bigger, heavier, longer version that's lacking all the chuckaboutability and ragging ability that makes the 650 worth keeping...
chuckaboutability
I like it :) I bet you cheat at scrabble
Yep the lighter the bike the sweeter the handling IMO
Paul just got in from work now so won't be out of bed until lunch. Pm me your no anyway and I might text you to see if you're still out later. Other than that can meet up next week
dirtydog
02-10-10, 06:51 AM
I had an SV which I part exd for a Daytona 955i, within a few weeks I had another SV to run alongside it (as well as kitkats Raptor1000). Not long after I sold the sv and the 955i and got another SV and then got a Benelli Tornado RS. The Daytona was a brilliant road bike albeit a bit top heavy, handled lovely and plenty of usable power but I found it was more than I needed on the road. The Tornado was an awesome bike but way too much on the road (for me anyway) wasn't comfortable at low speeds and was pretty hard sprung.
I've had 4 road SVs (and 1 project that I sold on) and I keep going back to them as they suit me and what I want, I rarely ride at stupid speeds anymore and it's got a nice Elka rear shock and a gsxr front end on it so handles nice as well. I don't see it as going backwards just going back to what I know and like.
Paul the 6th
02-10-10, 11:20 AM
eyup rob mate, only just got up an hour ago myself - man flu has come back with a vengeance so didn't bother going out, just fitted the braided brake line to the rear (been meaning to get round to it for ages but it's been one of them jobs).
I'll bounce you a pm with my number in a sec and we'll sort something out
Ha ha , No and never will contemplating owning one again after having a 2007 ZX6R and now an R1
both are better in everysingle aspect over the SV . even the fuel ecconomy is not that much less on both in a commuting everyday situation.
As for Lazy power yes the SV may have had that over the 6R but the R1 would bend the SV oner and fook it up the ar3e for lowdown grunt and pull from low revs , put it this way i can stick it in 6th and go from 30 to 130 in seconds few.
R1 is too much for what I want. Lovely bike but I think it would either kill me due to lack if self restraint or it would be taking me for a ride each time.
Dave20046
02-10-10, 02:10 PM
R1 is too much for what I want. Lovely bike but I think it would either kill me due to lack if self restraint or it would be taking me for a ride each time.
Considered a fazer? They're somewhere between versys and sportsbike. Just a thought...
After riding an SV and GSX-R 750 back to back...the SV feels rubbish! The 750 felt like it was on rails going through the twisty bits, which is why I will be shelling out for a 750 next year, when I believe a new 2011 model will be out which isn't just cosmetic changes.
I'll keep the SV mind, as it has it's purposes. Winter hack.
yorkie_chris
02-10-10, 02:17 PM
both are better in everysingle aspect over the SV
You may like that whiny fizzing noise but I don't see it :confused::-P
buckstone
02-10-10, 03:47 PM
In the past few years I've gone -
CBR600F
SV1000
ZX6-R
SV650
GSX-R600
SV650
I'm now considering if I should swap in the spring and all the factors mentioned above have cropped up. While I agree that sportsbikes in general are measurably better in most ways, I've probably had more fun on my SVs than any of the others. I can rag it everywhere - if I tried that on the sportsbikes I'd end up in jail or a hedge.
It's also cheaper on petrol, insurance, servicing and tyres.
Given all that, I found myself at a Triumph shop today, looking at Street Triple and Daytona 675. Going to take them out for a spin when the weather improves and looking forward to comparing them to the SV.
Even if I like them, as I expect, are they worth paying the best part of £4k to change ? I'll let you know ...
You may like that whiny fizzing noise but I don't see it :confused::-P
ha ha,
I will let you hear the R1 one day complete with its race pipe thats on it and thet we will see if it sounds whiny and fizzy!!!
it drowns out most bikes i know.
just as you cant see it , i cant see why anyone would go back to a sv after having a better bike.
I compare it to nailing a playbunny everynight for 5 years to chin her off and decide masturbation is a better option. :p
Rob believe it or not the R1 will be as compliant and as good as you want it to be, its happy to sit at 30 in town . And of course if you want it to it will sit on its rear wheel in the first 3 gears at well over a ton.
theSVguy
02-10-10, 08:55 PM
While I agree that sportsbikes in general are measurably better in most ways, I've probably had more fun on my SVs than any of the others. I can rag it everywhere - if I tried that on the sportsbikes I'd end up in jail or a hedge.
It's also cheaper on petrol, insurance, servicing and tyres.
totally agree it's a license saver and good all rounder ,if i had more money i'd have gone for a sv1000 but limited funds meant the 650 it was (again)
for my bike history
17-vfr400 nc30
18-sv650 /cbr600 and few weeks on tzr250
19-vfr750 91 model/aprilla rx125 (full power)
20-zx9r c1
had a 7 year break till may this year when i had the joy of having to re take my test :silent: i found points dont win prizes!!
got another zx9r c1 as that was my last bike..gave up on it shortly after as it was a shed and needed too much work
picked up a firestorm as i had a hunger for a v-twin,found out the firestorm was thirsty and ate tyres for breakfast...
so now i'm back on the sv650...yep it handles like poo,feels gutless compared to my previous bikes and is reluctant to stop...
but i'm enjoying every moment cause i'm still riding which is all that matters..thinking of a bmw r1200 gs for next year but i may keep the sv as a hack
speedplay
02-10-10, 08:58 PM
just as you cant see it , i cant see why anyone would go back to a sv after having a better bike.
I love the sound of my IL4 too.
But i dont class it as better than my sv.
It does have better brakes, suspention, handling, looks, fuel economy, more power and is in a lower tax band too.
But some people do prefer suspention that likes to try and kill you, being outrun by mondeos, sounding like a lawn mower etc etc.....
;)
dizzyblonde
02-10-10, 09:20 PM
i cant see why anyone would go back to a sv after having a better bike.
.
As I said before, you can't really get much more extreme than the ZZR, but Peg loves the change. Hes far from the 'oh I jumped from SV to R1 and never looked back' where only one or two bikes can be compared in his experience, far from it.
Because the Z is his work bike, pleasure bike etc, its been for rather a lot of services etc, with that hes had pretty much ever bike under the sun as a courtesy bike, but can still say the SV is much fun to go back to. Yes its got its limitations, but it still puts a smile on his face, and is more than capable of doing what he needs it to do..be it a gentle bimble or a complete kaning (hmmm I really don't want to think what he gets up to on my bikes actually=;)
Bearing in mind he used to own a nakid K4, you'd think he'd absolutely slate a faired curvy!
fizzwheel
02-10-10, 09:32 PM
but it still puts a smile on his face
and thats the most important thing isnt.
Sometimes I feel like the unpopular geeky nerdy kid I was at school on this forum, just because I dare to say "I dont like riding an SV anymore"
Its not a sh*te bike, its just doesnt deliver what I want from a bike anymore.
speedplay
02-10-10, 09:34 PM
Its not a sh*te bike, its just doesnt deliver what I want from a bike anymore.
Just about sums it up.
If it was everyones favorite, there would be no call for anything else.
yorkie_chris
02-10-10, 11:49 PM
I will let you hear the R1 one day complete with its race pipe thats on it and thet we will see if it sounds whiny and fizzy!!!
My SRAD sounded ace with full arrow pipe one... but still not as good as SV with full M4.
I'll show you a twisty road and you can have a good listen to it from a distance behind ;)
dizzyblonde
03-10-10, 04:48 PM
and thats the most important thing isnt.
Sometimes I feel like the unpopular geeky nerdy kid I was at school on this forum, just because I dare to say "I dont like riding an SV anymore"
Its not a sh*te bike, its just doesnt deliver what I want from a bike anymore.
The SVs still deliver what I want in a bike, but at the same time, even though I'm happy with them, I went and got the VRap as once in while I want something different to ride.
My SRAD sounded ace with full arrow pipe one... but still not as good as SV with full M4.
I'll show you a twisty road and you can have a good listen to it from a distance behind ;)
And one day on the off chance you get behind me, I'll drown your l'il can out with my twins:rolleyes:
Dicky Ticker
03-10-10, 09:49 PM
I had an SV once and a yo-yo ---------------- I still have the yo-yo:)
yorkie_chris
03-10-10, 09:50 PM
I had an SV once and a yo-yo ---------------- I still have the yo-yo:)
Should have kept the stock forks and sold the yo-yo, the forks bounce up and down for longer.
BanannaMan
04-10-10, 04:54 AM
Should have kept the stock forks and sold the yo-yo, the forks bounce up and down for longer.
pmsl
Tim in Belgium
05-10-10, 03:50 PM
Bob Bobbleton went to an SV from his Blade, and thought it was ace. Now after his 750 incident he's down to the one bike, the SV, for the road and quite happy.
Again it all depends what you want.
yorkie_chris
05-10-10, 04:32 PM
Rob believe it or not the R1 will be as compliant and as good as you want it to be, its happy to sit at 30 in town . And of course if you want it to it will sit on its rear wheel in the first 3 gears at well over a ton.
Can't argue the R1 is a great motor that is pretty easy to ride slowly and fast on.
But, when have you ever got all of what it has to offer? You'll never ride a twisty road on it and know that you've gone as fast as is absolutely possible on that bike, unless you're completely bonkers or the road is the M1.
But, I'm sure it makes a very pleasantly relaxed tourer ;)
And maybe someone on a slower bike will hand you your *rse as they're confident to give their bike some beans... I've been left standing on the SV in winter by a guy on a 250 traillie, I could not open the throttle on a greasy road as it kept spinning up!
I would never go mack to the SV. I never really got on with it at all, as a first bike it's weak handling runied my confidence and I was really slow on it. I hated the fact it dived every time you rolled off the throttle. I also found it uncomfortable and didn't rev high enough.
It also started rotting away after one winter's use.
The Fireblade is a much better bike in every situation and can even be ridden slowly much easier than the SV. Granted I never use all the power on the road (140 in 3rd is a bit too much) but for lazy top gear overtakes the power comes in handy.
fizzwheel
05-10-10, 07:46 PM
But, when have you ever got all of what it has to offer?
Why does that matter ?
I'm man enough to know my own limits, doesnt stop me from enjoying my bike.
Paul the 6th
05-10-10, 07:56 PM
yeah to be fair YC "getting all a bike has to offer" doesn't neccesarily mean that you have passed the test and can now upgrade to the 'next level'... If that's the syntax then technically anything capable of more than 70mph shouldn't be allowed on UK roads..
I think the whole thing of "the sv is a great bike but I'd never go back" is down to the fact that for many (myself included), it was the first taste of a 'big' bike (i.e. passed your test and bought a 600+ bike) where you learned about things like panic braking, target fixation, how big a difference a new end can can make, how to do an oil change, what it feels like when suspension has been changed for something a bit more fruity etc......
I think the sv650 has more of a 'first time' and 'born again' sentimental capacity than many other bikes ever will. Simply because people then go on to experience something with razor sharp handling/superior comfort/mind bending speed and then suddenly decide that the SV possibly isn't the best bike in the world, doesn't mean that it is a rubbish bike overall - it's probably down to that fact that it challenges them to reconsider the fact that "you know what, I thought this was the best bike in the world but now I've just found something a bit better"...
seems to be the case with biking (amongst most things in life) but it's an on going journey with new things learned every time you ride?
yorkie_chris
05-10-10, 11:52 PM
Why does that matter ?
I'm man enough to know my own limits, doesnt stop me from enjoying my bike.
Because ragging the spuds out of the bike is fun, trying to wring out 101% of the performance available, rather than just wafting up to 140 when it straightens out because a surfeit of power makes that very easy to do.
Go ride a 350LC... you will soon forget about your own limits and get on with the job in hand adding to air pollution :) ... same thing with the SV. Better to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow and all that.
Hah, I sound like more of a fanboy than nick the g33k on about his falcow... but this is an SV site after all and someone has to hold the torch lol.
mister c
06-10-10, 05:12 AM
Sort of agree with Chris. I do like chucking the SV around. I normally have a big smile on my face when thrashing down my favourite road on my own, I will hold my hands up & say that the Triumph's power scares the **** out of me & I certainly wont be using all of it, but I know that the Triumph is going to tour 2 up better than the SV so it's horses for courses really
instigator
06-10-10, 05:35 AM
Big bikes are overrated. Granted, the SV is a really crap bike but for some reason, I do love them. I've come back to them 4 times already.
Bob Bobbleton went to an SV from his Blade, and thought it was ace. Now after his 750 incident he's down to the one bike, the SV, for the road and quite happy.
Again it all depends what you want.
What was the incident you speak of Tim?
muffles
06-10-10, 10:57 AM
What was the incident you speak of Tim?
+1 I'm used to seeing that blade in your 'ring reports now!
I bought the sv650 as my first ever bike with the thought being that it would clearly be more capable than I am but it is a decent bike to learn on and a stepping stone to something a bit more upmarket in a few years and probably a tourer a bit further into the future.
It might not be the best bike in the world and that will doubtlessly be proved in the future, but for now I absolutely love it.
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