Do I want an SV? - SV650.org

10-07-10, 07:49 PM

Hi ladies and lads

I currently own a 2001 Hornet 600

and am thinking of changing, and guess the reason I'm here is cos been thinking about the SV650 around 2002 model (monies the limiter). I dont need/want bigger CC, full-on sport, I commute short distance all year round but also want a bit of fun when I can. Long distance m/way aint very often and much prefer fun around town\A Roads etc. Now the Horny has all that but just fancy a change.

Anyways, you lot must have some experience of these and so who better to ask! I really want to be sure these are reliable, I know all bikes have their trouble spots and the Horny is gradually working its way through its own (bullet proof my ****!) It will be left outside all year, under cover (and I dont mean in a James Bond kinda way) so not turning into a red pile of dust would be nice but appreciate some love may be required, and it looks a bit easier for a retard like me to manage.

So there ya go, do you recommend the move? All unbiased responses appreciated although I do realise where I am posting this

Cheers, DMan

10-07-10, 08:01 PM

I had a Hornet before my SV650 (2004 model mind). The 650 lived outside under a cover for 3 years from new and had 15000 miles when sold. Regular cleaning and ACF50 (or other protector) left it looking v clean when I sold it. The 1000 lives outside too under a cover and again I just make sure it is cleaned regularly. I probably spend more time cleaning it than riding it though

Stu · 10-07-10, 08:07 PM

No! We all hate them

Sounds perfect for a change from what you've got instead of going more power or something else daft like Harley

The V twin engine really is different from an inline 4, so for a different experience it's well worth changing to an SV.

Yes it will rust if you don't look after it, but if you do, it's probably not any worse than any other motorcycle.

10-07-10, 08:29 PM

Love mine for what it's worth!!

andrewsmith · 10-07-10, 08:36 PM

yes simple answer

10-07-10, 08:37 PM

Cheers guys

The engine is another reason I fancied these, getting away from the in-line 4. And yeah, more a different riding experience over more power.

So far positive then. Get the whole bit about a bit of lurving, reap what you sow and all that. Mind, I looked after my misses for 20 years and get jack back so doesnt always work!

Mr UKI, interesting you too moved from Hornet, guess you felt was good move then?

Cheers for all replies so far, keep em coming!

10-07-10, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dman

Cheers guys

The engine is another reason I fancied these, getting away from the in-line 4. And yeah, more a different riding experience over more power.

So far positive then. Get the whole bit about a bit of lurving, reap what you sow and all that. Mind, I looked after my misses for 20 years and get jack back so doesnt always work!

Mr UKI, interesting you too moved from Hornet, guess you felt was good move then?

Cheers for all replies so far, keep em coming!

Hornet was my first bike (after a scooter

) and was at the right price etc for a first bike. Got the SV in July 2004 brand new having read good reports in the bike mags etc, the fact that it was only £4000 from George Whites at the time and a recommendation from a ZX-7R owning mate who had a curvy SV650 beforehand. I missed the Hornet at first, but as someone else posted above it's a completely different engine/experience. Having had the 650 and now the 1000 I am completely converted to V-twins and wouldn't have anything else. Did allsorts on the 650, a bit of commuting, lots of 2 up stuff and weekends away. I doubt you'll be disappointed if you get one mate.

10-07-10, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR UKI (1)

Hornet was my first bike (after a scooter

) and was at the right price etc for a first bike. Got the SV in July 2004 brand new having read good reports in the bike mags etc, the fact that it was only £4000 from George Whites at the time and a recommendation from a ZX-7R owning mate who had a curvy SV650 beforehand. I missed the Hornet at first, but as someone else posted above it's a completely different engine/experience. Having had the 650 and now the 1000 I am completely converted to V-twins and wouldn't have anything else. Did allsorts on the 650, a bit of commuting, lots of 2 up stuff and weekends away. I doubt you'll be disappointed if you get one mate.

Very similar story to me (Piaggio NRG was my tease for getting back into bikes, but it made me a stronger person

) then a ching-chong trials and the Horny. I think I will miss it but at the same time been feeling the itch for a few months. Looked at CBR600 at first but same engine and in all honesty I dont really like the in-line 4 round town etc, plus they are over priced for old bikes.

A side question, with the right exhaust, do they gurgle nice? I have an after-market can and just love the gurgle I get when decelerating\shifting. I dont care if childish, it just brings a grin to an otherwise very drab face.

Thanks tho, really appreciate the response.

Cheers

10-07-10, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dman

Very similar story to me (Piaggio NRG was my tease for getting back into bikes, but it made me a stronger person

) then a ching-chong trials and the Horny. I think I will miss it but at the same time been feeling the itch for a few months. Looked at CBR600 at first but same engine and in all honesty I dont really like the in-line 4 round town etc, plus they are over priced for old bikes.

A side question, with the right exhaust, do they gurgle nice? I have an after-market can and just love the gurgle I get when decelerating\shifting. I dont care if childish, it just brings a grin to an otherwise very drab face.

Thanks tho, really appreciate the response.

Cheers

They do indeed

. Took me 2 years to put one on mine and wish I had done so sooner! No need to spend a fortune either, I got a Fuel exhaust brand new for about £120 at the time, not offensively loud, but really nice. There's loads of makers to choose from though and you'll get the same result.

11-07-10, 06:12 PM

Ive also had both! To be fair the SV is off the pace of the hornet but it can be more fun on the SV grunting it about. If I was to choose between the 2 I would personally take the hornet every time especially when you say it is going to be kept outside but if you have the time and the inclination theres no reason why you shouldnt be able to keep on top of the budget suzuki finish!

I dont think you are taking a backward step in anything other than the speed, whoich isnt a significant loss to be honest. As long as you can get along with the V-twin theres no real reason not to go for it!

10-07-10, 07:49 PM	#1
dman Guest Posts: n/a	Do I want an SV? Hi ladies and lads I currently own a 2001 Hornet 600 and am thinking of changing, and guess the reason I'm here is cos been thinking about the SV650 around 2002 model (monies the limiter). I dont need/want bigger CC, full-on sport, I commute short distance all year round but also want a bit of fun when I can. Long distance m/way aint very often and much prefer fun around town\A Roads etc. Now the Horny has all that but just fancy a change. Anyways, you lot must have some experience of these and so who better to ask! I really want to be sure these are reliable, I know all bikes have their trouble spots and the Horny is gradually working its way through its own (bullet proof my ****!) It will be left outside all year, under cover (and I dont mean in a James Bond kinda way) so not turning into a red pile of dust would be nice but appreciate some love may be required, and it looks a bit easier for a retard like me to manage. So there ya go, do you recommend the move? All unbiased responses appreciated although I do realise where I am posting this Cheers, DMan

10-07-10, 08:01 PM	#2
MR UKI (1) Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Do I want an SV? I had a Hornet before my SV650 (2004 model mind). The 650 lived outside under a cover for 3 years from new and had 15000 miles when sold. Regular cleaning and ACF50 (or other protector) left it looking v clean when I sold it. The 1000 lives outside too under a cover and again I just make sure it is cleaned regularly. I probably spend more time cleaning it than riding it though

10-07-10, 08:07 PM	#3
Stu Trinity Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Guildford Posts: 8,027	Re: Do I want an SV? No! We all hate them Sounds perfect for a change from what you've got instead of going more power or something else daft like Harley The V twin engine really is different from an inline 4, so for a different experience it's well worth changing to an SV. Yes it will rust if you don't look after it, but if you do, it's probably not any worse than any other motorcycle.

10-07-10, 08:29 PM	#4
aaron020873 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Do I want an SV? Love mine for what it's worth!!

10-07-10, 08:36 PM	#5
andrewsmith Member Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Just south of salad dodging country Posts: 7,750	Re: Do I want an SV? yes simple answer __________________ RIP Reeder 20/07/1988 - 21/03/2012. Always missed squire!!! Every year we meet old friends, gain some new ones, lose old ones and you always remember them all. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi

10-07-10, 08:37 PM	#6
dman Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Do I want an SV? Cheers guys The engine is another reason I fancied these, getting away from the in-line 4. And yeah, more a different riding experience over more power. So far positive then. Get the whole bit about a bit of lurving, reap what you sow and all that. Mind, I looked after my misses for 20 years and get jack back so doesnt always work! Mr UKI, interesting you too moved from Hornet, guess you felt was good move then? Cheers for all replies so far, keep em coming!

11-07-10, 06:12 PM	#10
Villers Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Do I want an SV? Ive also had both! To be fair the SV is off the pace of the hornet but it can be more fun on the SV grunting it about. If I was to choose between the 2 I would personally take the hornet every time especially when you say it is going to be kept outside but if you have the time and the inclination theres no reason why you shouldnt be able to keep on top of the budget suzuki finish! I dont think you are taking a backward step in anything other than the speed, whoich isnt a significant loss to be honest. As long as you can get along with the V-twin theres no real reason not to go for it!