SvNewbie

Sounds a little odd. Suzuki have a generally good reputation in the gearbox department. My SV is easily the best of the bikes I've ridden.

How is the chain adjustment? Too tight can make changing gear difficult. 2nd - 3rd from my limited experience is an unusual issue. Most clutch problems manifest themselves as not being able to get into neutral.

One thing I'd say, if you are giving the bike enough time for you to notice the revs drop then you are almost certainly changing too slowly. A little clutch and a moderate boot-full on the shifter at practically the same instant should see it pop into gear very smoothly. Totally unlike a car where smoothness comes from being gentle and progressive.

Also, make sure you are fully releasing the shifter between gears, otherwise the ratchet mechanism won't work, try being quite deliberate about this and see if it helps.

Where are you located? Maybe someone nearby can take it for a spin.