Looks like I'll be getting back my SV650ST

[MotoYoda]

When I moved west 3 years ago I gave my SV to my dad, who has decided he doesn't want it anymore, and I've figured out a way to ship it out to myself.  I didn't think I'd miss the little bugger, but I'll be glad to have it back.  The timing is good, because I was thinking about buying a VStrom 650, and now I'll go a different route because if I'm going to have two bikes, those two are just way too similar.

I set it up for commuting and short-trip light-weight touring, with a center stand, tail rack, bar-end mirrors, and decent wind protection.  I also drilled several holes in the can to give it some growl (and then had it dyno-tuned to smooth it out).  The biggest draw-back is that, well, to be blunt, I think that bar mounted fairings/wind screens suck.  This bike is light enough to get blown around on the highway as it is, and attaching something that acts like an air scoop to the bars/light makes cross winds a real challenge.  Other than that, its effortless riding.  

I'll probably get something else for more serious S-T riding, and maybe put a small fly-screen on this one.

[rauchman]

Very cool SV.  I had a 1st gen 2002 SV650S that I really miss.  I dig the 1st gen styling on both the "S" and the "N" so much more than the origami look of the current SV. (flamesuit on)!!!

[MotoYoda]

Very cool SV.  I had a 1st gen 2002 SV650S that I really miss.  I dig the 1st gen styling on both the "S" and the "N" so much more than the origami look of the current SV. (flamesuit on)!!!

Thanks!
I definitely like the older style better, much more elegant.  When I look back (I set this bike up seveal years before the VStroms came out) I guess I was sort of trying to make my SV into something like what the Wee Strom turned out to be, working with what I had available to me.  

[RideAboutNow]

Nice SV Yoda! I would agree that there'd be too much similarity between the DL and the SV to justify having both. The DL being more practical for touring and commuting, and the SV for more outright fun in the twisties. The DL sometimes feels a bit tall and disconnected in tight hairpins, but it's great for making good time on rough roads with crappy pavement and gravel strewn corners, but it can also hold it's own in high speed sweepers too, but it helps to scoot up and transfer some weight to the front end.

There's been a number of times I was blasting through some twisties and found midcorner bumps or cracked pavement. Enough to make me pucker, but the DL just romped right over the stuff, no problem. Turns out this is when the bike is at it's best.