GS vs SV?

[Nikolas]

Hi all,

I'm considering picking up an SV650 (haven't decided year yet) as a more reliable modern fun machine that just works in comparison to my 89 project GS and 75 Vespa.  My biggest concern is low end torque and power off the line.  My biggest complaint for the GS is that its gutless until 5k (going to try a 14t front sprocket to match my riding style better, but still...)  I think the vtwin will meet my desires, but its also smaller and a duel pin in comparision to the Buell's and Ducs I have a small amount of experience with.  If anyone with experience on both can give me a detailed comparison of the power band I'd appreciate it.

[bosozoku]

Hi all,

I'm considering picking up an SV650 (haven't decided year yet) as a more reliable modern fun machine that just works in comparison to my 89 project GS and 75 Vespa.  My biggest concern is low end torque and power off the line.  My biggest complaint for the GS is that its gutless until 5k (going to try a 14t front sprocket to match my riding style better, but still...)  I think the vtwin will meet my desires, but its also smaller and a duel pin in comparision to the Buell's and Ducs I have a small amount of experience with.  If anyone with experience on both can give me a detailed comparison of the power band I'd appreciate it.

SV650 == highly recommended - test drove a few and really liked them.  Power is decent from about 3k on.  Only warning: DO NOT, NOT, NOT, NOT get the cheap imitation made by Hyosung, no matter how much you're tempted.  That is, unless you like having it in the shop 24/7 for things like dropped valves.

The only thing is that the 03+ SV650 has the better fuel system, but the 99-02 has the better (and prettier IMHO) frame.

-b.

[frankieG]

united motors has a 650 that is much better looking than the sv, better warranty and cheaper in price

[bosozoku]

united motors has a 650 that is much better looking than the sv, better warranty and cheaper in price

That's a Hyosung by another name (probably couldn't sell them after the valve, etc problems!).  If you want a bike that'll sit at the mechanic's 50% of the time, then by all means buy one.  Just because it has a good warranty and they pay for repairs, doesn't mean that waiting for repairs still won't suck!  Better looking?  Nah, it looks stupid -- parallel frame rails with no diagonal bracing, so it looks (and is) weaker than the SV.  If you want a poor imitation of a good bike ... otherwise you're better off with a used SV!

[frankieG]

since i have ridden both and compared them the UM is better and has a better warranty.  i can't speak to the pre 07's though, so how many have you ridden or worked on?

[bosozoku]

since i have ridden both and compared them the UM is better and has a better warranty.  i can't speak to the pre 07's though, so how many have you ridden or worked on?

I know of several people who've owner pre-07 Hyosung 650 models and have been VERY unhappy with them.  By "very unhappy" I mean major engine damage like dropped valves and burnt pistons.  I'd give it 3 years or so before I trust them -- remember that cheap bikes are cheaper FOR A REASON.

[ohgood]

Hmm, I thought the title was GS vs SV. Oh well, let's throw in a Buell Blasterd while we're at it... Only kidding.

Personally I'd go for the sv650. Newer models have fuel injection, a decent amount more torque, and the same ton of parts the gs enjoys. Read up on the motor messengers in the UK. They seem to like them for dependability, reliability, comfort, etc

I'd just like the fuel injection myself. More power wouldn't really be usable since I commute mainly, and take the wife out on the weekends.

Got pics of the vespa you're toying with ?

[frankieG]

they have twice the warranty than suzuki 2 years vice 1. i have not heard of any of the problems you mentioned.  checked a few boards too and nothing there.  maybe your buds run the snot out of them with no oil?  anyhow enough 9/11 of the thread

[bosozoku]

they have twice the warranty than suzuki 2 years vice 1. i have not heard of any of the problems you mentioned.  checked a few boards too and nothing there.  maybe your buds run the snot out of them with no oil?  anyhow enough 9/11 of the thread

Google: hyosung 650 dropped valves

Plenty of stories.  This is the same bike.  Hopefully they've fixed the problems by now, but who knows?

And the bike is $4999.  For $3k you can get a used SV650 that'll be just as good if not better.

-b.

[Chuck]

Haha, I've never ridden an SV, but I get the sense it's the better bike.  With a good rider, they kill me at the track.  They've got good torque and good lean.

You're right the GS doesn't do much below 5K.  That's why I never have it below 5K.  I usually take off at 6-7K and keep it there if I'm in that mood.  That solves the problem for me.  Lunchbox, rejet, and 15T sprocket made it much more usable.

[Nikolas]

Hyosung got a bad batch of valve seats on the 06 model 650s.  It has been fixed.  I'd consider one new, but I'm not planing on buying new.

Thanks for all the feedback.

[yamahonkawazuki]

terry whats with teh 9/11 references?

[ssinema]

Heres a REALLY good shot of an SV650. Enjoy!

http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/forum/attachments/off-topic/4237-yamaha-fz6-vs-suzuki-sv650-vs-suzuki-gs500-56k-big-ass1.jpg

[skoebl]

Having owned both, I much prefer the SV. That is, though, because I'm 6'6" and 220 lbs and like the extra power. It's got lots of low end torque from about 3k on. 

[sledge]

GSvSV??
Its no contest  , there is about 20yrs of development between them. I read in a recent mag` that the SV is presently the best selling bike in Europe.

[Chuck]

Of course I have to add that I like my GS for ease of maintenance and mountains of available parts.  There's like three new engines on ebay every week.

[MrDan]

Just something to keep in mind.  The riding position is vastly different between an 89GS and an SVS.  I could ride 400mi on the GS no problem.  After 250mi (and at least 6 stops) on my SVS yesterday, my wrists are killing me.  If you can ride one for a few miles, you should.  I don't regret buying the SV, but I need to sort it out to make it more comfortable.

[Jake D]

they have twice the warranty than suzuki 2 years vice 1. i have not heard of any of the problems you mentioned.  checked a few boards too and nothing there.  maybe your buds run the snot out of them with no oil?  anyhow enough 9/11 of the thread

Dude.  Threadjackaroo.  Nobody believes the UM is better than an SV.  This is an SV thread anyway.  Remember. . .the guy wants something reliable.  Even if you think they are "better". 

Having OWNED an SV, I can say the power is a little better.  Then only problem I had with it was the throttle response takes some getting used to (on the second generation SVs).  It is really abrupt.  But other than that, nice bike.  It just didn't fit me very well. 

[Chuck]

A friend who started riding a GS500 after several years with his VFR has the same comment about the throttle response.  The carburetor has a much better "feel" I guess, though I don't know because I never rode a fuel injected bike.  Well, I rode a GSXR about three miles, but I didn't get much sense of the throttle response except that a little does a lot. 

[Jake D]

My current bike has carbs, and is easier to manage.

Having your clutch properly adjusted on the SV helps.  If you can feed about half the clutch lever before you get into the "friction zone", then you are on the right track. 

Riding an SV will get your throttle control up to par, for sure.