Why is the SV such a great bike?

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

I like looking at mine

me too...lol...more everyday...

[garynortheast]

Fantastic all rounder the low costs of which belie its wide range of abilities. And that lovely, characterful V - twin engine...
Great looking bike too the curvy. Designed, as my mate put it, in Suzukis 1960s bubblegum phase!

[Jayneflakes]

When I bought mine, the first thing that appealed was that it looked insectile and very cool. I did not know that it had a V-twin engine or was even a 650, all I knew was that it was silver and beautiful. It took me a while to get my license, but that did not stop the other half and myself enjoying the bike, until she was able to get her ZRX.

The bike is lightweight and nimble, which when combined with the good suspension I recently fitted, makes for an exciting ride even at thirty. The bike feels like an extension of me, it is a bit quirky, has unusual looks and makes a lot of noise, while not going as fast as others.

I have ridden other bikes, most notably the other half's ZRX1100, which is a huge bike and has more power than I am comfortable with, but it just lacks the feeling of joyful progress down the road. Nothing feels as lovely as my SV and I dread the day that I cannot ride anymore.

The other issue is that I got hurt a few years and now have a permanent spinal injury and hip injury, lifting the SV off the side stand although occasionally painful, is so much easier that other machines I have tried.

Also I just love fiddling with it, although I think that she is close to finished now. Some one wonderful on the org recently suggested some dymag wheels and carbon panels to really finish what I have done, but that is money I just don't have. A girl can dream though.

[carelesschucca]

I do kinda miss the SV for its fun and ability to make you feel great without having to ride at stupidly fast speeds, it was certainly fun riding with and leaving boys behind on their sports 600's.

When I moved up to the Gixer I was trying to ride it as hard as I did on the SV and it was getting really stupid and still the bike felt as if it was bored and wasn't actually working that hard.

However I do prefer the Street it does everything a little bit better than the SV and somethings its way ahead, I'd have never thought about touring Europe two up on the SV. Having said that, it doesn't have the charm that the SV had. Maybe its that first bike thing for me. I certainly miss the SV on roads like the dukes pass the engine was a dream for tight roads, just let the torque do its thing and enjoy how light and flickable the bike is...

[Swin]

I'm looking at trading in my SV next year, but it's a sort of sideways move, to a V-strom, as I am finding the riding position difficult for my arthritis lately.

Things I love about the SV:
Exhaust note - Beowful can sounds better with baffles in than out imho
Fuel Economy
Exhaust note
Insurance - 82 quid fully comp this year? yes please!!!
Exhaust note
Lightweight and agile
Exhaust note

did I mention I think it's one of the best sounding bikes on the road?

Then why get rid of it,your obviously in love!!!


Easier getting a comfort kit or adjustable clip-ons.

[Heorot]

Swin, I test rode a V_Strom and found it too tall and top heavy. I can put my feet flat on the SV but was on tiptoe on the V-Strom. It also wasn't as nimble at the SV. I also have some arthritis in my knees.

Have you considered a naked SV, All the fun of the faired version but a much more comfortable riding position.

[Toooldtodie]

Originally Posted by AJC

I like SV's cos I can breeze past them on the straights (then act as a road block to them in the corners!)

Nah but really it is the noise I like best. I was struggling to decide what bike to get, mainly considering another Bandit. Then while walking back from a used bike showroom one passed me and sounded awesome. My mind was made up at that point. That and it being light and quite torquey was nice!

Oh yes!
On the overrun, setting off car alarms!
And the org. A better bunch of peeps you'll be hard pushed to beat.
Lance, have you created any more ss indestructible bits yet? I think your adjuster plates are the only thing holding my bike together?!

[Swin]

Originally Posted by Heorot

Swin, I test rode a V_Strom and found it too tall and top heavy. I can put my feet flat on the SV but was on tiptoe on the V-Strom. It also wasn't as nimble at the SV. I also have some arthritis in my knees.

Have you considered a naked SV, All the fun of the faired version but a much more comfortable riding position.

Thanks for the info - this was a worry of mine as the Strom does look top-heavy.

My arthritis is in the base of spine and shoulders, but it goes on tour around other body parts too

I hadn't considered a nekkid SV, that's a great shout and I'll certainly consider it when the test rides come round!

@Aquila - I did consider raising the bars on my SV, and it's definitely something I'd be considering on a newer SV if the Strom does turn out to be too top heavy

[Bibio]

Originally Posted by Toooldtodie

Oh yes!
On the overrun, setting off car alarms!
And the org. A better bunch of peeps you'll be hard pushed to beat.
Lance, have you created any more ss indestructible bits yet? I think your adjuster plates are the only thing holding my bike together?!

nope not yet been a bit busy of late.