Just wondering if any of you have "dual" experience.  I'm thinking about an upgrade ONLY because the GS is a little wimpy with both my wife and I on it.

Thanks...

I made the switch last year, and couldn't be happier with it, the extra power is great when riding 2 up, and the overall feel of the bike is amazing.  I went from a 93 gs500 to a 2003 sv650s.  The only downside I see with the SV is the seat height if your vertically challenged as I am.

I'm not, I'm 6'2" 190lbs.  I feel comfortable on the GS so I should fit right in on the SV too.  I've been looking around at reviews and EVERYONE seems to rave about it.  Only problem I EVER see is some think it's ugly.  I appreciate you replying.  I'll have to go down and try one out.  Hope they'll give me a decent trade on my K2.

Thanks!

Well, I've been seriously thinking about upgrading my 96 GS. I love the bike, but I just want a little more power with alot less headache. Man, Suzuki really went all out trying to save every penny on that machine :guns: . I had to fix this, upgrade that :x  I just want to ride and not have to worry.

The problem is I am vertically challenged (5'2"). I've sat on a SV650 before and could not really get both toes down at the same time because the pegs were in the way. However, someone else at the shop, who was of similar height, said his first bike was 1000c CBR and he just got used to leaning over one side at stop lights. So, I guess my bankbook might be my only limitation. I'm still partial to the SV650S for "best bang for your buck", but I would really like to own a full-fairing bike (just not crazy about shelling out that kind of money yet). My Dad thinks I should get the SV1000S instead.

Dilemmas, dilemmas. This is a good dilemma to have though. Well, in the meantime I'll be fixing mine up regardless. I missed out on all of Fall, some of Spring, but I'll be darned if I am gonna miss much more. That is what I'll be doing all this Memorial weekend, as soon as I get off this forum.

I had a 02 SV race prepped. The motor pulls very good (not as good as my TLR). Handles great. Stock suspension suffers a little, about right for a 140# rider. Some install GSXR shocks but I did not like it. Still too soft for me at 6' & 180#. Mine had Traxxion GSXR forks and Penske rear....incredible ride! There are some easy mods to gain some HP....full system w/ rejet (M4 makes HP and sounds awesome!), Busa pistons and one that I have not confirmed yet...installing a exhaust cam for the intake cam (or the otherway around). Apparently they have different lobes.

have you seen the full fairing kit on the svs yet?  I just put it on 2 weeks ago, and couldn't be happier, I've got the look of a ss, without the insurance payments...

Check this out!!!
http://www.svrider.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=18165&highlight=lower+fairing

I'm also thinking of getting the SV and selling my 96 GS. There are two in my local area for sale, both priced at $3.500, both are the 2002 naked models. What to do, what to do...

Quote from: FlashWell, I've been seriously thinking about upgrading my 96 GS. I love the bike, but I just want a little more power with alot less headache. Man, Suzuki really went all out trying to save every penny on that machine :guns: . I had to fix this, upgrade that :x  I just want to ride and not have to worry.

The problem is I am vertically challenged (5'2"). I've sat on a SV650 before and could not really get both toes down at the same time because the pegs were in the way. However, someone else at the shop, who was of similar height, said his first bike was 1000c CBR and he just got used to leaning over one side at stop lights. So, I guess my bankbook might be my only limitation. I'm still partial to the SV650S for "best bang for your buck", but I would really like to own a full-fairing bike (just not crazy about shelling out that kind of money yet). My Dad thinks I should get the SV1000S instead.

Dilemmas, dilemmas. This is a good dilemma to have though. Well, in the meantime I'll be fixing mine up regardless. I missed out on all of Fall, some of Spring, but I'll be darned if I am gonna miss much more. That is what I'll be doing all this Memorial weekend, as soon as I get off this forum.

Was it a new SV you sat on? I rode my buddys the day he brought it home. I'm 5'7" and I couldn't put my feet down. I rode it yesterday, after 5000 miles I can flat foot it.

joerocker what part of alabama are you from?

-ash

Quoteinstalling a exhaust cam for the intake cam

yeah, heard that one too. from justing, he claimed same thing for GS too. but havent heard anyone trying it.

Quote from: Alias
Was it a new SV you sat on? I rode my buddys the day he brought it home. I'm 5'7" and I couldn't put my feet down. I rode it yesterday, after 5000 miles I can flat foot it.

Yeah, at the local dealership. I think it was a 2002 model. Anyways, I saw something in an article from the April 2004 issue of Motorcyclist (Cheap Thrills: The $7000 Solution) that opened my eyes:

"A revised SV is due for '04, sporting a new, 40mm-lower rear subframe that will carry a redesigned seat. (Initial specs show the seat height to be the same as the '03 bike's, but we're told the seat will be narrower at the front to make life easier for shorties.)"

Quote from: Blueknyt

Quoteinstalling a exhaust cam for the intake cam

yeah, heard that one too. from justing, he claimed same thing for GS too. but havent heard anyone trying it.

A buddy of mine told me this. He was talking to Marietta Motorsports about Yosh cams when they said this would provide the same results. He is having to rebuild one of his SV motors, so he will be checking this out.

Quote from: joerockerJust wondering if any of you have "dual" experience.  I'm thinking about an upgrade ONLY because the GS is a little wimpy with both my wife and I on it.

Thanks...

My best friend has a 99 SV. I weight about 160lbs and it zips with me on it. He weighs in at 260lbs and it slows it down some. I like the bike and it has a real healthy throttle to it. I find that most people actually think it is neat looking. We do live in an area where there are very few sportbikes and more cruisers, so we always get different looks. They all seem to like the GS and the SV. If you are looking for an upgrade in power, it would probably do the trick.

I had one all but bought, but my parents advised me to keep the bike I have and invest in a newer car.  My next bike will be an SV, Ive promised myself that.

I'm a new rider (just finished my MSF class two weeks ago) and my buddy got an 02 sv650s last week. He let me ride it and after doing so I decided that I actually like my gs better. I think this is becuase the sv is a little too much bike for me, being a new rider and all.

I wonder if I will still think that way a year or two from now, or if I'll be getting an sv too.

after a year or two of riding the SV may not be a big enough step up. I rode one and I was underwhelmed. It did feel heavier [the steering only], like a proper bike most likely due to the larger front wheel, dual discs, etc.

Owning  both a GS500E and a SV650S.... I would say.....they are two very different bikes and engines in terms of power (& delivery) and handling and require 2 different riding styles.


If you're looking for something sportier that can also tour like a standard...get an SV/SVS.
If you want a bigger more powerful GS500....check out the Honda 599/hornet or the yamaha FZ6.
The four cyl. motors will be closer to the GS.


But...no matter what....you will always miss the GS!!!
These things are just good handling fun bikes.  

Quote from: BanannaManIf you want a bigger more powerful GS500....check out the Honda 599/hornet or the yamaha FZ6.
The four cyl. motors will be closer to the GS.

Do you mean because the SV's power is down low versus the four cyl.'s power being up high?

I think its a 2002 SV650. It rides great and naturally has some more power to it. The thing I hate about it is that it has no reserve. We looked for it like idiots and couldn't find it. Like everything else, its a sewing machine exhaust but should sound somewhat like a Ducati when you upgrade with jetting and a pipe. Tougher to work on than the archaic GS.  As far as stepping up from the GS500 its not that much of a change. Dimensionally the GS is even bigger than the SV in a few parameters. Might be a bit redundant but despite a few negatives it's a great bike. Looks nice, that's for sure.