I have been doing alot more highway and tripping this summer, I just returned from Glacier National Park and I did that on my GS500 with a Passenger.  

I went into my dealer and there was a 2001 SV650S with 1100mi on it for $4500.  

Money wise I am sure i can swing it.  

Anyone on the board ride one?  

I rode it and it had alot more power.

I really don't know why I am asking about this, maybe i'm insecure... or I am just looking to people wiser then me for help... yeah that's it..

Anyways, Thoughts, reviews, other forums I should check?

Major question though is:  Is 4500 a fair price for a 2001 SV650S?

ive always wanted one......i got my gs cause it was a good deal at a good time.....i wish i waited for an sv but an sv is definately going to be my next bike.

That bike is over priced-  I bought a 2004 with 2200 miles for 4700.  You should be able to find a 2001 in the 3's or 2002 in the very low 4's.

I love the sv- I love the all around power.  Works great on two up riding and very nice on the freeways (did a 1500 mile trip in 2 days on it). The fuel injection on the newer models is sexy.

I would recommend that you price insurace on different years and model types-  My insurance trippled compared to my 2001 GS500.  You may be surpirsed with the difference between a 2001 and 2004.  Not as good gas milage.  Suspension is weak, but the overall handling is fantastic.  You will need to spend some time relearning to ride- Slightly different feel to riding when you double the ponies.

Yeah that was high, I went ahead and got on both Nada and KBB, and the highest I came up with is 3970 retail, that's pristine, 1200 mi.  

Values ran:
Retail:
$3970 - KBB
$3315 - Nada Average cond
$2520 - Nada Low cond

Trade in values on my 96 gs:

$1290 - KBB trade in, $1955 reatail
$1485 - Nada Average
$1130 - Nada Low

So there we are.

With playing with progressive insurance numbers a 2001 SV650S, runs ~$225 No collision - 1260 with collision
and anywhere in between playing with deductables.

GRANTED that is for ME.

yeah, you can definitely do better (price-wise).  where do you live?  Here in central PA I lifted a NEW 04 for about 5500 sticker (5900 out the door).  4500 will get you a clean 03... I would say go for that!!!!  get the FI and the sweet styling  

also be sure if you are doing alot of two-up riding to test ride with your passenger on the back.  Haulin' two down the highway you may want even more power in the top-end than the SV has to offer.

well if you are doing a bunch of highway driving would not a cruiser be better? even though i hate them  :x

i have ridden the sv and it is a great bike, the only problem which they share with the TLR is the valves/motor going at around 22-25,000 km(no idea what that is in miles)

sure the GS is underpowered compared to the ex and its low end just plain sucks but it sure is fine and can be a great looker too.

as for the price...look out the window, it is after labour day it is now a buyers market and there is no shame in haggling for your best deal.  believe me the salesmen would do it to you .

best o luck  

Yea second that cruiser idea, also second that high price observation... cos there is a 2000 for 3K in my local rag, and a 99 for 2,800.
Cool.
Srinath.

I rode a friend who was out of state for 3 months GS500 to school every day for a while. When the time came for me to buy a bike I got a cruiser. It was much better for the highways and had alot of power.

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Yamaha/1985/XJ%20700%20S%20Maxim/

I should get a real pic up, but ithe funny thing is it was just as shiny and new looking in the pic, but the carbs were in horrid condition. I guess I just lucked out with my purchase =]