2011 SV650-first impressions.

My 2011 SV650S was delivered today:

Took it for a blast in the late afternoon sun. Very impressed! Loved the sound above 9,000rpm. Seemed very stable at speed. I had read that the suspension was a little soft - I found it just right and very forgiving on uneven surfaces. Wow those brakes are good! I need to explore the lean angle a bit more but the roll on power going through a bend is great. I will stick with the stock exhaust - I've had aftermarkets on other bikes and found the drone annoying after a while - near the red line this can sings ok IMO. So far so good - a great motor in a light bike with excellent handling and superb brakes. I did 30 miles on a variety of roads and found it very comfortable. The best thing I found was that I did not need to downshift much to gain power. Hope the weather is good again tomorrow!

[Bibio]

yup they are ace bikes. enjoy yer new toy and stay shiny side up.

[Kirkybhoy]

I can just about remember when mine was that clean... Enjoy the bike, and stay safe.

Glad you got it and are enjoying it!! Weather doesn't look so hot for the weekend... shame, was hoping to get out and I bet you were too.

Great choice in colour wish I had waited to get the black frame and everything but how was I to know.

Originally Posted by xena_wales

Glad you got it and are enjoying it!! Weather doesn't look so hot for the weekend... shame, was hoping to get out and I bet you were too.

I try to ride most days - take the V-Strom if it's iffy but I would really like to ride the SV at the moment cos I'm soooooo liking it!

Have fun and ride safe.

[Jayneflakes]

I rode a K9 a little while ago and the difference between that and my K3 was really noticeable. The handling was lovely, the brakes felt solid and the whole bike felt so light and even a little smaller.
However, being an old tart I very soon missed my high handle bars and the restriction on it was awful. The refinement on the bike is so clear, it almost made me want a new one.

After 12 months, first bike, I am still loving the SV. I agree with you on the exhaust. Part of me wants to get something a bit louder, maybe a REMUS, but the other part of me likes the fact the stock exhaust doesn't shake the neighbours out of bed at 6.00 am.

Delivered today and reving to 'over 9000 revs' and 'near the red line' mmmm