Calling all SV & VTR 1000 riders

**imdying** · 22nd February 2007, 18:42

Originally Posted by far queue

Nah, GSXR’s a good bike but I don’t want one. BTW, was that your SV parked outside cycle treads yesterday lunchtime? Looks good – I bet it’s bloody loud. Where did you get the full fairing from?

Must be someone elses. Compared to the GSXR, the SV is a piece of shite (handling/power/build quality/even comfort if the mags are to be believed), they're worth a ride if you haven't already

**miSTa** · 22nd February 2007, 18:53

You're still going to be keeping the DR though aren't you?

That's a hell of a surprise...

**Dafe** · 22nd February 2007, 18:57

Originally Posted by imdying

Must be someone elses. Compared to the GSXR, the SV is a piece of shite (handling/power/build quality/even comfort if the mags are to be believed), they're worth a ride if you haven't already

I used to own a 2003 SV1000S. I upgraded to a 2006 GSXR1000 and a few months ago, switched to a 2006 SV1000S.

The SV and GSXR should never be compared. They serve completely different purposes and are designed for different types of riding.

I find the SV far more relaxing on longer rides and the better commuting choice. An all round better road bike. It doesn't persuade you to ride like a maniac. However, If you're on a racetrack or if highspeed riding is a big factor for you - The GSXR is as good as it gets. The SV will struggle all round on a track, but it will still be enough for at least %90 of riders.

The SV is a fantastic all round bike. Most reviews done by motorcycle magazines put the SV ahead of the Firestorm. Both bikes are great and have proven track records for reliability, good all round performance/setup and value for money.

I love the SV. There are untold aftermarket parts available so you can bling it how you like. I've never had a hairy moment in my 20,000 kilometres of SV riding. The SV treats me well, hence I went back to it and I don't miss the GSXR ride. However, I still think the inline 4's will always look the shit!

However, you may think I'm biased by owning a SV. Infact - I let reviews and test rides do my deciding. The reviews pointed at the SV and I found all the things the reviews mentioned to be accurate. See here: http://www.sv650.org/reviews/PB_mag_...B%20review.htm

Good luck on your decision. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of those twin beasts.

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 22nd February 2007, 19:00

Well as someone said, VTR owners will recommend VTRs and SV owners will recommend SVs...

Being an VTR owner... I will recommend it... and not slagging off the SV but I found the VTR more comfortable than the SV when I took one for a test blat (but, thats just me... i'm 6'1" and have a different riding style to you)

Range wise the VTR on the older models were well shyte, the newer not too bad, around 300kms, (but if you start playing that soon drops to maybe 250 kms

)

VTR is classed as a sports tourer, and shouldn't be compared to other pure sports bikes, because its not a full on sports bike nor is it a full tourer, its the best of both worlds...

You will need to play around with suspension to get it to your liking but thats pretty much on all bikes these days...

VTR is not as fast as the SV but heck on NZ roads not really needed is it? both just as torquey both have the big V-Twin and have there own quirks.

Take them for a good ride, see which one meets your riding style, comfort, needs, price, colour, and which one appeals to you...

**gav** · 22nd February 2007, 19:01

Where are you taking the bikes from for your test ride? Just Motorcycles in New Brighton has a tidy VTR for sale, you might be able to sneak a longer ride on that. If you were looking second hand I'd suggest maybe a TL1000 could be a consideration?

**far queue** · 22nd February 2007, 19:01

Originally Posted by imdying

Do not buy one without trying a GSXR750 of similar $$$$$.

I just checked out Suzuki NZ's website - no GSXR750 listed. The 600 is $16295, the 1000 is $19995, the SV1000 is $12500

Originally Posted by imdying

Must be someone elses.

Oh OK. I assumed it was yours as I'd read on here about your under seat exhaust, and the one o/s cycletreads had what looked like a home grown under seat exhaust as well. Black SV1000K6, full fairing with some red trim on it. Belly pan had been there but not currently fitted. It had just had a new back tyre fitted.

Originally Posted by imdying

Compared to the GSXR, the SV is a piece of shite (handling/power/build quality/even comfort if the mags are to be believed), they're worth a ride if you haven't already

I would expect a GSXR to be a better performance bike, but I don't know that I'd be the one to extract all the extra performance from them.

**SpankMe** · 22nd February 2007, 19:07

Yep the GSX-R750 is a far superior bike than the SV1000s when it comes to performance, but it does cost $6,000 more than the SV.

There's a heap load of mods listed of the SV Portal that will make the SV an even better bike. First thing I would do is get someone who knows what they are doing (like Shaun) to setup the suspension properly. The stock setup leaves much to be desired, well the '03 model did anyway.

**Dafe** · 22nd February 2007, 19:11

Originally Posted by Fatjim

I'd go with the SV as well, and I'm not biased.

Some strong words coming from a staunch Firestormer.

FJ, Are you in the frame for a SV sometime soon?

**GIXser** · 22nd February 2007, 19:13

Originally Posted by far queue

Thanks for all the replies guys and gals, happy to hear whatever you've got to say.

dont even think about the vtr, they are shit compared to an sv, i have ridden both extensively, whilst the seat on an sv is harder , and slightly uncomfortable, the suspension outweighs the vtr by a longshot, dont even think about it,,

ps go and see haldane motorcycles they have new sv for about 12500
and if ya want a vtr, a friend of mine has one for sale (05)about 11 k with 6 k on the clock

**GIXser** · 22nd February 2007, 19:15

Originally Posted by imdying

Must be someone elses. Compared to the GSXR, the SV is a piece of shite (handling/power/build quality/even comfort if the mags are to be believed), they're worth a ride if you haven't already

na dont agree, yes i do think the Gix is a more of a bike, but you cant compare a twin compared to inline 4, they are just a different bike"

**Dafe** · 22nd February 2007, 19:20

Originally Posted by GIXser

dont even think about the vtr, they are shit compared to an sv, i have ridden both extensively, whilst the seat on an sv is harder , and slightly uncomfortable, the suspension outweighs the vtr by a longshot, dont even think about it,,

You can always buy the gel seat and solve that problem. I got mine from ebay. They are also available from any Suzuki dealer, via Suzuki Japan.

**far queue** · 22nd February 2007, 19:24

Originally Posted by Mr Sensible

You're still going to be keeping the DR though aren't you?

That's a hell of a surprise...

Too right I'm keeping the DR, it's a great bike and I'd miss the playing in the mud and exploring the back blocks too much. But I also enjoyed my GSX750F (although more power would have been nice at times) when I had it and have been thinking about another road bike for a while now. Circumstances at the moment see me with the opportunity to have a foot in each camp - so to speak. What I really need to complete the ensemble is is a small dirt bike as well - something like a CRF230. But that might be a bit much right now.

Originally Posted by Dafe

I used to own a 2003 SV1000S. I upgraded to a 2006 GSXR1000 and a few months ago, switched to a 2006 SV1000S.

The SV and GSXR should never be compared. They serve completely different purposes and are designed for different types of riding.

I find the SV far more relaxing on longer rides and the better commuting choice. An all round better road bike. It doesn't persuade you to ride like a maniac. The SV will ... be enough for at least %90 of riders.

Good luck on your decision. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of those twin beasts.

Thanks, you just confirmed what I was thinking about the GSXR v SV.

Originally Posted by NighthawkNZ

Being an VTR owner... I will recommend it... and not slagging off the SV but I found the VTR more comfortable than the SV when I took one for a test blat (but, thats just me... i'm 6'1" and have a different riding style to you)

No problem, I was hoping you would see this and pop in with some words on the VTR - thanks.

Originally Posted by gav

Where are you taking the bikes from for your test ride? Just Motorcycles in New Brighton has a tidy VTR for sale, you might be able to sneak a longer ride on that. If you were looking second hand I'd suggest maybe a TL1000 could be a consideration?

Planning to head out Litttle River way via Halswell to get some straights and back over the port hills for some twistys ... or ... Tunnel Rd to Lyttleton and back over the hills. I'll pop in and see R1 as well too now thanks. there's also a VTR in Ashvegas on Trademe - 11 months old, 2800km, $10800.

**far queue** · 22nd February 2007, 19:35

Originally Posted by GIXser

dont even think about the vtr, they are shit compared to an sv, i have ridden both extensively, whilst the seat on an sv is harder , and slightly uncomfortable, the suspension outweighs the vtr by a longshot, dont even think about it,,

I'd the SV had the better suspension and I know it has more adjustments than the VTR. I'm swayed more towards the SV, but it wouldn't be right to not look into the options properly and ride what's available to confirm.

Originally Posted by GIXser

ps go and see haldane motorcycles they have new sv for about 12500

That's the standard price at the moment, supposedly it's part of the Suzuki Summerfest, but I think the price was down before that started.

Originally Posted by Dafe

You can always buy the gel seat and solve that problem. I got mine from ebay.

How much, and what does it do to the seat height?

**Dafe** · 22nd February 2007, 19:42

Originally Posted by far queue

How much, and what does it do to the seat height?

I paid $125 US (add $20 US for shipping). At the moment the exchange rate is near %80. A good time to buy from the states. You should land it for under $190 NZ. I don't know what the shops sell them at but I'd be thinking over $250 NZ.

Ride height increases very slightly. I'd say about a 10mm increase.