Am looking round for a V twin (SV650, 1000, or Vstrom 650, 1000)

I have ridden the SV 650 and love it but have a few questions about the bike.

What is the major difference with the 2 engines besides being a V formation vs in line 4 or in line P/twin (GS500).

Is engine life the same?
Is service costs the same?
Do the Vtwins require "special attention" over say the GS P/twin or an in line 4?

Just looking atm but would appreciate any feedback

Thanks 

The SV has extended valve adjustment intervals, relative to the GS.  About 29,000 miles as I recall.

Engine life will be a little better, due to water cooling and longer valve seat life.  Expect 120,000 miles or so between overhauls.

No special attention required.  They only thing they have that the GS doesn't is water cooling.  Keep your coolant topped up and changed out every year or two and you'll be fine.

[sales pitch]

I think the SV, especially the 650, is the perfect all-around motorcycle.  Comfortable, powerful, they pull like a tractor, extremely smooth, fuel injection on the 03+ model years, plenty of attachment points for hard cases, etc.  With taller bars and a few other tweaks, they make perfect long-distance touring bikes.  (What mine is)

On top of all that, they're readily available at good prices, parts are all over the place, and they have a big following (SVrider.com)

For me, the SV-650 is what motorcycling is all about.

[/sales pitch]

Definitely have a ride on an I4 (if you havent already).  The smoothness is unworldly.

A friend has a V-Strom 650 (I actually bought my GS from him).  It is an awesome bike.  I'm not sure how much difference the V-Twin makes, but 4 valves/cylinder and water cooling and EFI makes a GIGANTIC difference (maybe more than engine layout).

V-Strom is an awesome bike (maybe my next one).

Its harder getting the Carbs/FI out on a V twin. They also are heavier motors than identical parallel versions so a motor removal is more effort.
They can be narrower than the parallel versions so they may have an advantage there.
SV650 to ninja 650 comparisons are inevitable, I like the ninja's motor etc, but the SV's frame and body.
I think the ninja looks better even though its not perimeter frame.
Cool.
Buddha.

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated 

LOL wife went for a ride with me on Sunday and she kicked me for not buying the SV650.

All aside though I still love the GS.

buy a harley ;P