SV650, what am I missing?

[BuzzardNZ]

I did the same - rode a 650 bought a 1000 then the 1000 dropped the clutch during the run in period and the shop loaned me a 650 for three weeks until parts arrived. I loved the 650 and was reluctant to let it go. The only advantage the 1000 had was much more poke but a real bitch to ride in town. Then I changed to a speedtriple and discovered how much better a bike could be.

I found town riding a bummer too, that is until I adjusted the TPS, added a smart TRE and got a TEKA tune done, now it's a joy to ride in town. Pisses me off that Suzuki sell them new with the TPS incorrectly set.

Regarding the Speed Triple, I've heard good things about them, and wouldn't mind owning one, its just I can't stand the bugged eyed look of the front end.

[imdying]

I still like my thou, it's kinda fun, and not so bad in town once you fix the gearing and the EFI. Kinda shitty from the factory, but they're so cheap that it's not a biggy to spend a little sorting it to your liking

Doesn't stop the seat from being an arse breaker... I'd like another go on an 03S, I suspect the original subframe design is probably more comfy.

[DarkLord]

Mine's a 2001 model, 75,000 k's on the clock, easily gets 350ks out of a tank with the dynajet carb kit, runs well despite its age and ks.

The fuel economy is the big plus for me.

[BigOne]

I had an 02 for about 5 years, loved it to bits, even tho it was a bit small for me.
Eventually I wrecked it on the Akaroa Hill, but by then it had an SRAD GSXR750 front end and an Ohlins rear end, as well as 05 cams, and was a little rocket.
If you really want to know ALL about SVs, there are a number of very good websites, the best of them is SVDownUnder, in Aussie. Also look at SoCalSV, in california.
They are one of the most modified fooled about with bikes ever made. All the stuff about Hyosung stuff in them is rubbish, as far as I know. The older models, anyhow.
The motors are indestructible, and older ones have been known to go over 100,000km.
The suspension is ok for low to medium pace riding, but needs emulators and a better rear shock if you want to push the pace.
I think SVs rock.

[BigOne]

better how? they share almost all the same parts!

Not true. They share almost no parts. They don't even have the front cylinder on the same side, and a guy in UK who tried to put a 1l motor in a 650 frame wished he'd never started, by the time he got it finished. Different frame, swing arm, forks, brakes--- which parts did you have in mind? The wing mirrors?
Imdying's assessment is pretty much on the mark.

[davebullet]

The OP has probably long gone by now...

I own an FI '03 naked SV650. I've had it for 2 years.

It always starts, nothing goes wrong. For commuting and weekend blatting, you don't need anymore torque or HP.

With the 2 brothers can it drowns out the Speed Triple with standad exhaust. The SV has a lovely exhaust note that makes the bike sound much bigger than it is.

Fuel economy is about the same as the speed triple. I usually get about 200kms on 13.5 litres. In other words - the SV650 costs about the same to run as a thou.

For suspension - I replaced the rear shock with a GSXR1000 03-04 shock. This has improved the back end compliance over sharp end bumps. I agree with slowfox about a bit of chatter on the front over uneven. Doesn't make it a problem - not as if you are racing on the street right?

I can't bear to sell the SV now I have the speed - so what does that tell you?

[codgyoleracer]

[QUOTE=White trash;1129860151]I'm working on it, wouldn't be too difficult I don't think.

Motec is the answer J, takes the ignition pick up & gear position sensor to calculate speed............. Only one slight problem, it cost three times the bikes worth........

[White trash]

Motec is the answer J, takes the ignition pick up & gear position sensor to calculate speed............. Only one slight problem, it cost three times the bikes worth........

Lol. YEah, pretty sure there'll be a less expensive option than that