Going from GS to SV650S or SV1000S

[danci1973]

Hi, all!

I'm going to get a new bike and I'm considering a 2003 SV650S or SV1000S. Since I can't get a test ride of both of these bikes at our dealer (I can get a ride with SV650 naked, but that's not it), I'm asking for some 1st hand experience here.

If any of you GS riders already test rode both SV's, can you tell me how they felt (I mean handling, cornering, ... - not power and acceleration) compared to the GS?

Thanks, D.

[vtlion]

Can't speak on the 1000, but my 650S handles much better than the GS.

Rear suspension is adequate.  I set the preload to one click down from the stiffest and the bike handles well both solo and two-up.

Front suspension is gonna disappoint you a little.  It is soft, but not nearly as soft as the GS.  Only the preload is adjustable, and I cranked it down to one ring showing to get a better front end feel.  I am also 6'3" and I carry alot of weight over the bars when I'm on the bike.  It stopped the front end from bouncing through turns alright, but she still gets a little twitchy in the corners.  I haven't bottomed her out in 2000 miles though, which is nice because I would bottom the GS front end every time I pulled into my driveway  

The L-twin design puts the center of gravity tightly in the center of the bike, which makes it easy as pie to toss back and forth in the twisties... lots of fun once you get the hang of the monster torque at the rear wheel compared to the GS.

Good zip around town.  Competitive in the twisties, but don't botch a turn because you can't catch up in the straights when you are in a pack of 600's.  Fair on the highway, but roll-on power could use a little extra punch.  With my suspension settings she is rock stable to 80mph.  Gets a little twitchy at 90 depending on road conditions.  I white knuckle cruising at about 110... too much head-shake... not gonna go there again     I can blast her up to 130 comfortably for a pass.  Under acceleration the bike is much more stable at high speeds... but take that load off the rear tire to cruise, and I get nervous.

I love my SV because right now I spend about 90% of my time riding around town and taking backroads to the next town over.  I don't think there is a single bike better suited to the commuter/twistie rider than the SV.

[danci1973]

The L-twin design puts the center of gravity tightly in the center of the bike, which makes it easy as pie to toss back and forth in the twisties... lots of fun once you get the hang of the monster torque at the rear wheel compared to the GS.

That's what I'm most interested in - how easy is tossing it about compared to the GS? Easier? Harder? Just as the GS?

I don't think there is a single bike better suited to the commuter/twistie rider than the SV.

You make me wanna get it now!

D.

[pantablo]

The sv650s I rode was harder to tip into turns than the gs. I and the sv owner surmised it was due to the clip on bars and wider front wheel/dual discs, etc creating more inertia at the front. Its a fun bike. Nothing else in its class. Its still a budget bike though and I dont consider it a huge leap from the gs.

The sv1000 is a different story. There are a number of [better] liter twin bikes I would buy before the sv but for the price you cant beat it. It is a much more focused and harder suspended bike.

[vtlion]

That's what I'm most interested in - how easy is tossing it about compared to the GS? Easier? Harder? Just as the GS?

D.

I have the 'S' model, so its not really a good comparison (clipons vs tubular bars), but a couple of weeks ago I actually test-rode a GS for a friend who was considering buying it, and I have to say that I didn't enjoy riding the GS around the neighborhood at all.  The SV really falls into the turns much more easily.  Of course, I've gotten accustomed to the posture and weight distribution that clip-on bars impose, so maybe I was just rusty at the commuter bike riding technique  

[danci1973]

That's what I'm most interested in - how easy is tossing it about compared to the GS? Easier? Harder? Just as the GS?

D.

I have the 'S' model, so its not really a good comparison (clipons vs tubular bars), but a couple of weeks ago I actually test-rode a GS for a friend who was considering buying it, and I have to say that I didn't enjoy riding the GS around the neighborhood at all.  The SV really falls into the turns much more easily.  Of course, I've gotten accustomed to the posture and weight distribution that clip-on bars impose, so maybe I was just rusty at the commuter bike riding technique  

Cool, I've clip-ons on my GS so I should be ready for the SV-S!

D.

[The Buddha]

Around here... Charlotte NC, USA... the dealers have not been able to sell the 1000's... hence they are discounting it deep... almost 1.6K down... from its lofty $8599 MSRP... to 5999. Making it 300 more than the 650... OK so I guess I wont be asking any questions... the 1000 is it IMHO.
BTW there is one dealer that has a TL/S from 2001 or 2002, brand new on the floor, and its $4899... I believe he said it was below his cost. I'll take that... Thank you very much... USD front end, and the older frame which I liked far more than the rubbermaid frame on the new one, the rounder styling etc etc... love that.
Cool.
Srinath.

[pantablo]

Oh yeah, I'd take a TLS over an SV1000 any day.

[danci1973]

Unfortunately, the SV650S around here costs a bit over US$8600 and the SV1000S US$10555. And that's a discount price!  :x

D.

[Roadstergal]

I can't put a foot on the ground without tipping the bike.  

[mercdude63]

i test rode one... and i didn't like it compared to the gs AT ALL. The gs was much more forgiving and loved to be thrown into the turns. I figured it was due to the bigger forks and tires. The gs needed countersteering at 15-20mph and the sv around 40. I'd say for hardcore beginners, the sv is probably more friendly, minus the ridiculous torque factor. However, after riding one and parking it next to my gs, i liked my gs even more... god rest its soul.  

[The Buddha]

Oh yeah, I'd take a TLS over an SV1000 any day.

Yup... someone did... its gone.
Cool.
Srinath.

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

The GS is easier to ride. The seating being more upright, you don't put any weight on your hands. This makes the GS feel as if it steers exceptionally easy, which it does. I ride a 650 lb BMW R1150GS. It too has the upright position and wide bars. I can toss that thing around in the corners like a sport bike with very little effort. The GS500 just lacks oomph in the engine department and the suspension is the mushiest of any bike I have ever ridden (many).

The SV/S have slightly better suspension than the GS. The suspension is the place where Suzuki really saved some money on producing the SV/S. However, the motor is fantastic. It makes a good deal more power and torque everywhere in the rev range. It doesn't sound like it is about to explode when you rev it up. It does not consume vast amounts of oil with no clue as to where it is going like the GS.

On the SVS model, you have clip ons that are lower than the tubular handle bar of the standard SV. This means you will be putting more weight on your hands unless you are really disciplined about holding your torso up with your lower back muscles. If you leave the weight on your hands, it will make the steering of the SVS seem very heavy and sluggish.  If you hold yourself up properly, the bike feels extremely light and flickable, more so than the GS. Proper body positioning really affects the quality of the ride on the SVS. It is not as big a deal on the standard SV.

The seat to footpeg distance is a bit cramped on the SVS model. This is true of the 2001 all the way to 2004 models. The pegs are higher and farther back on the S model than on the standard SV. I have a 34" inseam so this is of particular concern for me. I find the GS to be a bit small for my frame. The SV/S is good for the upper body, but still to cramped for the legs.

The GS gets around 50+ mpg. The SV/S will only get in the low to mid forties unless you are cruising around 65-70mph on the superslab. I have ridden both the carb and FI versions of the S model and like both. The FI seems to have the common abrubt on/off feel when you modulate the throttle. You get used to it and then never think about it though. With the FI, you don't have to mess with jet kits, float bowls, etc,... You just put your aftermarket pipe on the bike and ride away, hehe.  If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, you can use something like a Power Commander to tweak the FI maps.

The SV/S has much better accleration than the GS. You can easily make fast passes on vehicles at highway speeds. The wind protection on the SVS is pretty good and the mirrors are actually quite good for a sportbike. The one thing the SVS really lacks that the GS has is a center stand!! Once you have been spoiled by having one, owning a bike without one gets annoying.

Regarding the deficiencies in suspension, it is cheap to upgrade the SV/S suspension bits. I believe the stock GSX-R750 rear shock is a popular replacement for the SVS rear shock. These can be had for very cheap on Ebay. For the front, all you need is Race Tech springs, new oil, and perhaps the Gold Valve damping bits. This will dramatically transform the SVS into a whole different beastie.

I rode an SVS on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It had Race Teched front end, Ohlins rear, and one less tooth on the front sprocket. I could not believe the difference between that bike and a stock bike. That SV rocked! There is no comparison between that one and a GS in outright performance and handling terms.

The trannys on the SV/S's are fantastic. They are slick and smooth shifting. At times, the GS feels a bit clunky.

The headlights on the SV and S are much better than that of the GS. Also, you have a much better selection of tires for the SV/S than for the GS. That can make a big difference in how the bike feels as well.

You might also consider the new FZ6. It is an inline four instead of the twin, but if that is not an issue for you, then it is a worthy bike to consider. I have not yet ridden one, but they have been getting excellent reviews.

Adios,