Somewhat OT: Guys that have upgraded to SV650-

[pandy]

Also, engine braking is more pronounced. 

Word. This I had to get used to, because I do love to engine brake, and the SVS is less forgiving of newbie sins than the GS (not by a huge margin, but less forgiving, nonetheless). 

[Mk1inCali]

Good, that's exactly what I'm looking for.  More performance, less sloppiness.

[12thmonkey]

But yeah, around town, that thing runs like a scalded ape.

That's about the best simile i've heard in a while...i'm gonna have to steal that.

[corndog67]

I need to add that I would definately buy another one.  Absolutely.  Even stock, they sound bitchin', like I said, around town with an experienced rider, in my opinion, there is nothing faster.  Mine didn't require rejetting like my GS500 did, it probably would have helped, maybe a faster warm-up, a little more response, but the GS was almost unrideable stock, very unpleasant off the bottom end,  the SV was tons of fun, right off the bat, even with the stock pipe.  And the SV has PERSONALITY.  Almost like a Ducati.  The bike truly has soul, and when you back out of the throttle from high rpm, they sound cool.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.