This last weekend the dealership I bought my bike from had demo days.  I wanted to try out the SV650 and the GSX-R600 to feel the difference between a v-twin and high revving inline four.  I got a chance to take the SV650S out for a spin, but the GSXR was booked until 1pm and I had plans with the wife and kids.  

It was a great test ride, approximately 30 minutes.  We had a chance to hit a few twisties and travel at highway speeds.  My thoughts, having only ever ridden a gs :

I found the sv much less flickable.  I guess it's just a question of getting use to the bike (?).  But it was considerably harder to counter steer.  

I loved having torque just about anywhere in the rev range.  Twist the throttle and the bike would respond instantly.  I can really appreciate that, given that I commute each day in the city and the journey takes about 1.5 hours each way.  Not having to strangle the throttle is nice.

After about 20 minutes my wrists and lower back were feeling sore.  I guess you would eventually get use to the riding position.  But I couldn't believe how "plush" the gs ride home felt after being on the sv -- a big part of it might be the seat.  I also found that the stock sv forks springs were much too soft.  Not as bad as the gs stock, but not better than a gs with progressive springs.

If I could do it again, I'd probably try the SV650, not the "S".  I think the riding position would be better for daily commuting.  I can't imagine how (at least initially) uncomfortable the riding position of the GSX-R would have been.  Although the tank is huge and I could probably have leaned my chest against it.

Side note : a young gentlemen, maybe 22-23, who has been riding a GSX-R600 tried out the GSX-R1000.  He said it felt  more compact than his 600, and more flickable.  He also said he really didn't need to shift past third the entire ride, and in fact, even second gear would have been enough.  He managed to stall it (and nearly drop it) once, probably because he was a little worried about giving it too much gas at a stop sign.  Gorgeous bike, but I guess riding it would be analogous to taming a tiger each and every time you got in the cage.

Hey, thanks for posting this opinion.  I've been curious about the personality of the SV650, as well as the ergonomics of the ""S" model.  

Whenever I've sat on the "S", I've always felt that I was leaning too far over.  The GSX-R600 is just more of that.  I figure it would be fun for 20 minutes, maybe an hour, but I could not see myself out there for an all day ride.  (I spend all day in front of a computer -- I don't need any more carpal tunnel potential.)

I have yet to see anyone offer demo rides other than on TV or in major centres I don't frequent very often.  Most annoying.   :x  Who hosted it in Toronto?  McBride Cycle?  Their web site offers a BMW test ride for May 29th.  (Rats, doesn't work for me -- I'm there June 4-5th.)  I have folks in Toronto and it would be great if I a visit includes a demo ride of a favourite "next bike" or two.

My problem is I don't know the right people -- those that have already bought the bike I'd like to get.    

Roy...

roy, i would have to agree with you. the svs seems to be too far of reach for me though i would love to get one myself. i've also have ridden my friends r6 serveral time, more than 2 hour trip on two of those occasions. well, it's alot better than svs i thought. it's more compact position. so i'm leaning towards r6 rather than svs for my next bike.

The rider position is why I chose the naked SV.  Much more relaxed than the SVS.  Unfortunately I'm not 20 years old anymore and things get sore faster than they used to.

just my 2 cents:

my '02 SVS is much more comfortable than my GS.  I'm about 6'1" and I felt pretty cramped on the GS.  The SVS puts less pressure on my butt and hands.  I'm leaned over a bit, but with a little tank hugging and ab squeeze (very little, hardly noticeable) and at higher speeds, a little wind to push me back, I feel like I'm riding on air.

For long highway stretches, I'm so comfortable leaning my chest on the tankbag and ducking behind the stock windscreen.  With a double-bubble screen, or maybe the sport-touring screen, I'll have the wind protection I like, with a bike that rides great in the canyons.

But the upgraded suspension on the GS was way better than stock on the SVS, so I've got some upgrades to do.

I have not regretted my SVS purchase, but someday I wouldn't mind having another GS in the stable cuz it's so light and fun and....

So once again a Demo Ride seems appropriate to gauge for one's self the effects of power and ergonomics.  I continue to hunt for this elusive "dealer feature".

sys,

You should have waited around for the I4.  

I just bought a Ninja and compared to the GS, it's an animal!  I have "some" power below 3,500 RPM (more than the GS for sure) but after 4,000 it really takes off.  Up around 8,500 it becomes an insane wailing banchee!  BTW, redline is 14,000.  It will do 100 MPH in second (or get pretty damn close, I've not tried it yet).

Turns I used to have to downshift into 2nd gear to prevent bogging I can now take in 4th and sometimes 5th without bogging, with a passenger.

It's comfortable too.  Check out the ZX-6E models, they're called "sport tourers" and have the same engine as the "R" models but have a lower plush seat and higher handlebars.  A more "straight up position.  Yes, it isn't as "flickable" as the little GS but it feels MUCH more stable in the turns.  I'll tell you, I can wail on my GS with my Ninja!  Both straights AND in the turns.  The ONLY place I can imagine the GS beating the Ninja is at the MSF course!!  Where you're making U turns within a 10 foot box.  On ANY road I'd bet the Ninja kicks its ass.  I'll never go back to the GS.

The GS was a great bike to get my "chops" back after 25 years off.  I've "re-graduated" to a larger bike and I'm loving it!

Go try an I4 you'll love it...

Counter steering is not bad on SVS.  I also don't get sore wrists or back.  You really have to support yourself differently than GS.  I am getting used to the riding position.  My biggest worry is throttle/clutch control at low speed turns.  I really have to feather the clutch.  All is good at higher speeds.  I agree seat is very crappy, it is a pain in the butt.  That is on the list of things to change.

See my other posts in Odds n Ends.

Try to borrow one for a few days if you can.  I debated for a long time and read a lot.  finally it was between Honda Interceptor, Ducati SS800, and SVS.  SVS won.  

I am told that with an I4 you really have to know how to ride with high RPMs and don't do anything silly in turns.  A V twin has a smoother torque curve that is less likely to get you in trouble.

Interesting - when I traded the 500 in on the SV, my first impression was how much more flickable the SV was.  In turns, once you start him going, he just leans way over and won't stop.  Was this a demo with some miles on it?  Maybe the tires were worn flat in the middle by tenative riders; that makes it harder to lean.

I've done day trips on the GS and the SV.  On the former, my thighs hurt after a long ride; on the latter, the back of my neck.  As mentioned, I just rest on the tank.  Neither are bad for a long trip; it's just a matter of where to put the ice when I go to bed afterwards.

Quote from: RedShiftWho hosted it in Toronto?

Suzuki of Newmarket.  I can certainly call the other local dealerships and find out when they're having demo days.  I'll post a follow up later today or tomorrow.  McBride's, from what I've heard, is quite accomodating.  If they sincerely believe you're interested in buying the bike, they'll often arrange a demo ride for you.

Quote from: joerockerYou should have waited around for the I4.

Yes, I've heard a few people echo the same.  Although the "real" power is up high in the rev range, compared to the GS, there is ample power anywhere.

Quote from: joerockerCheck out the ZX-6E model

Very cool.  Unfortunately they're not available, as far as I can tell, in Canada.  I think if I decided to go down this route the FZ6 would be near the top of my list.  

Quote from: RoadstergalMaybe the tires were worn flat in the middle by tenative riders

Yes, could be.  I just found it more difficult to initially push the bike into the lean.  Again, it's probably just a question of getting use to the bike.  And as mentioned by LEVO, I would need to learn to support myself  differently on it.  Something I'd have to learn after spending much more time on the bike.

One SV650S rider had a lower fairing installed on his bike.  Wow!  It looked fantastic!  I asked him about it and he mentioned that it wasn't the Suzuki optional lower fairing, but one from a company in the US (JGM, JSM, GSM??  I can't remember).  It looked like it would provide great wind protection for the legs.  In fact, it made the SV650S look a lot like the R6.  It's something I would definitely consider if I did purchase the S model.  I think he said it cost approximately $350US.

What is a good way to find out where and when demo rides are?  I'm not going to get a new bike in the immediate future, cause I'm broke, but in about 18 months I will be in the market, and I'd like to be able to make a more educated choice.  I've kinda got my heart set on the SV1000S, but depending on $ I could go for the SV650S or Honda Interceptor.  Oh, and I just like riding other bikes.

Quote from: oppy00What is a good way to find out where and when demo rides are?

If I like a bike, I go to the dealership and ask to ride it.  It took Ryan half a year to sell me the SV, but I did get it from him (and got the F, too) because he lets me test-ride.  

sys,

With my Ninja there is POWER anywhere after 4K, then MIGHTY (scary) power kicks in after 8.5K.  I do a LOT less shifting now, probably half as much.  In fact I'm now starting off in second sometimes.  And second will do close to 100 if I wanted to.

I think it's called a ZZX600 now.  If you don't want to be laying on the tank leaned over all the time then check it out.  I sit ABOUT the same as I did on the GS.  And the seat is WAY better.  Very comfortable bike to ride.  I like the handling better than the GS, it's more stable, not as light and twitchy.  It's touted as a "sports tourer".  I love it.

Go find one and try it.

I found the Svs to be a little harder to "flick" at first, too.  It felt taller and less stable.  But that has since changed - just took some time.

I rode 1500 miles in the first 48 hours of owning the bike and I have to say that seat is definately less comfortable. the standard version is more relaxed but I love having a fairing.  You can get risers for the clipons to make it easier on the wrists and back (for you old timers).

I can't comment on the inlines but with the way the ss bikes are being tuned these days, I doubt you'll be worrying about torque.  And with so many flavors out there- you're bound to find one that fits your tastes... you just gotta pony up the G's.

I love the SV- I dumped some money into the GS in after market parts and still got bored with the bike.  I've owned the SV for almost 10 months and haven't changed a thing.

Quote from: sys49152

Quote from: RedShiftWho hosted it in Toronto?

Suzuki of Newmarket.  I can certainly call the other local dealerships and find out when they're having demo days.  I'll post a follow up later today or tomorrow.  McBride's, from what I've heard, is quite accomodating.  If they sincerely believe you're interested in buying the bike, they'll often arrange a demo ride for you.

Newmarket, huh. Rats. Was kinda hoping for Brampton.  It would be a long shot for me to match up with a Demo ride program in Newmarket.  Besides, buying the bike in Canada would be a tough argument to make convincing -- I'm not a good liar.

No matter. Thanks for your post and to the others who replied on the ergos of the SV650S.  I'll continue to search around my neck of the woods for a Demo ride program.  I'm curious to try this beast out for myself.

i'll chime in on the svs as well...turning i felt was different from the gs as its not as flickable initally (not by much tho), but stays planted through the turn much better...love the v-twin...i've had no problems with the riding position, you just gotta learn to grip more with your legs, at least thats the adjustment i had to make...

i wouldnt mind having a gs again when i do have the disposable income for multiple bikes...


- alex

Just weighing in...

SV Cons:
- At first the back of my neck and shoulders hurt when I got my SVS, but I realized I was hunching my shoulders forward when I was riding just to maintain a more upright position (like the GS). After relaxing the shoulders and moving them back a little, no more 'pain in the neck'.
- harder to make quick turns when riding slow.
- seat is a little uncomfortable at first, and on long rides.
- I personally don't like the 'half-fairing' look of the svs, so I added a Suzuki fairing (see pic below) or I would prefer the naked version.

SV Pros:
- Consistent torque. I found it easier to pull away from a stop on the SV than on the GS from the first moment I rode it. Since there is as much torque in the SV as an inline-4 its just smooth all the way from bottom to top of power band. However theres just not the high-end hp for 160mph runs like an inline-4... tops out at 130mph.
- Fuel injection. No waiting around for 10 minutes for the bike to warmup. I'll never go back to a carbed bike AGAIN!
- For long distance commuters - no valve clearance check until 12,500 miles.
- with the lower fairing (and some other options) it looks so cool (although the GSF does too!!)

cucamonga,

Now THAT looks nice!  I'd buy that.  I just don't care for the stock "crooked" engine look.

Quote from: cucamonga- Fuel injection. No waiting around for 10 minutes for the bike to warmup. I'll never go back to a carbed bike AGAIN!

I dunno - my F650 is FI.  It's marvelous, and I love it.  But it takes less than a minute for my SV or my GS to warm up enough to ride it.  I prefer FI, but I'll still go back to a carbed (and did) if it's a good package.

Quote from: Roadstergal

Quote from: cucamonga- Fuel injection. No waiting around for 10 minutes for the bike to warmup. I'll never go back to a carbed bike AGAIN!

I dunno - my F650 is FI.  It's marvelous, and I love it.  But it takes less than a minute for my SV or my GS to warm up enough to ride it.  I prefer FI, but I'll still go back to a carbed (and did) if it's a good package.

When its cold out though, it took my GS way long to warmup, and I had to hold the choke open, then slowly close it... it was just a hassle. I should say that they recommend that FI SV's also need to be warmed up until the temp guage reads over 100 degrees before riding, which doesn't take long. But at least with FI there's no choke.

Some people I've talked to like carbs better than FI (especially gearheads) others like FI better. Personally, I much prefer FI, less hassle.