SV 650 advice needed.

[DJ Down Under]

A good friend at work is about to buy a Suzuki SV 650.

Although he will most likely buy new..if he was to come across a good second hand one that might be an option.

I have influenced his decision to buy this bike from what I've heard about them here and on the RR site..other than that I know nothing about them.

Is there anything he should look out for..are the new ones any better..or worse than the old ones?..is the 06/07 model ant different..is there a new version comming..and are there any recommended changes that he should make..he will be using it to commute to work and come on rides with Boxerboy and myself...this pic is an 03 model..it looks like the new model has a small wind deflector.

Thanks

DJ

http://www.mcnews.com.au/Wallpaper/Suzuki/SV650/2003/Silver_RHS_1024.jpg

[Wild Will]

DJ,
I have one. It's the best deal on 2 wheels. It needs a shock and fork work if you really want to wring its neck, or use it at the track. Around 70 RWHP stock. If I could only have 1 bike, this'd be it. Very little maintenance. Well built. It doesn't even need a pipe!

[fnfalman]

There has only been two models so far and I believe that the 2003 is the first year of the second model.

The suspensions are crude and don't have a lot of adjustments but pretty good for the price. Nothing aftermarket accessories can't cure. I think that the SV650 will be a modern classic and deservedly so. Lots of hard core track whores replace the front end with Gixxer750 front end and either Ohlins or revalve the rear shock.

PS a Leo Vince slip-on makes this thing sing the sweetest song this side of a Ducati.

[isiahstites]

I rode one for a season it was my wifes bike it was a 2001 sv650s. I agree about what everyone has said about the suspension. I really felt like it drifted a bit in the corners compared to my R1100S. As far as pipes are concerned she had a Yoshi pipe on it that sounded incredible.

I often rode that bike with member beekstersocal and it was every bit as fast as his R1150R if not a tiny tad faster. Overall a great bike that was very easy to ride and handle............and for some reason a ton of fun!

Scott

[Sir Limpsalot]

Not only a great commuter, a great back road blaster and a great track day tool.
But also a great (solo) tourer too!

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/125692414-L.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/125692417-L.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/125692420-L.jpg

The blue one shown above belongs to my friend Andy and has been on three group rides round Scotland and three solo tours of Wales, Cumbria and the Lakes. He rides it with great verve and is bloody hard to keep up with when the road gets twisty.
No problems reported so far.
Advise your pal to go ahead!
Si.

[BobFV1]

Great bike - with minor mods (shocks/springs/steering damper/exhaust) it beciomes a very capable track bike. For street use I would change the can, because you can get a really sweet exhaust note out of these things, maybe do LED flush mounts and a rear fender eliminator and that would be it.

[Bones]

DJ,
As you can see, there is a concensus. I agree completely. In fact, find me ONE person who has ridden an SV650 who doesn't say it is a great bike and I will buy the beer for all of us. It is just a great bike.

I have ridden one, bone stock, on the track at Road Atlanta. Even with the stock suspension, it was excellent. Could the stock suspenders be improved? You bet. But for general street riding, I wouldn't bother. And it is true, an aftermarket exhaust cannister will make the thing sound SO sweet. And you can ride these bikes hard, mile after mile, and they can deal with it. And maintaining them is not expensive or difficult. So used ones should not be problem.

That twin engine is really nice. It pulls nicely from down low, but it spins up nicely and doesn't flatten out in its torque delivery like a lot of twins.

My theory on why the bike is SO much fun to ride is because it is slighty underpowered when compared to many streetbikes these days. That means that the rider can be on the throttle more, and let's face it....being on the throttle is fun. Being on the throttle with a nice exhaust note is more fun. Being on the throttle with a nice exhaust note and a light bike....yeehaa.

Tell him to go for it. Then see if you will let you ride it some.

Jeff

[TorqueMonsterMT-01]

I believe that the 2003 is the first year of the second model.

This is correct. 2003 and on have better front fork design that can be modded to well above average performance with springs and oil whie the 2002 and before had a lesser quality system that really needed replacement for race type performance.

2007 US and Euro models have Euro 3 emissions standards. i'm not sure about Oz, but I would suspect the same. If this is an issue down under, the '07 bike is the better option.

On a final note, i don't know your friend's situation, but in Japan they sell a 400cc version that is simply awesome. Point and twist the thing through mountain roads and no one keeps up due to the feather weight, short wheelbase and quick revving twin. The 400cc bike would be perfect for sub 5' 5" people under 130 lbs.

Disclaimer. If what I wrote doesn't make sense, it is due to a night of okonomiyaki, sake and beer.

[jamming]

DJ,
As you can see, there is a concensus. I agree completely. In fact, find me ONE person who has ridden an SV650 who doesn't say it is a great bike and I will buy the beer for all of us. It is just a great bike.


Jeff

Woo Hoo..free beer....

Dang no free beer, I rode one at a test day. Jeff, hit the nail on the head.
I really liked the motorcycle. It is at the top of the list for a step-up bike for my son when He's ready. The good part is, I'll upgrade the suspension and use it as a track bike.

DJ, I think your buddy is gonna like it.

[isiahstites]

There have been quite a few magazine articles written about the SV and everything I have read to this point has been positive from all of the test riders.

Scott

[beekstersocal]

thats a fact scott it was all i had to keep up with that bike ,,,definately throw the yoshi on it had a great sport bike growl,,,,,,,,,,




exbeekstersocal,,,, :icon_redface:

[Pistol]

I bought a 2001 SV650S for my son back in Dec. of 2000. He went to the AF Academy in 2003 where he isn't allowed to ride a motorcycle so it's my responsibility to keep it exercised until May when he graduates. The engine is bullet proof and one of the best 650cc motors made for a motorcycle which is one of the reasons I bought a DL650 yesterday. I replaced the stock air filter with a K&N the same time I replaced the exhaust system with an M-4. The sound and added performance is well worth the cost. As stated previously the stock suspension could use an upgrade. I upgraded mine with a Fox Racing Twin Clicker shock and Race Tech Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators and Progressive springs. It now handles as well as the '96 Ducati 900 SuperSport I had. For an inexpensive bike nothing beats the SV650's "Fun Factor".
Ride safe,
Pistol

[BobFV1]

Hey Pistol -

Welcome to the cafe, and congrats on the new bike!

[DarthRider]

I hope Pistol checks in and posts from time to time, he's a pretty interesting cat.
20 year fighter pilot, tactical name: Pistol. Later retired as a Delta Captain.
Maybe he'll tell us about his bikes sometime...including the one that inspired his avatar.

Edit: Pistol, I just saw that you registered on The Cafe'...good deal!

[Deans BMW]

Welcome Pistol, pull up a chair and join the fun.

[Boxerboy]

... in Japan they sell a 400cc version that is simply awesome. .... The 400cc bike would be perfect for sub 5' 5" people under 130 lbs.


Joel does have Ducks disease and this bike sounds perfect. I think he has his heart set on a bigger bike though. We will need to put some thought into lowering the 650 for him. A shorter seat is available and that maybe all he needs to improve his comfort/confidence with very slow speed handling.