next MC

[rockyrunner99]

I sold my GS because my wife lost her job, and we will be moving, hopefully, and it would have been too hard to move.  I am thinking about what I would get again if and when I get another MC.  I am leaning toward a SV650.  I am just wondering how smooth the v-twin is.  I haven't ridden anything other then my gs, how would it compare. Also, I am thinking I would like that the sv650 has more low end torque then a standard 600 4 cylinder bike.  Any other thoughts on these bikes?

[Suzuki Stevo]

SV650's use a 90° V that has perfect primary balance so vibration will not be a problem, but you will get a very minute secondary vibration in the bars around 5000 Rpm that really isn't an issue at all, it's just enough to let you know what the bike is doing. V-Stroms use the same engine but have more flywheel weight and a bit less cam, resulting in a bit less HP but a more linear powerband. Everyone I know that has a SV650 absolutely loves them! As far as Suzuki's go look at the SV650, GSX650F, and the Wee Strom 

[PachmanP]

Dude you've done your time with a beginner bike. Go straight for the gsxr 1k!!!

The SV's are petty popular bikes. I rode one for a bit and liked it, but I only have a gs to compare with.  BaltimoreGS might chime in that he actually likes the GS more than his SV because the GS feels more nimble and lower center of gravity.

I'm kind of partial at least in theory to the Yamaha FZ6 with it's detuned I4. There's a triumph naked in the same size range that looks pretty sweet.

[ineedanap]

Yhea, what they said.  

I figure I'd add a little more about the SV650 since I have one.  It's a second generation (2003+) so unlike the first gen it's fuel injected.  It also has a couple more HP than the earlier ones but nothing special.  All years use basically the same motor.  The second gen also saw some updates to the bodywork and frame.  

There's a really nice meaty midrange.  That's what makes this motor so nice.  You don't have to always be in the right gear to make good forward progress.  It has more power off the bottom than the 600s, but lacking on top.  The SV makes about 70hp at the wheel, so it's down a good 30hp or more compared to the 600s.  

It's still relatively fast.  It's no Busa but WOT is acceptable and it'll keep the front tire skimming the ground to about 45mph.  It pulls pretty good at track speeds without being intimidating and will top out around 125mph.  It's kind of weird but it seems to put the power to the ground different than an inline too.  I can't really describe it, but it's unique.  It seems like the back tire always has traction, no matter how far you're leaned over or what the throttle is doing.  

You'll notice right away, though, that unlike the GS, the SV forks and frame are much more rigid.  When the SV was stock the whole bike actually felt pretty similar to the my fairly well modified GS.  They're really more alike than different.  

[BaltimoreGS]

As Danny said, I'll give my SV a fair rating.  Mine is an '06.  Much like a GS, the stock suspension is crap.  I like the look of the tubular frames on the older SV's.  The later models get fuel injection though.  I would stay away from the '03 model, it was a bastard year that used some different parts than the '04 up models.  Take a good look at the GSX 650 F too, that will be my SV's replacement when I find a good deal on one.  I personally have had bad luck with Yamaha's but I know a lot of people like the older FZ6's.  Happy hunting!

-Jessie

[johnny ro]

SV is about 20 years more modern. You will love it. Its one of the all time best bikes out there. Yes, it comes with soft suspension.

[tt_four]

Yeah I think that bike should feel amazingly smooth compared to a gs. I had the previous version of that Triumph that pachman talked about(current is street triple, I had a speed four), and I loved it. It was an I4, not a twin like the SV, but it would've eaten an SV for lunch and still had a decent amount of midrange, although I've never ridden an SV to compare. I love the idea of an SV and v twins, but for my next bike I just want something a little stronger.

[Caffeine]

V-Stroms use the same engine but have more flywheel weight and a bit less cam, resulting in a bit less HP but a more linear powerband. Everyone I know that has a SV650 absolutely loves them! As far as Suzuki's go look at the SV650, GSX650F, and the Wee Strom 

Love my Wee!  June will be 3 years with my Wee, and it was a logical next step from my GS.   I did have to adjust to a MUCH higher seat and riding position, but I'm very happy with the bike, and 58mpg ain't bad!   Definitely more power than the GS, but nothing crazy.   Still, I cruise happily at 90mph (INDICATED, but I estimate it overstates by about 9%).    Seat could be a little better, but I don't do much all-day cruising.

[Suzuki Stevo]

Love my Wee!  June will be 3 years with my Wee, and it was a logical next step from my GS.   I did have to adjust to a MUCH higher seat and riding position, but I'm very happy with the bike, and 58mpg ain't bad!   Definitely more power than the GS, but nothing crazy.   Still, I cruise happily at 90mph (INDICATED, but I estimate it overstates by about 9%).    Seat could be a little better, but I don't do much all-day cruising.

Wee Stroms love the open road, Suzuki hit the mark with the full sized frame, mid sized motor. 22 L/5.8 Gal of fuel capacity makes for some good range also. Mine is an '05, for two up open road/MC camping it is my first choice. I average 55-58 also...once I managed 61.5 Mpg when I had the stock can on it.

[Suzuki Stevo]

I love the idea of an SV and v twins, but for my next bike I just want something a little stronger.

GSX650F