What to buy - SV1000SK7 or GSXR600K7

**forkoil** · 2nd February 2008, 14:59

I am thinking of upgrading from my trusty SV650, mainly after having to ride the wheels of it to stay with the group on the Northern Exposure Tour last weekend, a brilliant trip but thats another story. So took a trip into Holeshot today to see what they had on offer in the end of the Suz SummerFest (or whatever).

Basically I am divided.
GSXR600
I took the GSXR for a test ride, first GSXR I've ridden and was very very impressed. The handling and roadholding and power was in a diff dimension to what I've ridden before. In partic the handling, now I've done the front end mods to my SV (springs, emulators) which improved it 1000%, but the GSXR was another level above that, rock steady in corners. What I didnt like was the incredibly loud f*cken noise it makes. There maybe room to squeeze a deal from Holeshots on an aftermarket zorst, so would like opinions on that. Also anything else most GSXR600 need straight away.

SV1000S
I've ridden one before and they are a gruntier, faster version of what I've got with the suspension OK from the outset. What I like about them is the easy loping unstrained way they deliver power and of course the price ($12.5K) with yoshi slip ons provided. Handling is great but not in the GSXR's class.

I like long weekend rides but mainly like the twisties. Will do the odd track day. I already have the Oxford Humpback throwover panniers and tank bag.

Price wise the GSXR is $1500 more than the SV, and if I get the zorst changed will be bit more than that. The GSXR is a run out model, the K8's due in April and they will be quite an upgrade I'm told. For this reason the K7 is on at $14K which is about a $2K discount on full retail.

So what do you think?

**onearmedbandit** · 2nd February 2008, 15:54

Track days? Riding the twisties? GSXR600 no question.

**Grahameeboy** · 2nd February 2008, 16:03

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Track days? Riding the twisties? GSXR600 no question.

SV is more fun, has lots of engine braking for twisties so less tiring and with the right suspension set up...mine is getting close.....

How many track days v road rides I guess is one questions.

**onearmedbandit** · 2nd February 2008, 16:06

Different opinion to other SV owners I know. In fact one has bought a RGV250 to use on the track and blasting the twisties. The SV (despite the mod's he has done) is reserved for more slower paced rides. And fun is subjective.

To be honest, if someone told me they were looking for a great bike through the twisties and for the odd track day, no disrespect to your choice of ride GB, but an SV1000 would not be on my list of options for them.

**FzerozeroT** · 2nd February 2008, 17:37

You think the SV1000 handles OK? you must have ridden a good one!

I'm on track to give the forks and shock a working over which I'm hoping will improve it a bit but basically the geometry is a sport-tourer and you need to accept the good and bad that come with it.

If you're worried about keeping up with other people on rides then get an IL4 1000

**Fatjim** · 2nd February 2008, 17:47

1. the gsxr's are not at runout pricing. The 750 is a grand cheaper than the thou, there's no way thats runout pricing. Suzies are always cheaper than the rest, especially Yamaha's. The exchange rate is driving the prices down, and I bet the distributor is still making a packet on 78cents.
2. My 07 svthou stock suspension is shit. Sully rides his sv650 much harder than I can ride my thou. I have to use the power of the thou just to keep him in sight.
3. If you like twisties, and you want a bargain, look at the 900 hornet. Yes I know it looks like a bit of a nana's bike, but with motocross bars they are a hoot, and will go the distance as a tourer as well. And you won't have that Suzuki reliability to worry about. 11k list, with I bet more room for the dealer to discount than a suzuki. (they'll be running them out soon as the cb1000R is due).

**jrandom** · 2nd February 2008, 17:47

Jeez, if you're worried about keeping up with people on rides, get a B-King!

But if you can't afford a B-King, just buy the...

GIXXAAAAAA!

**forkoil** · 2nd February 2008, 22:30

Cant see any pattern emerging... should have guessed it all comes down to personal opinion. Surprised to hear that the SVthou suspension sux, know the 650 does, but as I said I fixed that. The svthou front at least has damping control as well as the preload, and there is damping adj on the shock too (I think). But the GSXR susp is just great from the showroom floor. I guess its towards that I am leaning..... Its the one thing that makes the most diff to ride confidence and pleasure, much more outright power does. And if u have to f*ck around with getting it right and building a relationship with Robert Taylor from New Plymouth to get there, its alot of hassle.

**dipshit** · 3rd February 2008, 06:37

Originally Posted by FzerozeroT

but basically the geometry is a sport-tourer and you need to accept the good and bad that come with it.

Then change the geometry.

I have quickened/lightened the steering on my SV. Yes, stock they feel a bit ponderous and unwilling to change direction quickly... but that is an easy fix. And with all the other adjustability on the suspension you can get things very close providing you are in the weight range of the standard spring rate.

Granted I haven't ridden a late model GSX-R, but boy does my SV handled way better than all the 80's GSX-R, FZ, GPZ, RZ's I have owned.!

**jrandom** · 3rd February 2008, 06:39

Originally Posted by dipshit

Granted I haven't ridden a late model GSX-R...

STFU, then.

Originally Posted by dipshit

... boy does my SV handled way better than all the 80's GSX-R, FZ, GPZ, RZ's I have owned.!

Wow, that there's some good handlin', pardner!

**jrandom** · 3rd February 2008, 06:43

Originally Posted by forkoil

Cant see any pattern emerging...

I can.

Nobody who's already bought an SV wants to admit that they aren't hardcore sprotbikes.

Everyone else says get the gixxer.

2 + 2 = ?

**dipshit** · 3rd February 2008, 06:51

Originally Posted by jrandom

STFU, then.

But my point is that the handling of a SV doesn't "suck". It's all relative.

And you should ask a friend of mine on a 998 with Öhlins and everything why he has a very hard time keeping up in the tight twisty stuff? A "lowly" SV can't be that shit then?

**jrandom** · 3rd February 2008, 07:04

Originally Posted by dipshit

But my point is that the handling of a SV doesn't "suck". It's all relative.

Surely nobody's trying to say it 'sucks'. I don't think anyone who's seen Glen Williams on a racetrack could keep a straight face while claiming that SVs suck (although he will of course be running upgraded suspension).

Originally Posted by dipshit

And you should ask a friend of mine on a 998 with Öhlins and everything why he has a very hard time keeping up in the tight twisty stuff?

998 ownership does not imply ability to ride a motorcycle. Nice umlauts, by the way.

A mate of mine on an '07 R1 couldn't get past me on Betty the GSX1400 along Old Taupo Road last weekend. Doesn't mean I'd recommend a GSX1400 to anyone wanting a performance-focused bike.

When it comes to SVs, I've always thought the naked SV1000 was a very nice bike. Entirely depends on one's budget and what kind of riding one wants to do, as well as the very important consideration of how comfortable one is on the bike (the reason I'm on a GSX1400 instead of a GSX-R).

I think the general point here is, if forkoil's comfy on the gixxer 6 and can afford one, he'll find it a more capable bike for sprots-style riding than the SV.

**dipshit** · 3rd February 2008, 07:28

Originally Posted by forkoil

The svthou front at least has damping control as well as the preload, and there is damping adj on the shock too (I think).

Yes they have preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability at both ends.

But the GSXR susp is just great from the showroom floor. I guess its towards that I am leaning..... Its the one thing that makes the most diff to ride confidence and pleasure, much more outright power does.

Never mind what a bunch of geeks and nerds on a internet forum think... choose whatever bike turns you on the most and you will think you will have the most fun and satisfaction riding!

And if u have to f*ck around with getting it right and building a relationship with Robert Taylor from New Plymouth to get there, its alot of hassle.

There should be no need to spend a single cent getting a SV set up nice if you know what you are doing. (providing you're not some anorexic or fat overweight slob and you *need* to change the spring rate)

**White trash** · 3rd February 2008, 07:44

Originally Posted by dipshit

Yes they have preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability at both ends.

Never mind what a bunch of geeks and nerds on a internet forum think... choose whatever bike turns you on the most and you will think you will have the most fun and satisfaction riding!

There should be no need to spend a single cent getting a SV set up nice if you know what you are doing. (providing you're not some anorexic or fat overweight slob and you *need* to change the spring rate)

And don't forget to factor in which bike will wheelie best away from the lights in Queen St.