Suzi SV650S - carbs or FI?

[mowgli]

I'm seriously considering a Suzi SV650S as my next bike post-two-fiddy.

Models '99-'02 are normally carburated while '03 on are fuel injected. Looks as though the FI give a couple more bhp at the expense of fuel economy. Is this the only significant difference other than age/cost? If you've considered an SV yourself, or better still ride one, I'd be grateful for your comments.

Rob

[TimeOut]

I think the FI will give you better fuel economy as well, it's nice just to hit the start button and not have to fiddle with the choke on warm up.

[McJim]

Fiddling with the choke is part of the character I like about my wee carb'ed twin Any SV650 will feel great after your 250 Twin - I went from a 2003 Honda VTR250 to a 1998 Ducati 600ss and thought it was Christmas every day - your step up, even to a '99 SV650 will be bigger than the step I took. Chances are you will find mosd SV650's have had the carbs rejetted and the muffler modified or replaced with aftermarket anyway.

[mowgli]

I think the FI will give you better fuel economy as well, it's nice just to hit the start button and not have to fiddle with the choke on warm up.

Hmmm I thought the same but this site suggests 45-55mpg for the carbed version and 38-50mpg for FI. Granted the source is not qualified.

[*caution*]

Hmmm I thought the same but this site suggests 45-55mpg for the carbed version and 38-50mpg for FI. Granted the source is not qualified.

They are probably close enough economy wise that in the end it will come down to how you ride it. The economy difference between cruising around and giving it heaps is huge.

My SV650 is great, have an aftermarket Remus on it, a MUST have, the exhaust note is fantastic

I've hardly riden any other bikes so I can't really compare for you.

[eliot-ness]

Haven't ridden the carbed version but the injected SV would be an ideal step up to a bigger bike. Weight would be about the same as your 250. Bags of mid range torque and smooth delivery right up to full revs. Easy to flck through the corners but the suspension would benefit from a bit of tweaking, an Ohlins rear shock maybe. The standard one is a bit lively on bumpy corners but not dangerously so. Fuel consumption would range from around 35mpg on a hard ride to 55mpg or more sticking to the speed limits, probably not much worse than your present bike but with a higher fun factor. In all it's a great bike and good value. I'm happy with mine

[Pussy]

45-55mpg for the carbed version and 38-50mpg for FI.

Gassit Girl got approx 60 mpg from her K5 SV650S. She had a K1 before the K5. Go for the injected model, more modern. The K5 onwards had quite a few improvements as well

[Pumba]

...Is this the only significant difference other than age/cost?...

You have looked at and 02 and 03 and realise they look completly different havent you??

I myself would be going for an injected model, however the K5+ models had a face lift with a few minor chages that do make a diference so if your budget streaches tht far they may be woth a look

[Pwalo]

The later model you can afford the better. If possible get an FI bike. My 06 seems to be pretty economical, certainly around the 55mpg range - better if I'm careful.

The 03 model has a slightly higher seat height as well, if that is of concern to you.

[FROSTY:Me]

I've raced a carbed SV in stock form then with cams n stuff done.
Ive ridden a Naked 04 SV Fi for more than a few miles as well as punted a couple of FI bikes round the track.
There is a substancial HP difference between a stock carbied SV and a FI one. Basicly 8-10HP.The carbied bike has the lower HP
In both cases Fuel efficiency will vary depending on if the bike is faired or naked. -2 reasons -1 pure aerodynamics and 2)the faired bike rins one tooth bigger rear sprocket.

I'd go against the general population here in YOUR case. Heres why
1)by now the suspension on the carbied bikes have pretty well been sorted out so itll handle pretty well
2)the base price tends to be a few thousand dollars cheaper than a FI bike
3) the power delivery is flatter (arguably smoother) So the transition is easier
4) if you decide to hot it up a bit with a pipe all you need to do is rejet the carbs not buy a PC etc.
5)Getting it up to same HP as an injected bike will not sacrifice reliability but will still leave you a fair bit of change from the difference in purchace price.
6) they crash better in a minor bingle. I think its because the FI bike has a bigger radiator

[*caution*]

I've been getting 55-62 on my 02, thats riding to work and the odd weekend fang, I got 71 on a long trip.

[Pussy]

I think its because the FI bike has a bigger radiator

On the 05 onwards the radiator is 40mm narrower

[HornetBoy]

Id wait for the new sv650sf coming out with the full fairing ,will have less FI glitches and be more refined than the first fuel injected sv's

Thats if your looking at brand new tho

[idleidolidyll]

neither: go buy a Cagiva 650 Raptor

same injected motor, better chassis and suspension, wayyy better looikng

[JimO]

neither: go buy a Cagiva 650 Raptor

same injected motor, better chassis and suspension, wayyy better looikng

or get a 1000 same size as a 650 but with hairier balls