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I found a new job and start in 2 weeks. I will be making significantly more money and have been considering picking up a modern bike to have as a DD and light touring bike. The only bad thing I have heard about the sv650 is the early fuel injected bikes had some growing pains. Is there anything else that I should know? I would be more interested in the S model with the fairing and if I could find one with the panniers it would be ideal. Are there any other bikes I should look at in that class? I am looking for a wife not a mistress.
The SV is rock solid by and large. The Bandits are also very reliable, if a touch vanilla.
A lot of guys around here that do daily commute in any weather kind of stuff preach on the BMW GS series.
A buddy recently got one and I gotta say when I rode it I was extremely impressed.
I've ridden a friends (2003 i believe) and I loved it. Great feeling bike. He had a nice pipe on it that gave it just the right grunt. I definitely have one on my list of bikes to own.
Absolutly love them. I ride my brother in laws ('04, GSXR shock swap, R1 front end) any chance I get. Their straight up brawlers with a little massaging. Like DJ said, their on my list for sure.
It was a work horse. Ultra reliable. Good torque and fast enough (did a 520 conversion and pipes). You can also use regular unleaded. Probably the best compromise between a comfy DD and a supersport I4 bike.
I rode a 99 on a track day once, great bike. Ridden a couple on the street since (2003 I was working for a Suzuki dealer and rode a couple of 650's and 1000's). All of them were fun bikes. To reiterate what other's have said, they're definitely on my short list.
I have an '03 and I love it. Mine has been modified quite a bit: GSXR front end, CBR rear wheel, ZX-14 rear shock, etc. A great all-around bike. I am debating changing to a more upright riding position, but fighting the urge because I love the low clip-ons.
I've got an 02 with a GSXR 750 front end (traxxion dynamics internals) Penske rear shock, cam swap, pipe, and a bunch of other mods. It's a true track day slayer! I'm never bored when I throw my leg over it! I love it!
I had an 02 sv650 and loved it. Naked with Gsxr 1000 front end, Penske rear shock, f3 rear wheel. Was reliable and a great city beater bike. Aside from accident damage repairs after a cab hit me, the only repair I ever did was a new R/R. Other than oil/filter/plugs/chain maintenance that thing required nothing.
Only got rid of it to get something more comfortable for 2up riding and to get away from the sport bike image
I have an '03 and I love it. Mine has been modified quite a bit: GSXR front end, CBR rear wheel, ZX-14 rear shock, etc. A great all-around bike. I am debating changing to a more upright riding position, but fighting the urge because I love the low clip-ons.
Serious case of target fixation. I was considering Honda's new CTX700 as well. I think you guys have convinced me that the SV would be the way to go. Now to save up some money
personally i would go bandit, well i did go bandit... the 1200 bandit inline for makes a much more useable power, hell even my 600 bandit will toast a SV650... the bandit stock is at 80hp and the SV for a newer one is 73hp i belive. either way i am a big fan of the SV but if you are looking at more for your money go with the bandit... the inline 4 is where it is at... now if you are looking to build a cool v twin, the sv is a great option... i ride with several guys on them, great bike!
My son has an '06 S model and it is a great bike. The only thing that might not work for you is if you're going to do some long distance touring. The low bars can get to your back,
but then again I'm 60 so that might have something to do with it. The V-Strom would be more suited for traveling and I think there is a lot more options for hardbags for them.
But for everyday backroad scratching, and short to medium distance riding the SV is a wonderful bike. Plenty of power and very forgiving.
wife had a carbureted sv and we lowered it because she's vertically challenged and it still handled pretty nice.it had a bazillion miles on it and still started and ran really well. she regrets selling it.
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