Hi!

I'm going for a new bike. There are two contenders - one is a SV650S and the other is SV1000S. Both are used, the 1000 has more mileage (15000km vs. 1500km), but is newer (2004) and has a full year of warranty left - while the 650 is a 2003 and has 4 month of warranty left.

Both bikes have a fair price and I could stretch my finances for any of them.

I've only been riding the GS500 for two years (with occasional trips on my brothers FZS600 Fazer). Most of my riding buddies have ~600cc bikes (FZ6, Bandit600, SV650) , some have 1000's and I have no problems keeping up - in the twisties, I sometimes take the lead.

I'm still a little worried that a jump from the GS500 to SV1000S is too high, so I'm seeking your advice and opinions...

Maybe someone who has already ridden both (or even all three) can tell whether the 1000 is bike that requires a good, experienced rider (like the TL1000 is supposed to be) or is it a bike that can 'forgive'...

Thanks for your thoughts, D.

The TLR/S have basically the same motor as the SV1000. I can easily lift the front end in first and had it hopping in third, this is with stock gearing. The throttle can be very touchy, especially around max torque (7400 rpm). It can spin the rear tire exiting turns. The first couple of times is a little unsettling but I got used to it. Stickier tires are going to be on before next spring.

The nice thing about the big twins is that they are easier to rail in the twisties. Less shifting. If you forget to down shift, no problem. Plenty of torque down low.

Note that throttle control is all with the rider. The bike will only go as fast as you want.

Also, I had a 02 SV650S which I built for the track. The motor was mild compared to my TLR. The 650 will really out handle the 1000 in the twisties.

can't speak intelligently about the 1000, but I love my 650S.  If you are concerned that it won't pack enough punch to satisfy your right wrist compared to the GS, don't worry about it.   The SV650 is much more powerful.  I only wish it had a little more oomph past about 60-70mph.  Below that it puts down serious power and can keep up with the pack no problems.  It's not gonna do stand-up wheelies at 60 mpH like some of those other bikes, but its every bit as competent as a 600cc supersport in the town/twisties department (well, it could use some front-end suspension mods... but its very acceptable even without).

is the '03 the silver color or the copper?   I am soooo in love with that copper  

Quote from: vtlioncan't speak intelligently about the 1000, but I love my 650S.  If you are concerned that it won't pack enough punch to satisfy your right wrist compared to the GS, don't worry about it.   The SV650 is much more powerful.

Agreed.  It'll very smoothy head right up to 100 before I notice...

I have ridden 3 Sv1k's, and cant get over the torque!
It has power in any gear @ any speed... just twist the throttle and move.
If you are an inteligent rider with a steady throttle hand than go 1000, but if you arent sure of your abilitys go 650.
Also if you are even going to do any extended touring or ride with passangers, the 1000's power will be very nice.

Next bike (God willing) wil be an Sv1000..
I sure do love the 05 in black with black frame... pure sex!!

remember the 1k will eat tires at an alarming rate compared to the 650.

Quote from: pantabloremember the 1k will eat tires at an alarming rate compared to the 650.

Ohh boy is that an undestatment!!!!
All that torque will shred tires as fast as you can put new ones on....
But what a small price to pay!!!

Quote from: dgyverThe TLR/S have basically the same motor as the SV1000. I can easily lift the front end in first and had it hopping in third, this is with stock gearing.

Wheelies? Mmmm... Was the TL also fuel injected?

QuoteIt can spin the rear tire exiting turns. The first couple of times is a little unsettling but I got used to it.

That sounds scarry, but it happend with my GS too - on a rainy day.

Quote
Note that throttle control is all with the rider. The bike will only go as fast as you want.

Also, I had a 02 SV650S which I built for the track. The motor was mild compared to my TLR. The 650 will really out handle the 1000 in the twisties.

Out handle? So the 1000 is slower in the twisties - for the same rider?

  D.

Quote from: pantabloremember the 1k will eat tires at an alarming rate compared to the 650.

My next set of tires (M1 or BT012SS) I am expecting to get around 3000 miles. I get about 4-5000 miles out of the Pilot Sports.

Quote from: danci1973Wheelies? Mmmm... Was the TL also fuel injected?

Change the gearing and wheelies are even easier.

Yes, the TLS and TLR are both fuel injected. The TLR has twice the fuel injectors than the TLS. Not sure about the SV650/1000.

QuoteThat sounds scarry, but it happend with my GS too - on a rainy day.

It really depends on how much throttle you use. I enter turns around 8000 rpm, scrub off a little speed through the turn and exit around 7000. Plus the Pilot Sports I have been running are too hard for my riding style now. Great all around tires though.

QuoteOut handle? So the 1000 is slower in the twisties - for the same rider?

The 1k bikes are a typically little heavier so their responce time is a little slower. At least with v-twins.

Several months ago I was with a group of about 10. All kinds of bikes: several Duc's, Aprilia's, Triumph's, and I had the only Jap bike. We were getting a pretty pace through my local twisties when we all were past by a SV650. Pasted us like we were standing still.

I have ridden an SV1000 but not the others.  It was a nice summer morning so I did not have to worry about too much throttle on a slippery corner.  Handling was awesome at low or high speed.  You just think it and it will do it.  There was so much torque at low speed though that I imagined that I could easily lauch myself up over the curb and into someone's living room.  You would likely become accustom to this quickly though but could cause problems if the road is a bit slippery.  This would go for any powerful bike though.

My overall opinion is that it seems like a very refined bike and easy to manouver (easier than a GS).  Although, my wrist hurt after about two minutes because of the angle you have to hold your wrist and operate the clutch at the same time.

I have a 1999 GS500 and I just got a 2003 SV1000S in November and I love it.  So much power and torque but you can handle it if you have some willpower.  The SV1000 is easy to ride, you can be in 1 gear too high or 1 gear too low and the bike just pulls through it and it is much more stable on the highway.  It has plenty of speed and no power loss right up past 100.  

I was worried the bike would be too much of a jump but I didn't want to buy a 650 and find out that I want to upgrade again in a year.  I had no problem getting used to the 1000 except that the tires need to be warmed up completely especially if it is cold out.  I ride 2up a lot and the bike is comfortable for me and the passenger.  As long as you can control yourself for the first few months getting used to it I think its the way to go.

Thanks for you thought, everyone!

I've already set my mind for a 1000... It's just a matter of financing / finding a cheap used one now (got three on my list to check out, for now).

D.

PS: But if a nice, cheap 650 hops along first, I'll take that.

Have you considered a VTR1000?
Might be worth a look if you're interested in the big SV.

Both are great bikes- might be a bit easier to find parts for a 650 if you ever needed parts.

Have you checked insurance?  For me that was a huge deciding factor.

I own an 04 SVS650.  I love it.

Yes, I have considered the Honda VTR, the Yamaha TDM and some other bikes, but I like the looks of the SV so much. Technically they are all on the pretty much same level.

The insurance of course is a factor, but for now our insurance is not as crazy costly as it is in the US (or some parts of it).

I would pay ~525 US$ per year for the 650 and ~717 US$ for the 1000...

   D.