Noobie - Looking at the SV1000S

[Wait]

Currently I have an 81 Honda CM400E which is my first bike. I’ve had it for about two months now and I’m ready for something with some more “hp”. I’ve looked at many pictures of bikes but really haven’t done much reading on models or types (sport, standard, curser…etc). The one bike that caught my eye is the SV1000S. Today I took a trip down to my local dealer to get a feel for the ride. The first thing I noticed was how much larger this bike is compared to the “classic” Honda that is in my possession. The whole comfort level changes drastically from a sit up cruiser to a down on the tank sports bike.

When I was talking to the salesman at the dealership he mentioned that the SV was a good highway bike. I wasn’t too sure what he meant by that statement but after what little I’ve read on this site I’m guessing hwy equals less cornering. Also I forgot to ask if the bike came in different sizes. I know mountain bikes come in different frame sizes but considering a mountain bike is a bicycle and this is a motorcycle things may be different.

Another thing that draws me to this bike is the amount of cc’s it carries. 996cc sounds like it could give you a “ride” for the money. Though I’ve seen some Katana’s with 650cc+. Does the cc truly determine the speed or torque of the bike or not. Would a 650 Katana hold up to a 996 SV? Also what are your thoughts on the dual exhaust pipes?

Well, I have more questions but I’ll save them for later.

-Joe

[TL chris]

Well you have a lot of questions, but I'll try to answer then the best that I can. First the SV is more of a sport tourer than a true sportbike. That's probably what the salesman meant when he said it's a good highway bike. A little more upright than say a GSXR 600, 750, etc...

Yes the SV does come in different sizes. Engine wise, there are only two to choose from. The SV1000S and the SV650S. The only real differences are obvoiusly the engine size. The 650 is slightly smaller in physical dimensions. Considering the 81 Honda you are currently riding, as it is your first bike, the SV650 would be a better choice.

Although its only 250cc difference between the two, engine hp has dramatically improved just in the past 5 years alone. Over 20 years of engine technology has been develoveped since 1981. You dad's 750 crusier from 20 years ago is nowhere near the performance of todays 750 cruisers.

The Katana line comes in 600 and 750cc classes. Would a Katana be better than a SV? Some would say yes, and some would say no. Could a 600 Katana beat a SV1000? Not very likely. But remember engines have changed so much in the last decade you can't compare old technology with new. The reason the SV has dual exhaust is because it's a V-twin. The Katana and the GSXR line have inline fours.

I like the V-twins versus the I-4's personally. I will be buying a TL1000R soon, but thats a bike I would definately not reccomend for you. Do some homework and more research and just find what style and size fits you best. Your not going to be happy with a bike that scares the crap out of you everytime you hop on it.

Sorry for the long response.

[Fox]

Hey thats pretty cool, I've been drooling over SV-1000 myself. Right now Suzuki has a special promotional deal on them. Low financing 1.9, I think, or you get it a SV with lower fairings. My buddy at Suzuki, knocked off 500 bucks when I showed some interest. The SV-1000 are not selling well so you should be able to get a good deal on one.

SV-1000 will eat Katana 750, high-way, twisties... I've seen people go from Kat to SV-1000 as an upgrade As far as the displacement in-line four 750cc vs. 998 V-twin, they are supposely nearly equal in terms of volume of air per revolution cycle, making comparable power. I think that's why AMA and WSB raced V-twin Ducati against Japanese 750's for so long.

V-twin engines are more addictive than crack. Just a warning.

[LayinLo]

I just read an article on the new SV1000's. It almost convinced to get one. 109.1 HP!!!! nice. I think that at 6500 rpms. The torque was impressive too. i'm at work right now but I'll post where to read the article tomorrow.

[TL chris]

Forget the SV for a second. The TL1000R and S are both Suzukis older V-twin sportbikes. More racey and powerful than the SV's. That's why I want one, cuz not many people have one.

[Clint]

The SV bikes are great performers, and they're nice for those not wanting a leaned over sport bike. That's too much power for a beginner, though. You'll be pulling wheelies and sliding the rear when you aren't ready for it.

Go with the 650. It's no slouch, and it handles very well. It's going to be night-and-day from your current bike.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by TL chris

Although its only 250cc difference between the two

Probably meant 350 cc difference right?

I agree with Rowdy, go with the SV650S.

[Fox]

Actually, Rowdy SV-1000 are sportbikes. The Riding position is pretty aggresive. Compared to a Gixxer, the bars might be just a click or two higher but not by much.

[Clint]

True, but you can swap out pegs and bars from the naked models and have a fairy standard layout. It doesn't take much to go from "uggh" to "aaiiieeee" on the achin' back scale, and the SV starts out a bit more upright than most sportbikes. I consider it to be in a different class.

[TL chris]

Probably meant 350 cc difference right?

Dohhhh....Yea My bad..

[Wait]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

True, but you can swap out pegs and bars from the naked models and have a fairy standard layout. It doesn't take much to go from "uggh" to "aaiiieeee" on the achin' back scale, and the SV starts out a bit more upright than most sportbikes. I consider it to be in a different class.

When I was at the dealership I noticed the SV is a little different in comparison to many of the sport bikes I saw. One of my choice reasons for picking this bike is because I like to travel. I know I would not be able to haul much but for the long distance rides the comfort level would weight out in my favor (so I think). I have yet to ride a bike that you have to lean over on with the exception of sitting on one. How long until your back starts to kill and do you get used to it?

The SV’s tank is 4.5 gallons; on average how many miles do you think I could ride on that? My Honda is about 2.5/3.0 gallons and I’ll get about 114 miles out of it before I have to turn over the reserve ...which brings up a funny story. The first day I really got to take it out I ran out of gas on the hwy going roughly 70mph with cars behind me. At the time I wasn’t sure if I could just switch to the reserve or if I had to turn the bike off.. and yes, I pulled onto the shoulder three lanes away from it to switch the fuel line.

Oh yeah, thanks for the reply “TL chris”.

-Joe

[TL chris]

I think they make saddle bags and crap like that for that bike. Most sportbikes and sport-tourers aren't as hard on the back and joints as most people would lead you to believe. Most people say that have never ridden on one. Mileage depends on a lot of factors. Search the internet, you'll find all the answers you need.

[BAMAFAN92]

My best friend just purchased a silver SV. He has owned a ZX-1O, AND A 929RR. He is a very reliable source on sport bikes, as he keeps himself well informed about any new models or changes to current ones. Anyway, he is very satisfied with his new SV and highly recommends it to anyone. I think his top speed so far was about 163. Not too shabby if you ask me.

[BAMAFAN92]

My best friend just purchased a silver SV. He has owned a ZX-1O, AND A 929RR. He is a very reliable source on sport bikes, as he keeps himself well informed about any new models or changes to current ones. Anyway, he is very satisfied with his new SV and highly recommends it to anyone. I think his top speed so far was about 163. Not too shabby if you ask me.