VTR1000 vs SV1000 vs XB12R

**nonferrous** · 13th December 2007, 20:36

Originally Posted by 98tls

VTRs ok but boring,SV is nothing but ugly and no matter what the journos come up with reeks of a "letdown" unless your prepared to mod the fuck out of it as a member on here has done with much success,the buell however may well suit your needs,a simple test ride will reveal all.

Agree with ugly etc - I got an 07 SV1000S < 1000 km and front suspension is firm but wooden, back is smoother but feels slow on rebound, steering is slow, steering damper is a waste of metal - I haven't played with it yet but would appreciate link to "member on here has done with much success"

Aside from that SV are low cost sound enough of grunt bikes

**HungusMaximist** · 13th December 2007, 20:41

The SV looks better than the VTR, but I reckon sound wise from the exahust, the VTR has more throat.

Of course, there's always the option of owning a TL. They're pretty niche and fidgety bikes for the price but they got a lot of balls. To be honest, the TL is more how bike than anything else, you'll have great fun blowing your money on upgrades.

**paturoa** · 13th December 2007, 20:55

Originally Posted by nonferrous

but would appreciate link to "member on here has done with much success"

He frequents here quite a lot - www.sv-portal.com

**nonferrous** · 13th December 2007, 20:58

Originally Posted by nonferrous

Agree with ugly etc - I got an 07 SV1000S < 1000 km and front suspension is firm but wooden, back is smoother but feels slow on rebound, steering is slow, steering damper is a waste of metal - I haven't played with it yet but would appreciate link to "member on here has done with much success"

Aside from that SV are low cost sound enough of grunt bikes

opps too much rush should be

Aside from that SV are low cost, sound good & have reasonable grunt

**Pex Adams** · 13th December 2007, 20:59

I've gone from a Gixxer600k5 to a K7 SVthou. As Fatjim mentioned, the soft suspension and the knocking on low rev's, will eventually get the better of you with the Sv, and you'll be wishing you purchased a good example 04/05 Gixxer1000 or CBR1000 instead (as I am now).
However the reason I bought the SV was purely with commuting and 2up riding in mind (as I now have a 100Km round trip everyday). Its a piece of cake to muck with, and the engine will (hopefully) go forever. Plus the Paekakariki Hill is always begging for me to come over (oh wait - here go those voices again

). Which the bike does as well.
However going back to my old 600, the 600's are amazing sportsbikes, I really didn't want anymore in a toy. Execpt it really lacked in the 2 departments that I was going to be doing a majority of my riding (until wifey gets her full licence). The SV1000 has no issues whatsoever with the wife on the back, nor will the VTR.
I suppose what I'm trying to say here, is get your priorities in order and decide from there, you never know what you might end up with. You could end up on a Tuono, Monster, Superduke, Gixxer750, Z1000, MT01, blarblarblar...

Good luck.

**98tls** · 13th December 2007, 21:09

Originally Posted by HungusMaximist

The SV looks better than the VTR, but I reckon sound wise from the exahust, the VTR has more throat.

Of course, there's always the option of owning a TL. They're pretty niche and fidgety bikes for the price but they got a lot of balls. To be honest, the TL is more how bike than anything else, you'll have great fun blowing your money on upgrades.

so tell all.............................................

**sinned** · 13th December 2007, 21:13

Originally Posted by Fatjim

The Vtwin market is kinda stuffed really. Both Suzi eand honda dealers are saying the SV and VTR are being run out in NZ.

I own a VTR and an SV so feel qualified to make comparisons, however I've never ridden a Buell.

The stock suspension on both is pitiful for a large person such as myself. They're both too softly sprung in the front, even for the average rider, with not enough low speed damping, and far too much hi speed damping. The VTR used to get hydraulic lock over railways lines etc, although I had slight heavier oil than stock. The SV seems to wallow about more than the VTR. I think this is because the spring is softer on the SV, but I'm only guessing.

Over all, I'm a little disappointed in the SV, given its a 6 year newer design, and a second generation product. However, it is the same price as the VTR so in terms of technology is better value.

I had an SV1000 from new for 11 months. Agree with Fatjim and he knows me than me.

Originally Posted by nonferrous

Agree with ugly etc - I got an 07 SV1000S < 1000 km and front suspension is firm but wooden, back is smoother but feels slow on rebound, steering is slow, steering damper is a waste of metal - I haven't played with it yet but would appreciate link to "member on here has done with much success"

Aside from that SV are low cost sound enough of grunt bikes

The SV is a lot of bike for the money. What you buy depends on a few key factors and price is one.

Originally Posted by Pex Adams

I've gone from a Gixxer600k5 to a K7 SVthou. As Fatjim mentioned, the soft suspension and the knocking on low rev's, will eventually get the better of you with the Sv, and you'll be wishing you purchased a good example 04/05 Gixxer1000 or CBR1000 instead (as I am now).
However the reason I bought the SV was purely with commuting and 2up riding in mind (as I now have a 100Km round trip everyday). Its a piece of cake to muck with, and the engine will (hopefully) go forever. Plus the Paekakariki Hill is always begging for me to come over (oh wait - here go those voices again

). Which the bike does as well.
However going back to my old 600, the 600's are amazing sportsbikes, I really didn't want anymore in a toy. Execpt it really lacked in the 2 departments that I was going to be doing a majority of my riding (until wifey gets her full licence). The SV1000 has no issues whatsoever with the wife on the back, nor will the VTR.
I suppose what I'm trying to say here, is get your priorities in order and decide from there, you never know what you might end up with. You could end up on a Tuono, Monster, Superduke, Gixxer750, Z1000, MT01, blarblarblar...

Good luck.

Agree with this and a 100kms commute a day probably means mostly open road. The Pakakariki Hill road is a joy with the booming twin. However I found the SV very tiring at 50kph as it never seemed to be in the right gear - too much clutch work at low speeds. This was a major reason for me going away from the twin - I like to be able to tootle around city streets in whatever gear I like (within reason).

**RantyDave** · 13th December 2007, 21:36

Originally Posted by 98tls

As good as the 675 was after riding one and taking into consideration the big picture it was about as exciting as a hard boiled egg.

This is why you ride them.

Dave

**Renegade** · 13th December 2007, 21:44

Originally Posted by Pex Adams

I've gone from a Gixxer600k5 to a K7 SVthou. As Fatjim mentioned, the soft suspension and the knocking on low rev's, will eventually get the better of you with the Sv, and you'll be wishing you purchased a good example 04/05 Gixxer1000 or CBR1000 instead (as I am now).
However the reason I bought the SV was purely with commuting and 2up riding in mind (as I now have a 100Km round trip everyday). Its a piece of cake to muck with, and the engine will (hopefully) go forever. Plus the Paekakariki Hill is always begging for me to come over (oh wait - here go those voices again

). Which the bike does as well.
However going back to my old 600, the 600's are amazing sportsbikes, I really didn't want anymore in a toy. Execpt it really lacked in the 2 departments that I was going to be doing a majority of my riding (until wifey gets her full licence). The SV1000 has no issues whatsoever with the wife on the back, nor will the VTR.
I suppose what I'm trying to say here, is get your priorities in order and decide from there, you never know what you might end up with. You could end up on a Tuono, Monster, Superduke, Gixxer750, Z1000, MT01, blarblarblar...

Good luck.

priorities????

buggered if i know what they are, im 28 and still trying to for full child hood dreams of all the toys i couldnt have then

**AllanB** · 13th December 2007, 21:53

Love my Honda Hornet 919 Heaps of grunt.
- $11k presently brand spankers gives you $1500 left compared to the Twins to play with. Yet another model about to end its run. Don't worry about that aspect of the Hornet, SV1000 or VTR as parts are available for years after and all are very well supported by the aftermarket.
The new water cooled Bandit 1250 is $13500 presently as well.

Grunt try a CB1300.

Found the SV a bit weak in the bottom end - surprised me for a v-twin that did - after 4k rpm lottsa go.

Monster - yum but a lot more $. Dry clutch - yuck - Ducati owners tell you the rattle sound they make is character - it really sounds like a ice-cream container full of loose bolts being shaken.

TEST RIDE, TEST RIDE & TEST RIDE

**Renegade** · 13th December 2007, 22:12

Originally Posted by AllanB

Love my Honda Hornet 919 Heaps of grunt.
- $11k presently brand spankers gives you $1500 left compared to the Twins to play with. Yet another model about to end its run. Don't worry about that aspect of the Hornet, SV1000 or VTR as parts are available for years after and all are very well supported by the aftermarket.
The new water cooled Bandit 1250 is $13500 presently as well.

Grunt try a CB1300.

Found the SV a bit weak in the bottom end - surprised me for a v-twin that did - after 4k rpm lottsa go.

Monster - yum but a lot more $. Dry clutch - yuck - Ducati owners tell you the rattle sound they make is character - it really sounds like a ice-cream container full of loose bolts being shaken.

TEST RIDE, TEST RIDE & TEST RIDE

yip really liked the look of the hornet but didnt feel the sound with the scorpian pipes it had, not enuf thump ya know, i hear what your saying about the dry sump, i heard one once but couldnt see it, thought it sounded rooted until i saw it was a duc, then t was ok, dont like the look of the bandit or the CB, modern bikes i know just not my style.

**chris norman** · 14th December 2007, 09:05

I bought a 2003 VTR after having not ridden for 20 years. I absolutely loved it. Very stable, torquey and oh the sound with micron pipes. I agree that the forks were soft but as a step up or entry into riding again i think it is a great bike. It has raised my confidence and i now feel ready for something a bit more spirited.
A 1098 would be nice

**manwithav8** · 14th December 2007, 18:54

DUCATI DUCATI DUCATI DUCATI.. Oh did I mention trying a ducati monster hahahahah

Let us know how your ride goes mate..What kind of monster are you taking for a spin?

**paturoa** · 14th December 2007, 19:10

Originally Posted by dennisr

...However I found the SV very tiring at 50kph as it never seemed to be in the right gear - too much clutch work at low speeds. This was a major reason for me going away from the twin - I like to be able to tootle around city streets in whatever gear I like (within reason).

Thats what I do on mine... tootle around.. in 4th. it is good for about 35 ks thru to about 200ks!