Test-rode an SV today

I test-rode a naked SV650 today. The first time I've ever ridden the new-shape, fuel-injected SV.

I loved it!

What a great bike! I've always liked them (for years) and I've always liked the look of them, the riding position, the fact that they are Suzuki (which I like) etc etc. But now I've actually rode one, I know that I like the handing and performance of them as well.

I was amazed how torquey the acceleration is and how powerful it feels - I ride a GS500 and thought the extra 150 cc on the SV and the fact that it's a V-twin instead of my GS's inline twin, would give it a "bit" of extra grunt, power & acceleration. But it was far more than I expected. Amazing stuff!

The frame, wheels, suspension and steering must be much better than on my GS as it definitely handled better as well. When I got back on my GS afterwards, it felt rubbish!!! The steering felt too wobbly on my GS and not as stable as the SV's. The steering geometry on the SV is great. It makes it so much more stable in a straight line as well as round the bends.

I think because a GS is made to a very low budget, it must have really cheap suspension etc - because (as you may know from one of my previous threads), I can't ride it very well sometimes (even though it's fairly new and perfect), yet when I try other bikes like the SV or the Z750S, I can ride them far better!

I think I prefer the SV to the Kwaka Z750S which was my previous "best bike" that I'd test-rode, because the SV has bags of character as well as bags of torque. Plus it's easy to ride and sooooo much fun! (I can remember one or two of you on here telling me that it was easy to ride and great fun).

Oh, and it sounded great - even with a standard exhaust.

THE SUZUKI SV650 ROCKS!

PS: I want one now

PPS: Apparently, for every naked SV that is sold, about 30 faired ones are sold - so I'd be on something that is a little bit more unusual.

it is very rare that you see another naked sv even the old shape. i much prefer the naked sv to the bandit and even the ducati monster.

the faired will have more top end but if you like accleration more the naked is better (someone told me the naked 1 is tuned for accel rather than top like the faired)

NAKED RULES

[TSM]

Originally Posted by XVS2005

the faired will have more top end but if you like accleration more the naked is better (someone told me the naked 1 is tuned for accel rather than top like the faired)

Its not tuned, the rear sprocket is one more on the unfaired. Something like 45faired & 46unfaired or 44&45, thats all. If you wanted that accleration on the faired you could just change it up to a 46 then it would be quicker than the unfaired, but loose a bit at the top.

Oh yes, this thing accelerated like hell!!



I've read so many reviews and test-rides in mags over the last couple of years that have involved SVs (usually bought the mag just because it's got an SV in it!) and they always said things like:

"this is one of the most fun bikes on the planet"

or

" the torquey acceleration makes it a doddle for overtaking - better than the....(whatever it was up against)"

etc etc.

Well, now I can understand why they were saying things like that. I imagined owning it when I was riding it and I think it would be one of the most likely bikes to own that would actually feel "fun" to simply get on and ride away.

Originally Posted by TSM

Its not tuned, the rear sprocket is one more on the unfaired. Something like 45faired & 46unfaired or 44&45, thats all. If you wanted that accleration on the faired you could just change it up to a 46 then it would be quicker than the unfaired, but loose a bit at the top.

It's 44 on the faired, so it must be a 45 on the nekkid... I'm going up to a 47 on the back of mine & keeping the 15 on the front :P

WHEN I NEED TO REPLACE IT I AM GOING FOR BIGGER ON THE BACK, THEN I WILL TAKE MY RESTRICTERS OUT

I rode a new naked last Friday and compared it to my current curvy SV. It felt smaller somehow (lack of fairing?) and very flickable especially through the bends at Osgathorpe (East Midlands SVers will know these well!). Handling was a huge improvement with no clonking from the front forks and a feeling of being in control at high speeds. I'd definitely go for the faired model to allow longer periods at speed before my neck muscles give out.

Again with the lower gearing it accelerated strongly and was definitely faster than my curent 2000 model. The only thing I didnt like was the "surge" when reapplying throttle from off to on - I think this has been discussed before? Can anyone give me the link?

Another thing is the price. Officially its £4695 but I got offered part ex on mine leaving just £2500 to pay for on the road (Redcar in Leciester). This makes mine nominally worth £2195 with a worn out rear tyre and worn out chain and sprockets plus fairing damage!! There's also 0% finance. Its a toss up whether to go for the new SK5 or buy one of the remainig SK4s which are going for around £3895.

Any opinions between the SK4 and SK5 (apart from the frame colour).

Originally Posted by ANDYTEE

I rode a new naked last Friday and compared it to my current curvy SV. It felt smaller somehow (lack of fairing?) and very flickable especially through the bends at Osgathorpe (East Midlands SVers will know these well!).

whoo hoo

Melton Mowbray to Hathern & Hathern to Ashby, is always mentioned as best biking road in the area :P