The SV650SF as a Mid-Sized Sport/Tourer

[mg66]

My impressions of the Suzuki SV650 and the following holds very true ...

... IT'S NOT THE SIZE OF THE DOG IN THE FIGHT, IT'S THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT IN THE DOG

I have been riding for 33 years and on a BMW R75/6 for 20 of them racking up 110,000 miles on the BMW alone with most of them, touring miles. After moving to the US a bike was not a priority. With life recovered from a move from the other side of the world behind me it was time to get my motorcycling passion off the back burner and I bought a 2008 SV650SF. Now, I believed a SV650S was more than capable of quenching my motorcycle and touring thirst. The thirst is quenched my friends

To make a long story short the SV650 makes a pretty good mid sized sport/tourer. The engine is a proven design that has been around since 1999. The SV V twin engine by design has great torque for either solo or 2-up riding and easily pulls from very low revs Also it is a light, nible and agile bike that laps up twisites, commuting or touring. Accessories are readily available for anything you can think of.

I bought my 08 SV650SF with the vision of making it into a mid-sized sports/tourer and it performs this role without hesitation. I am quite comfortable on this bike even though I am 6'4" and 215lbs. Clip-ons and riding position have not proven to be too uncomfortable even for an old bloke such as myself being a couple of months shy of the half century.

Generally on trips which are 2-up plus over 60+,lbs of gear the bike still averages around the 51 mpg which is quite impressive. The SV may not be the biggest, fastest or most expensive out there but will give most a run for the money on highways, canyon twisties or around town and not break the budget. I think SV equates to  Simply Versatile.

The few cons I have with the SV and they are not really cons, are that after a BMW I cant say I enjoy adjusting chains. And after ye olde Bing carbs and tappets and points although antiquated almost anything now is going to be a whole lot more complex. But I guess I can live with it

A list of all mods, accessories, etc can be found on my web site at http://sv650.metromain.net

Over 30 years of touring experience proved an invaluable asset in planning and setting up the bike as I wanted it. I had a vision of what I wanted and the end result was extremely close to that vision and now the wife and I reap the benefits of getting away as often as time, commitments and of course money allow.

With a bit of thought and a few hard earned dollars it can be transformed, I believe, into quite a suitable sport/tourer as shown below.

[bluepoof]

That's awesome!  I toured on my 2001 SV650S for five years (60,000 miles) and loved it.  The fully faired version looks even more comfortable.

[MK96xj]

Agreed and you setup looks pretty nice

[marc11]

I fell 100 percent the same way with my Versys. Makes a great light ST machine with the right farkles.

[Spiffious]

I now feel the same way about my SV1000s.  

For me though, it took a handlebar conversion to feel that way.  I imagine once I get the givi sidecases, that will be further improved.

[JamesG]

Very nice.  

[Mastros2]

Very nice indeed!  I see that it fits you pretty well.  

[Rincewind]

That's a really well-fitted mid-size sport-tourer.  

I'm surprised you made no mention of shock upgrade for the extra weight.  

Enjoy, and don't forget to post a lot of ride reports!  

[rauchman]

I now feel the same way about my SV1000s.  

For me though, it took a handlebar conversion to feel that way.  I imagine once I get the givi sidecases, that will be further improved.

+1 - With the addition of a Sergeant seat.  Comfort is almost there.

[FJRmgm]

I have an '04 SV-650s and I'm really hoping you have updated the suspension because I just can't imagine two adults touring on it with the lame stock suspension or saddle.

But, I love my SV for riding solo.

And your setup is a nice looking rig - what bags are those?

[mg66]

I have an '04 SV-650s and I'm really hoping you have updated the suspension because I just can't imagine two adults touring on it with the lame stock suspension or saddle.

But, I love my SV for riding solo.

And your setup is a nice looking rig - what bags are those?

Stock suspension on top pre-load. Its not to bad really and handled pretty well loaded up at Deal's Gap in June.

I have a OEM gel seat and sheep skin cover and the passenger seat has a sheep skin covered gel pad. Its good for about 5-600 miles a day and then we want off

Givi racks and Givi 45 liter top and side cases. Info here http://sv650.metromain.net/index.php?x=luggage

[FJRmgm]

I just installed a set of Ricor Intiminators in the front forks and it made a very noticeable and good improvement.  They were easy to install compared to emulators.

I also bought a slightly used ZX-10 rear shock and installed it - with the front and rear mods it now handles and rides much better.

Are you a member of www.sv-rider.com forum?

[mg66]

yessiree. mg66 is forum name there also.

[forester]

I think the version of 650 in the V-strom is great.  I'm not thrilled about the lawnmower sound, but it has adequate power on the road.

If the shoe fits - wear it.

[mg66]

An M4 slipon I found, fixed the obnoxious lawnmower sound of my stock SVSF can. It actually sounds like a motorcycle now

[mg66]

I just installed a set of Ricor Intiminators in the front forks and it made a very noticeable and good improvement.  They were easy to install compared to emulators.

I also bought a slightly used ZX-10 rear shock and installed it - with the front and rear mods it now handles and rides much better.

Does the ZX-10 shock fit straight on?
Has it got air adjustment?
Any particular year to be used?
Does it require battery tray cutting, etc?

[gritsngravy]

Excellent machine set up.    Nice to see a 650cc bike decked out for touring.  

[FJRmgm]

Does the ZX-10 shock fit straight on? - yes, if > 190 lb rider use ZX14 shock
Has it got air adjustment?  - NO
Any particular year to be used? 2006-2008 zx10
Does it require battery tray cutting, etc? - NO but does require longer bottom bolt

[mg66]

Well I finally upgraded the rear shock on my SV650S to that from a 2007 ZX14. The difference is amazing. I really wasn't aware just how soft and inadequate the stock shock was for a big guy like myself and 2-up riding/touring. Definitely worth the money and time spent to install. I have a small install writeup at ...

http://sv650.metromain.net/index.php?x=zx14_shock


I believe now the transformation from SV650SF to SV650ST is finally complete


After the sport/tourer transformation it now has the following:

- M4 Polished Standard Mount Slip-on
- K&N Air Filter (SV650/S 2003+)
- SV1000/S Snorkel
- Dynojet Research Power Commander III USB (SV650/S 2007-2008)
- Heal Tech GIPro + ATRE
- Pirelli Diablo Strada 120/60ZR17 Sport/Touring Front Tire
- Pirelli Angel ST 160/60ZR17 Sport/Touring Rear Tire
- Osram Silverstar 12V 60/55W H4 Headlamp Bulbs
- 2007 Kawasaki ZX14 Rear Shock

- Gorilla Cycle Alarm With 2-Way Paging System
- Rear Seat Tail Cowl
- Givi Tubular Sidecase Racks and Top Rack with Givi E45N Side Cases and E45NJ Top Case
- Suzuki OEM Touring High Profile Windscreen
- OEM Rider's Gel Seat
- Alaska Leather Pillion Type 1 (Rider Seat), Long Hair Sheepskin Seat Cover
- AMS Passenger's Sheepskin Covered Gel Pad
- Garmin Quest GPS
- RAM Handlebar Mounting Kit # RAM-B-149-GA15U for Garmin Quest GPS
- Nelson Rigg CL-350 (17-27 liter) Magnetic Tank Bag
- Grip Puppy Foam Grips
- Tech Spec Gripster Sport Tank Pad Set (High Fusion)
- Suzuki 03+ Lower Fairing Sliders
- Powerlet (BMW Style) 12 Volt Accessory Outlet
- Generic 8mm Swingarm Spools
- SV650 Quick Release Tank Pin Kit (not a retail part)
- Clear Alternatives Clear Front Turn Signal Lens
- Vista Universal Cruise Control

[jimmyc]

Nice setup.

[FiremanBob]

Thanks. This is very useful info as I was zeroing in on a Triumph Sprint or Honda Blackbird as my next bike but the SV looks like a good candidate and might fit my everyday riding style (I didn't use all my Sabre's 121 hp most of the time).  Two-up and loaded bags didn't bog it down?

Does the SF designation mean it comes with the fairing lowers? The only SVs I have seen were the upper only which is why I wasn't looking at one before.

[mg66]

Does the SF designation mean it comes with the fairing lowers? The only SVs I have seen were the upper only which is why I wasn't looking at one before.

Up to and including 2007 the SV650S only had the upper or ½ fairing. From 2008 the SVS got the lowers also, full fairing and was officially the SV650SF. Lowers can be added to the older SVSs with some additional hardware mounts but they aren't cheap. Aftermarket fairings are available also.

The SV produces good usable torque which helps a lot loaded 2-up even from quite low revs.

[mg66]

A few pics of the missus and I enjoying our SV650S and The Dragon in June 2010 whilst attending the National SV Rally

Click on images below to view full size :

   

   

[motormike]

I'm considering a 2005 SV650s.  You have a lot of additions.

How are you liking the bike?

[mg66]

I'm considering a 2005 SV650s.  You have a lot of additions.

How are you liking the bike?

I am liking it so far. More than adequate power, great torque and even for a tall person at 6'4" I fit pretty well on it.

[eye.surgeon]

It's a nice set-up.

I learned a similar lesson when I sold my K1200GT and bought my Wee-strom. A proper 650 is a very entertaining displacement. The only drawback I see to your setup is the physical size of the bike with a passenger. One reason I like the Wee, it's got lots of room to stretch out even 2-up.

[mg66]

Well I thought my SV650ST was complete  

Just added ...

A Corbin Seat - http://sv650.metromain.net/index.php?x=corbin


Buell Footpeg Mod - http://sv650.metromain.net/index.php?x=buell_peg_mod


MRA Vario Screen - http://sv650.metromain.net/index.php?x=vario_screen


Now it's complete, this time for sure ... yeah, right  

[Chuck 500]

Beautiful bike.  

Three cheers for mid-size sport touring!

Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

[Jay S.]

Very nice! I also tour on a mid-size bike and love it. I actually purchased the bike specifically for sport-touring. I can't say I do much touring 2-up though. I think the 600/650's are the perfect weight for touring as some of the SS-tourers are pretty "porky."

 

[jspringator]

Anyone install a Madstad windshield bracket and a handlebar conversion kit with touring bars?  I love the thought of a 450 pound faired touring motorcycle, but I can't stand to bend over to ride.  I've got Goldwing bars on my Nighthawk and it has worked out great.  Looks like on paper it would work.

I've got Shad bag set I can transfer over.  A Russell Day Long and lowered pags and it should be pretty comfortable.

How does this bike compare to the V-Strom for a 5'8" short inseamed rider?

[ANTBROWN]

Hey mg66,
I have a 2007 SV1000S that I've been using for sport touring. I had the Suzuki OEM touring screen since I purchased the bike new as well as Suzuki's gel seat and Heli bars. I'd like to make a few more changes to make it more comfortable. My knees start to hurt after about an hour and a half so I purchased the Buell pegs recently but I haven't installed them yet. How much of a difference do you notice having them on the bike and how well does the MRA vario screen work? The screen itself looks to be lower than the Suzuki touring screen but maybe the 'vario' part compensates for that. Can you give us an opinion on the vario screen please? I'm 6' tall by the way and I'd like the ability to push the wind over my head sometimes.

Regards,

Michael

[Giaka]

My wife loves her SV650S. List of mods

* Convertibars
* RaceTech front end
* GSXR 600 rear shock with custom lowering links
* 12v outlet for iPhone and Garmin GPS
* ZG Touring with Laminar Lip
* 2 Bros exhaust
* SWMotech luggage mounts
* Givi top and side cases
* Rear seat cover
* Hyper Lite rear brake lights

[motormike]

It sounds like the Corbin seat is a big improvement over the stock and Suzuki gel seat.

I've got a 2006 SV650s that I've had for one year and I'm starting to put more miles on it.  I think the stock seat isn't very comfortable after an hour or so.  I might have to do something, add a sheep skin pad at the minimum.

Suzkuki Gel Seat: $200
Corbin: $259 before shipping
Sargent: $280 (WS-547-19) or $300 (WS-547-18)

[bluepoof]

I liked the gel seat way more than the Corbin, FWIW.  The Corbin is stiff and has hard edges (or, did, back in the dusty ages of time around 2001). I kept hearing rumors that the gel seat retained heat and water but I never had trouble with mine.

[mg66]

Personally I like the Corbin infinitely better than the OEM gel seat. The gel seat always gave me monkey butt after 5+ hours whereas the Corbin lasts way longer before monkey butt becomes apparent.

I used a long hair sheep skin from Alaska Leather on both also.

I also find I hang off the Corbin way easier in the twisties if you are into that style of riding.

I am 6'4" and Corbins can be customized to have a higher seat height. I got a standard (was going to get 3/4" added but didnt) and no problems with cramps in legs although it did feel strange having a lower seat height at first but got use to it very quickly. Corbins also take a couple of thousand miles at least to wear in to your butt print.

[Strog]

It sounds like the Corbin seat is a big improvement over the stock and Suzuki gel seat.

I've got a 2006 SV650s that I've had for one year and I'm starting to put more miles on it.  I think the stock seat isn't very comfortable after an hour or so.  I might have to do something, add a sheep skin pad at the minimum.

Suzkuki Gel Seat: $200
Corbin: $259 before shipping
Sargent: $280 (WS-547-19) or $300 (WS-547-18)

I was putting my bike back together after it was stolen and recovered. The thief messed up the mounts on the stock seat so that was good enough excuse to buy the Sargent.  

I haven't tried a Corbin to compare but this is so much better than stock. Should have done this years ago. It's supportive but you can still slide around if you want to hang off in the twisties.

Looks like they still have the same deal ($252.61 free shipping) if anyone is looking.  http://www.chrome-addiction.com/g-sargent-seat-for-suzuki-sv650-1000-04-09-31030.php

[motormike]

Bump.  This thread is a great reverence to what can be done.  Yes, I know SVrider.com is full of ideas, but I'm not a member over there (if I did sign up, I can't find my userid and password).

My 2006 SV650s with about 8,000 miles is stock with the exception of a raised handle bar (not clips on).  I'd love to have a 6th gen VFR800 but not sure if I can make that happen anytime soon.

I see 4-5 areas for improvement for keeping mine for riding longer distance:

Seat - for added comfort
Suspension - seems a little weak for me (210 lbs) but I don't ride agressive
Hard bags - for touring capacity
Lowered pegs
Muffler - for a better sound, stock is fairly lawn-mowery

[mg66]

Bump.  This thread is a great reverence to what can be done.  Yes, I know SVrider.com is full of ideas, but I'm not a member over there (if I did sign up, I can't find my userid and password).

My 2006 SV650s with about 8,000 miles is stock with the exception of a raised handle bar (not clips on).  I'd love to have a 6th gen VFR800 but not sure if I can make that happen anytime soon.

I see 4-5 areas for improvement for keeping mine for riding longer distance:

Seat - for added comfort
Suspension - seems a little weak for me (210 lbs) but I don't ride agressive
Hard bags - for touring capacity
Lowered pegs
Muffler - for a better sound, stock is fairly lawn-mowery

Got some pics you can post here?

[motormike]

Got some pics you can post here?

Actually no. It's a blue-ish (whaetever the color is called) 2006 SV650s.  I'm a low-tech guy.  I don't have a photo bucket or similar account.  I don't have a home computer and the firewall at work won't let me log onto photo-sharing sites.

[Cowboy 6]

Never thought of the SV as an ST bike. Very cool.