Longevity of the SV?
 

OK

I'm after a new bike (well second hand but new to me). I prefer smallish, light bikes (presently run RD's) but am after something with more go and comfort, as I am looking to take my pleasure riding up a notch.

However there is a possibility that a change in circumstances means I have to commute 3 times a week a round trip distance of 180-200 miles, during term times (possibly becoming a very :( mature student). Obviously this is going to rack up the miles, some 10-15k per year for the next two years. I am tempted by the Bandit, as I know it is engine is bulletproof and good for some 100k miles, but it is also heavy. I love the ethos behind the SV, together with it looks and running costs, however is it as bulletproof and capable of high mileages as the Bandit?

Re: Longtivity of the SV?
 

We've done over 60,000 miles in the last 5 years, and never had a problem. I know there are people on here who have done a lot more than that. If you look after the SV and service it regularly I can't see any reason why you would regret buying one.

Re: Longtivity of the SV?
 

If you're looking for a light bike, go for the pointy SV, not the curvy. Pushing my curvy out of my brothers shed was like moving a large block of concrete compared to his pointy (that felt like a push bike).

Though in my opinion, the curvy is a better looking ride ;)

Re: Longtivity of the SV?
 

Ok, I'm puzzled. Both the curvy and pointy S have the same claimed dry weight, so I don't understand why you say the pointy is lighter. And I'm a 4 ft 10, 7 stone weakling, and I've caught a curvy as it fell off a paddock stand and managed to hold it.:D

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

Maybe mine is full of concrete then, but a pointy (K3) felt a hell of alot lighter being pushed around than my curvy did. :(

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

Probably just felt lighter because the pointy was sliding through the air so much better due to it's space-age aerodynamics.

That's why the pointy's so much faster than the curvy, you know :wink:

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

As Lisssssa said, the Sv will, if looked after, be fine for in excess of 100000 miles.

The reason for the curvey being heavy compared to the pointy, is probably the front calipers where binding(A common problem)

Just look after the bike and it will look after you.

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

my sv should last me 3 life times then.

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

Your brakes are probably binding a bit, clean the calipers.

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

RandyO over on svrider.com finally retired his '99 around 136,000 miles.

http://forum.svrider.com/index.php?topic=79809.0

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

48k and counting for me... 19k in the last year. The fact that I have 2 SV's helps as then I don't have to wait to aquire spares.

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

Wise man Dan. Same here - always helps to have Plan B

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

If I had the cash I would have falc's engine off him too.

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

I've got 35K on an 03 thou and 18K on an 04 Thou. Never been near a dealer and never will whilst I own them. Do all the work myself.

Re: Longevity of the SV?
 

Well as long as the engine don't give up, I'll be fine with all the other stuff. Even then I have a mate who could easy rebuild it, so it would all be down to time and cost. Worse comes to the worse then I might have to use some pointy bits.