For a while I have been planning many mods for my bike. Exhaust, jet kit, ignition advancer, new shock, progressive springs, etc. etc.
But today that all went out the window when I went for a ride with a guy on a sv650s. That bike sounds soooo mean and loud! It was a hell of a lot faster then the GS in the straight aways and he was pulling tiny wheelies off the throttle.
I could out ride him in the twisties, but i guarentee you that bike could handle a turn better then my bike.
At the end of this riding season I'm selling my gs (after 3 years) and getting an SV for sure.
Traitor!
-Anti
What model year was it?
if i were going the sv route, which is pretty appealing, i'd move up to the sv1000s, if you're gonna go for more power than the gs i'd say take a jump.
It was a 99 svs
I'd love to go with the sv1000 but the insurance would be way too much for a 18 year old.
ah, didn't realize you were such a youngin :mrgreen:
So you must have been riding your GS since you got your very first license. That's sweet. I'm 18 too but only been riding mine for four months.
I bet the GS feels slow as snot to you now. Go for it - jump up! As soon as I can afford it, an R6 will be mine. I'll definitely be ready for the power boost by then, because I won't be able to afford one for a while now! Actually, I'm trying to decide between an R6 and a fully faired Ducati 900SS. I'd love to have the SS but it's older, with less performance, and insurance might be weird with me just because of the D-word. I love Ducati to death but I'm thinking it'd be best to go with an R6 first, then a 916 or 996 when I've got the experience (and the money!)
thats a good jump. sv650 is a great next bike after the gs. You've been riding for 3 years? you're probably ready for the move up. The sv650 is quite a bit more bike and is the kind of bike people prefer over their liters for the same reasons we all love our gs's-light, flickable and fun to ride...and they have huge aftermarket support.
Check out www.svrider.com and www.socalsvriders.com
And also sv650.org if you don't mind a bit more international site.
Gene K
Is it just me, or does anyone else think the 650 and the 1000 look much better without the plastic. I would just go for the sv650 and not the sv650s, but thats just me. At any rate it's a great bike.
I'd love to have an SV650S. I like the plastic, but that's just me. Someday...
The '03s have really wide radiators. They're somewhat obscured by the fairing on the SVSs, but on the naked bikes they stick out like a sore thumb. I'm also looking at an SV650s... probably a blue 2001. It is definitely a step up, and everything I read is positive.
Emmett Lyman
The sv650s is a much better jump from the SG than going to a litre class bike. I went from my GS to a 600 amd just now am I looking at a 1000 bike. Had I gone from a 500 to a 1000 I'm sure I would have mangled myself with massive increase in power. The SV650s is a great bike and I almost bought it over the F4i I ended up with but take it in steps, that sv will get you over 100mph quite a bit quicker than the gs.
Now I know Im not the only one that wants an SV. I too am only 18 and will probley move up to an SV in a year or two. Hopefully I can sell my snowmobile to get some money for the future riding plans.
Quote from: SethThe sv650s is a much better jump from the SG than going to a litre class bike. I went from my GS to a 600 amd just now am I looking at a 1000 bike. Had I gone from a 500 to a 1000 I'm sure I would have mangled myself with massive increase in power. The SV650s is a great bike and I almost bought it over the F4i I ended up with but take it in steps, that sv will get you over 100mph quite a bit quicker than the gs.
you can mangle yourself with any bike of any power, provided you take it for granted. you could mangle yourself on a gs, it's all about respecting what the bike can do, and not being foolish on it. if you mess around on a gs, a 650, or a 1000, you could kill yourself. i think it's not smart starting on a 1000, as you don't know what a bike is anyway, let alone are you able to handle that kind of power (due to accidents with throttle, clutch, etc), but once you're into the biking world, and you understand how to bike (couple years on your starter bike of choice), i don't see a problem going to a 1000. yeah, it's a lot more bike, but by the time you get it, you should be able to respect what that powr can do to you, and will do to you if you f%$k around with it. as long as you ride responcibly, i don't see any reason to have to take such small steps with bikes. i guess it's based upon comfort level of the individual rider, but i don't think you need a break between a 500 and a liter if you understand how to bike, have experience, and arn't going to take risks you can't handle.
I completely agree Zarathustra but I would highly recommend(sp) that a person ride a 1000cc bike before they buy one when going from a 500 to a 1000 no matter how much experience they might have. The differences in power and handling may really surprise some people. I see adds all the time of people selling high powered bikes and stating that they are selling it simply becasue they feel it is more than they can handle, and a 1000c bike is a lot to handle. If someone has the experience and they want the absolute break neck power of a 1000 then I say go for it but the minute you fail to respect the bike it teaches you the hard way. The same can be said for the GS but the margain for error is much higher since a twist of the wrist in 3rd gear isn't going bring the front end off the ground. I'm merely trying to say that exercise some caution, the last thing any of us need is another statistic.
And whatever you do don't get that hideous orange color.
that orange copper color is the coolest color ever!!! however, i do agree that a test ride, and some time on a the bike should be spent before a purchase is made. i've seen those ads too; nothing worse than shelling out that much for a bike only to sell it instantly.
I love the SV, but I prefer the naked version. The 2003 models are fuel injected, so that would take some getting used to for me. Personally, as a noob, I wanted something easy to handle (like my new GS!). Next year or so, I might look for a used SV - the 650 is more than enough for me though.
As for Ducatis, as much as I love 'em, I've heard they are really expensive bikes to maintain. Since I need a mechanic to do the major stuff, I think I'll stay away from them for now. The monster is a beauty, though...
it's not so much that you'll need a mech to do the work for you that makes them expensive, rather, it's the obscene costs of ducati parts. they're through the roof.
Ya, I bought my first gs500 two weeks after my 16th birthday. Been riding ever since.
Last year in the fall I started dragging pegs constanly and finally started getting my knee down in turns. I'm basically at the limits of a gs500, unless of course I got rear-sets and did some suspension work.
I am just in love with the sv650 and I don't really need a 600ss bike. Sv is enough and you can't beat that v-twin roar!
I really wish they had carried the dual exhaust of teh sv1000 over to the new sv650's as well, I personally really like the high dual pipes that you can get on the monster and the sv.
I got the chance to ride a friends F4i and I can't even imagine needing more power than that. I remember back when I was a kid hearing about bikes breaking 80hp and weighing less than 600 lbs and thinking "That's INSANE!" Now, that's kinda sad for a sportbike.
I'm leaning tward getting a Buell XB9S or XB9R for my street bike in a few years when I'm ready to hit the track with the GS. Should be some used ones available by then and they have a really friendly power band and are supposed to handle like nothing else. Totally made for the streets.
The "real" superbikes have so much power and are so set up for racing that they don't even seem like they'd be fun until you're braking the law or could get them to a track. I'm also considering an SV650S, SV1000S, V-Storm, or some sort of Kawi. I just love Kawi green. I'm sick like that. Maybe it's just nestagila for the KDX-80 I learned on as a kid.
Ya, I rode a cbr 600 f4 that my friend had for a weekend. He works at a dealership around here and on occasions gets to take a bike home.
That thing destroys my bike in every way and is so easy to ride. I also felt as if I was going a lot slower then I actually was. The thing was so stable and it was a pleasure to actually have a fairing!
Yeah I went from the GS to an F$i (as stated in a previous post) and now I"m thinking of going to the 954rr. Its the same bike except alot more power. The F4i was was so nice to ride and handled so well, the only thing I wanted believe it or not was more low end grunt hence the desire for the 954rr.
Jonathan,
Please post some pictures of your bike and advise on your choice of tyres ! :)
I read the Cycle World article on the SV650 and they really gave it a nice review. I definitely may not mind one of those in a couple of years but we'll see. I always prefer the naked look on a bike and apparently so did the writers. :cheers:
Quote from: giraffeJonathan,
Please post some pictures of your bike and advise on your choice of tyres ! :)
I'm going to be taking some pictures next weekend when I go for a ride with another board member.
Many people actually have difficulty with the larger bikes on those small, slow parking lot-type manuevers. Lots of dumped bikes in the slow stuff as well as the fast.
The SV 1000 is only about 35 lbs. heavier than the GS believe it or not, and have a wonderfully usable power band as WELL AS fully adjustable front and rear suspension (the SV 650 lacks this). Too bad you can only buy a new, expensive one...sigh....if I ask the wife nicely??? Doubt it.. :cry:
The SV is old and boring ;)
I like the new Ducati Multistrada a do it all bike for 12 grand.
Single sided swing arm and have you seen the exhausts. I am drolling just thinking about them. I am still going to need another job if I am going to get one before the next decade but until then I am dreaming big.
I personally like riding the SV650 over the SV1000. The 650 is lighter, it handles better, it's cheaper and it's almost as fast. The SV650 is the only competitve bike in it's endurance class. The SV1000 and the TLR1000 use the same under powered motor.
Going from a street GS to almost any other modern street bike is a big jump. The SV650 makes great usable power and is the perfect next bike for a GS owner.
I've seen the new Buells for under $9000. That's $3000 to cover insurance ;) I'd definately take it over the Ducati. Also the Buell motor is much simpler and parts are inexpensive realative to the Ducati. The Duck is a great bike but has loads of performance where I would never use it. Plus I think the perimiter break on the Buell looks wicked :mrgreen:
If you do any serious amount of riding the Buell will eat you up in maintenance, actually the Ducati will also. Riders have gone without any work on their GS for years and years and never had problems. Remember the article about the delivery rider in Britain? He had over 200,000 km on his GS and never put a wrench to the motor. You would be lucky to get 15,000 miles out of Buell.
98% of the Harleys are still on the road, the other 2% made it home.
I dont know how you can even compare a ducati to a buell! Ducati's are beautiful, Buells look like they should be ridden by and super hero. I would take a monster that was broken down over any HD crap. But thats just me.
The Harley motors have come a LONG way since the AMC days that gave them their bad reputation. The early Buells had more chassis issues than motor issues and the few motor issues I know of (I've been following the Buell boards for a while) are realtively minor and inexpensive to fix.
Plus the new Buells aren't really even made by Buell. The motor is made in Brazil, the chassis in Itally, fuel injection from Japan, the suspension is all Showa . . . or is it Ohlins? I forget, but a real brand. Only the very final assembly is done stateside so they can slap "Made in the USA" on it.
The bike is far more Italian and Japanese than it is American. The reason I want it is that it has all the properties I want in a street bike. If Honda or Triumph built it I'd still want that bike.
PS: I saw a Monster S4 on street the other day. SWEET bike.
I admit that the HD motors have come a very long way in reliability. That still doesn't help the fact that they can't hold together when really pushed and don't make real horsepower. The Buell would be a great bike if it wasn't for the push rod motor. The supension is top notch and the handling faster and easier than most production bikes. The problem is reliability and maintenance. Buell tried AMA road racing but dropped out saying "It is pointless to continue." They are allowed to use 1200cc bikes against 750cc four cylinders that weigh more and the Buell still can't win.
Ya, fortunately I'd never take the bike to the track. For me it's just what I need. Low end grunt for fun. I doubt I'd really push the motor much and I get nervous about getting pulled over if I pass 10 over the limit.
When I get a new street bike the GS is going on a diet and be relegated to track use only. Maybe when I get comfortable enough I might take my "big" bike to the track a few times but I don't really see myself ever wanting to push the top speed limits of a 100+ HP 6 speed bike. I'm just fine with 70 lbs-ft of torque and 5 gears to bang through.
There are plenty of more powerful, more reliable, and cheaper bikes out there. But I LIKE the Buell XB9 chassis despite all it's shortcomings like a "poor" top end of around 140 mph (a good 40 MPH faster than I ever plan on taking it) short range (I don't do roadtrips) and possible maintence issues (I love working on my vehicles). Yes they are issues, but for me they're not big issues.
Most likely I'll end up on something like a tame 600, SV1000S, or SuperChicken because of financial reasons. I doubt I'd ever get a Ducati just because of the $$$ it takes to get, insure, and properly maintain one. I've also considered something more plush since I mainly seem to be commuting like a Kawi Concurs. I still do like the damn Buells though.
i'd take a TL1000R or VTR 1000 Superhawk over a buell or ducati.
The SuperHawk has a relatively low top end of the around 155 mph with after market pipes. The bike is seriously over weight and the stock tank is too small for long country road trips. The bike hasn't been very popular mainly because it doesn't have a full fairing. Despite these faults the bike is incredible to ride on the street as it is probably the most comfortable performance street bike. With 77 lbs. ft of torgque you don't need to down shift to accelerate. Ridden hard the SH will go into 2nd gear around 80 mph. The SuperHawk is the best street bike that I have ever owned.
Quote from: JonathanYa, I bought my first gs500 two weeks after my 16th birthday. Been riding ever since.
Last year in the fall I started dragging pegs constanly and finally started getting my knee down in turns. I'm basically at the limits of a gs500, unless of course I got rear-sets and did some suspension work.
I am just in love with the sv650 and I don't really need a 600ss bike. Sv is enough and you can't beat that v-twin roar!
I want an sv650 now... :o
All it takes is money man, all it takes is money :cheers:
I started out with my heart yearning for a SV650S. I loved the way the duel headlights looked. So, after MSF, I went down to a dealership, got on the 2003 SV650S and guess what, I could BARELY BARELY touch the ground. Plus, I took up the advice that I would most likely drop the bike and that I shouldn't start with a brand new bike. So, I was browsing around the shop and I got hooked on socalsvriders.com when someone mentioned the GS500 as a good starter bike. Fast forward to present, here I am, sitting here with a used GS500 sitting in my garage. Woah, I was totally just ranting. SV650S is definately going to be my next bike.
</rant>
Yep, I know the feeling. An ex-co-worker of mine started riding around the same time I did, and he bought a brand-new '02 SV nekkid (the faster, yellow one) and I rode with him a month or so ago.. he dusted me in the straights, and the thing hauls. Sounds great, and it looks like the GS's big brother :-)
Hey Yohan,
I knew I recognized you from socalsvriders.com!
Anyway, my next bike will be a used sv650, naked (faster) but I'm going to keep my handlebars and screen to install on that. Its a good bike but the gs500 is a better bike to learn on...makes for a better learning curve and easier one too. Make sure you practice as much as you can. Any twisties in Dallas area?
Stuff getting the SV as a next bike. Have both. I have had my SVs for around three years and the GS for about two. There is nothing better than having two or more bikes in the shed. While you are modding one you can ride the other. Seriously though the SV is a mint bike to go to next and maintanence wise if you go to a shop to get done is not much more than the GS. Nice to only pay for two plugs instead of four like the SS's.
I also love the fact that the SV has such a good following that there are so many aftermarket parts that bolt right on(Supposedly bolt right on) that there are so many choices as to what you want your bike to be.
For me I will just stick with having the two and thinking about which bike to ride next..
I'll probably wait to find a "deal" for my next bike. And then I'll "retire" the SG to race use if I can find any tracks around KC, KS. A guy at work was selling a pretty nice looking 93 Ninja 600R for only $2500. I wish I had the cash, might have talked him down a bit. Still, I have a bike I can ride now and I haven't even scraped a peg yet. Once I get the new Pirelli Sport Demons on I'm hoping that will change.
yeah, there's not too many places to "legally" race in kck or kcmo snowman. there are some local gatherings, but those guys don't mess around. seems as if all you see around town are gixxers, cbr's, etc. not too many gs's or sv's that i've seen, even at the stealers.
I really need to find a good job near some mountains :) Sell the house and get the heck outta dodge.
I know there's a kart / pocketbike track in Liberty where I used to live but it's not big enough for the GS. Would hit like 40 MPH top speed if you got really good.
I know there is some SCCA action that usually happens in the parking lot of the Woodlands dog track. I wonder if I could sneak in there with the GS for a little thrashing ;)
the only time i've had someone "know" what type of bike i had was a guy who thought it was a sv, go figure. unfortunatly when i told him it was a gs, he had a confused look and then almost looked disappointed. i think that i've actually seen more enduro bikes than gs's and sv's around town, combined. a bit off topic, have you found any decent places for parts for the gs? dealers always seem to say, "gs? those are good little bikes. we'd have to order that part for you."
Picking up my SV650 on Saturday! I'm stoked! I'll have to send Pablo some pictures....Quit yakking about it Pablo and just take the plunge. Mine's a '99 with a custom paint job, but otherwise stock. Paid $3195 plus tax. Yippee!
Quote from: ArpeePicking up my SV650 on Saturday! I'm stoked! I'll have to send Pablo some pictures....Quit yakking about it Pablo and just take the plunge. Mine's a '99 with a custom paint job, but otherwise stock. Paid $3195 plus tax. Yippee!
I got plenty of pictures. thanks though. Seriously, I'm working on it. Taking some side jobs to pour cash into savings (and dip into it for a new bike after selling the GS).
btw, much to the chagrin of everyone on this board I'm sure....I'm not going anywhere. The people here are too entertaining!.... :cheers: :kiss:
I seem to end up buying everything from parts411.com
They can usually get it just as fast and for less. I've used bikebandit.com too.
In a pinch I bought some float bowl gaskets from Olathe Suzuki. They get full retail for everything they sell unless you're a serious regular customer. Then you can talk them down a bit.
As much as I like my GS I dont think the sport style of bike is for me. The new SV 650 looks totally awesome but I think my next bike will be a crusier, either a Yamaha V-Star 650 or an HD Sportster 883. Even with an entry level sport bike such as the GS I find myself breaking the speed limits way too often, I cant imagine what its like with an SV or a Gixxer. Try not to bash too hard.
Quote from: sprint_9As much as I like my GS I dont think the sport style of bike is for me. The new SV 650 looks totally awesome but I think my next bike will be a crusier, either a Yamaha V-Star 650 or an HD Sportster 883. Even with an entry level sport bike such as the GS I find myself breaking the speed limits way too often, I cant imagine what its like with an SV or a Gixxer. Try not to bash too hard.
Before I got my GS, and before I did MSF my buddy let me ride his v-star 650. Nice bike, great first bike, lots of torque down low but lacking in the highway speeds area. he took it on long (600-700 mile trip?) and was really wanting more power to
comfortably cruise at 85 on long stretches of empty highway through the desert. The cruiser equivalent of the gs500. Why not a 800 cruiser or a vstar 1100?
$$$$$$ I have a limited supply. I am talking ahead of myself to. I dont plan on getting another bike till next spring. I have to sell my GS and my snowmobile first. I figured Id start looking now so I can figure out what I want. My parents have a 100th anniversary HD 1200 Sporster Custom and I love riding that, its a blast. Atleast with a HD you will get your money back out of the bike.