Well now that I'm the owner of both a GS500 and an SV650, I can honestly say after thirty years (off and on mind you) of riding motorcycles I've found the "keeper". The SV is just a cut above anything else I've ever owned...and I've owned several. Some more powerful (ZX6), some better sportbikes (CBR600), some just fat, comfortable marshmellows (Katana 600), and some happy-go-lucky (GS500), but never a bike that could produce the pure joy of motorcycling no matter how you chose to do it. The SV is happy purring along at highway speeds, happy screaming around the twistys, and doen't mind a bit running to the corner store with me...more of a companion than a bike (my wife would kill me if she saw that... :o )...sort of like a willing puppy-dog. I've now got absolutely tons of aftermarket parts and accessories I can personalize and customize the bike with, not to mention I can install REAL tires now (160/60 rear).....but.....I have to give the GS500 credit for coming a VERY close second. For the money, the GS just can't be beat, and a good rider on a GS will keep up with me just fine (he just can't do 3rd gear wheelies.. :P ). So the tough decision has been made. I'll call the classifieds on Monday, put willing, but tired puppy-dog number two up for sale....to a good home: one heck of a bike.... :thumb:
Quote from: ArpeeI've now got absolutely tons of aftermarket parts and accessories I can personalize and customize the bike with, :
so you can still have a bike that looks like all the other SV's B/C everybody installs the same stuff.... :mrgreen:
you go now.....you here 4 hour.... :x
but I'm still hungry.... :(
And then?
And then?
And then?
And then?
And then?
And then?
And then?
And then?
And then?
And then?
my next bike will be an sv650, sooner than later. and given my past history I doubt it will look like another sv (I'll keep the monster fairing to make sure of that!). That'll be a keeper. Or I might keep it as is cosmetically and only upgrade suspension/performance mods and just ride it. Imagine that.
Quote from: pantablomy next bike will be an sv650, sooner than later. and given my past history I doubt it will look like another sv (I'll keep the monster fairing to make sure of that!). That'll be a keeper. Or I might keep it as is cosmetically and only upgrade suspension/performance mods and just ride it. Imagine that.
You think the fender is ugly on the GS, go look at the '03 SV's :lol:
It needs a seat cowl too ;)
I really like the SV650 but I just wish it had an exhaust like the 1000. I think the satin finish dual pipes look so much better
I was looking at a used ZRX 1200R a couple days ago. I was amazed at how big it looked and how light it felt. I might have to take a test drive.
Practicaly speaking I need something comfy with good wind protection since all I do is commute but the Buell XB9R Thunderbolt is still calling to me :mrgreen:
Probably the best mix of practical and fun for me would probably be a used Katana, but I'm not buying anything until the next freeze hits so I can get a good deal :thumb:
I've had my 93 GS500E for a couple months now, I enjoy it. It takes me as fast as I need to go......but I recently looked at a Suzuki Bandit 1200S and fell in love. It's bigger, almost a sport tourer but man it felt good. I also like the SV650S, but as far as price goes, the 1200S is a steal. And my wife loves to be a passenger and the SV650 has an unforgiving passenger seat. So hopefully in the next couple years.....I'll be cruisin on the Bandit.
However I'll keep the GS in the garage always......I've put to much love into it.
I want to tests drive a SV650s baaaad. In size and weight how would you compare it? For example... I am only a weee bit of a person. Will I be able to touch the ground? I can with ease on the GS. I can pick the GS up when it falls over (yes it has been on its side at times... once not too long ago. I think a kid in the neighborhood was fooling around on it...then dropped it on its side. :nono: )
I stood next to a 2003 and it looks bigger.
:mrgreen:
Thanks!
THe 99-02 and 03 SVs are about an inch taller than a GS and the seat is wider too. But you can lower the SV an inch or two fairly easily.
I came very close to buying either an '02 SVS or even one of the new ones to replace my '00 naked SV. But an SV is just plain small under you if you are over 6', I've gotten tired of 'Zuki putting bargan basement suspension on their bikes, and (IMHO) the '03 SVs are just plain hidious to look at.
I got a YZF600R and love it. Big, comfy, fast enough, and lots of fork and shock knobs and dials for me to play with.
I will however get either a older preped SV or maybe an new one thats been crashed to build a race bike for next year. They ARE fun bikes.
I had my bike in for an inspection sticker (late) and browsed the used lot at the dealer (Cycles 128, Beverly, MA USA)
I found an almost brand spanking new 2002 SV650s, blue. Not a scratch, not a nick. The only evidence I saw of it being used was some minor grime on the chain and a "certified used" sticker. Digital odometer, so....Probably a few hundred miles.
(It may still be there if anyone lives close by...)
I sat on it for size and riding position, and it struck me as very similar to the GS, maybe a touch bigger. Felt like it would be comfortable. I think anyone comfortable on a GS would have no problem with the SV.
If I hadn't just redone my kitchen I would have considered taking a test ride. No sense flirting with a new bike when I don't have the $$$ :)
Trev
My buddy picked up a 03 SV650s the same day I bought my GS500 (2 weeks ago... ) we just went on our first mini trip (400 km to niagara falls and back to toronto) The SV650S is actually lighter than the GS500 (think it's 330lb dry) and the naked 650 is probably lighter still, it's got about 67hp to the rear wheel. He says it's incredibly balanced as we were riding in a bit of rain and wind without any problems. Also he locked up his rear wheel and it never slid out... just stayed balanced. As for height his it is height adjustable so it can be brought down to about the same height of my 01 GS.
Quote from: Black SnowmanI was looking at a used ZRX 1200R a couple days ago. I was amazed at how big it looked and how light it felt. I might have to take a test drive.
Test ride a Z1000 if you have a chance. Naked, nasty and light. 125HP doesn't hurt either :mrgreen:
QuoteThe SV650S is actually lighter than the GS500 (think it's 330lb dry) and the naked 650 is probably lighter still, it's got about 67hp to the rear wheel
yes it is a bit lighter....but not 330 lbs light. I believe the actual weight is 365 lbs dry. The GS is like 378 lbs. dry. The SV being taller, feels a little heavier when rolling the bike around. That actually makes the GS feel more balanced at parking lot speeds...plus the GS's narrower tires help too.
QuoteTest ride a Z1000 if you have a chance. Naked, nasty and light. 125HP doesn't hurt either
Yeah Kawi went for Aprillia's throat with that bike....super badass! Did you get one John?
John,
Your bike is SWEET! But once again..to tall? Can it be shortened..if so how much.. Etc etc!
;)
Snapper,
Yep...there are "dog-bones" that fit the rear linkage available at 2wheeljunkie.com to lower (or raise) the ride height. My inseam is like 30" so I've got short legs too. I can almost "flat-foot" on the SV.
BTW, for me anyway, the SV feels "thinner" between my knees than the GS.
R.
I need to get on one. Really I do... For my height I have pretty long legs.. so I haven't had a prob with the GS. Its intimidating to look at something that "appears" larger. ;)
I think I would look for a used SVs... like a 2000 or a 2001.
:mrgreen:
Quote from: snapperI need to get on one. Really I do... For my height I have pretty long legs.. :mrgreen:
Trying to get the boys all hot and bothered eh ;)
I was down the street from your house yesterday (went to the mall) but didn't want to just 'drop in' -looks like I should have as we did a unplanned cruise through Berkeley & Dighton and back into Taunton again. Next time I'll call ya on the cell :)
Rats! But alas I was not home yesterday. Was in Lakeville. Bike was in the driveway- alone and moping.
As for the legs... I am sure I am just the thing that would get them hot and bothered. Yup thats me! Perfect description! :P
:lol:
QuoteAs for the legs... I am sure I am just the thing that would get them hot and bothered. Yup thats me! Perfect description!
dang! You go girl!
One thing...or actually a couple to keep in mind: I can flat-foot on the SV...I just wasn't trying. Also, the SV naked (or "nekkid" as the SV riders say) is geared one tooth higher (meaning geared lower) at the countershaft, and also lacks a front fairing...read "wheelies". All I have to do is think the word "wheelie" and the front is pawing the sky...dang, there's a lot of torque down low! Also the ME-Z4 (at least mine anyway) stinks! The rear end stepped out on me TWICE this evening and I wasn't even approaching the edge of the tire (prolly to within 3/8" to the edge). The engine has a huge amount of braking power as well, so one should never enter a slow turn, and then back off the throttle...you'll be sampling some asphalt. OK, so maybe it isn't exactly motorcycling "nirvana"....yet.
Quote from: ArpeeAlso the ME-Z4 (at least mine anyway) stinks! The rear end stepped out on me TWICE this evening and I wasn't even approaching the edge of the tire (prolly to within 3/8" to the edge).
Yeah, when I was looking for new tires I was torn between Metzelers and Michelins. It was my buddy with an SV650 that said the MEtz were crap. He went through both Metz and Mich and the latter were superior by a long shot-so I bought pilot sports for the GS. Maybe the more hp you add the worse the Metz's are?
Quote from: Arpee...so one should never enter a slow turn, and then back off the throttle...you'll be sampling some asphalt.
Um, this would be true in general-not just with an SV.
QuoteUm, this would be true in general-not just with an SV.
the GS is a bit more forgiving in this instance. The braking power of the SV engine is phenomenal. The PO left some strange marks in the center of the rear tire...near as I could tell it was skidding from compression braking.. :? The irregulatities were going the opposite of what a burnout would be (this guy was a commuter anyway...not a squid-type) and they went the whole way around the tire.. :o . Looks like the brakes will be outlasting the tires by a long shot.