SV650 vs. SV650s (for touring)

[Zapf]

the S has better headlights. And the fairing will make longer days easier on the neck.

[shcabbeh]

the S has better headlights. And the fairing will make longer days easier on the neck.

When you say better, do you mean better looking, better quality or...?

[SPman]

Better projecting - ie, you can see more.

[shcabbeh]

Ahh, I didn't even consider that there could be much of a difference. Thanks, from what ya'll have said so far it seems the S is the better choice though I'd still like some input from SV650 owners if possible!

I appreciate all the help.

[Zapf]

Ahh, I didn't even consider that there could be much of a difference. Thanks, from what ya'll have said so far it seems the S is the better choice though I'd still like some input from SV650 owners if possible!

I appreciate all the help.

I was a SV650S owner and also knows 2 other 650 non S owners

[shcabbeh]

I was a SV650S owner and also knows 2 other 650 non S owners

First or second generation? Man, I'm glad there's so much choice here but it sure does up the amount of research you need to do. I suppose it'll be worth it in the end.

[McJim]

Try a few and broaden your horizons.

Ducati Monster 620/750/800 - cheaper used than you think and longer service intervals than SV!
Cagiva Raptor 650
Hyosung GT650/GT650R
Kawasaki ER6N/F

You need to find what's right for you - all you will get here are opinions of what suits others.

For example - I get agony in my back and wrists from a SV650 (upright) riding position - 50km and I'm miserable BUT on a race geometry bike I can ride all day and not notice any discomfort. This is a throwback from being a racing cyclist of course - so you see I would say SV650S because it's faired AND has a comfortable riding position - for me the SV650 has neither.

You need to try for yourself.

[Zapf]

First or second generation?

2nd Gen. Also since you are looking at it for touring. You CAN get GIVI hard luggage racks to fit pannier / topboxes. Also a nice tank bag can let you lie on the tank for a all day ride.

Try a few and broaden your horizons.

Ducati Monster 620/750/800 - cheaper used than you think and longer service intervals than SV!
Cagiva Raptor 650
Hyosung GT650/GT650R
Kawasaki ER6N/F

I would think the SV is better build than the Hyosung... Also depending on how tall / big are you. The SV is a lot of roomy. E.g if you were to strap a bag / things onto the pillion seat how long is the pillion seat?

[shcabbeh]

Try a few and broaden your horizons.

Ducati Monster 620/750/800 - cheaper used than you think and longer service intervals than SV!
Cagiva Raptor 650
Hyosung GT650/GT650R
Kawasaki ER6N/F

You need to find what's right for you - all you will get here are opinions of what suits others.

For example - I get agony in my back and wrists from a SV650 (upright) riding position - 50km and I'm miserable BUT on a race geometry bike I can ride all day and not notice any discomfort. This is a throwback from being a racing cyclist of course - so you see I would say SV650S because it's faired AND has a comfortable riding position - for me the SV650 has neither.

You need to try for yourself.

Thanks, I'll definitely be test riding as much as I can over the next few months. My horizons are fairly broad already, it's taken me a long time to come to these two bikes in the first place.

The reason I'm asking is most shops will not let me test ride a bike for a long touring session, so it's harder to tell that way.

I would think the SV is better build than the Hyosung... Also depending on how tall / big are you. The SV is a lot of roomy. E.g if you were to strap a bag / things onto the pillion seat how long is the pillion seat?

I'm of average height (5'9/175cm), not huge by anyone's standards.

[shcabbeh]

Try a few and broaden your horizons.

Ducati Monster 620/750/800 - cheaper used than you think and longer service intervals than SV!
Cagiva Raptor 650
Hyosung GT650/GT650R
Kawasaki ER6N/F

Another thing, you're definitely right about the dukes being cheaper than I thought!

Most of those bikes are naked which I do like, though I don't know how well they tour.

I'm gonna extend this to naked bikes in general now:
I want to know if the more relaxed riding position is worth the extra bugs/windblast with touring. Any more thoughts/opinions would be appreciated, thanks a lot.

[Zapf]

I want to know if the more relaxed riding position is worth the extra bugs/windblast with touring.

I haven't made up my mind either... look at me.

VTR250 (naked) -> SV650S (faired) -> GSXR750 (faired) -> CB900 Hornet (naked) -> CBR1100xx (faired) !

screen is good for keeping out of rain / cold wind / bugs and most of all that stiff neck at the end of the day

[Whynot]

http://forums.sv650.org/index.php

anything you need to know about SVs is in there

[shcabbeh]

http://forums.sv650.org/index.php

anything you need to know about SVs is in there

Thanks mate.

[jafar]

Most of those bikes are naked which I do like, though I don't know how well they tour.

I'm gonna extend this to naked bikes in general now:
I want to know if the more relaxed riding position is worth the extra bugs/windblast with touring. Any more thoughts/opinions would be appreciated, thanks a lot.

Touring on a naked isn't a problem, 'windblast' /'buffetting' are not a big deal on any naked bike. The wind against your upper body takes the weight off your arms. The bike is less prone to sidewind than a faired model.
You are more aware of your speed on a naked than a faired bike & the 'fun factor' kicks in @ a lower speed too.
Naked bikes are cheaper to buy & cheaper to repair check the prices on a replacement fairing
THe advantages associated with fairings are often only there once you reach illeagle speeds.

[shcabbeh]

Cheers for that! I'm glad someone trumpets naked bikes because I've always liked them. They seem more like a motorcycle than a toy to me. No doubt just as fun in the twisties too.

I'll definitely consider this as part of my decision, thanks.