Suzuki SV650 vs. SV1000S

Should you go for the bigger bike?

The SV650 is a lighter, more nimble bike, but obviously less power than the 1000.

The SV650 is the smaller, more standard styled machine with upright bars that lean you into the wind slightly. Very maneuverable, it slices through traffic and handles twisty roads with aplomb. It's equally at home on city streets or rural two lanes. Its motor doesn't much care where in the rev range it is ridden as it always seems willing to rev and has sufficient power for all but the most demanding of riders. It can be used for commuting or sport touring. This is a nice bike that anyone but a true beginner could ride. It would make a great first sportbike or a great middleweight for someone looking for something light and easy handling. I guess if I had to describe the SV650 in one word, it would be versatile. It may not be the fastest 600-class bike out there, but it does everything well and is the most useful and comfortable bike in real-world situations.

The SV1000 is at home in the twisties.

The SV1000S, while closely related, is more narrowly focused as a sportbike. Its ergonomics are more severe with a racer-like crouch forward with its low clip-on handlebars, half-fairing and rearset pegs. With this setup and its abundant low and mid-range torque, it flat out just works in the curves and on the highway. It rewards expert riders with precision and stability. Fun-to-drive is more than just a saying when you're riding the SV1000S in any situation except stop-and-go traffic. But in city settings or at slow speeds where the wind can't hold you up, your hands and wrists will ache. This bike was made for track days or slicing up your nearest mountain switch back.

The SV1000 profile.

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While both are great fun, if I had to choose only one it would be the SV1000S. It looks good, rides well and handles great. It'll chug around at low RPMs or lunge forward with more revs. I'd add bar risers, a tank or seat bag and maybe the available fairing lowers for comfort and carrying space. Then I'd hit the road and only follow the single black lines on the map searching out all the curves I could find.

George Tranos is a New York State and MSF certified instructor who regularly contributes to WRN. His email address is gtranos@bigapplemotorcycleschool.com.

Reader Comments

The SV650 is a great bike, fun and agile, running cost are good. The 650S gives you more protection on long hauls and you don't end up feeling like a wind sock. The SV1000 and 1000S are more of a handful if your stepping up, but that thump from the motor and note from a good aftermarket pipe is just magical. Whatever model you choose, get a center stand; makes maintaning the bike so much easier. Paul New South Wales, Australia Tuesday, March 30, 2010 I've had an 05 SV1000S for three years. Few can keep up with me in the twisties or on back roads no matter what they are riding! I've raced back roads with all of today's fastest bikes and none beat the SV. I usually leave most in my dust! Don't get me wrong, my friends ZX14 flies past me in the straights! Many talked about riding position. Get a set of Heli Bars for $250 and the tired wrist issue is gone. Don't let Dave's comments fool you! The 1000 is perfectly balanced for real-world sport riding. It is about as good as it gets for a streetable supersport. The power is linear and usable. Great power range from 3500 to 9500. ALL of the I-4's 6's & 10's are way too high strung. Ever try going around a twisty road at 10 - 14k RPM's. The tranny nicely spaced, unlike the other tightly spaced supersports. Perfectly matched for the gutsy V-Twin. The handling is sure and stable. Put new oil in the front forks and they are amazingly better. Heavy? Very relative term. Means a lot on a track. Not so much on the street. Remember that the 600 and 1000cc supersports were designed from ground up for the track...not the street. The SV1000S and SV650S were designed for the street and excel there. You can't go wrong with either. Mark Carnation, WA Wednesday, February 03, 2010 Do not support your weight with your wrists. If you support your weight with your wrists you will complain about wrist pain as your wrists were just not intended to support your body weight in that way. Support your weight with your torso and legs such that your hands are light on the bars. Strengthen your core if it isn't strong enough. The rider in the pictures looks really tiny though, so any bike with a relatively sporting position is going to give him/her trouble. C-funk Denver, CO Thursday, December 17, 2009 Recently bought a SV1000S K3 here in the UK, rode it 50 miles back home and immediately needed to to something about the plank of wood (standard riders seat) I had been sitting on. I fitted a gel pad (have done this before using gel pads designed to fit under horse saddles - 10mm thick) over the original foam and replaced the cover. Still not for me. After much searching I was really lucky to find one for sale on an SV forum site. Got it shipped over from the states and wow, what a difference. I cannot recommend this mod highly enough. I have never tried Sargent seats, nor Corbin for that matter but this simple mod has transformed my riding experience. Corbin seat. I guarantee you won't regret it! LaserLes United Kingdom Friday, October 23, 2009 Page 1 of 4 (16 items) [1] 2 3 4 Loading…

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