SV650S seating position

[wezo]

I know the SV650 is more of the 'upright' bike in the model range, but does the SV650S have the true sports 'hunched over feel'? I'm coming off a naked VTR 250 and love the look of the SVS, rather than the SV, but not sure i want the tank hugger stance. I tried an older SVS and it wasn't so bad but have heard the newer model's bars are even lower down. I rode a Hyasong GTR and felt weird leaning over so much compared to my upright bike. Does one get used to this strange feeling??

[007XX]

I know the SV650 is more of the 'upright' bike in the model range, but does the SV650S have the true sports 'hunched over feel'? I'm coming off a naked VTR 250 and love the look of the SVS, rather than the SV, but not sure i want the tank hugger stance. I tried an older SVS and it wasn't so bad but have heard the newer model's bars are even lower down. I rode a Hyasong GTR and felt weird leaning over so much compared to my upright bike. Does one get used to this strange feeling??

Hi there Wezo,

I've got a VTR250 now, and I obviously adore it!

The stance on the SV650S will definitely be more aggressive, and I'd seriously advise you to take one for a decent ride before making your mind up.
However, bare in mind that you have options when it comes to altering the stance on the S if you really like the look of the bikini fairing

1/ you could try to change the bars on the SVS to dirtbike ones which are way straighter and will take a lot of the stressed stance away. My husband (007XY) did just that on his SV1000S, and I'm sure he would not mind chatting to you about it should you want to know more.

2/ you could modify the SV650 naked with after market belly pan, screen and the likes to give it more resemblance to the faired version. Downside is it would be a bit more expensive a solution.

Also bear in mind that heaps of second hand SV models have had mods done to them by their previous owners, so you have lots of opportunities to get something extremely close to the end result you're after.

There is a SV site which you should check as the guys posting on there have done pretty much anything and everything that can be done to these bikes.

Good luck, and let us knwo how you get on...

[Keystone19]

I went from the VTR250 to the SV650S later model. It is sportier in position - even more so than my GSXR600 I seem to remember. You do get used to it quite quickly though. Go for a good ride and see how you feel. I was originally going to go for the naked 650 but liked the styling on the S version and liked it better for wind protection and on the track.

[Blue Velvet]

I know the SV650 is more of the 'upright' bike in the model range, but does the SV650S have the true sports 'hunched over feel'? I'm coming off a naked VTR 250 and love the look of the SVS, rather than the SV, but not sure i want the tank hugger stance. I tried an older SVS and it wasn't so bad but have heard the newer model's bars are even lower down. I rode a Hyasong GTR and felt weird leaning over so much compared to my upright bike. Does one get used to this strange feeling??

My SV650S is a 1999 model, and riding position isn't as low/sporty as my GSX-R. Sat on a friends K7 SV1000S and found it very similar to my '99 SV.

I find the GSX-R riding position better than the SV, knees grip the tank more naturally etc, whereas on the SV I have to actively think about gripping the tank with knees. So in general I think I find the SV650S position less sporty/natural. But then I'm a midget and that might make a difference too.

Feeling as if I haven't helped answer this at all, and I've never ridden a VTR. Sorry.

[imdying]

The S is sportier in feel compared to the N, but it still feels like a freakin armchair in comparison to a full on sports bike.

[hsvboy06]

If you can make it to TCWNR tonight then I'll let you have a sit on mine.
I may even let you buy it...

[SVboy]

Yes, the 650s is quite agressive. I found I suited mine well, and adjusted to it quickly. Could affect my throttle wrist after 100kms or so-but lots of scope for customisation -with lower seats, lowering links-hi rise clip-ons etc. Good bike. It was never a major issue for me.

[Pwalo]

The SVS is definitely more aggressive than the VTR, but it's something you get used to pretty quickly.

My previous bike was a GS500, which has a seating position similar to your VTR. Took a couple of weeks before I felt totally comfortable, but if you're over say 165cm you shouldn't have any bother with the seating postion on the SV.

Now that I'm used to it the position is really comfy. If it helps I'm 168cm and 72kg. And very, very old.

[BAD DAD]

Earlier in the year I borrowed an SV650 (can't remember the exact model) overnight and was suprised how upright and narrow it felt after the speed4. Almost felt a bit dirt bike-ish in comparison. The next day however when I had been on it for a few K,s and it had just started to feel much more familiar I got back on my own bike which then felt almost plush and certainly a much more sport attitude in comparison. Certainly was starting to enjoy the SV though.

[Devil]

The current GSXR600 has a nicer, slightly more upright position than the SV S models. I cant stand riding the S models, my neck and arse just cant take it. Rode around on the latest GSXR for a couple of days recently and it was entirely bareable however.

My vote for the naked one...