I had a hornet first and an sv second (owned them both at the same time). The hornet was my first big bike (bigger than a 500cc twin) and I have to say, I don't think I'll ever forget the first shot I had on it. Perched on top of the thing, it just begged to go faster and thats the major problem I had with the hornet also - it's fondness of being ridden hard.
I couldn't really bimble along on it like I could the sv. I'd want to scream away on the hornet 24/7 whereas on the sv I can be a lot more relaxed but still hustle the thing through the bends when needed.
Quite which one I prefer I don't know. Each one appeals to a different part of me. And although I can get a lot of enjoyment out of riding the sv quick, it won't beat the enjoyment that I got from the hornet being ridden hard.
(Of course the hornet loses out on the fact it has a lower tank range, higher insurance etc.)