Thoughts on buying a Suzuki SV650

[Barnes]

Hey guys, looking at purchasing a 2003 Suzuki SV650. I've heard a few good things about it, but is there anything i should pay close attention to? I am currently riding a 1982 Honda Nighthawk 450, am i wasting my time looking into the SV? I only use my bike for riding around the city and going to work (about 20kms each way).

I am about 6'4, will i find this bike too small?

thanks!

 

[trench]

Great bike, but at 6'4" you will likely find it to be to small, the V-Strom 650 would be a better choice. Same motor but a bigger overall bike, JMO.

 

[meatbag]

I think your quite big for it. I kept one in the home inventory for 11 years now as the other bikes come and go. Always puts a smile on my face to ride it with that great little motor. I'm a few inches shorter than you and I consider it a small bike.

 

[the_real_wild1]

What is your budget? I bought a new 2010 model aprilia shiver in the fall that I will sell for what I have into it less the gst. Comfortable bike but I decided too late that I prefer a different style of bike.

 

[Barnes]

Honestly, this one I'm looking at is up for trade. Was thinking about letting the sled go for it (2003 Skidoo Summit 800HO).

 

[96sherm]

I'm 6'1", test rode one for my wife. It was slightly cramped, but depending on how long you spent riding at a time it wouldn't be too bad. I really liked the motor, it was a torquey little thing, quite a hoot.

Not quite as comfy and zoom-zoom as my Hayabusa, but I wouldn't mind one for a city runabout...

 

[Barnes]

Thanks 96sherm, I'm not gonna lie i feel pretty cramped on anything i ride. I usually never sit down and ride any longer than 45minutes to an hour. (Ring road around the city). Like i said most of my time will be the 20kms I ride to work.

Coming off the 450 Nighthawk, it will do 110 on the highway with not much trouble. Its a little iffy on the cold mornings getting it started, but runs well other than that. I think the 650 will give me just enough power and fuel injection should be a nice upgrade.

Might go check it out next week.

 

[ducati]

SV is a nice little bike for sure but you will be pretty damn big on it. Why not look into something like a KTM 500EXC (then add supermoto wheels) or a KTM 690 Duke? Lots of fun to ride and if you are only going to be in the city they would be great.

 

[CountryRider]

Cheaper on insurance. Since it's not considered a true crotch rocket but rather a costum.

 

[Barnes]

SV is a nice little bike for sure but you will be pretty damn big on it. Why not look into something like a KTM 500EXC (then add supermoto wheels) or a KTM 690 Duke? Lots of fun to ride and if you are only going to be in the city they would be great.

Honestly, I was checking out this bike because i had a chance to trade it for my sled. The guy has since backed out, we'll see what happens in the spring.

 

[the_real_wild1]

Gives you time to sell your sled now and save up to buy mine lol.

 

[Barnes]

Haha, not much of a market for a 2003 Summit with a new engine in it... I'd be lucky to get back what I spent on the engine.

 

[the_real_wild1]

Sold my 2000 summit 700 for 2700. The price keeps going down as the new sleds come out.