SV650 Progression

[tricky]

I starting to think about my next bike, although realistically it will probably be (at least) another year before my skills will have improved enough to justify a new machine.

I curious to know what people who started on SV's have progressed to :?:

I'm currently wanting to stick to the more upright riding position so I'm currently fancying a Speed Triple or the (less scary option) S2R Monster 800.

[ben650]

funny mate,just talking about this with me old man,and both those bikes were mentioned :D the monsters are just so sexy :wink:

[Jelster]

If you want to stay upright, have you considered a "retro" (GSX14, CB13, ZRX12, XJR13) ?

Lots of appeal, loads of comfort and plenty of torque.... Just an idea.....

Also, Kwak Z750, previous Fazer 'Thou, Hornet 900, Yam MT01...... There's loads of options out there, most of them round the 100 bhp mark but with lots of torque

.

[tricky]

If you want to stay upright, have you considered a "retro" (GSX14, CB13, ZRX12, XJR13) ?

Lots of appeal, loads of comfort and plenty of torque.... Just an idea.....

Also, Kwak Z750, previous Fazer 'Thou, Hornet 900, Yam MT01...... There's loads of options out there, most of them round the 100 bhp mark but with lots of torque

.

I like the big retro bikes, but I'm not a terribly big fella (5'8" 11st 6lbs) and I find big heavy bikes a bit imtimidating. Also the MT01 looks a hoot (1600cc V-twin !!) but fully fuelled kerb weight is approaching the quarter ton mark.

I really looking for, better quality componentry, better handling, better brakes etc and a little bit more power.

The Triple and the Duke are just currently at the top of a notso short shortlist which includes the Hornet and the Z750 plus many others.

So many bikes - Limited money and garage space :D

[Lissa]

FALCO :D :D :D

[jonboy]

I starting to think about my next bike, although realistically it will probably be (at least) another year before my skills will have improved enough to justify a new machine.

I curious to know what people who started on SV's have progressed to :?:

I'm currently wanting to stick to the more upright riding position so I'm currently fancying a Speed Triple or the (less scary option) S2R Monster 800.

The 800 Monster has about the same power as your SV, so don't expect it to be any faster if that's what you're after (though far superior brakes and suspension).

The Speed Triple of course is another matter :twisted: .


.

[Whitty]

Naked sv1000 streetfightered? :wink:

[jonboy]

Naked sv1000 streetfightered? :wink:

Perfect :thumbsup: .


.

[instigator]

I curious to know what people who started on SV's have progressed to :?:

I didn't start on a sv, I started on a er5 and upgraded to a hornet but then downgraded to a sv650s because I preferred the vtwin feel (although the hornet was a far superior machine for speed, handling, build quality and what not)

Since then, had a zx6r J1, firestorm (aww, bloody lovely bikes) and a yzf750r.

Prefer my vtwins though, the ninja was okay but a bit like a bandit but faster - dull unless you were caning it everywhere. The yzf is too fast for my needs, I don't think I'll benefit at all from riding it. Not much faster than the ninja but still, I don't need THAT fast an il4.

Firestorm was awesome'. Lovely, lovely, lovely machines. Just sold mine yesterday to save up a bit more money and am getting another sv650s (curvy - best ;)) but intend to get another vtwin thou' once I get a house...perhaps a rsv mille/tuono/firestorm or maybe a 2004 vfr800i. (not vtwin but hey it thankfully isnt a il4)

[Whitty]

I know where ya coming from,had zxr750>firestorm>tl1000r>aprillia rs250>gsxr600>ccm s/moto(crap)>curvy650s.Could not get on with zxr or gsxr for love nor money :!:

[Jelster]

FALCO :D :D :D

Cheap but you get what you pay for. Been there, done that, burnt the tee shirt....

.

[Gnan]

Honda VFR800 :D

[tricky]

FALCO :D :D :D

Hans Hölzel ?
Rock Me Amadeus my **** !

:D :wink:

I know its an Aprilia really, no disrepect meant Hans, RIP dude

[tricky]

Honda VFR800 :D

Very high on the list, posiible one of two faired bikes that are.
My mate Rob has a VFR750 with a Yoshi can on it, sounds absoultley wonderful.

[Demonz]

I liked the latest Z750 - its quite a large bike i thought compared to the ZX6. I'm quite tall so was looking for something I didnt dwarf to much which this was good for. I like fully faired bikes so wont get one - am still looking at the Daytona's, ZX6, Fireblade or maybe even an RSV...??

[valleyboy]

636

Fast, an ickle bit of grunt in the mid range compared to some 600's SS.. and brakes that'll cause you to headbutt the floor! and a throttle that'll leave you on yer ****! :lol:

Im 6'2", and dont have any problems with the Kwak... my long arms help give me a decent uprightish riding position ! lol

[Whitty]

There is an 02 gsx1400(blue and white) in jordan bikes,Leeds for£3600.I know you think they are a bit big but it tempted me at the price :wink:

[northwind]

If I was to progress today, I'd probably progress to another curvy SV. They really suit me well just now. I'd be looking seriously at a VFR800 and a Hornet 600, I'm sure, and probably a Falco , but I'm enjoying the SV too much just now.

If I had space, I'd progress to a VFR and an SV, I reckon ;)

[madmal]

xjr 1200, monster, v-max.

[argatxa]

still have another year and a half on the sv.. but next one will be a GSX-R 750 or VFR...

mmmm.... GSXR..... sweet!!! :twisted:

love the SV... but want to know what would be having better brakes and a loads more of power plus whatever everybody says about it...

if you want it for conmuting and ocassional blasts a Monster makes sense, if you want to do more serious mileage I think (personally) that that kind is just for conmuting. But at the end... whatever turns you on... test rides and cash, that's what you need to make the decission.

Enjoy!!

[petevtwin650]

I curious to know what people who started on SV's have progressed to ?

I've been riding for 33years, and I have progressed up to the Sv 650. Much more fulfilling than a bigger bike. You have to ride it. And in the real world unless you regularly travel at speeds in excess of 100 mph it's as quick , if not quicker, than a lot of bigger bikes.

I'm always amazed at how people say that the Sv isn't quick enough, then you check out their chicken strips and see a band an inch wide either side. I know it's not the case with you Tricky.

[Mariner]

FALCO :D :D :D

That is the natural progression! And I have just happen to have a beautiful '04 red/matt black Falco sat in my garage ready for a new owner, if anybody wants her! Twin Akropovic pipes, just serviced, new battery, Dataool alarm, excellent condition, 4400 miles, a quality machine! £4500

PM me if interested.

[mattSV]

I had this for 4 years:-

http://static.flickr.com/51/108048422_9663da8e7e_o.jpg

and then went to this:-

http://static.flickr.com/38/108047863_9a354e0530_o.jpg

You want more power - check
You want better brakes - check
You want better acceleration - check
You want higher top end - check
You want better suspension - check

[jonboy]

Your link's faulty, here it is amended:

http://static.flickr.com/38/108047863_9a354e0530_o.jpg

;)


.

[northwind]

I had this for 4 years:-
You want more power - check
You want better brakes - check
You want better acceleration - check
You want higher top end - check
You want better suspension - check

You forgot to put "slightly" in front of all of those ;)

[tricky]

Didn't they used to do a naked SV1000? anyone know when they stopped producing these ?

[jonboy]

Sadly they didn't sell over here. Still being imported into the rest of Europe and Australia I believe.


.

[rictus01]

I had this for 4 years:-
You want more power - check
You want better brakes - check
You want better acceleration - check
You want higher top end - check
You want better suspension - check

You forgot to put "slightly" in front of all of those ;)

Just seen this, and it got me thinking :?

now there used to be two main type of big naked bike (yes I know it's a faired one :roll: , but I'm not talking about that).

Retros, big beasty bikes, hugh engines, 14 miles long, massive machines with giant street presents (xjr's,CB1300,ZRX,GSX1400), OK bags of torque but handling was always compromised to an extent, good solid planted bikes,never the less good brake and bouncy bits for what the were (mostly twin rears, for the look).

then you got the stripped sports bikes, (tuono, speedtriple, TNT, even the X11) not much but the bodywork taken away from their sports brothers (Ok Ducati sort of do their own thing here), lighter, sharper, a tad more aggressive, but full sports bike shocks, forks & brakes.

But Now there seems to be another group, the "looks like it's a stripped version of the sports bike, but isn't" cheaper suspension & brakes, money saved everywhere they can? ( Z1000 & new FZ1 naked).


Or is it just me?

Cheers Mark.

sorry for the de-rail

[rictus01]

Oh, and inline with this thread, went from a Speed Triple to a K2 SVS then back to a Speed Triple, so no help there then :wink:

Cheers Mark.

[The Basket]

Always gets me that the SV is considered a starter bike or a stepping stone to something bigger. It seems to me it's never valued on it's own merits.

VFR. Or Blackbird, Hayabusa or Fazer 1000.

CBR600F?

[rictus01]

Always gets me that the SV is considered a starter bike or a stepping stone to something bigger. It seems to me it's never valued on it's own merits.

I'd say, you'd have to consider the target market, and to be fair the 650 is aimed at the "just passed the test" group and very good at it, it is too. also things like the bandit, hornet, fazer and new ER6, none of them perports to be cutting edge and all make some referance to " ease of riding" in some way.

Now you can either, spend hugh amounts of time and money making it handle as good as a sports bike(almost) and increase the power somewhat,but most will just trade in, their's nothing wrong with the SV650 (well you know what I mean), and for what it is, it's a great bike, but limited (funnily enough I've a different outlook, my frame of reference is somewhat greater than most SV's, all this " the SV is Great" lacks weight if all you've ever ridden is a 125, ER5 and an SV :roll: ).

On the SV1000, well it never tried to be anything it's not, it's all one step up from the 650,but still doesn't try to be a out & out sports bike, perhaps street sport for the faired, and big roadster for the naked (funnily enough the naked doesn't fit into any of the three types I mentioned above, just an honest naked).

Just my thoughts.

Cheers Mark.

[tricky]

Some interesting comments, as I said in my original post a new bike is at least a year maybe two away. My brother has been riding for 20 years and has an SV650 and the only thing he doesn't like about is the "starter bike"/"girls bike" tag.

With my next bike I will be looking for somthing "different" as much as somthing that is percieved as "better".

[The Basket]

Yes.

But it seems that better means faster...more power....

The Honda Deauville is 'better' than the SV if you want a pure tourer.

Horses for courses and all that.

[tricky]

Yes.

But it seems that better means faster...more power....

The Honda Deauville is 'better' than the SV if you want a pure tourer.

Horses for courses and all that.

Hit the nail on the head

[Lissa]

There are loads of bikes that are 'better' than the SV in a straight line.

But anyone can be fast in a straight line................and where's the fun in that anyway?

On the twisties the SV can give many a 'better' bike a good kicking :D

[Stig]

and upgraded to a hornet but then downgraded to a sv650s


:?

[The Basket]

Yes...in my view the Suzuki SV650S K5 is the best 650cc v-twin made by Suzuki money can buy :lol:

It's the old Spitfire V Me-109 which is better thingy...Answer...the one who shoots first...and has the better pilot...the machine is second to the man.

The SV650 can be bought brand new for less than £4,000 which is excellent value and cheaper than it's rivals...The VFR or Fireblade are 'better' but cost double the price...Simply getting what you pay for.

For a DR bike, the SV650 is better than the VFR. The best bike is one that does what you want it to at a cost your willing to pay. Simple.

[Iansv]

Wish they still sold sv1000 nakeds in the uk, its just about the only bike i'm considering along with the z1000, could always get an import I guess tho

[instigator]

and upgraded to a hornet but then downgraded to a sv650s


:?

Is that :? because:

1 - I say downgrading when talking about going from the hornet to sv

or

2 - The motive as to why I would do such a thing? :lol:

If 1 - Hornet was quicker in every respect, braked better, marginally better suspension and generally....a lot more fun.

If 2 - I had a go on an sv650s and was hooked on the vtwin engine - Felt nice and relaxing. :)

[jonboy]

Wish they still sold sv1000 nakeds in the uk, its just about the only bike i'm considering along with the z1000, could always get an import I guess tho

Import one from Belgium/France - probably save yourself a few quid too ;).


.

[Jelster]

Probably get one through Taz in Peterborough....

.

[Lissa]

We took this pic in Germany last year, to show folks at home the prices over there. Note, though, that the bike is shown as being only 72 ps, about the same BHP as the 650, so be careful if looking for one abroad!


http://img423.imageshack.us/img423/2395/germany20051166ts.jpg

[Stig]

Probably get one through Taz in Peterborough....

.

Are they not now closed down :?:

[tricky]

Just had a look on www.biketrader.co.uk , one or two decent looking naked SV1000's

[Jelster]

Probably get one through Taz in Peterborough....

.

Are they not now closed down :?:

http://www.tazmotorcycles.co.uk/

.

[Stig]

Probably get one through Taz in Peterborough....

.

Are they not now closed down :?:

http://www.tazmotorcycles.co.uk/

.

That'll be a no then :lol:

[tomjones2]

and upgraded to a hornet but then downgraded to a sv650s


:?

Is that :? because:

1 - I say downgrading when talking about going from the hornet to sv

or

2 - The motive as to why I would do such a thing? :lol:

If 1 - Hornet was quicker in every respect, braked better, marginally better suspension and generally....a lot more fun.

If 2 - I had a go on an sv650s and was hooked on the vtwin engine - Felt nice and relaxing. :)


The hornet is definatley quicker and has better brakes, personally I think the SV is more fun. Attmittedly I havent ridden a hornet for very long but I found that I can get more out of my (limited :) ) skills on an SV, its a very chuckable bike and also lets you get away an awfull lot of mistakes before it will kick you off.

After all it has just recently won a group test in two? (maybe bike) with very experinced test riders mostly on the basis of being more fun, after all on paper the SV looks rubbish. Also it is cheaper than the hornet

[Stig]

The reason for the " :? " is because I don't really understand why people say "upgraded" or "downgraded" when talking of moving from one bike to another.

Each bike has it's own merits. Each bike does different things. Some go fast as fook. Others are good commuters etc...

In my opinion it isn't a case of up or downgrading, just wanting a motorcycle that does something different than the previous one.

[rictus01]

The reason for the " :? " is because I don't really understand why people say "upgraded" or "downgraded" when talking of moving from one bike to another.

Each bike has it's own merits. Each bike does different things. Some go fast as fook. Others are good commuters etc...

In my opinion it isn't a case of up or downgrading, just wanting a motorcycle that does something different than the previous one.

and that's the rub :!: I've come to the conclution, to thoughs who haven't perhaps owned anything more powerful or better handling, then they must be better :shock: :roll: .

however given enough experiance the true nature of the SV is forth coming.

if the sv had been as limited as some might suggest, it wouldn't have kept me happy for 3 months let alone the 2 1/4 years it did.

Cheers Mark.

[Fizzy Fish]

I guess it's getting something that's right for you at the end of the day, and I must say that the SV suits me really well. The main problem I have is that mine's starting to rack up the miles and you have to admit the 97 design and package is becoming outdated vs the new kit out there. But what to get afterwards??

Pointy SV not bad but doesn't really grab me like the curvy one did, plus would be nice to have better quality finish/brakes/suspension. Have been offered several newer sports bikes as swap for Etienne's TL, but just don't fancy them - especially when the SV has more kick in town that most sports 600s. Triumph 675 looks good but no underseat storage, R6 nice but sounds a bit too track focused. New GSX-R750 is a possible. In terms of functionality, probably something like the CBR600F or VFR800 would suit best, but they are not the prettiest things out there compared to some of the supersports bikes! Why do you have to sacrifice looks for any real world usability??

Perhaps I should wait til Suzuki bring out the third generation SV - any ideas when that might be :?:

[The Basket]

Very much so.

Because someone has a more expensive bike then it's 'better' than a cheaper bike.

Not so.

I know perfectly well the strenghts and weaknesses of the SV650S....and can live with it...

I could have bought a more expensive motorcycle but it still would have been in the shed. :lol:

All I wanted was a modern, fuel injected, GPz500 replacement and the SV was the closest at a good price. Wanted a V-twin too.

See?...sorted. :D

[Jelster]

Have to agree with Riz in a way... It would be nice to have all the good things about a bike (decent brakes, suspension, clocks etc) without having to buy a sportsbike. I realise that many of you are not into sportsbikes (but I'm sure your doctor can help :lol: ) but it seems the only other choices you have are a "sports-tourer" or one of the hyper expensive super blinged up Italian nakeds.

Having decent running gear and instruments, as well as a good quality finish on something that's not a sportsbike is hard to find.

.

[Viney]

I starting to think about my next bike, although realistically it will probably be (at least) another year before my skills will have improved enough to justify a new machine.

I curious to know what people who started on SV's have progressed to :?:

I'm currently wanting to stick to the more upright riding position so I'm currently fancying a Speed Triple or the (less scary option) S2R Monster 800.

Im still on my SV 5 years down the line. I can only dream of a new bike :(

[dirtydog]

A few months ago i changed from my sv (my 2nd curvey) to a triumph daytona 955i. I wouldn't say it was un upgrade i just felt like something different and boy is it different :thumbsup: So why the daytona? I wanted somethingf with bigger cc to cope with the high mileage that i have been doing (1000+ miles over a weekend) considered the svthou but not to kean on the pointies and got a decent 955 for a decent price. but now i find myself wanting another sv to run along side it!

[Iansv]

Got my sv from taz and got great service + the selection of bikes is always good...

The speed triple is growing on me as a 3rd alternative tho :D

[petevtwin650]

If I was doing high mileage, I don't think a Triumph would have been my choice. Sv's do seem to keep on going. I was gonna treat mine to a 700 bore kit at 30thou but couldn't afford it, but it still goes like it used to.

As for a new Sv. I wonder if they'll up it to 700cc, as they've bored out the Bandit this year. It would be nice if they went back to the curvier look. Far more distinctive.

Nothing else on the market ticks all my boxes,old or new.

[dirtydog]

If I was doing high mileage, I don't think a Triumph would have been my choice. .


Why?


The daytona suits me nicely as its mainly motorway miles i'd be doing and it was fine on the sv but it's less of an effort on the daytona

[petevtwin650]

Don't get me wrong. lovely bikes and a great sound.

But

I've owned a few Hinkley Triumphs and spoken to owners. I sold my Sprint RS after it had a new wiring loom fitted, off the road a month, then a coil went, and the dealer refused initially to replace it straight away. Resolved by a call by me to the warranty claim dept. Shouldn't have been neccessary. All within a year and still under warranty. My mate had loads of trouble with his Speed Four. New also. Think it's that the dealers don't care, I know it can be said for Suzuki too, but then you maybe don't need to deal with them to much, and also the factory aren't much help either. Plus they are not cheap to repair.

[rictus01]

If I was doing high mileage, I don't think a Triumph would have been my choice.

funny my six having done over 100,000 each says differently, do you have some kind of inside information? or is it you consider that amount to be low mileage :shock:

Cheers Mark.

[jonboy]

As regards progressing on to a new bike, I think maybe it's about time that I did the same. Having mastered the SV and am now able to use ALL of its abilities 100% and now consider it a bit of a learner's machine, maybe a move to a litre-plus bike that will challenge me is on the cards.





(What's that? I'm really pretty crap and haven't even used 60% of what the SV can do in the right hands and am seriously in need of better riding skills? Oh well, then I'd better keep the SV for a good few more years then... :lol: )


.

[tricky]

(What's that? I'm really pretty crap and haven't even used 60% of what the SV can do in the right hands and am seriously in need of better riding skills? Oh well, then I'd better keep the SV for a good few more years then... :lol: )
.

Your still 40% ahead of me, I'll start this thread again in few years time then :D

[fizzwheel]

I cant ride my SV to 100% of its abilities, but I've just bought a GSXR-750, why did I buy it.

I wanted a different riding experience, as good as the SV is, you cant describe it as a full on sports bike. I've always wanted an IL4 Super Sports, and now I've got one. I think its a point others have made, its different to ride and it behaves in a different way. I'm hoping to grow into the GSXR as I did the SV and that my riding will improve to meet the challenge of taming the beast.

I'm keeping the SV as well for a commuter / winter bike. So I get the best of both worlds 8)

[tricky]

Nice avatar Fizz, James Garner as Pete Aron in the 1966 classic "Grand Prix" unless I'm very much mistaken.

[Viney]

I would however, like one of these. Just need 7.5k

http://upload3.postimage.org/54590/tuon_02.jpg (http://upload3.postimage.org/54590/photo_hosting.html)

[Jelster]

I wanted a different riding experience..............

I've always wanted an IL4 Super Sports, and now I've got one. I think its a point others have made, its different to ride and it behaves in a different way. I'm hoping to grow into the GSXR as I did the SV and that my riding will improve to meet the challenge of taming the beast.

Well said that man....

Exactly why I changed from the SV to the Falco - I wanted something a little different. When I couldn't get on with the Falco's temprament, I went for a GSXR, because that's what I wanted to try....

Now I wouldn't go without a 4 cylinder bike, a V4 maybe if not an IL4. I like the way the power is produced and I love the sound.

That said, I still love the sound of a barking vee twin too....

Best of both worlds is the only place to be... (if you can afford it).

.

[fizzwheel]

Nice avatar Fizz, James Garner as Pete Aron in the 1966 classic "Grand Prix" unless I'm very much mistaken.

Sure is 8)

Its one of my favourite films, Liz bought a copy on DVD for me from ebay the coppy is crystal clear its chuffing brilliant

[A-jay]

I went from a RVF400RR to my SV and now the R6 (10 days to go :twisted: ). I've had some good times with the SV but to be honest I don't think I have used much of its ability at all. I've just never 'got on' with it, I think I used to push the 400 harder and to be honest if I could have gone back I wouldn't have sold it!

This isn't a shot at the SV but I don't think progression is the correct word for everyone, I think I would have been 'ready' to move to a SS600 after the 400 but couldn't afford it and decided to try something different.

I may have learnt more than I think on the SV but its shown me that twins aren't for me (and the definition of cr*p tires!)

[jonboy]

I may have learnt more than I think on the SV but its shown me that twins aren't for me (and the definition of cr*p tires!)

:?:


.

[A-jay]

my mistake

cr*p Tyres! :oops:

[Steve W]

I too don't think it's about 'progression' but fancying something different and I think it's a very difficult question to answer for other people cos we all have differnt tastes and use our bikes for different things (okay, mainly riding, but you know what I mean :wink: ).

My next bike will probably be a Griso or Breva (1100) cos I like V twins and I fancy something a bit more exotic but I don't think I will think of it as better than the SV or my current CB1300 just different...

[DanAbnormal]

A good question. For me though the SV650 was a step backwards in terms of performance but I had to buy a new bike as I needed something reliable. The SV was cheap and is still a great bike to ride on weekends too. As for moving forward I would say the Honda VFR 800 would have been my choice as I used to own a pre V_tec one and it was a dream to ride, plus it sounded like a Nascar when i fit a Remus GP can. The Vtec models are great to ride but expensive to service. I've also owned a bandit 600, and two Ninja ZX-7R's which are just amazingly good. It's a toughie to answer as you could probably go out and buy almost any bike and handle it okay. Personally i plan to buy either a Z1000 or a Ninja 636 in the next two years.

[jonboy]

my mistake

cr*p Tyres! :oops:

Nope, still confused. What has the SV got to do with tyres, good or crap?


.

[Whitty]

I may have learnt more than I think on the SV but its shown me that twins aren't for me (and the definition of cr*p tires!)[/quote]What tyres did u run?

[petevtwin650]

If I was doing high mileage, I don't think a Triumph would have been my choice.

funny my six having done over 100,000 each says differently, do you have some kind of inside information? or is it you consider that amount to be low mileage

Cheers Mark.

No just my personal experiences. I can't argue against that sort of experience though. Certainly not low mileage. :lol:

[A-jay]

The oe tyres are rubbish!

[jonboy]

Ah yes. Well they are on a lot of bikes TBH. But that's no reflection on the SV, crap tyres are crap tyres...

(Actually they're not that bad, just not up to the current standard of good tyres available)


.

[aimhamilton]

I have just bought a GSXR600 K4 See Here (http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=34004&start=30)

I love it and am looking forward to getting used to it on warmer roads and long summer nights!

[rpwoodman]

FALCO :D :D :D

Anyone say "Rock me Amadeus"?

[tricky]

FALCO :D :D :D

Anyone say "Rock me Amadeus"?

Yep, me page 1, :D