Buying a SV 1000/650

[HungusMaximist]

Well, I recently started looking into the SV series and I had my eyes set on the 650 as it looked the part being the perfect commuter bike. Had enough horsepower to take her out in the open and go for a burn and friendly enough for long distance touring.

I have also test ridden a 2004 SV1000 yesterday with Scorpion cans. The bike was not mint cosmetically, scratches and tank chips from the previous owner I believe. Great fun when you open it up and the clutch lever took sometime to get use to as it had a small gap of free play (Hydraulics clutch I believe?) while my 1991 GSX750F had a massive friggin free pla.

What I want to know is what to look out when looking at SVs price wise and also mechanically wise. I have been mainly focusing on the 2003 and up with Fuel Injection.

I have also looked into VTR1000s TRX850 and the ER6N's, comparisons?

Any advice is appreciated. Plus if any of you from Auckland who owns one and is keen to check one out with me that'd be real good. Let me know aye. :headbang:

[SVboy]

I would say-go K4 and up as the k3 650 seat is poor. 650 is a great bike-excellent engine. Budget suspention & front forks too soft. Poor front brake. Handle well. The S is best for touring-but test ride for a while, as they can be a bit "wristy". I like em! Prices seem to be quite high-$7500-$9000 asking, depending on kms. SV 1000,s are more roomy and comfortable, but again a bit budget in the suspention. Still a lot of bike for your buck. I think some of the K3 1000,s had clutch issues, which was a factory problem? Pretty reliable though. TM prices sees their value quite high, especially in regard to Suzukis Summerfest@$12500. Nice bikes. I had the S again, fot its open road protection. Lots of nice bling available too, just ready to soak up that excess cash that we all would otherwise squander on trivial things like food.....!

[skelstar]

Dude, heaps of threads about all the bikes you mention above... not to mention comparisons between all of the bikes.

Pick a goodie! (what about an oldish Aprilia?, wish I had ages ago)

[imdying]

Clutch is grabby imho, but should have no free play (cause it's hydraulic). Should feel plush and tight, even it is a beyatch of a clutch.

I'll post again once I've brought my groceries.

[HungusMaximist]

Dude, heaps of threads about all the bikes you mention above... not to mention comparisons between all of the bikes.

Pick a goodie! (what about an oldish Aprilia?, wish I had ages ago)

Eeek... I vow not to touch european bikes (for now anyway) because they all seem really exclusive and specialized...

My impression is that they are all expensive and really hard to get parts for...

Go jap! :2thumbsup

[HungusMaximist]

Clutch is grabby imho, but should have no free play (cause it's hydraulic). Should feel plush and tight, even it is a beyatch of a clutch.

I'll post again once I've brought my groceries.

Yea, I've been riding too may old bikes......

[98tls]

Eeek... I vow not to touch european bikes (for now anyway) because they all seem really exclusive and specialized...

My impression is that they are all expensive and really hard to get parts for...

Go jap! :2thumbsup No,no......no and no again,but go jap anyway.:cool:

[skelstar]

No,no......no and no again,but go jap anyway.:cool:
Heh heh...

02 Aprilia RSV $12500 12,000kms (http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz/motorcycles.php?bikeId=311)
99 Aprilia RSV $12500 13,000kms (http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz/motorcycles.php?bikeId=291)

...and RSV vs TL1000S (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=51256) thread (staring 98TLS and others)...

[Blair-SV]

hey there, the girl and I have a pair of SV1000s', both K3, one silver, one blue.

When I was looking I compared most of the above mentioned bikes and settled on the suzuki's due to price and components, VTR still to the best of my knowledge don't use fuel injection which means you have to play with the choke when starting, not and issue with the SV's. I was originally looking at 650's but they were asking the same money as the thou so I thought "bugger it, why not?" and it's been a great bike.

We did have a problem with the clutch slave cylinder on the silver bike leaking. Meaning it was pumping out the clutch fluid and getting extremely grabby on the clutch. Turns out the cylinder wall was worn, which I think may have been due to someone pressure washing the bike. Fixed it with a piece of wet and dry.

My clutch was a bit rattly when I bought it, bike shop came to the party and got suzuki to replace it. I'm told that on the SV1000's you should never labour the engine and it's worked well ever since. So I try to keep it above 4K whenever possible and never give it full throttle below that.

You may find the thou is a pain to commute in town on, I can only just use third gear in a 50km zone (and that's when I'm doing 55 or above). The 650 may be more suited to these lower speeds.

Also the thou has better suspension adjustment than the 650 so it gives you a little more scope to 'tune' it to your riding style.

All in all it's been a great bike and it's easily more capable than I am. It shouldn't give you any scares unless you're not careful with the gas.

hope this helps
Blair

[imdying]

What I want to know is what to look out when looking at SVs price wise and also mechanically wise. I have been mainly focusing on the 2003 and up with Fuel Injection. Ok, first up, they're all 2003+ cause they only came out in 03 :) The 03S is different from every other model, including the 03N. It has a higher seat, on a steel (instead of alloy) subframe. Every single SV1000 and second generation SV650 has a shitty uncomfortable seat BTW, although I've done 800km in a day on mine easily enough.

You want an 05+ bike, as they've got a number of refinements to the motor and injection.

Clutch slaves are known to give trouble, but having said that, I've never actually seen one give out. I suspect the early ones that had trouble have probably all got the revised piston in the clutch slave now (just leaked, nothing serious).

Easy to ride fast, you can get yourself into plenty of trouble on one.

If there's a cough in the injection around 3500, don't panic... they're set up lean at that point from the factory for gheymo emissions testing, and your dealer can easily and cheaply rectify that. Really only a problem with aftermarket pipes... which btw, you should definitely get. The factory cans weigh about 10kg together, so there's about 5kg to save there straight off the bat.

Buy a new one, they're dirt cheap and then you know no other idiot has raped it too bad... I'd wait 2 months and get one first registered in 08, it's extremely likely to be the last year for them.

Strong brakes, extremely well sorted motor (possible injection hiccup excepted), crap suspension, shitty shitty seat, good head lights. Check out the latest GSXR750 you can afford imho, especially if you've got the coin to get a K4+... it'll rape it in every single regard.

[paturoa]

If you are after everything that can go wrong check out
http://www.sv-portal.com/

I had the clutch slave cylinder issue and that is it.

Other than that the SV is a very reliable, lightish and cheap option. I'm very happy with my choice.

[HungusMaximist]

Ok, first up, they're all 2003+ cause they only came out in 03 :) The 03S is different from every other model, including the 03N. It has a higher seat, on a steel (instead of alloy) subframe. Every single SV1000 and second generation SV650 has a shitty uncomfortable seat BTW, although I've done 800km in a day on mine easily enough.

You want an 05+ bike, as they've got a number of refinements to the motor and injection.

Clutch slaves are known to give trouble, but having said that, I've never actually seen one give out. I suspect the early ones that had trouble have probably all got the revised piston in the clutch slave now (just leaked, nothing serious).

Easy to ride fast, you can get yourself into plenty of trouble on one.

If there's a cough in the injection around 3500, don't panic... they're set up lean at that point from the factory for gheymo emissions testing, and your dealer can easily and cheaply rectify that. Really only a problem with aftermarket pipes... which btw, you should definitely get. The factory cans weigh about 10kg together, so there's about 5kg to save there straight off the bat.

Buy a new one, they're dirt cheap and then you know no other idiot has raped it too bad... I'd wait 2 months and get one first registered in 08, it's extremely likely to be the last year for them.

Strong brakes, extremely well sorted motor (possible injection hiccup excepted), crap suspension, shitty shitty seat, good head lights. Check out the latest GSXR750 you can afford imho, especially if you've got the coin to get a K4+... it'll rape it in every single regard.

Hey ah thanks for that dude. The one I test rode was a 2003 SV but first registered in 2004. Like you mentioned they are probably not as refined as the later models in terms of frame and engine right? The guy bought it off the AA insurance as a written off, so it was a bit of a worry when he first told me. I'll PM you about it, seeing you know HEAPS about them.

As for the 650, I keep hearing they are way more flickable then the 1000's? Because they are lighter? Well seeing they are smaller, I guess they should in theory be better in the corners but then again, I wouldn't know...

Fuel mileage is the other thing I considered. Some guy mentioned you can get a good 300 km outta the 1000 but I need somebody else to confirm that. As for the 650 how much more economical is it than the 1000? And I read somewhere there was ABS Brakes on the 650.

The other thing I wanna know is that the dry weight is around 180 mark so I guess with all the fluids and petrol it's gonna weigh about 200 kg for the 1000.

Oh yea there's also some stuff about some KNOCKS inside the engine. Read it up on a SV Mod site...

Can you please comment on the 650's? Anybody else, please pitch in.




VTR still to the best of my knowledge don't use fuel injection which means you have to play with the choke when starting, not and issue with the SV's. I was originally looking at 650's but they were asking the same money as the thou so I thought "bugger it, why not?" and it's been a great bike.

We did have a problem with the clutch slave cylinder on the silver bike leaking. Meaning it was pumping out the clutch fluid and getting extremely grabby on the clutch. Turns out the cylinder wall was worn, which I think may have been due to someone pressure washing the bike. Fixed it with a piece of wet and dry.


When did the VTR started fuel injection on their bike?

And also, how do you actually check the clutch slave cylinder issue?

[HungusMaximist]

hey iamdying, i can't PM you??

[FROSTY]

dude --going against the trend--I gotta say If you can get over the looks the kawasaki er6 is a better bike off the floor-and at 10k new its same price as the suzuki
The power is basicly the same -the brakes ditto but the suspension is heaps better

[NighthawkNZ]

VTR still to the best of my knowledge don't use fuel injection which means you have to play with the choke when starting, not and issue with the SV's. I was originally looking at 650's but they were asking the same money as the thou so I thought "bugger it, why not?" and it's been a great bike.

When did the VTR started fuel injection on their bike?


The VTR isn't fuel injected... carbs and has the big dump of fuel when open the throttle :D

[HungusMaximist]

dude --going against the trend--I gotta say If you can get over the looks the kawasaki er6 is a better bike off the floor-and at 10k new its same price as the suzuki
The power is basicly the same -the brakes ditto but the suspension is heaps better

You mean when compared to the 650 right?

I haven't ridden a ER6N yet so I gotta check it out. I do actually quite like the faired version (ER6F).

[FROSTY]

yep straight comparison to the 650 suzuki

[imdying]

The one I test rode was a 2003 SV but first registered in 2004. Like you mentioned they are probably not as refined as the later models in terms of frame and engine right?No difference in the frame, although the later (05+) ones have a better rear shock (has an additional heat shield), but worse forks (only because the cartridge isn't modifiable after 05).


As for the 650, I keep hearing they are way more flickable then the 1000's? Because they are lighter? Well seeing they are smaller, I guess they should in theory be better in the corners but then again, I wouldn't know...The 1000 is easy to flick, so not really an issue imho.


Fuel mileage is the other thing I considered. Some guy mentioned you can get a good 300 km outta the 1000 but I need somebody else to confirm that. As for the 650 how much more economical is it than the 1000? And I read somewhere there was ABS Brakes on the 650.I can get the fuel light flashing in under 200kms, so it depends on how you ride them.


The other thing I wanna know is that the dry weight is around 180 mark so I guess with all the fluids and petrol it's gonna weigh about 200 kg for the 1000.Yep, pretty light, and the mufflers will save another 6kg.


Oh yea there's also some stuff about some KNOCKS inside the engine. Read it up on a SV Mod site... Some of the early ones had main bearings with big clearances... afaik none blew up, but some were noisier than the customers liked. They're pretty rare, it was never a recall issue.


Can you please comment on the 650's? Anybody else, please pitch in.Plenty to love, especially if you like your license.



When did the VTR started fuel injection on their bike?VTRs are equal parts ugly and thirsty... the SV isn't wonderful, but it's a damn sight better than those sacks of shite.


And also, how do you actually check the clutch slave cylinder issue?Don't worry about it... should it ever leak, you'll put a new slave on and problem solved. There are other ways to fix it too.

[HungusMaximist]

Well, even though the SV1000 is a great deal all in all but it probably be too much of a bike around the city/commuting, even though how much I would like to own to 1000.
Yea I do intend to keep my licence intact so I might have to consider a middle weight 600s.

There's also ER6N, FZ6, CBR600F (light), CB600... If the price is right I guess!

Thanks for your input bro ^.

[Blue Velvet]

Well, even though the SV1000 is a great deal all in all but it probably be too much of a bike around the city/commuting, even though how much I would like to own to 1000.
Yea I do intend to keep my licence intact so I might have to consider a middle weight 600s.

There's also ER6N, FZ6, CBR600F (light), CB600... If the price is right I guess!

Thanks for your input bro ^.

My 650S is great for commuting and also longer distance riding. I've done about 12,000k on it. No problems, but mine is 1999/2000 so not fuel injected and needed carb heater kit for colder weather.

Yes it is very easy to flick round corners.

How far do you commute? And how big are you? I'm tiny so the 650 is good but if I was a bigger guy I'd go for the thou... I commute up to 150k per day some days of the week, as well as weekend riding etc.

Actually if I was buying a new SV I'd go for the thou anyway, not much difference size/weight wise etc, and only $500 dearer.

My next bike isn't going to be an SV though. Time to try something different.

[imdying]

You might consider a replacement GSX750 then too.

[klyong82]

And how big are you? I'm tiny so the 650 is good but if I was a bigger guy I'd go for the thou... I commute up to 150k per day some days of the week, as well as weekend riding etc.


He is pretty tall and I think I did mention to him that the thou would be alot more comfortable for someone of his height. Ewen just get the SV1000 and set aside some money to fix the problem (if any pops up).

[imdying]

The 03+ 650 and the thous are essentially all the same dimensions.

[Blue Velvet]

He is pretty tall and I think I did mention to him that the thou would be alot more comfortable for someone of his height. Ewen just get the SV1000 and set aside some money to fix the problem (if any pops up).

Hmmm well maybe go for another brand. The other manufacturers he mention all make taller bikes. The SV thou is the same height etc as the 650, or maybe 10mm difference from memory.

[Grahameeboy]

Well, I recently started looking into the SV series and I had my eyes set on the 650 as it looked the part being the perfect commuter bike. Had enough horsepower to take her out in the open and go for a burn and friendly enough for long distance touring.

I have also test ridden a 2004 SV1000 yesterday with Scorpion cans. The bike was not mint cosmetically, scratches and tank chips from the previous owner I believe. Great fun when you open it up and the clutch lever took sometime to get use to as it had a small gap of free play (Hydraulics clutch I believe?) while my 1991 GSX750F had a massive friggin free pla.

What I want to know is what to look out when looking at SVs price wise and also mechanically wise. I have been mainly focusing on the 2003 and up with Fuel Injection.

I have also looked into VTR1000s TRX850 and the ER6N's, comparisons?

Any advice is appreciated. Plus if any of you from Auckland who owns one and is keen to check one out with me that'd be real good. Let me know aye. :headbang:

Next time you are visiting Beaconsfield Road, let me know and I will let you have a quick spin on mine.

[jrandom]

Next time you are visiting Beaconsfield Road, let me know and I will let you have a quick spin on mine.

Waaaa, I want a go too!

Although from what I saw today, SV1000s are a bit less maneuverable than GSXRs when it comes to fitting through gaps between cars.

;)

[imdying]

Waaaa, I want a go too!

Although from what I saw today, SV1000s are a bit less maneuverable than GSXRs when it comes to fitting through gaps between cars.

;)Heh, not mine... silly big fat wide 4 cylinders :lol:

[Devil]

Either get the 650, or go for an ER6.

The SV1000 is well over 200kg wet (it's 186 dry). It's also quite top heavy which is typical of big V-twins.

The 650 and the 1000 are pretty much the same size.
As said previously, the seat leaves a little to be desired, so does the suspension.
The 1000 handles a bit like a sinking barge.

Personally, I felt the 650 was a better bike. I think the 1000 was too much engine for that chassis.

However: They're cheap, and certainly not slow. Nothing wrong with a traffic light dragster.

[Pumba]

Fuel mileage is the other thing I considered. Some guy mentioned you can get a good 300 km outta the 1000 but I need somebody else to confirm that.


I have never been able to get that out of mine. Out of a full tank open road cruising the fuel light will come on at about 200km - 200km (I have only got 170km out of it on the open road but that was an extremly fun doa that the :Police: best dont know about), comuting 160km - 180km, and at a dry track day if I see 100km I am doing well.


dude --going against the trend--I gotta say If you can get over the looks the kawasaki er6 is a better bike off the floor-and at 10k new its same price as the suzuki
The power is basicly the same -the brakes ditto but the suspension is heaps better

I completly agree with Frosty. The Kawaka ER6 beats the SV650 hands down of the shop floor.

[Pumba]

Well, even though the SV1000 is a great deal all in all but it probably be too much of a bike around the city/commuting, even though how much I would like to own to 1000.
Yea I do intend to keep my licence intact so I might have to consider a middle weight 600s.

There's also ER6N, FZ6, CBR600F (light), CB600... If the price is right I guess!

Thanks for your input bro ^.

The thou is fine for comuting around the city, I have been doing so on mine for nearly a year now.

To be honest yes the thou can be a bit of an over kill at times, to help eleviate this I have dropped down a tooth on the frount sprocket and it has just made it that bit better IMHO.

[imdying]

Lest I get my second off-topic infraction for the day, I should note that if one is planning on riding a litrebike, one's fitness should definitely come into consideration.

Large gobs of power on tap, plus 200+kgs of motorcycle, equals the need for a reasonable amount of strength to balance and control a bike when performing maneuvers at speed.Foh real? I here that unfit, unemployed one armed lounge lizards are pretty quick on them :rofl:

[Ixion]

I have never been able to get that out of mine. Out of a full tank open road cruising the fuel light will come on at about 200km - 200km (I have only got 170km out of it on the open road but that was an extremly fun doa that the :Police: best dont know about), comuting 160km - 180km, and at a dry track day if I see 100km I am doing well.





Yep, a consistent 200 and a bit before the light comes on. Dunno how much it's got once the light is on!

Wouldn't really want to use it for communting, unless there was no choice. It's not bad for lane splitting though.

[imdying]

Yep, a consistent 200 and a bit before the light comes on. Dunno how much it's got once the light is on!I've not been game enough to try for 50, although I've been close a couple of times.

[NighthawkNZ]

Shit that thirstiererererrrrr than the VTR I get 250km's before the reserve light...

[imdying]

Well gee, any bike will go further if you ride like a pussy :p

[NighthawkNZ]

Well gee, any bike will go further if you ride like a pussy :p

If I ride like I pussy I get more as well... :p but will admitt if I push a bit more (on the odd occassions) its more down the 220-230

[Blue Velvet]

I've not been game enough to try for 50, although I've been close a couple of times.

The 650 gave me 30k on reserve when I tested what I could get if I had to. When I refilled after the 30k I was down to 1 litre of petrol in the tank. It felt cruel... But good to know.

[HungusMaximist]

Next time you are visiting Beaconsfield Road, let me know and I will let you have a quick spin on mine.

I had a blat on a 03 SV1000 on Sunday aye. Frikking fast. I am 6 foot 1 (186cm) and about 85 kg so I am definitely not short.


Either get the 650, or go for an ER6.

The SV1000 is well over 200kg wet (it's 186 dry). It's also quite top heavy which is typical of big V-twins.

The 650 and the 1000 are pretty much the same size.
As said previously, the seat leaves a little to be desired, so does the suspension.
The 1000 handles a bit like a sinking barge.

Personally, I felt the 650 was a better bike. I think the 1000 was too much engine for that chassis.

However: They're cheap, and certainly not slow. Nothing wrong with a traffic light dragster.

The weight thing was a real issue with my GSX750F. It's about 220 wet and it really pisses me off when I move it around slow...

That was one of the reasons that attracted me to the 650 that was 10kg lighter than the 1000 and cheaper of fuel.

One thing that I didn't like about the 650 that it didn't have twin pipe look and the one I looked at was a black one, sort of decked out with aftermarket bits , 05 model with yoshi pipes (sounded rather tame compared to two brothers and scorpion cans), 7500 km on the clock. He wants 8k - 9k which is rather steep in my pockets... but then again it's nearly band new.

He didn't let me test ride it because of some insurance crap so I haven't been able compare the difference with the thousand. The other thing I REALLY liked was the sweet popping sound when down shiffting on the 1000.

Here is the 650:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=125610909

[Blue Velvet]

I had a blat on a 03 SV1000 on Sunday aye. Frikking fast. I am 6 foot 1 (186cm) and about 85 kg so I am definitely not short.

One of my friends is about your height, 6 foot I think. He has general comfort issues :wacko: but has said the 650 is comfortable. Thinking back to when he rode it he didn't look too big or awkward either, which can often be the case for taller people on a smaller bike. You're about 10kg heavier than him.

[imdying]

Screw that, too much money.

[HungusMaximist]

If I ride like I pussy I get more as well... :p but will admitt if I push a bit more (on the odd occassions) its more down the 220-230

Yea they only have 17 L tanks compared to the newer modelled Firestorms which is about 19 L. The older ones I believe were about 16 L tanks and from what I heard.. it's shit...

[HungusMaximist]

iamdying, is there a reason I can't PM you? ? ?

[jrandom]

iamdying, is there a reason I can't PM you? ? ?

Yup. He hates you. Build a bridge.

:D

[Grahameeboy]

I had a blat on a 03 SV1000 on Sunday aye. Frikking fast. I am 6 foot 1 (186cm) and about 85 kg so I am definitely not short.





The 05 has 5hp extra and am told you notice the difference between this and the 03.

Also, the speed is deceptive due to the v-twin delivery.

[Grahameeboy]

Yea they only have 17 L tanks compared to the newer modelled Firestorms which is about 19 L. The older ones I believe were about 16 L tanks and from what I heard.. it's shit...

The Firestorms need the extra fuel capacity. Mine goes onto reserve at around 200k's on a blast and has arrows and TRE.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I bought a brand new SV650 (04 I think: it was silver and injected) and sold it to buy my present bike: Heres why:

compromise.

The issue with them is once you get doing a few K's on them you become aware of the shit tastic fork action, and terrible terrible shock. Made even worse by the lack of adjustability and the fact its sprung for Mercans (220kg Supersized )not real people. Plus the mentioned bits and pieces (timing retarder) Heavy and strangly pipes and grossly uncomfortable seat.

By the time you

rebuild front suspension ($1200)
new rear shock (1200-1600)
PC3 and dyno setup say $1000
pipes say $1000 (also bear in mind its not just bolton, you have to cut the pipe on a 650..... )
braided lines say $300
decent tyres (not really fair to include them as a wear item but the stock ones are SHIT $500)

all of a sudden you've spent a buttload on the thing which you wont get back. All that stuff listed above is make it go better, doesnt address the seat or the fact it looks like every other SV650 ever made.... and its a 650.

Sure. you can make the same argument about every bike (and my streetbike needed all the above doing) but for me it made no sense to do it to my 650.

Having said that if I can swing it (i.e. money available) I will be buying a SV650 as a trackday bike next year with a view to F3/Protwins... cheapish way to go racing seems to me.

my 2c

[HungusMaximist]

^ might as well as buy a street/race bike that's already decked out....

Yea I fully get you aye, there's a bottomless pit of upgrades you can do but it doesn't nescessarily gives extra VALUE to the bike. Like me and my mate were talking about how the dude spent a good 2 k of extras on the 650 but the upgrades doesn't actually make the bike more extreme or ten folds better. It's just a little nicer here and there but having a new Yoshi pipe cannot justify a price increase of 1000 bucks.

Then again it's down to personal preferences, if you think tinted bubble screen, TRE, led idcators, tail tidy adds another 1000 bucks then you gotta be joking in my books. Keeping the bike well mantained is the best value you can give your bike.

Blowing money away on bike bits is frikkin easy... I guess you make gotta compromises to fuel the bike addiction... (alcohol, new clothes, gifts, women...)

[SVboy]

I agree-best money spent on a 650 is on the suspention....

[imdying]

By the time you

rebuild front suspension ($1200)
new rear shock (1200-1600)
PC3 and dyno setup say $1000
pipes say $1000 (also bear in mind its not just bolton, you have to cut the pipe on a 650..... )
braided lines say $300
decent tyres (not really fair to include them as a wear item but the stock ones are SHIT $500)Heh, let you in on a secret... the guys with 600s and thous... they often do all that too ;)

[imdying]

iamdying, is there a reason I can't PM you? ? ?

Yup. He hates you. Build a bridge.
To be fair Dan, I hate all people equally.

You're welcome to ask questions in the thread HM, I'm sure there will be others looking in that want to know the same stuff, but yes, you can send me PMs now.

[Pumba]

Heh, let you in on a secret... the guys with 600s and thous... they often do all that too ;)

Or want to really bad just cant cause the bank account is empty:angry2:

[lewis_walker]

I just bought an SV1000S. Absolutely love it. 05's up have all wrinkles ironed out I think. In the end, ride one and go with your heart.

Biking is so subjective. I've ridden heaps of bikes and I'm completely smitten. People can quote stats and specifications all they like, you want a bike that blows the wind up YOUR skirt(!). For me that's the SV thou..

[HungusMaximist]

Did you buy a brand spanking new one?

I am in need of a new commuter/fun bike, as the asking price is quite resonable on the 03 SV1000 that's why I am actually considering it, otherwise I'd sitck to the 650 or even the TRX850. I know it will be pretty shocking riding around town but when you bring her out on the open road it really goes aye.

[imdying]

Big pussy cat round town... not very heavy, lots of torque... hell of a lot more relaxed than my RGV :lol: (no surprise there though!)

[HenryDorsetCase]

^ might as well as buy a street/race bike that's already decked out....



Thats my plan :D

[Pumba]

I know it will be pretty shocking riding around town but when you bring her out on the open road it really goes aye.

Mate get that out of your head!

They are a little thirsty around town but certinaly not uncomfortable, contary to what I number of people think you do not have to use the entire rev range or all the gears all the time.

I beleave it is called self control, and yes it has taken me the last year to learn it on this bike (but I dont always use it:whistle:)

[SVboy]

I have to say it, I find my GSXR a lot easier and more comfortable to ride in town....I found the sv 1000 very difficult to keep at 50kms in town-just lacked Pumbas self control......."shuffles off to the post box with another speed camera donation ready to be sent......."

[rocketman1]

Have owned my brand new SV1000S for a couple of months great road bike,
and that is what I bought it for. Just love the sound , feel & everything about it. Economical too if you can keep it below 5500 rpm, got over 50 mpg on 3 occassions while running it in, But I would not buy one for around town commuter, they are too long legged, I have too run mine at least 62 km/hr in town, or else it just blogs along, between gear shifts. I have not ridden a SV 650 but they are probably better suited to commuting. I dont think you can beat a inline four for commuting. horses for courses!!
Ducati's apparently are terrible to ride around town as well, but on the open road, like the SV these big V twins are pure magic, ( they bring to truth, the saying "its not about getting there, its the journey)
NB. V-Twin sport riders seem too have smiles on their faces, when you meet them, there is just about the bikes you love.
The big In-line 4's don't quite give you the same buzz.

[NighthawkNZ]

NB. V-Twin sport riders seem too have smiles on their faces, when you meet them, there is just about the bikes you love.
The big In-line 4's don't quite give you the same buzz.

I would agree with that :)

[imdying]

Round town performance is helped by the somewhat compulsory 2 teeth extra on the back.

[lewis_walker]

Did you buy a brand spanking new one?


I did. $12,500 brand new is a great price I reckon. SV1000 is one of the most overlooked bikes in history! I think one of the reasons is the great misunderstanding about power / torque. SV1000 has few horses than the 1000cc inline fours, but has GOBS of torque. Tell me... if you can't keep the front wheel down in first and second... do you need more POWER lol?!

[Kelem]

Congratulations, I took one for a ride today, Must say i was impressed

[98tls]

I did. $12,500 brand new is a great price I reckon. SV1000 is one of the most overlooked bikes in history! I think one of the reasons is the great misunderstanding about power / torque. SV1000 has few horses than the 1000cc inline fours, but has GOBS of torque. Tell me... if you can't keep the front wheel down in first and second... do you need more POWER lol?! The SV also suffered from the misconception that it was a toned down TL which is totally wrong,although chalk and cheese to ride i dont believe theres bugger all that seperates them from A to B.They produce there power in a totally different way but pretty hard to seperate when both a ridden well.

[discotex]

I did. $12,500 brand new is a great price I reckon. SV1000 is one of the most overlooked bikes in history! I think one of the reasons is the great misunderstanding about power / torque. SV1000 has few horses than the 1000cc inline fours, but has GOBS of torque. Tell me... if you can't keep the front wheel down in first and second... do you need more POWER lol?!

I was looking at 1/4 mile times and 60->80mph top gear roll-ons and the gixxer 600 and SV1000S came out almost dead equal (K3 models anyway). For the first time I thought hmmm maybe that could be a bike for me. More comfy on the longer trips I'd imagine. Also heaps of power but not insane thou power.

And the SV sounds fuckin sexy with a good set of cans! :devil2:

[98tls]

I was looking at 1/4 mile times and 60->80mph top gear roll-ons and the gixxer 600 and SV1000S came out almost dead equal (K3 models anyway). For the first time I thought hmmm maybe that could be a bike for me. More comfy on the longer trips I'd imagine. Also heaps of power but not insane thou power.

And the SV sounds fuckin sexy with a good set of cans! :devil2: Add pc3,change the sprockets,fit full system,decent air filter and a 1/5th throttle insert and that time will drop.:banana:

[discotex]

Add pc3,change the sprockets,fit full system,decent air filter and a 1/5th throttle insert and that time will drop.:banana:

I bet!

I just can't wait to get my arse on some demo bikes so I can make an informed decision on my new bike. I think I'm really an IL4 kinda guy as I love the feel of that top end power kick.

On the other hand I'm lazy on gear changes. Best thing I remember about riding a VTR250 was riding around town in 3rd regardless of speed. By contrast the ZXR required constant gear changes to keep it in the power.

9 more sleeps till full licence... Then all I'll need is the cash from the insurance payout.

[n0regret5]

BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING go ride a TL..they're worth comparing against, as the SV engine is a (heavily) tuned down version..clutch is friendlier, seat is comfier, with the right settings (someones gonna argue this with me) the suspension is better.

[homer]

you ll want the 1000 i think youll find the 650 will bore you quite quick

i test road a 1000 and i got bored

[homer]

I did. $12,500 brand new is a great price I reckon. SV1000 is one of the most overlooked bikes in history! I think one of the reasons is the great misunderstanding about power / torque. SV1000 has few horses than the 1000cc inline fours, but has GOBS of torque. Tell me... if you can't keep the front wheel down in first and second... do you need more POWER lol?!

Are you saying that the sv1000 thats been detuned is a better more powerful bike than a bandit 1200 detuned and with the power it has .

having riden both myself

i guess your not saying that

[dipshit]

i test road a 1000 and i got bored

Watched a bandit gunning it off the lights the other day. It looked like a rocking horse with each gear change as it was getting off down the road.

I can understand how you would find a SV "boring" to ride.

[HungusMaximist]

BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING go ride a TL..they're worth comparing against, as the SV engine is a (heavily) tuned down version..clutch is friendlier, seat is comfier, with the right settings (someones gonna argue this with me) the suspension is better.

Can't believe this thread is still going...

My good mate has a TL, though I haven't had the chance to go for a spin.

Anyway, let you all know I've got myself a 01 CBR929. I reckon it was a great choice, more exotic and it's something a little rarer, like a gem.

I think this is a keeper for at least two years because in my opinion they're a nicer ride than the CBR 600 or the 1000RR. Power of a litre sports bike but with the turning abilities of a 600 and it weights 168 dry.

What more can you ask for? :love:

[homer]

Watched a bandit gunning it off the lights the other day. It looked like a rocking horse with each gear change as it was getting off down the road.

I can understand how you would find a SV "boring" to ride.

I actually had my heart set on a sv1000
i spent about 2 months looking at sites on the net forums etc etc
talked to people that had them
all good i thought
,till i road a bandit 1200

I honestly thought id have a sv1000
but at the end of the day ,not enought power ,rear seat to high for a pillion "without a bag rack they have to fall off" and i dont like the lag between gear changes

Dont get me wrong thou id still love to have one ,but as a toy not a rideable machine to travel on

just my 2 cents

[Blue Velvet]

For some deluded reason I was looking at buying an SV1000. Farking glad I didn't. Would have regretted it.

I recently sold my SV650 and kinda wish I'd stuck with my original plan of keeping it as a race toy. Borderline kicking myself after seeing Deano's pro-twin last night.

[n0regret5]

go the 929! i had the pleasure of riding a mates of a mates one a while back, was the super-rare signature model. guy had me sign an insurance waiver. no shit.