SV for me?
 

I'm still in the process of saving / paying some debts before getting a bike, and pretty much have my heart set on an SV, barring a really poor test ride putting me off (although with all the reviews I've read and the comments of people on here I sincerely doubt it'd happen).

What I was wondering though is what's the SV like to live with long-term?

I'm 6' 1" and have heard that the SV can be a bit cramped for the taller rider, so would like to hear from people the same height as me, and maybe how much the riding position differs between the naked and S versions (i.e. is one better for tall people?)

I was thinking of test-riding a couple of alternatives anyway (Fazer, Hornet - does that count as swearing on here?) but would like to get as much info as possible...

Cheers, Andy

What sort of riding will you be doing? Weekend fun, Relatively short distance commuting (under 50 miles) or long distance motorway stuff?
Obviously these aren't all the options, but it's a good mix.

I'm 6'1/2" and the SV650s is perfectly comfortable for me. I fairly regularly do 100 mile treks on it and it's fine.

I was in the same position as you 6 months back and settled on the SV650s. I considered the Hornet/Fazer, but due to the cost difference and wanting a partially faired bike anyway, the SV clinched it. I love mine to bits, definately no regrets in buying it.

I`m 6`4 mate and never had any problems, I can do a tank full and apart from a small amount of stiffness I feel fine.

Not as roomy as a hornet or bandit. But loads more fun cos of the low weight and punchy engine.

Will mainly be riding for fun on days off, not planning to commute yet, if at all, until I have a bit more riding experience - I have a knackered Clio for that job atm. I do have some touring ambitions when I get more confident on the bike - trips over to France, Spain, that kind of thing, but that's a while off yet.

I'm 6ft 3, have an SVS and don't have any issues with comfort. The only thing i get is some aching in the wrists after doing some distance but i guess that pretty much comes with riding bikes. It's my first bike though so i can't offer you any views as to what its like in comparsion to others. HTH

The weekend stuff you'll be fine on the SV. When you're just blasting about, shifting your weight around you won't notice being a bit squashed.
As for commuting, unless it's long distance you probably won't be spending long enough on the bike for it to be a problem.

For me the problems come with long motorway journeys, upwards of 250 miles and my knees go stiff and my feet go dead, not to mention the numb bum syndrome.

that happens to me after about 50 miles , i'm 6ft . i think the foot pegs are too high for me personally .

Gel seat might be in order for touring then, methinks.

Definitely, though there is confusion on whether one exists or not, so maybe have to make one.

There's one listed on Suzi's site for 99 - k2 models, £98, no mention of one for the K3 - K5 though, and I like the pointy-shaped ones :(

They do, but they are expensive, and I've heard that they don't react well to bad weather. Not sure about that though.

Had my gel seat on mine (K3) for just over a year and the bikes been ridden in all weathers, the seat still looks like new and still nice and comfy. :)

Not sure if they do an official gel seat for the K4/5 as the subframe is different, you would have to check with a suzuki dealer.

Re: SV for me?
 

Hi i own a sv650s k4 and im exactly 6'1" i have no trouble what so ever the only time is when u r in heavy traffic after a while the palms of your hands can ache slightly but that is partly down to some strange padding in the wrong place on my gloves.brilliant all round bike.my previous bike was a gsxr400 and when i got on the sv it was like being on stilts to me :D the naked version has higher bars and obviously no fairing so better for commuting and quick blasts if u do motorway riding opt for the s model.u wont be disapointed with either.

Cool,

good to hear all your thoughts. after all, i would think a 20 min test ride only tells you so much about any given bike. Thought my height might be a problem but i guess not... :)

Not enough of a problem that it should put you off the SV, unless you have problems with your back or knees, of course.

I am 6ft even and I find it roomy enough. I would invest in a good aftermarket seat though, as the stock seat is like a piece of wood after spending alot of time in the saddle. I'll be investing in a corbin seat for mine (02' vintage) soon. Other than that, it's a great all around bike. BTW corbin makes rider and passenger seats for the 03' + models, and front only for the 99-02's

check em out

http://www.corbin.com/suzuki/sv650.shtml

I just puchased my SV650S today. Its been about 4 yeats since i've been on a bike. I'm 6'0 , 180lbs. THIS BIKE IS SHARP! Real punchy in your low gears mid range still strong. Still breakin it in still. Good choice if you ask me.

Jeff in AZ