| Author | Message | ||
     Thepup |
Local dealer has leftover 03 SV 650 for $5000 and SV1000 for $ 6500.I know a few here have rode both,which one did you like better? | ||
| Norrisperformance |
I know guys who race them both. Never heard a bad thing about ether one. But I've never had the chance to ride one. Sure see a lot of them in WERA and CCS racing. I have a freind who races a sv1000. Said he had over 125 at the rear wheel. Power Commander and a Vance & Hines slip on. What’s the weight difference?? I’d say the 650 for the track and the 1000 for the street. If you don’t find out anything, I can make some calls Monday to some guy’s who race em. DiabloBrian has one on his race team. | ||
| Mrvvrroomm |
If you're going to buy one, definitely get the 1000. By the time you start modifying the sub-par suspension on the 650 and maybe toss a pipe on it, you'll already be over what the 1000 would have cost you. My wife had an '03 650, nice beginner bike, but somewhat anemic. Go for the 1000, you'll love it! | ||
| Reepicheep |
Just know that the SV-650 is an SV, the SV-1000 is a TL-1000. That's not a slam, just know what you are buying. | ||
| Fl_billy |
I have owned a SV650 and currently own a SV1KS (for sale actually). The big SV puts down around 105-110 hp at the rear with around 68-70 ft./lbs of torque. Suspension is decent, but guys who ride them hard are doing mods like gixxer thou forks and shocks. The motor is a peach and has a really nice, linear power delivery with no top-end hit or rush. Torque rules with this beast. My 650 I had in it's first model year (99) when they made around 68 hp and 47 ft/lbs of torque. It handled like a Schwinn (good thing!!) even with the non-adjustable suspension and I was able to keep up with just about any rider on any bike in speeds up to around 110. That bike would power the front wheel up in first with no problems. With all that said, both are fantastic bikes with slightly different missions. I would consider the 650 to be a slightly better do-it-all bike that with a few minor mods can be a real ripper. The 1000 is bigger and heavier, but has fantastic power. Both bikes are bullet-proof, highly modifiable and will provide maximum fun/$$. The only reason I am selling my SV is because I found my XB12R at a price I could not pass up and I consider it a bike with near SV1K power that handles like the SV650. Good luck with your decision! Billy | ||
| Signguy |
"Just know that the SV-650 is an SV, the SV-1000 is a TL-1000. That's not a slam, just know what you are buying." Huh? | ||
| Lovematt |
I also have an 2003 SV1000S that I am selling...had it before the Buell and there are two reasons why I am selling it: 1. The Buell stole my heart and the performance in the turns just can't be beat. The SV is definitely faster acceleration wise but those days are behind me now...the motor is definitely impressive. 2. I miss the days when I had a dual sport and would love to get another one...that way if I am going to have two bikes they are very different from each other both in looks and the riding terrain. If the SV was my only bike and I didn't know about the Buell, I would be perfectly happy with it...nothing wrong with it at all. | ||
| Raceautobody |
My wife has a 03 SV650. We bought it in June of 04 for $5100 new. If you go for either bike I think you can sure push the dealer much harder on the price. Even the 1000 you are looking at seams high. Maybe you can push for some acc or gear or something. Al | ||
| Johncr250 |
I`ve spent an afternoon on my friends SV 1000 and thought it was a good solid bike. Great motor with good suspension pulled 120 rwhp on the dyno with slipons, airfilter, and power commander. I`m not crazy about the bikes looks but for the money they are hard to beat. They haven`t been selling in this area for some reasons so dealers have been practically giving them away! | ||
| Diablobrian |
the 03+ sv650s have been developing a nasty habit of dropping rods and cranks on the track. However on the street they seem to be doing just fine. If you have specific questions about the 650 drop me a line. I'll try to help all I can. | ||
| Enp83 |
While I can't say I've researched the topic in any great detail, from what I've read and heard a typical track day junky shouldn't have to worry about those problems with their '03+ SV650. It seems like it's still a rare case and that it happens more to racers who have some pretty significant mods. I have an '03 SV650S, demoed several XBs and thinking about swapping the SV for a XB later on this summer. I think a SV650 is a GREAT bike! No, it's not a gsxr, and it doesn't try to be!!! The whole "it's a starter bike" is nonsense too, it has zero problems keeping up with the latest 600s on the street until you get above legal highway speeds....and I certainly don't tell people a new 600 is a good starter bike. SportRider says a SV650S weighs in wet at 428lbs, and the SV1000S at 485lbs...the lightness of the SV650 is one of it's best qualities. Gear it down a tad ('03 SV650S will do a true 135mph at redline in 6th, no need for that so gear it down) with a slip-on and PCIII and it'd be one hell of a fun bike...especially for riding around town. Before I bought mine I wasn't sure if the motor with "only" 70rwhp would be a let down or not, it wasn't in any way. If you think you want a big v-twin don't get the SV650, just go with the 1000. If you think you want a fun bike that you can really use all of it's power in most situations, and just get goofy with the throttle and not have to worry about going warp speed (while still having fun), might want to consider the SV650. I have a hard time believing anyone is going to get 125rwhp (or 120) out of a SV1000 with just a PCIII and slip-ons (especially V&H slip-ons, they're pretty crappy on imo). I haven't seen dynos for the '05 SV1000, they made some motor changes and it should have a little more hp for '05. | ||
| Diablobrian |
OUr motor was box stock with 894 miles on the clock. motor blew at road america. So you have to be aware that it CAN happen even with a stock motor with low mileage, admitted it was hard running mileage. I was just giving a word of warning in case he intended to use it for track days. When you spend a lot of time at full throttle there is excessive slop in the crank clearances. We were just congradulating ourselves on having a "good one" before it blew. Don't tempt fate. That's all I'm saying.   | ||
| Enp83 |
Hmm. Was it within the 1 yr warrenty time, what did suzuki say? Any word on if it's all '03-'05 SV650s or just a certain batch of a certain year or what? | ||
| Diablobrian |
Even if it was within a year of original purchase, warrenty is void on a race only bike. Hard to hide all the safety wire even if we did have all of the factory plastic and street gear. Anyway suzuki was trying to save some money on tooling/production and eliminated some shims that were on the crank on the 99-02 models. All 03-present models are effected. | ||
| Danvetc |
Diablobrian, Did you guys race the carbed SV650? How would you compare the pre 2003 model vs. the FI for track day performance? Could you help me out and mention some recommended mods for a "track day" SV650? Thanks a ton, Charlie | ||
| Diablobrian |
In the lightweight classes rider skill and bike setup are far more important than a few hp. the 99-02 bikes (carbuerated) are very good and one that has alreqady been race prepped can be had fairly cheap if that's what you are shopping for. I reccomend the Penske rear shock and cartidge emulators (racetech gold valve) and proper rate fork springs as first mods. Next pipe (I like the Yoshimura full system) and Air filter. You definitely need either aftermaket case covers on the clutch, or just a pair of frame savers. Good tires are a must, and if you actually want to be serious about racing get a pair of tire warmers and a generator. Don't be intimidated by all of this. Sv's are some of the least expensive bikes on the planet to race. The biggest things they have going for them is a large number of bikes on the road mean lots of cheap parts. The other thing is they are very easy on tires. A single pair of tires will easily last a hard weekend of racing. Believe me, that is the biggest expense in racing. Did I miss anything? | ||
| Raraf |
Cycle World named the SV650 on the 10 Best List for 2004. I have read 2 moto articles saying the SV1000 motor felt shoved into the frame while the SV650 felt built from the ground up. I loved the SV650 and there wasn't a SV1000 to try here in Colorado only the SV1000S since they only made it for a year (methinks). | ||
| Henrik |
Charlie; I have my mostly track-day SV650 set up pretty much like Brian mentions. He's giving you good advice. If you get a Penske shock, you may want to change the rear ride height as well as raising the fork tubes a bit in the triple clamps. I can give you my numbers if you choose to go that route. For framesliders, be sure to go with the ones that mount to the bolt through the motor: http://www.inturace.com/prdifs1.htm#fs_pricing I believe they're part #FS-21x But check with Intuitive. I also fitted a set of Woodcraft clip-on bars which work well and are easy to mount and adjust. Finally I would safety wire the drain and filler plugs and oil filter at least. If you get into the wiring, I'd suggest wiring the front and rear brake caliper mounting bolts, the axle pinch bolts, front and rear axle as well. I mounted a Buell M2 flyscreen on mine - it helps to keep a bit of wind blast off the rider at speed. I have a Micron high mount slip-on muffler, which tucks in nicely beneath the tail section and because of that has escaped so far 3 crashes with only minor scuffing. If you get into track days big time, a steering damper and a lap timer are nice additions. One of the big things the lap timer taught me was that the harder I try, the slower I go ... go figure. But then, I'm kinda slow to begin with, so that's ok  Henrik | ||
| Danvetc |
Brian, Thanks for this information. This looks right up my alley. I won't be racing anytime soon, as you have to learn how to walk before you run. But, it is nice to have some good shoes, no? Do you run the 170 tire in the rear? Thanks, Charlie | ||
| Danvetc |
Henrik, Thank you, as well, for helping me out. Are you running the naked SV with the M2 screen, or did that fit on the S model? How about you, are you using the 170 tire in the rear? Charlie | ||
| Henrik |
Mine is the nekkid version  It would be quite a bit of work to R&R the "S" fairing to replace with the M2 fly screen. I'm running stock size tires both front and rear. Can't remember the exact sizes. Going wider than stock on the rear tire will adversely affect handling. Most of the SV racers on the Sport Twin list run stock tire sizes. Henrik | ||
| Diablobrian |
we run the s version as seen at www.diablobikes.com We run the 160 rear (when available you don't always get to pick and choose at the track). CCS tech requires a steering dampner if you go that far, I had forgotten installing it. It really isn't normally needed on an SV. Corner speed and turn in are king on a lightweight. If you can't carry the speed through the corner you are toast. I think this is the ideal class to learn to race in. Sloppy riding is not rewarded, so you have to learn to race, not just twist the throttle. (Message edited by diablobrian on May 16, 2005) | ||
| Danvetc |
Thanks, gentleman. I see I have work to do... | ||
| Enp83 |
"Even if it was within a year of original purchase, warrenty is void on a race only bike." Ahh I was thinking just a track bike. | ||
| Trojan |
One of our sponsored race bikes is an SV650 K3. The rider used to ride are Buell XB race bike and is still finding it hard to adjust to the (inferior) handling of the SV! The steering is a lot lazier than the XB and the front end feels much less planted. He is running a Penske rear shock, Maxton built forks and Hindle full exhaust system. Fairing is from a Yamaha TRX850. HP on the SV is limited in the Minitwins class to 72bhp and this is bang on the limit.  | ||
| Ingemar |
So why did he switch? | ||
| Trojan |
Basically there is no class in the UK now that you can race an XB competitively in. Our race bike now runs in Italy, which has a number of classes open to it. Jonathan races in the Minitwins series, which is pretty much all SVs with a small smattering of Monster 620s. I did try to get the XB9 included in the class but the organisers weren't interested unfortunately. They can fill grids twice over with the SV without trying and turn people away every meeting. | ||
| Race_pirate |
I bought my Xb Niner to race in Ultra Lightweight Suberbike, which was the old Middleweight sportsman with CCS, it is the only NON SV650 class. For 2004 they allowed up to 1050cc 2 valve pushrod engines against 800cc Ducati's. I was disappointed when the new rules for 2005 came out, they excluded the XB so now its Duck Fest. Next Thursday I have a full day of testing the Niner at the track, and Im going with 2 fellow racers, One has a worked Ducati 750 and the other a "Set Up" SV650....The update will be posted next Friday. | ||
| Danvetc |
Race Pirate, Look forward to keeping up with you in 2005. I saw where someone had dropped some serious change on the SV650 engine and got 100 Hp. Yikes! http://nationalprivateer.com/05mikes_bike_for_sale.html ""A" Motor - over $7,000 invested Comes with: custom cams; ported, polished and decked head; 2 mil pistons; crower ti rods; Falicon superbike crank; R&D transmission; multiple weight saving secrets inside engine makes 100 hp on Dynojet dyno" (Message edited by danvetc on May 17, 2005) (Message edited by danvetc on May 17, 2005) | ||
| Race_pirate |
Last time I entered the LW Supersport race at Summit Point, I was gridded against a field of those "Slightly Modified" SV's. Thankfully they were braking 2/3's down the straightaway allowing my lil' bike past....(Pre XB days) Overall bang for the buck the SV650 is a great racer. I just cant follow the norm... | ||
| Slaughter |
Well... Having raced BOTH an SV650 and a Buell XB in same day, same track – I have an opinion or two. MUST-DO mods - suspension both ends (I used Penske – after initially upgrading to gixxer shock). MUST re-work the forks. Get a proper single-rate spring and get cartridge emulators (maybe about $250). BETTER Yet, if you can afford it, get a gixxer front end (could be $1500 for triple clamps, forks, brakes, wheel). I bought mine off Eddie Kraft when he went back to stock front end to be eligible for Suzuki Cup money (stock forks required by race rules). Gear it down 1 or 2 teeth at the rear. De-snorkelize, K&N air filter, re-jet (if necessary) and slip-on can. Ride it for a year before you decide you need to mess with the motor. Stock it'll give you a good year of racing HARD without complaint (unless you have an 03, 04 with the above-mentioned weak bottom end) There's a good discussion in last months Roadracing World about the SV's. check RoadracingWorld.com classifieds - there's a couple there right now. Pretty stock for $3500 and a totally race/tricked out bike and spares for $8500 You NEED to talk to Zoran Vujasinovic at Twin Works Factory (TWF) - there are few folks who know these bikes any better. He can set you straight on useful mods. He ran a bike for a whole season at Willow with some CCS and WERA racing thrown in - putting down something like 87HP without tearing it down. Zoran is in Reno and not only builds the little beasties, he races them too. Zoran Vujasinovic Twin Works Factory 775-786-4881 Bottom line - you'd have a hard time arguing against an SV as a street/track bike. If you do a lot of 2-up riding then the 1000 makes more sense. If you are considering racing, check your local racing organization's discussion board and check in as a newbie. ALL legitimate racing organizations discussion groups are MUCH MORE friendly than sportbike discussion groups because there's no BS on the race track. | ||
| Danvetc |
Thanks, Steve, that is very helpful. I don't know if I will ever be a racer or not, but the challenge of holding the racing line and piloting well has got me hooked to getting back on the track soon and often. Talk about a learning curve! Track guys are great. Thank you to everyone for your advice. Charlie | ||
| Slaughter |
By the way - didn't mean to imply that you needed to be racing - it's just that there are some mods not worth doing to the motor even IF you are racing - but like any bike bought over the counter, suspension, tires, brakes and handling will trump power. Oh - I forgot - ditch the stock brake lines and get braided. Stock feels spongy. |
