VTR1000 or SV1000

[insane1]

need to know what you guys and girls think of these bikes pros vs cons of each will prob take the vtr for a run on tues morn and see if haldanes have a sv1000 demo bike for ablast just need something diffrent .

[Zed]

And what will become of the mighty Burgman??

Good to see you are getting onto a 'proper' road bike, even though you held your own ground well on that giant scooter! :2thumbsup

[onearmedbandit]

SV1000 over the VTR any day. Legendary engine, better economy, nicer styling (imo).

[Devil]

Do a search, this topic has come up a few times.

My opinion is the SV wins.

[paturoa]

I looked long and hard and went for the SV in the end. Both are very good bikes.

Do a search you will find a bunch of minor issues with both.

I liked the looks of the zook more, the engine was stronger at lower revs (it was to be a commuter also) and the chain snatch on the VT was bad at low revs.

[degrom]

Specifications wise the SV... Like wise the VTR!!!

Up to you... :)

[GSX-RJIM]

i,ve riden both machines. The SV felt more 'modern'plus the SV has a far better fuel range. SV has a very well knowen very hard to kill engine. Ask Dallas (Colmans)for a comparison.GSX-JIM

[Clivoris]

Owned an SV for a couple of years and rode VTR's on occasion. The SV was without a doubt the better spec'd bike and had more performance, but the VTR always felt easier to ride on the road. They seemed "softer" and more forgiving. Both great bikes but more potential in the SV me thinks. There are some unbelievable second hand deals out there. Enjoy your shopping, it's a buyers market.

[SpankMe]

The VTR is long overdue for an overhaul as the design is getting old.

The SV1000 is definitely the better V-Twin with really good fuel injection and an engine that has been used by Italian manufacturers in their bikes. The design is also been copied by Hyosung. Can't say that about the VTR's engine and design.

check out www.sv-portal.com

[SARGE]

i,ve riden both machines. The SV felt more 'modern'plus the SV has a far better fuel range. SV has a very well knowen very hard to kill engine. Ask Dallas (Colmans)for a comparison.GSX-JIM

im not at colemans anymore but my choice would be the SV.. depends on the km's .. overall condition and price


later VTR's have a larger tank than the earlier models ..same size as the SV's








personally bro,.i wouldn't go the 1000 just yet.. 650 is plenty till you get more experience with a geared bike..its a whole different kettle of fish than a auto scooter .. just my opinion though

[Grinner]

I have ridden both and prefered the SV, also have only heard good things about the sv engine lasting forever.

[Fatjim]

I don;t know your riding, but the VTR/SV's are alot easier to ride that the inline 4 thous and less likely to chuck you into a passing bush. So don;t be too scared of them. I got onto my VTR after a 15 year break in riding, I was pretty shit back then as well, and it's never really scared me because the power is so smooth. You can go fast, but it takes a concious decision to do so.

Not a big fan of suzuki, and have never riden an SV, but the bike would be in almost every respects better than a VTR. Although the tank milage on 01+ models is fine, I get between 200 and 240 before the RLOD, and I'd get another 30ks after that.

But what it really comes down to though is which one makes you grin more and ache less.

If you go the VTR way, try to get a facelift one with decent pipes and a sorted front end. No point buying and origonal spec one if you can get those bits for free.

Braided lines/sintered pads help heaps once the front sorted.

[SpankMe]

Shit, didn't realise you currently ride a scoot. NO, the SV1000 is not the bike to go for. Get a SV650 first.

[FzerozeroT]

I'm also in the market for an SV, so don't go being a bastard and stealing my bargains :Pokey:

[vifferman]

Well, it seems to be unanimous.

I owned a VTR1000 for about 18 months, and had a lot of fun on it, and it has the advantage of being cheaper than an SV, and more comfy / easier to ride. But even so, I'd be inclined to recommend the SV instead, because:

The SV engine is more robust (VTRs can eat themselves when the camchain tensioners break, which they are prone to do).
SV gearbox is better (Honda gearboxes require a shifter kit to be as slick as the Suzukis).
VTR is ugly.
VTR fuel consumption and range isn't good, even on the later (post 2000?) models, which had a larger tank (and higher bars) fitted.

[insane1]

well looks like it will be the vtr if they (haldanes)do me a good deal or may even see what they will do a sv1000 out the door for still thinking and yes zed the burger is still going strong just need something faster for longer runs .

[jonbuoy]

VTR is a good first big bike, about the same power as a 600/4cyl. Quite forgiving but the front end on the early models is dodge and will get all out of shape if you push it. Although I have to admit its not the best choice if your moving up from a scooter. Acceleration will get you in trouble, take it easy.

[jonbuoy]

How much you paying? I have one up for sale, I have it listed at a slightly unrealistic price at the moment as I'm not in a mad rush to sell - open to offers though - PM me if your interested.

[GSX-RJIM]

im not at colemans anymore but my choice would be the SV.. depends on the km's .. overall condition and price


later VTR's have a larger tank than the earlier models ..same size as the SV's








personally bro,.i wouldn't go the 1000 just yet.. 650 is plenty till you get more experience with a geared bike..its a whole different kettle of fish than a auto scooter .. just my opinion though

Where do I go to buy a bike from you? I'm still saving for a V-strom

[insane1]

they want $9995 for it so well see tomorrow how it goes and seeing i"m 40 not likley to be stupid as ive got heaps more riding to do .

[jonbuoy]

Ah well heres mine... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=34140

I will take $8,500.

[imdying]

Of the two, the SV is less of a piece of crap. The injection on the SVs is shockingly good though. Only real problem is that they're gutless, and usable torque doesn't come in till the GSXR1000 has wheelied off into the distance, which is surprising given all you've ever heard about 4s/V twins. On the other hand, they're cheap enough that you can nearly wreck two of them for the price of a gixxer thou.

[sir.pratt]

SHAME YOU MISSED THIS ONE >> http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=34288

[thehollowmen]

with all said and done, I'd say go for the SV1000 EXCEPT ... wasn't there a thread announcing suzuki had discontinued them for next year?

[imdying]

with all said and done, I'd say go for the SV1000 EXCEPT ... wasn't there a thread announcing suzuki had discontinued them for next year?Yes, it was started in 2004....

[crazefox]

SV all the way:Playnice:

[thehollowmen]

Yes, it was started in 2004....

Cheers for remembering :-)
I thought it had to do with the euro 3

But yes, I'd be glad to see the SV1000 still about, I want one myself

EDIT : this thread
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=28188&highlight=SV1000

[oldguy]

SV1000 are a good bike from what Ive read and heard they have a lot more power, and have come along way from the early TL's.

At the time I was looking to buy a bike I was looking for a TL1000 but they were a bit more than I could afford, I came across the VTR, from the monment they fired her up I new thats the one.

I ride mine everyday, thinks its the only resason I get up to go to work and on a few KB rides and trackday at Puke, Have had no real problems with it,

I look at it this way

Suzuki make Fast road bikes.

Honda make bikes that are easy and fun to ride and then they make race bikes

your choice

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Shit, didn't realise you currently ride a scoot. NO, the SV1000 is not the bike to go for. Get a SV650 first.

I'm with spank on this one theres not much of you middle of the road more than enough power just try the 650 talk to frosty.

[Edbear]

just need something faster for longer runs





"Upsizeme" Burger?:banana:

[Zapf]

had a SV650S after my VTR250. A very rewarding experience. Specially when keeping up with the 600's in the twisties because you have more torque on tap, or overtaking VFR800's out of tight corners because you out torque them. The SVS's are a very fun sports or tour bike. I have done a SI tour on one.

[SinstaNSR]

Look into an SP1 if your interested in vtr's altho I think they are rare ish, i think it would come down to whicher feel's nicest for what your looking for i've always liked the vtr tho sv is nice too, gota love the sound of the v-twins. SP1 is a faired version of a vtr. v-twins = good wheelie machines

[imdying]

Mmmm, sexy SP1 :yes:

[McJim]

I've been having the same discussion offline and the SP1 keeps coming up in conversation.

I would also consider the Cagiva Raptor 1000 unless you're desperate for a fully or at least half faired bike. The Raptor uses a Suzuki V-Twin engine but I suspect the Italians may have tinkered with it a bit.

[Squeak the Rat]

All depends what you want to do:

Sport riding (ie arse up, head down fanging): SP1

Sport riding + a little touring: SV1000

Sport riding + a little touring if frequent fuel stops aren't a problem: SV or VTR


My best advice - ride them before you decide. Apart from anything else some people love twins, some don't. I tested both and for some reason didn't like the SV but did like the VTR but decided on a four. I also know some one who purchased a sv650s and absolutely loved it - he rode it in preference to his 'busa.

[jonbuoy]

SP1 is a sexy beast for sure but a totally different bike, no parts are interchangeable including the engine.

[oldguy]

SP1 is a sexy beast for sure but a totally different bike, no parts are interchangeable including the engine.Ive been thinking new Bike, and the SP models keep coming up. more power not that I need it seen one on trademe and an SP2 at a dealers down the line. I think they wanted $14995. not sure if thats a good price or not.

[Zapf]

SP1 weights a fair bit right?

[pencon]

You guys are all misguided ! Get a 1997 Tl1000s (or any TL for that matter)with low mileage ,and the suspension done . Mine has a Bitubo Shock and race tech forks .Full Yoshimura exhaust .Awesome bike ! Kicks an SV1000's ass plus it has better looks and way more character.. Cheap too

[Clivoris]

You guys are all misguided ! Get a 1997 Tl1000s (or any TL for that matter)with low mileage ,and the suspension done . Mine has a Bitubo Shock and race tech forks .Full Yoshimura exhaust .Awesome bike ! Kicks an SV1000's ass plus it has better looks and way more character.. Cheap too

That's an excellent idea. There are heaps of TL's like that for sale too. Welcome to KB too bro. Good to have you adding to the mix.

[TLDV8]

You guys are all misguided ! Get a 1997 Tl1000s (or any TL for that matter)with low mileage ,and the suspension done . Mine has a Bitubo Shock and race tech forks .Full Yoshimura exhaust .Awesome bike ! Kicks an SV1000's ass plus it has better looks and way more character.. Cheap too

Who would want one of those nasty old things :laugh:

Welcome to the site :2thumbsup

[98tls]

You guys are all misguided ! Get a 1997 Tl1000s (or any TL for that matter)with low mileage ,and the suspension done . Mine has a Bitubo Shock and race tech forks .Full Yoshimura exhaust .Awesome bike ! Kicks an SV1000's ass plus it has better looks and way more character.. Cheap too :banana: :banana: good stuff...thatll get the SV boys upset...

[paturoa]

... Kicks an SV1000's ass plus it has better looks and way more character.. Cheap too

top end only, so yeah have to agree a LITTLE faster on a track or with plenty of prior notice.... so in the real world after a couple of minutes the TL would eventually catch up to the SV :bleh:

edit: the assembled masses seem to be split into thirds, perfer SV, prefer TL, and perfer something else

[98tls]

top end only, so yeah have to agree a LITTLE faster on a track or with plenty of prior notice.... so in the real world after a couple of minutes the TL would eventually catch up to the SV :bleh:

edit: the assembled masses seem to be split into thirds, perfer SV, prefer TL, and perfer something else
Having ridden a bit with a guy on an SV i reckon like every other comparison that it always comes down to rider ability in the end....i will add that they are totally different bikes to ride..........

[Kyle]

You cant really throw the sp1 in that comparison, VTR vs SV sure, but the sp2 is more comparable to a ducati or something of that caliber. I cant comment on the SV, except that i have seen plenty of problems with the fuel injection on some of them, sometimes good old simple carbys are the reliable way to go. I have owned a vtr1000 and it was great, but compared to the sp1 i tested at pukakoe my vtr was a slow flexable touring bike, the sp1 is ridged and wicked fast, and it handled super nice, however for the price you`d hope it was better, they are a cut above the vtr and i dare say the SV and TL also, good luck finding one though, they are fairly rare now. I know your looking at vtwins, but if its performance you want, why not try a cbr1000, and if its looks you want, how about a cbr1000, i could go on but you obviously want a vtwin, so get a cbr1000 :2thumbsup

[Kyle]

Just had a second thought, How about a VFR800 ..v4. very nice handling bike, plenty of "V" torque, plenty of up-top horsepower, sound great, super reliable, great on fuel, look great, very comfy compared to full-on sportbikes.

[imdying]

Meh, V torques a myth, the GSXR1000 will rape the VTR, SV, TL, and SP1, even if they were all combined together. I think Sensei posted some dyno curves which pretty much some it up (as if the bum dyno didn't make it plainly obvious).

[Kyle]

And another thought, it was a VFR800 that i was following when i crashed. he was dragging his footpegs around the corner (with his missus on the back even) The vfr800 out-handled and out-powered the vtr, and the rider out-rode me. At least i landed it in soft dirt :2thumbsup

[Zapf]

why not try a cbr1000, and if its looks you want, how about a cbr1000, i could go on but you obviously want a vtwin, so get a cbr1000 :2thumbsup

He is riding a 250cc Scoot at the moment.... a CBR1000 would be too much a leap.. :)

[98tls]

Meh, V torques a myth, the GSXR1000 will rape the VTR, SV, TL, and SP1, even if they were all combined together. I think Sensei posted some dyno curves which pretty much some it up (as if the bum dyno didn't make it plainly obvious). Horses for courses i reckon......the Gixxer is by far the faster bike but give me a V-Twin on a windy road anyday for sheer pleasure...as much an attack on the senses as anything else.....Awsome

[jonbuoy]

Ive been thinking new Bike, and the SP models keep coming up. more power not that I need it seen one on trademe and an SP2 at a dealers down the line. I think they wanted $14995. not sure if thats a good price or not.

Yeah I'd quite like one too. I know inline fours make more power and torque and would kick most of the vtwins out there on the track, but I like the Vtwins engine style, roll on roll off. You can feel the engine, and it sounds good all through the rev range. Its not just a slight buzz through the bars and warp speed on the speedo (although they do sound pretty nice above 10,000RPM) . I guess its just a personal preference. As previously mentioned, the bike won't be the biggest limiting factor on the road, you will be. It aint what you ride its the way you ride it blah blah....

[SARGE]

guys .. seriously.. Insane rides a Burgman 250 scooter .. now .. dude .. im sure you are mature enough and all that but seriously .. ANY 1000 cc bike is a HUGE learning curve .. especially when you go to a manual transmission for the first time ..


mate .. ive already been to one funeral this week.... its never easy to lose a mate and i do consider you a mate


go with a 600-650 cc for now.. then upgrade when you get a few k's under you.. i am happy to go along with you to look at them if you want but i do NOT recommend you go larger than you are ready for right now ..


let the flaming begin.. i posted this as a friend

[The_Dover]

i just got one thing to say.

i'd never admit to anyone who rides a burgman being a friend, an acquaintance maybe, but a friend???

ok, two things.

I went from a hyoschlong to a gixxer thou.

Funny cunt eh?

[SARGE]

i just got one thing to say.

i'd never admit to anyone who rides a burgman being a friend, an acquaintance maybe, but a friend???

ok, two things.

I went from a hyoschlong to a gixxer thou.

Funny cunt eh?


apples and oranges Ben.. the Hyoshlong has a manual transmission ..

how big a learning curve was going from the GT250 to the 1000 for ya at first? ( i have ridden both models .. HUGE power difference..)

[Ixion]

i just got one thing to say.

i'd never admit to anyone who rides a burgman being a friend, an acquaintance maybe, but a friend???

ok, two things.

I went from a hyoschlong to a gixxer thou.

Funny cunt eh?

Uh huh. How long did it take you to crash it? BTW how many have you crashed to date?

Nothing personal, just wondering if the precedent is such a good one.

[oldguy]

guys .. seriously.. Insane rides a Burgman 250 scooter .. now .. dude .. im sure you are mature enough and all that but seriously .. ANY 1000 cc bike is a HUGE learning curve .. especially when you go to a manual transmission for the first time ..


mate .. ive already been to one funeral this week.... its never easy to lose a mate and i do consider you a mate


go with a 600-650 cc for now.. then upgrade when you get a few k's under you.. i am happy to go along with you to look at them if you want but i do NOT recommend you go larger than you are ready for right now ..


let the flaming begin.. i posted this as a friendThink I would have to agree with SARGE didn't realies your 250 was a scoot, the SV and VTR's are unforgiving, the big V twins will easy pick up the front wheel if your not use to a clutch. maybe the SV650 would be the better bet

[insane1]

ok sarge point taken next bike may have to wait till finances sorted out if you can help brilliant it may be a scoot but one that can do 90mph and has supprised a lot with its pace .

[insane1]

dover you prick me thinks the burger would have you for lunch.

[DMNTD]

dover you prick me thinks the burger would have you for lunch.
Burger(s) for lunch or Dover?


... it may be a scoot...
Wouldn't that defeat the purpose dude? Would be an idea to score something with gears/clutch to start your way towards owning something similar to what has been previously mentioned in this thread mate.

[insane1]

well lookls like this may have to wait ttill i see if sarge or someone elese can help me re finance. and yes i can legallly ride anything i want to now even your bike if your crazy enough to let me.looks like it will be a 600 or 650 when it happens.

[insane1]

who the fark would want dover for lunch old and made of rubber past its use by date decades ago.

[SARGE]

Burger(s) for lunch or Dover?


who's buying burgers for lunch???? i musta missed that part

[insane1]

fark sarge you getting slow in your old age .by the way might just have bought myself a new bike gsr600k6 from bikesport hellensville $11995 out the door will look very seriously at this bfor friday.

[imdying]

fark sarge you getting slow in your old age .by the way might just have bought myself a new bike gsr600k6 from bikesport hellensville $11995 out the door will look very seriously at this bfor friday.

Oh yeah :2thumbsup Wouldn't definitely ride that back to back with an SV before spending my wedge if I was you :yes:

[Kyle]

Ahhh the Burgman 250 scooter, ok so maybe not a cbr1000 then, or any 1000 for that matter. Have i got the bike for you, we have a Burgman 650 scooter in at the moment, mint condition, now thats a scooter! :2thumbsup

[Clivoris]

Ahhh the Burgman 250 scooter, ok so maybe not a cbr1000 then, or any 1000 for that matter. Have i got the bike for you, we have a Burgman 650 scooter in at the moment, mint condition, now thats a scooter! :2thumbsup

I've always fancied one of those babies. Now that's the bike for a man who is confident and comfortable with himself. Be even better with a pit-bull riding pillion on a pink one.

[TLDV8]

Isn't the SV1000 $12000 something out the door which seems like excellent value considering the 1997 TLS was $16000 and VTR $16500 new.

The only thing is like most modern bikes,the styling seem's to be based on Krytons head...or is it just me :lol:


<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/manurewa/5-17l.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

Most bigger twins would be a little much coming from a non shift transmission as far as braking compression and rotating assemblies.A I4 is much more free revving although any modern 600 is no toy,they probably match a lot of the litre twins in the HP department.

[Rogue Rider]

I have owned both, and the SV is best by a long way for several reasons.
The SV1000s has a conversion to full fairing which is stunning,
better riding position,
overall better response on excelleration
light weight and fuel effecient,
cheaper parts,
cheaper outlay, good resale,
better colour,
Not fugly
wheelstands superbly,
looks way better set out and decked up with all the gear, or even standard.
Go the SV1000s not the 650s, price and resale is way better and trust me cheaper to go the whole hog and get the bigger one than upgrade at more expence later.
:hug:

[98tls]

hell going by resale i would buy a TLs.................ive seen SVs cheaper than some TLs.......strange but true.........and yea les i totally agree.......

[insane1]

well anit gonna be anything but a gsr600k6 from bikesport hellinsville .

[The_Dover]

Uh huh. How long did it take you to crash it? BTW how many have you crashed to date?

Nothing personal, just wondering if the precedent is such a good one.

For ME to crash a gixxer, about 5 months, nothing to do with the bike tho.

[The_Dover]

dover you prick me thinks the burger would have you for lunch.

me thinks once you've woken up, day dreamer, that you can lick my balls.

[vifferman]

had a SV650S after my VTR250. A very rewarding experience. Specially when keeping up with the 600's in the twisties because you have more torque on tap, or overtaking VFR800's out of tight corners because you out torque them. The SVS's are a very fun sports or tour bike. I have done a SI tour on one.
Dream on, Dude!
An SV650 has a claimed 62Nm of torque, a VFR800 75Nm.
Since when was 62 more than 75? :Pokey:

I looked at an SV650 before I bought my VTR1000, as "everyone" said how great they were and how well they handled. I was singularly unimpressed; it reminded me of a lawnmower engine.


And another thought, it was a VFR800 that i was following when i crashed. he was dragging his footpegs around the corner (with his missus on the back even) The vfr800 out-handled and out-powered the vtr, and the rider out-rode me.

Must've been the rider.
But the VFR800 is a much better bike than the VFR in most respects, except to work on. Both have fairly 'budget' suspension, which is 'adequate' (damned with faint praise).
The VFR is a good all-round bike, which is why I bought it (my second VFR, and third V4). With a little bit of fettling, it's damned good.

[Zapf]

Dream on, Dude!
An SV650 has a claimed 62Nm of torque, a VFR800 75Nm.
Since when was 62 more than 75? :Pokey:

I looked at an SV650 before I bought my VTR1000, as "everyone" said how great they were and how well they handled. I was singularly unimpressed; it reminded me of a lawnmower engine.

Must've been the rider.
But the VFR800 is a much better bike than the VFR in most respects, except to work on. Both have fairly 'budget' suspension, which is 'adequate' (damned with faint praise).
The VFR is a good all-round bike, which is why I bought it (my second VFR, and third V4). With a little bit of fettling, it's damned good.

Could be true from someone who has developed a fine taste for bikes :) however for someone moving up from a VTR250, a SV650S is like a dream come true. Re the torque, don't forget that the SV650 is also a whole lot lighter than the VFR800.

[crash harry]

Could be true from someone who has developed a fine taste for bikes :) however for someone moving up from a VTR250, a SV650S is like a dream come true. Re the torque, don't forget that the SV650 is also a whole lot lighter than the VFR800.

Looking at the dyno sheets (here (http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccompare/touring/mcphotos/01vfr6rdyno.html) and here (http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0308_suzuki_sv650_dyno/photo_03.html)) it seems that the torque curves are pretty similar up to about 5000 RPM. Sure, above that the VFR takes off, but given that the SV650 is only 165kg and the VFR800 is 214 (data from bikez.com - may not be totally accurate) I'd say the SV would probably out-accelerate the VFR out of corners if you had the engine off the boil, all other things being equal.

But a lot depends on gear ratios. All I'm saying is that max torque / hp numbers don't really mean a lot, it's the curves that tel the story.

[fallofalot]

Had an SV 650 and a SV 1000s. Love the V twins, nothing like em. Regretted selling the SV1000s which I bought new. Went to a four cyclinder Kawasaki Z1 for a while but didn't like it.

So I recently rode an older model but immaculate VTR. The SV has a lot more going for it on paper, the motor technology wise, the suspension. top end the SV was probalbly better. On the track the SV would come out on top.

I bought the VTR prefer the smother lines than the sharpness of the SV. The VTR motor feels a bit more agressive, is more likely to lift the front wheel away from the lights. Being an older VTR mine has a smaller tank and range is a restriction, which needs careful monitoring on a long ride.

I prefer the VTR. Because of the aggressive feel of the motor, it handles beautiflly and i find it easier to move around on the bike and hang off the seat a bit. It just seems to suit me better, and it sounds awesome with the Harris pipes fitted.

Of all the bikes I've owned the SV and VTR are the only bikes I would go out and buy again. Either one is a gem

[Zapf]

Of all the bikes I've owned the SV and VTR are the only bikes I would go out and buy again. Either one is a gem

Me too... I would buy an SV again :) only if the Twin Thous don't eat tires that quickly...