What is the front end knock that people have mentioned?
if this is what i think you mean its a knock when the front wheel hits a pot hole or simalair in the road as if the forks bottom out, ive never had this problem.
Is this the same as the Front plug misfiring problem?
no, the front plug misfire is when riding in heavy rain and because the front mud guard is so short the front wheel throws water at the front plug.
How easy is it to fix the misfiring problem?
a fenda extenda fixes this and also maybe some silicone grease around the front plug cap.
Where is it prone to rust?
if you dont look after your sv all the fixings and fasteners will rust so will the exhaust pipes and bottom yolk, this is the same as many other bikes if you dont look after them.
Some people had complaints about “build quality”. What are these complaints? Is the frame badly welded? Do stock parts not fit very well?
the sv is a cheap bike so mr suzuki made it with cheap parts to keep the cost low, if you clean your bike regular and dry it off regular then this will keep rust at bay, the frame build quality is very good the actual bike is quite a good quality but its those horrid fastners and fixings that are of cheap quality.
How expensive is it to maintain? Consumables (chain, sprockets, tyres)?
the sv is a cheap bike to maintain and run thats why loads of ppl love them.
What are some issues to look for when buying a used bike?
service history, milage, tyres, brakes, general clean condition.
I would mostly use the bike as a commuter. How does the bike hold up to bad weather? Is it a year round bike?
lots of ppl on here ride there bikes all year round and yes it will make a good commuter but if you dont look after the bike then it will look shabby in a matter of months, winter salt eats away at the nuts and bolts as you watch.
How much for insurance?
again cheap
thats why they are great
What is the difference between curvy and pointy? Is this in reference to the faired and unfaired versions?
basicly the curvey has carbs and the pointy has fuel injection, the curvey was the original model up to 2003 then the pointy model took over from there, they are both great bikes just choose the one you like the look of best