Got a friend looking at an SV650S. Tell me more.

Mr Lefty · 12-13-2008, 11:41 PM

the diff between the SV and the GSXR is much more than just motor... the suspension is much better on the GSXR... but the SV will be a bit more comfortable to ride (once you change out the stone seat)

SV is a good bike IMO for a first bike... but can still get you in to trouble if you get too cocky. a lot of people here started on SV's... the first bike I ever rode was an SV... and it was gonna be my first bike up until I found the awesome deal I did on my ZZR.

get him in to the MSF course... and remind him that his budget for the bike includes the gear (often forgotten).

Quick281 · 12-14-2008, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebbs15

the diff between the SV and the GSXR is much more than just motor... the suspension is much better on the GSXR... but the SV will be a bit more comfortable to ride (once you change out the stone seat)

SV is a good bike IMO for a first bike... but can still get you in to trouble if you get too cocky. a lot of people here started on SV's... the first bike I ever rode was an SV... and it was gonna be my first bike up until I found the awesome deal I did on my ZZR.

get him in to the MSF course... and remind him that his budget for the bike includes the gear (often forgotten).

He is probably my only friend that I could trust with taking the right approaches to this sort of things, despite my bad example with starting on my bike. But for 4 grand, who wouldn't take my route?

He has set aside a budget of 1k for gear, including a helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and boots. Since I still have a learners permit, he and I will probably sign up for a MSF course together when we can. I would love to do it now that I have all the time in the world but alas I am broke.

What parts are interchangeable between our bikes? I saw a couple threads on the SV forum talking about suspension swapping.

Mr Lefty · 12-14-2008, 12:10 AM

Hey I'm right there with ya... I wanted an SV but couldn't pass up my bike a year old with only 618 miles and a $500 Arai Helmet thrown in for $4999 OTD...

I know that the suspension between the GSXR line and the SV's are interchangeable... but I don't know if there is a year range... (ie only 00-03 can be used for the SV)

I'm pretty sure your suspension can still be used on a SV but don't know for sure... that's a question for the SV folks.

SoFlaSV · 12-14-2008, 01:54 AM

The SV is a great bike for a beginner or veteran.

I will never get rid of mine.

You can swap the rear shock and entire front suspension from the GSXR to SV.
I've done both, before I bought a Penske for the rear.

Quick281 · 12-14-2008, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoFlaSV

The SV is a great bike for a beginner or veteran.

I will never get rid of mine.

You can swap the rear shock and entire front suspension from the GSXR to SV.
I've done both, before I bought a Penske for the rear.

Was it a big improvement over stock? (The factory gix stuff)

SoFlaSV · 12-14-2008, 02:27 AM

It does give the adjustabilty the factory set up lacks.

Quick281 · 12-17-2008, 03:30 PM

So we picked it up the other day and I rode it home for him.

All I can say is wow, what a great bike! Feels very light and very forgiving yet still a blast to ride. I felt right at home on it with the more aggressive handlebar stance and within a couple miles I felt right at home on the bike.

I think he was also pleased to see me riding it and hear of my great praise. I am now a big fan of those bikes. Getting back on my bike a bit later on the evening made it seems like a whole new, much more sensitive beast.

12-17-2008, 03:30 PM	#7
Quick281 Victim of Blazer Rapage Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Talkeetna, AK Moto: 06 GSXR 600 Posts: 1,707	So we picked it up the other day and I rode it home for him. All I can say is wow, what a great bike! Feels very light and very forgiving yet still a blast to ride. I felt right at home on it with the more aggressive handlebar stance and within a couple miles I felt right at home on the bike. I think he was also pleased to see me riding it and hear of my great praise. I am now a big fan of those bikes. Getting back on my bike a bit later on the evening made it seems like a whole new, much more sensitive beast. __________________ -Alex- Resident TWFix Noob. My 06 GSXR 600 <-- Its Clickable Fools. Last edited by Quick281; 12-17-2008 at 03:59 PM.. Reason: Because once again, I failed.

12-13-2008, 11:41 PM	#1
Mr Lefty TWFix Legend Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver CO Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar Posts: 15,677	the diff between the SV and the GSXR is much more than just motor... the suspension is much better on the GSXR... but the SV will be a bit more comfortable to ride (once you change out the stone seat) SV is a good bike IMO for a first bike... but can still get you in to trouble if you get too cocky. a lot of people here started on SV's... the first bike I ever rode was an SV... and it was gonna be my first bike up until I found the awesome deal I did on my ZZR. get him in to the MSF course... and remind him that his budget for the bike includes the gear (often forgotten).

12-14-2008, 12:10 AM	#3
Mr Lefty TWFix Legend Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver CO Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar Posts: 15,677	Hey I'm right there with ya... I wanted an SV but couldn't pass up my bike a year old with only 618 miles and a $500 Arai Helmet thrown in for $4999 OTD... I know that the suspension between the GSXR line and the SV's are interchangeable... but I don't know if there is a year range... (ie only 00-03 can be used for the SV) I'm pretty sure your suspension can still be used on a SV but don't know for sure... that's a question for the SV folks.

12-14-2008, 01:54 AM	#4
SoFlaSV Guinness Bitches... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Coconut Creek, Fl Moto: '00 SV650 Posts: 505	The SV is a great bike for a beginner or veteran. I will never get rid of mine. You can swap the rear shock and entire front suspension from the GSXR to SV. I've done both, before I bought a Penske for the rear.

12-14-2008, 02:27 AM	#6
SoFlaSV Guinness Bitches... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Coconut Creek, Fl Moto: '00 SV650 Posts: 505	It does give the adjustabilty the factory set up lacks.