[jambo]

Ok:
1) No idea on bandit 600 rear wheel, I do know it takes a 150 section tyre on the earlier ones so *possibly* a narrower rim, The later ones (Post '00 I think took a 160 I belive so might be better). Again, weight I don't know.
2) Fork springs and oil if done yourself are around £80 and can make a big difference and are easy to do, emulators are a bit dearer and more involved to do but can make the forks more refined.
3)Many, many posts on shocks all the good advice on options and compatability's been given, but what works for you depends on budget, and what's wrong with the current setup from your point of view.
4) Fork lowers (Sliders) on the SV have a thin finnish that doesn't stand up all that well to winter. You can use wet & dry to take the laquer off then either re-laquer, paint or probably powder coat them(this I've not checked), alternatively you can polish them up.