Longevity of the SV?

OK

I'm after a new bike (well second hand but new to me). I prefer smallish, light bikes (presently run RD's) but am after something with more go and comfort, as I am looking to take my pleasure riding up a notch.

However there is a possibility that a change in circumstances means I have to commute 3 times a week a round trip distance of 180-200 miles, during term times (possibly becoming a very mature student). Obviously this is going to rack up the miles, some 10-15k per year for the next two years. I am tempted by the Bandit, as I know it is engine is bulletproof and good for some 100k miles, but it is also heavy. I love the ethos behind the SV, together with it looks and running costs, however is it as bulletproof and capable of high mileages as the Bandit?

[Lissa]

Originally Posted by nd1959

OK

I'm after a new bike (well second hand but new to me). I prefer smallish, light bikes (presently run RD's) but am after something with more go and comfort, as I am looking to take my pleasure riding up a notch.

However there is a possibility that a change in circumstances means I have to commute 3 times a week a round trip distance of 180-200 miles, during term times (possibly becoming a very mature student). Obviously this is going to rack up the miles, some 10-15k per year for the next two years. I am tempted by the Bandit, as I know it is engine is bulletproof and good for some 100k miles, but it is also heavy. I love the ethos behind the SV, together with it looks and running costs, however is it as bulletproof and capable of high mileages as the Bandit?

We've done over 60,000 miles in the last 5 years, and never had a problem. I know there are people on here who have done a lot more than that. If you look after the SV and service it regularly I can't see any reason why you would regret buying one.

If you're looking for a light bike, go for the pointy SV, not the curvy. Pushing my curvy out of my brothers shed was like moving a large block of concrete compared to his pointy (that felt like a push bike).

Though in my opinion, the curvy is a better looking ride

[Lissa]

Originally Posted by JimmyGulp

If you're looking for a light bike, go for the pointy SV, not the curvy. Pushing my curvy out of my brothers shed was like moving a large block of concrete compared to his pointy (that felt like a push bike).

Though in my opinion, the curvy is a better looking ride

Ok, I'm puzzled. Both the curvy and pointy S have the same claimed dry weight, so I don't understand why you say the pointy is lighter. And I'm a 4 ft 10, 7 stone weakling, and I've caught a curvy as it fell off a paddock stand and managed to hold it.

Maybe mine is full of concrete then, but a pointy (K3) felt a hell of alot lighter being pushed around than my curvy did.

Originally Posted by JimmyGulp

Maybe mine is full of concrete then, but a pointy (K3) felt a hell of alot lighter being pushed around than my curvy did.

Probably just felt lighter because the pointy was sliding through the air so much better due to it's space-age aerodynamics.

That's why the pointy's so much faster than the curvy, you know

[Viney]

As Lisssssa said, the Sv will, if looked after, be fine for in excess of 100000 miles.

The reason for the curvey being heavy compared to the pointy, is probably the front calipers where binding(A common problem)

Just look after the bike and it will look after you.

my sv should last me 3 life times then.

Originally Posted by JimmyGulp

Maybe mine is full of concrete then, but a pointy (K3) felt a hell of alot lighter being pushed around than my curvy did.

Your brakes are probably binding a bit, clean the calipers.

RandyO over on svrider.com finally retired his '99 around 136,000 miles.

http://forum.svrider.com/index.php?topic=79809.0