SV650, what am I missing?

[st00ji]

been looking at bikes on TM as you do. and i noticed there seem to be more than a few cheap SV650's going at the moment - bikes in the 4-6k kind of range.

i realise that being a 650 is kind of inconvenient for rego costs - i myself have often thought you may as well go to a thou if you are going to pay the extra. but in reality its only a few hundred extra a year.

so are SVs out of fashion? all the reviews i have read say they are capable all rounders, if perhaps a little cheap in the suspension department. not uncommon in a 'budget' bike but certainly nothing damning. the same price in the 600cc range and you are looking at bikes years and years older.

i can also see some people not liking the look of them, particularly the 'S' models. but is there something else i dont know about that is keeping people away in droves?

[imdying]

Raped race bikes?

Cult following, most owners past and present seem to reckon they're a right hoot. I enjoy them, good sports bike for the road (i.e. fast enough to be fun, but also fun without going too fast).

[avgas]

Great little bikes. Only problem some people had with them was the SV650 was the only publically announced HyoSuki (there were quite a few before then however).
Likewise I think the current gen SV650 are almost completely Suzuki.

[White trash]

Fantastic fucken bikes.

Would love a front end accident damaged late model one to turn into an SV650R and hot up a bit as a road bike.

Funnily enough my missus had one, which I kindly front end accident damaged for her.......

[slofox]

I had one. An "S" model (preferred half a fairing to none). Went like stink for 42,000km before I was seduced by a vixen of a GSX-R600. Would probably have gone another 42,000km without missing a beat. Stick a Two Bros can on it and it sounds very nice. Excellent economy (22 - 25 km/l). 50kw - 200km/hr and more if you want.

Suspension is crap though. Even after emulator kits in the front it was still blown away by the gixxer. Which is why I swapped it out.

Compared to anything I owned before, it was a great bike.

[st00ji]

whats an SV650R then? i presume you say frontal damage because you'd want to be replacing the front suspension anyway?

no raped race bikes that i saw, though the lower end of the scale did have higher kms (like around 60) and one or two had been dropped.

in what respect is it a hyosuki?

slofox - you say the suspension is crap. at what point does it become inadequate? or does it feel a bit rubbish even on a commute kind of thing?

edit - i can appreciate the desire for fairing, but it looks weird :S

[HenryDorsetCase]

I had one. An "S" model (preferred half a fairing to none). Went like stink for 42,000km before I was seduced by a vixen of a GSX-R600. Would probably have gone another 42,000km without missing a beat. Stick a Two Bros can on it and it sounds very nice. Excellent economy (22 - 25 km/l). 50kw - 200km/hr and more if you want.

Suspension is crap though. Even after emulator kits in the front it was still blown away by the gixxer. Which is why I swapped it out.

Compared to anything I owned before, it was a great bike.

agree. good bike and with spension work (and an end can and PC3 and K & N etc a really fun one too.

[imdying]

whats an SV650R then?Home made boy racer model :D

whats an SV650R then? i presume you say frontal damage because you'd want to be replacing the front suspension anyway?[/quote]Yep, GSXR suspension is an easy swap mechanically.

in what respect is it a hyosuki?Ignore that rubbish.

whats an SV650R then?slofox - you say the suspension is crap. at what point does it become inadequate? or does it feel a bit rubbish even on a commute kind of thing?[/quote]Coming from an 88 GSXR250, probably never. You'll only notice it when you're about ripe for an upgrade.

whats an SV650R then?edit - i can appreciate the desire for fairing, but it looks weird :S[/QUOTE]Bar height is different between the N and S which is important too. Having something to keep some rain off is nice too.

[Gone Burger]

I too have been questioning why there are so many on trade me in this price range. But I don't see it as a bad thing. Am considering getting one for myself as a second bike soon to have some fun on and perhaps do some track days. I like the price tag, I don't really mind about the higher k's as it won't be my main bike, and I also don't mind if it has quite a few scratches etc. They seem to be pretty good value for money as far as a second hand bike goes. Tempting.... :shifty:

[avgas]

hyosuki?
Hyosung
Suzuki

Hyosung made suzuki parts for a very long period of time.
In the late 90's Suzuki contracted Hyosung to make mid-level bike based off their popular TL1000S.
Hyosung designed, made the molds for, and eventually what was made was called "SV650" - Sold under the Suzuki badge.

Then Hyosung moved from its "small bike / scooter production" to a full blown Motorcycle manufacturer. And Suzuki then moved its manufacturing of the SV to another plant. I think this was just before the face lift of both bikes came out (2003?).

So there is a little bit of Hyosung GT650 in every SV650......and vice versa.
HyoSuki

[slofox]

[QUOTE
slofox - you say the suspension is crap. at what point does it become inadequate? or does it feel a bit rubbish even on a commute kind of thing?
[/QUOTE]

"Crap" may be a little strong in fact...

Coming as I did from bikes a generation or two older than the SV, I thought the suspension OK when I first got the bike. It was really only when I rode the GSXR that I realised just how much better suspension could be.

The difference is in road-holding ability and general compliance - especially over rough road surface. There was a tendency for the front end to chatter across ragged seal with a bit of sideways movement if you hit "road eczema" in a corner at speed. That said, I several times came across loose blue chip on the roads, and once a diesel spill and did not ever have a real disaster - even at reasonable speed - the bike always stayed upright. The frame may have had a lot to do with that - bloody good frame.

It was probably more noticeable under braking. The emulator kits did help that a lot - and I mean a LOT. Stock suspension would dive quite seriously under hard front braking. I damn near dropped the bike the first time it happened. So I learned to balance front and back brake a little more to remove this hazard.

Overall, you just have to ride within the limits of the stock suspension. Hell, thirty years ago such suspension was state of the art. But things have moved on.

When it comes down to it, I went to the gixxer because of the way it sits on the road - not for the lunatic power it provides although I quite like that too hurhurhur.

[BuzzardNZ]

Only bad thing about the SV's is the seat. It's as hard as a fucking rock.

[slofox]

Only bad thing about the SV's is the seat. It's as hard as a fucking rock.

Actually, YES! It is indeed. Used to turn my arse to pure pain after two hours...

[bogan]

Only bad thing about the SV's is the seat. It's as hard as a fucking rock.

get it redone with a gel insert.

Was looking at SV's a while ago as I wanted a mid sized V-twin, went with a bros instead and fucking glad I did, got plenty of cult bike factor, unlike the SV which looks like a farmbike :shutup:

[Ferkletastic]

I've had a k7 SVs for the last few weeks. Loving it, the engine as has been mentioned is great, torquey as and rev happy too.

Excellent bike for the price.

[st00ji]

sweet, thanks for all the info chaps.

avgas - yep i grasped the meaning of the hybrid name, was just curious to what extent the two were interbred. wonder where they are made now? was looking at 2003+ models anyway, like the look a little better - particularly the frame.

imdying - nice reply! i guess the GSXR stuff gives you instant upgrades, plenty of aftermarket options and better brake options too huh. sounds like a worthwhile swap. what kind of money does the gixxer stuff go for? and yeah i figured a pig in a poke would handle better than my clapped out old suzi, especially with big old me on the back of it. you mentioned height differences between S and N. i was leaning towards the N because i prefer the look of it, but also because i like the more upright seating position it looks like it offers. presumably it cant be ridden as agressively as the S? but i've no doubt the N will be capable beyond my abilities for some time to come.

slofox - nice insights, i guess like you say you can only compare to what you have ridden. what are emulators exactly? still a bit new to all this bike tech talk :)

[White trash]

sweet, thanks for all the info chaps.

avgas - yep i grasped the meaning of the hybrid name, was just curious to what extent the two were interbred. wonder where they are made now? was looking at 2003+ models anyway, like the look a little better - particularly the frame.

imdying - nice reply! i guess the GSXR stuff gives you instant upgrades, plenty of aftermarket options and better brake options too huh. sounds like a worthwhile swap. what kind of money does the gixxer stuff go for? and yeah i figured a pig in a poke would handle better than my clapped out old suzi, especially with big old me on the back of it. you mentioned height differences between S and N. i was leaning towards the N because i prefer the look of it, but also because i like the more upright seating position it looks like it offers. presumably it cant be ridden as agressively as the S? but i've no doubt the N will be capable beyond my abilities for some time to come.

slofox - nice insights, i guess like you say you can only compare to what you have ridden. what are emulators exactly? still a bit new to all this bike tech talk :)

Complete GSXR front ends can be had for (comparitively) fuck all out of the states. The only real issue is Suzuki, in their infinite wisdom, decided to drive the SV650s speedo off the front wheel, where as every other late model Suzuki is driven from the countershaft sprocket.

There's a number of outfits in Eruope doing big bore and stroker kits for them, radical cams, even stronger casings. If you had the wallet you could go absolutely mental with one.

[Pwalo]

Only bad thing about the SV's is the seat. It's as hard as a fucking rock.

You're right there! Funny thing is I got the replacement lower seat from Suzuki Japan, and i reckon it's actually comfier than the original.

Other than that the SV is a great little(ish) sporty bike. As everyone else has said the only real failing is that the suspension components aren't the latest and greatest, but there are heaps of upgrades available.

Apparently they don't do too bad on the track either.

[avgas]

avgas - yep i grasped the meaning of the hybrid name, was just curious to what extent the two were interbred. wonder where they are made now? was looking at 2003+ models anyway, like the look a little better - particularly the frame.
Actually there was very little wrong with the pre-2003 bikes. And this is why Hyosung has done so well with the GT650 range.
I fear the new ones may actually be made somewhere worse.......Suzuki has lots of production facilities in China, Malaysia, Indonesia......
But even then I think quality would have only dropped a fraction.

Good luck with the new bike - and I envy you lol

[st00ji]

i presume there is some solution for the speedo issue? or is it estimation? :P

avgas - yep im sure the pre 03s are fine too, i certainly didnt find anything in my searching to indicate otherwise. indeed i've not heard many a bad thing said about the hyos either, apart from general snobbishness (been known to indulge myself from time to time :innocent: )

why do ya envy me? and i havent bought anything yet, still on 6R for another month or two :)

edit - as for production quality, i have no concerns on this front. the chinese or whoever else can surely provide plenty of skilled workers, seems to me its just a case of you get what you pay for. lots of very cheap stuff gets made in those places, but i have no doubt you can get good quality if you dont mind paying for it. im sure suzuki wouldnt want to damage its image by selling complete shit boxes.

[White trash]

i presume there is some solution for the speedo issue? or is it estimation? :P


I'm working on it, wouldn't be too difficult I don't think.


im sure suzuki wouldnt want to damage its image by selling complete shit boxes.

Ask anyone who owns a let model, Chinese assembled GN250 that. Total rusty pieces of shit which need the valve clearances adjusted by the first (800km) service otherwise all hell breaks loose.

I'm pretty sure that the SVs are produced in either a Japanese or Taiwanese factory.

As for Hyosungs, there's nothing actually wrong with them but they're far from anywhere near as good as an SV650.

[avgas]

why do ya envy me? and i havent bought anything yet
Newish bike....
right now my newish bike is the 87 FZR......
the other is an 86 SRX :(

Both don't have warrents right now.....:(
I hate being busy

[SVboy]

Great bikes, within their limitations[suspension and an "old fashioned" riding position for the S. I think worthwhile improvements were made on the Gen2 K5 onwards models over the Gen2 K3-4-Seating and suspension, I think? Slofox offers the experienced opinion. Funny rear tyre size. Seem good value on TM. You could easily spend 2-3K doing up the suspension-why not buy a GSXR?

[bogan]

i presume there is some solution for the speedo issue? or is it estimation? :P

vapor do pretty good digital gauges, heaps of people run them on bros/hawks, easy install and you save a bit of weight too!

[SVboy]

Great bikes, within their limitations[suspension and an "old fashioned" riding position for the S[can get quite "wristy"]. I think worthwhile improvements were made on the Gen2 K5 onwards models over the Gen2 K3-4-Seating and suspension, I think? Slofox offers the experienced opinion. Funny rear tyre size. Seem good value on TM. You could easily spend 2-3K doing up the suspension-why not buy a GSXR?

[Pwalo]

Ask anyone who owns a let model, Chinese assembled GN250 that. Total rusty pieces of shit which need the valve clearances adjusted by the first (800km) service otherwise all hell breaks loose.

I'm pretty sure that the SVs are produced in either a Japanese or Taiwanese factory.

.

Yea, I'm pretty sure my K6 is listed as being manufactured in Nippon.

[crazyhorse]

By far one of the best bikes I've ever owned. You can do anything to it and its almost failsafe. Mine was the older model and had a yoshi pipe. Hmmmmmmm - good sound :love:

Overall it was an excellent machine :yes:

[slofox]

Yea, I'm pretty sure my K6 is listed as being manufactured in Nippon.

The book reckoned my K7 was made in Japania...

[slofox]

what are emulators exactly? still a bit new to all this bike tech talk :)

In a nutshell (in my own simplistic language) a "Cartridge Emulator Kit" converts the damper rod forks from fixed rate oil flow to variable rate oil flow. So you get more compliant suspension. Something like that. Have a look online - plenty of info out there...

[wysper]

why not buy a GSXR?

Coz it's not a v-twin :done:

[st00ji]

Great bikes, within their limitations[suspension and an "old fashioned" riding position for the S. I think worthwhile improvements were made on the Gen2 K5 onwards models over the Gen2 K3-4-Seating and suspension, I think? Slofox offers the experienced opinion. Funny rear tyre size. Seem good value on TM. You could easily spend 2-3K doing up the suspension-why not buy a GSXR?

yep good question that. i was not actually commited to an SV, just curious as to why they seem to be cheaper than similar bikes. i was actually wanting something a little more upright and a little more naked, (at least compared to my 250) with a little more pillion comfort. was looking at bandits n hornets when i noticed the SV's, though the pillion seat looks fairly sports bikeish on them too.

raging robs gsxr750 for 4k is calling!

[SVboy]

True true, but it would be easy to buy a tidy SV650 and spend quite a bit to make it an awesome bike. The same $$$ in total would come close to buying a mint late model GSXR 600 or similar, which is still going to be heads and shoulders better than the SV, and possibly offer a better return when selling. Just my pov.

[st00ji]

yeah totally agree on that front. kinda funny how your username is SVboy and your bike is a GSXR :D

wysper - personally i prefer the sound of an IL4, but maybe i havent heard the right twin yet? all the ducatis i have heard sound fairly agricultural (i wont go so far as to compare them to harleys :))

[Smifffy]

I been looking around on the tardme too, and apart from a couple of obvious cheapies, most of the SVs I've seen haven't been that much below a few other bikes I'd much rather have, even a couple from dealers.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-312035212.htm

I'm just sayin'

[SVboy]

I had a K5 650S-awesome bike. Then I had a K7 sv1000s-too much to soon! I only did around 10000kms on my 650-sold too soon, but after going down the wrong track with the 1000, got a gsxr 600 and just loved it!!

[Banditbandit]

yep good question that. i was not actually commited to an SV, just curious as to why they seem to be cheaper than similar bikes. i was actually wanting something a little more upright and a little more naked, (at least compared to my 250) with a little more pillion comfort. was looking at bandits n hornets when i noticed the SV's, though the pillion seat looks fairly sports bikeish on them too.

raging robs gsxr750 for 4k is calling!


I think there's a lot of SV650s or sale because they are a "moving on up" bike - people get a full licence, buy an SV650 , get a bit more experience, then move to a bigger bike ...

I'd recommend the Bandits. I have a K5 650 and a K9 1250. The 650 is my daily transport and the 1250 my weekend bike

Great fun bikes, very quick without being an aggressive sports bike ... I've seen 217 klicks on the 650 clock and something more than that on the 1250 ...

Comfortable long distance bikes ... I've done more than 1,000 in slighly over 12 hours on the 1250 and felt fine ... the 650, being lighter, is not as stable on the road at speed as the 1250, (around 180 klicks the front end can be a bit bouncey and skippy in corners but sitting at the speed limit it's fine) and it runs at higher revs - while the 1250 has heaps of torque in the mid-range.

If you really want fun on a bike you con't go past the GSXR750 ... I want one of those too - but my wife would be very pissed if I got a third bike ... and having just got my licence back after losing it for too many demerit points for speeding I'm not sure it's worth the risk ...

[SVboy]

GSXR 750-Trust me-its worth the risk!!

[slofox]

I think there's a lot of SV650s or sale because they are a "moving on up" bike - people get a full licence, buy an SV650 , get a bit more experience, then move to a bigger bike ...

Which is what I did - except that I moved to a "smaller" bike...in capacity anyway but certainly "bigger" in power. The SV for me was a good "first bike for years" purchase. I deliberately chose it for just that reason.


GSXR 750-Trust me-its worth the risk!!

I stayed with the 600 despite wanting the 750. Couple of reasons:

1. I didn't have the extra dollars for the 750.
2. Cheaper reg under the new pricing scheme...

Oh and
3. I can get into way too much trouble on the 600 anyway...:whistle:

[SVboy]

Being of unsound mind, I went gsxr 600,sold that, then got the gsxr 750, and persuaded the bank to let me get a gsxr 600 for track days......I am one of those teechas mentioned in the rant dept-I NEED the pay increase!!

[Banditbandit]

Being of unsound mind, I went gsxr 600,sold that, then got the gsxr 750, and persuaded the bank to let me get a gsxr 600 for track days......I am one of those teechas mentioned in the rant dept-I NEED the pay increase!!

Mee too ... teecha that is ... but I got no kids so I can afford the toys the wife lets me have ...

[FROSTY]

I think a lot of folk bought them because they are a very sensible commuter,tourer and general dogsbody bike. But now the "sensible" sorts are buying cars due to the long wet winter and rego cost increases. Given it costs no more to rego I'd buy a TRX850 rather than the SV.

[Smifffy]

I think a lot of folk bought them because they are a very sensible commuter,tourer and general dogsbody bike. But now the "sensible" sorts are buying cars due to the long wet winter and rego cost increases. Given it costs no more to rego I'd buy a TRX850 rather than the SV.

Most rental outfits seem to have them in their line up too.

[Robert Taylor]

In a nutshell (in my own simplistic language) a "Cartridge Emulator Kit" converts the damper rod forks from fixed rate oil flow to variable rate oil flow. So you get more compliant suspension. Something like that. Have a look online - plenty of info out there...

Not only that, combined with careful fitting, corrective machining and alignment of damper rods, appropriate linear wind springs and a correct choice of oil for correct rebound return speed RACE TECH EMULATORS provide much better chassis pitch and ride height control

[slofox]

Not only that, combined with careful fitting, corrective machining and alignment of damper rods, appropriate linear wind springs and a correct choice of oil for correct rebound return speed RACE TECH EMULATORS provide much better chassis pitch and ride height control

Errrmmm...yeah. That...:blink:

[Ferkletastic]

Not only that, combined with careful fitting, corrective machining and alignment of damper rods, appropriate linear wind springs and a correct choice of oil for correct rebound return speed RACE TECH EMULATORS provide much better chassis pitch and ride height control

So you'd recommend linear wind springs over progressive for an SV?

[BuzzardNZ]

The SV1K is no slug for the price. Granted the suspension is not as good as the GSXR, but for everyday usable power, I'd rather own a V twin over some IL4 screamer. I have beaten an R6 from a standing start in a straight drag, I know he eventually would have caught me, but when I hit 160kph, I backed off and so did he.

Of course, on the track, that R6 would thrash the SV1K.

[imdying]

Pfft, the SV1000 is a slow piece of crap with average handling. It's shit around town, shaking itself to bits if you dare let the revs drop under 3. If you want usable every day power, kick that heap to the curb and get yourself a litre IL4... more torque, more power, massive midrange poke, and it'll pootle around town right down to idle, and pull away without feeling like it wants to throw a rod. The SV650 is a far superior bike to the SV1000.

[BuzzardNZ]

strange!. coming from an arsehole who owns a SV1K

[imdying]

I have a few bikes. Just because most people are insecure enough that they couldn't possibly say bad things about a model they own, doesn't mean I'm that fucking sad.

[Banditbandit]

Pfft, the SV1000 is a slow piece of crap with average handling. It's shit around town, shaking itself to bits if you dare let the revs drop under 3. If you want usable every day power, kick that heap to the curb and get yourself a litre IL4... more torque, more power, massive midrange poke, and it'll pootle around town right down to idle, and pull away without feeling like it wants to throw a rod. The SV650 is a far superior bike to the SV1000.

I've never owned an SV1000 - but I've ridden behind them .. and imdying's assessment is pretty much what I've seen ... I love the V-Twin sound and considered getting one .. but after what I've seen it's not a good option - the SV650 is a better bike - just not as big ...

[BuzzardNZ]

better how? they share almost all the same parts!

[imdying]

You should get out and actually ride a few more bikes :msn-wink:

[slofox]

better how? they share almost all the same parts!

The original design, as I understand it anyway, was the 650 version. The thou came as an afterthought and a larger engine was shoehorned into the 650 concept. The 650 is, overall, a better total package - better balanced in weight, power etc etc.

[BuzzardNZ]

The original design, as I understand it anyway, was the 650 version. The thou came as an afterthought and a larger engine was shoehorned into the 650 concept. The 650 is, overall, a better total package - better balanced in weight, power etc etc.

sure, I've read all that and tend to agree, but the better power comment.... no way!

[imdying]

Go take one for a ride, seriously! More is not always better.

[slofox]

sure, I've read all that and tend to agree, but the better power comment.... no way!

I think I said better BALANCE of weight power etc. There is a difference here.

[BuzzardNZ]

Go take one for a ride, seriously! More is not always better.

Already have. When I got my SV1K, they didn't have a demo 1000 to try, so I took the 650 out, liked it and got the 1000.

[Pwalo]

The original design, as I understand it anyway, was the 650 version. The thou came as an afterthought and a larger engine was shoehorned into the 650 concept. The 650 is, overall, a better total package - better balanced in weight, power etc etc.

FWIW the first SV was a Japanese 400cc model, which taken out to 650cc for export models.

I'm pretty sure that there is still a 400cc version available of the SV produced for the domestic market, as well as a GSR400 (which would be fun).

[avgas]

FWIW the first SV was a Japanese 400cc model, which taken out to 650cc for export models.

I'm pretty sure that there is still a 400cc version available of the SV produced for the domestic market, as well as a GSR400 (which would be fun).
the JDM 400 was nice....but fookin expensive (like 2/3 the price of the 97 TLS!)......which is why the 650 went offshore.

I think they stopped the SV400 around 2005? or 2006? As it was basically the same price as the GT650......

[sinned]

Go take one for a ride, seriously! More is not always better.


Already have. When I got my SV1K, they didn't have a demo 1000 to try, so I took the 650 out, liked it and got the 1000.

I did the same - rode a 650 bought a 1000 then the 1000 dropped the clutch during the run in period and the shop loaned me a 650 for three weeks until parts arrived. I loved the 650 and was reluctant to let it go. The only advantage the 1000 had was much more poke but a real bitch to ride in town. Then I changed to a speedtriple and discovered how much better a bike could be.

[BuzzardNZ]

I did the same - rode a 650 bought a 1000 then the 1000 dropped the clutch during the run in period and the shop loaned me a 650 for three weeks until parts arrived. I loved the 650 and was reluctant to let it go. The only advantage the 1000 had was much more poke but a real bitch to ride in town. Then I changed to a speedtriple and discovered how much better a bike could be.

I found town riding a bummer too, that is until I adjusted the TPS, added a smart TRE and got a TEKA tune done, now it's a joy to ride in town. Pisses me off that Suzuki sell them new with the TPS incorrectly set.

Regarding the Speed Triple, I've heard good things about them, and wouldn't mind owning one, its just I can't stand the bugged eyed look of the front end.

[imdying]

I still like my thou, it's kinda fun, and not so bad in town once you fix the gearing and the EFI. Kinda shitty from the factory, but they're so cheap that it's not a biggy to spend a little sorting it to your liking :)

Doesn't stop the seat from being an arse breaker... I'd like another go on an 03S, I suspect the original subframe design is probably more comfy.

[DarkLord]

Mine's a 2001 model, 75,000 k's on the clock, easily gets 350ks out of a tank with the dynajet carb kit, runs well despite its age and ks.

The fuel economy is the big plus for me.

[BigOne]

I had an 02 for about 5 years, loved it to bits, even tho it was a bit small for me.
Eventually I wrecked it on the Akaroa Hill, but by then it had an SRAD GSXR750 front end and an Ohlins rear end, as well as 05 cams, and was a little rocket.
If you really want to know ALL about SVs, there are a number of very good websites, the best of them is SVDownUnder, in Aussie. Also look at SoCalSV, in california.
They are one of the most modified fooled about with bikes ever made. All the stuff about Hyosung stuff in them is rubbish, as far as I know. The older models, anyhow.
The motors are indestructible, and older ones have been known to go over 100,000km.
The suspension is ok for low to medium pace riding, but needs emulators and a better rear shock if you want to push the pace.
I think SVs rock.

[BigOne]

better how? they share almost all the same parts!

Not true. They share almost no parts. They don't even have the front cylinder on the same side, and a guy in UK who tried to put a 1l motor in a 650 frame wished he'd never started, by the time he got it finished. Different frame, swing arm, forks, brakes--- which parts did you have in mind? The wing mirrors?
Imdying's assessment is pretty much on the mark.

[davebullet]

The OP has probably long gone by now...

I own an FI '03 naked SV650. I've had it for 2 years.

It always starts, nothing goes wrong. For commuting and weekend blatting, you don't need anymore torque or HP.

With the 2 brothers can it drowns out the Speed Triple with standad exhaust. The SV has a lovely exhaust note that makes the bike sound much bigger than it is.

Fuel economy is about the same as the speed triple. I usually get about 200kms on 13.5 litres. In other words - the SV650 costs about the same to run as a thou.

For suspension - I replaced the rear shock with a GSXR1000 03-04 shock. This has improved the back end compliance over sharp end bumps. I agree with slowfox about a bit of chatter on the front over uneven. Doesn't make it a problem - not as if you are racing on the street right?

I can't bear to sell the SV now I have the speed - so what does that tell you?

[codgyoleracer]

[QUOTE=White trash;1129860151]I'm working on it, wouldn't be too difficult I don't think.

Motec is the answer J, takes the ignition pick up & gear position sensor to calculate speed............. Only one slight problem, it cost three times the bikes worth........

[White trash]

Motec is the answer J, takes the ignition pick up & gear position sensor to calculate speed............. Only one slight problem, it cost three times the bikes worth........

Lol. YEah, pretty sure there'll be a less expensive option than that :)