best years for purchase SV650s/SV1000s

[TRaGiK]

 Do any here consider the DL 600/1000(Vstroms)? They have a great tank capacity, and comfort. What are the pro's and cons of these models?  If not I'de consider my 1st choice which was the Kaw 650R. a bit small; but a lot of fun and 150-170+ mls per tank.  

I actually love the bike. Unfortunately, I'm to short for it (atleast for the 1k), and haven't even test rode one.

I really need to see if I fit better on the DL650. I'd really like to have one as a second bike...

[howard richman]

Hey Howie......I'm a Howie as well...
I had an '04 SV650 naked-GREAT bike.  Just picked up a naked '03 SV1000 w/12K mi (only year in US that the naked is available).  I prefer the naked handlebar riding position to the "S" clip-ons.  To me the 1000 seems only "slightly" larger thand 650 but the 1000 has a LOT more grunt!  To me it feels like it has substantially more power and it handles well.  I haven't had my 1000 long but I'm super happy with it so far.  Sounds to me like you'd be a good candidate for an '03 SV1000 naked as well.  Have you ridden the BMW F800ST?  I did.  It's light, comfortable and pretty fast as well....it has a handlebar rather than clip-ons and I think you'd like it.  I would have gone for one but my SV was like 1/3 the price and is faster......so I got the SV.

Good luck.

-Howie

 Hey Howie!
 Nice bike. How do you deal with the lack of wind protection?? For me even a half fairing is just bareable. A handlebar shield is not as stable as a frame mount as the S version, but it's bar placement is too low for my comfort on the SV1000S.      

                                                                                                                                Howie...

[vitaminC]

 Do any here consider the DL 600/1000(Vstroms)? They have a great tank capacity, and comfort. What are the pro's and cons of these models?  If not I'de consider my 1st choice which was the Kaw 650R. a bit small; but a lot of fun and 150-170+ mls per tank.
                                           
                                                                                       Howie...                                                                      

If you're not in CA, you can also consider the Kawi Versys, which is basically a slightly upgraded 650R with a larger tank and more upright riding position.

Oh, and lots of people around here own and love the Stroms. Use the search button, and you'll find lots of info...

[skater69]

 Hey Howie!
 Nice bike. How do you deal with the lack of wind protection?? For me even a half fairing is just bareable. A handlebar shield is not as stable as a frame mount as the S version, but it's bar placement is too low for my comfort on the SV1000S.      

                                                                                                                                Howie...

Lack of wind protection doesn't bother me at all as far as windblast goes.....I feel little of it really.  I had a naked SV650 with a small flyscreen and the wind never bothered me on that one either.  It's only an issue when temps get below 60...which is really only at night here in the winter when I'm not usually riding.  I may get a Givi screen (A755) soon enough.  But I cruise at 80 on the hwy and it really doesn't bother me much.  I guess there's enough lean even with the handlebar that I'm not sitting straight up into the wind.

[Spiffious]

Seriously, I don't get the big deal about the tank range.  There are plenty of gas stations around, except for the midwest, and who wants to spend much time riding there anyways?  


Best years for the SV1000s? 2005 & 2007.

Why?

BLACK!




and plug for touring mode:

[shil]

No kidding.  The SV's got enough range that I can ride for two hours before stopping.  That's long enough sitting in one spot that I'll stop and stretch while driving, let alone riding.  It's not an issue.

[TRaGiK]

and plug for touring mode:

Soft bags are for pansies.  

Here's mine in Tour mode.

[goodhawk]

Those pics - excel. ! THAT is what I mean - the SV 1000 is a sport - tour bike.  would essentially be perfect - with 200 mi range before reserve, even 180 . . .

[TRaGiK]

Those pics - excel. ! THAT is what I mean - the SV 1000 is a sport - tour bike.  would essentially be perfect - with 200 mi range before reserve, even 180 . . .

I think even 160 before reserve would be very exceptable for a SPORT-touring bike...

Then again, *I* am not extemely unhappy with the 125 I get before reserve. With reserve, I've gone around 175 miles, but was running on fumes when I gassed up.

[bedlamite]

In the 1K, they changed the forks in 2005 too. There are revalve kits available from Racetech for the early models, but after 2005, all you can change is oil and springs.



IMO, the black ones need the forks painted.

[hharvey]

No kidding.  The SV's got enough range that I can ride for two hours before stopping.  That's long enough sitting in one spot that I'll stop and stretch while driving, let alone riding.  It's not an issue.

I've done Vancouver island / sunshine coast home to Calgary in 1 day
a couple of times, something like 1000+ kms.    
Those get-off-and-pee-and-fill-up breaks every few hours go
a very long way towards making the trip bearable.  I've got
a gel seat and the oversize windscreen on my bike, both "highly
recommended" mods if you're going to do some serious mile-munching.

[DogBoy]

In the 1K, they changed the forks in 2005 too. There are revalve kits available from Racetech for the early models, but after 2005, all you can change is oil and springs.

IMO, the black ones need the forks painted.

They are fully adjustable cartridge forks so wouldn't one be able to change/tune shim stacks like any cartridge fork? I'm just curious why the shim stack can't be changed.

[shil]

Starting in '05 Suzuki's sealed the cartridge, it can't be easily opened.  Apparently it can be done but you've got to really want to.

[DogBoy]

Can't be that hard. I know two people who had fork work done on 05+ SV1000s. Both are occasional posters on this board.

[TRaGiK]

Can't be that hard. I know two people who had fork work done on 05+ SV1000s. Both are occasional posters on this board.

I read something on them, but can't remember EXACTLY what was done, nor am I any sort of suspension expert, but...

It seems I remember something like one end of it has to be cut open on a lathe, then brazed or welded back together after you've done whatever it is you do inside the cartridge. From what I understand, it's a huge PITA...

[Giaka]

My wife's SV650S has race tech up front and gixxer shock out back, ZG touring screen, convertibars, SWMOTECH rear rack with GiVi trunk. It works great for her as a Sport Touring application. We get about the same range usually (180 to res when loaded down).  The SV will be getting mounts for hard side bags for Christmas.  

[FirstVtwin]

I have several 700+ mile trips on my SV, and love it to death (its a 2003).  I almost ALWAYS get to at least 145 miles before my low fuel light comes on, and usually take it up to 185 to 195 before stopping for fuel.  I don't know why you would want to go much further than that.  Susupension is fine for track duty as well...I love my SV.