Pre and Post '03 SV650(S)
 

The SV650 or S model is going to be my next bike. I'm curious as to what others think of the pros and cons of older model vs. newer. I know what the changes are on paper, but those of you that actually have or have ridden both, what do you think? I'm leaning more towards FI post '03, but not dead set on it, so let's hear your thoughts...

I have nothing vaid to add besides that I love the SV's. I wouldn't mind picking up one for a track only bike.

Everyone tells me that they're great track bikes, but I haven't done one yet... I like the 90 degree V-Twin and had pretty much decided that the SV was what I wanted already. Then I sat on one at the IMS show in Atlanta, it was just one of those "this is it" things.

Wait till you ride a TLR. Leon had one for 7 years. I used to trade him bikes all the time. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the TLR

I'm at the point now where I want to ride everything! :lmao:

So far, the only bikes I've ridden have been my 250 and my boyfriend's CBR600f4i

Oh, you have to ride a TLR. Trust me!

I prefer the FI but cant add much more than that. never actually owned on. Just rode the hell out of a few.

pretty girl + widowmaker comes with a pretty high drool factor :whistle:

I've tried a couple of SVs, and they're great! Can't go wrong with the older or newer ones. How much do you wanna spend? Maybe go try the Aprilia 750 Shiver. It's a bit like a pumped-up SV, and fun, fun, fun!

Again, haven't ridden anything but the 2 bikes mentioned above. I did look at the Shiver at the bike show and sit on it and it was ok, but just didn't click with me like the SV did. I'll definitely test some others before buying though. I don't have a pre-set amount set in stone for how much I'm going to spend, some of it will just depend on the bike and whether I decide to go new or used...

it's more of a matter of preference than anything.

I've ridden them both and I prefer the FI (which is why I own one) because there's a split second better response time (but that could be me). I also like the stying of the post '03 SVS. The ergos aren't too terribly different (though there are differences especially when you get into the later models like 07 and 08)

Never rode either. But I like them.

Personally prefer the FI and the non tube frame. The bug eye headlights on the earlier models aslo bug me...

each to their own, they run awesome, and with a few suspension mods kick ass on the track.

I've ridden an 03 and an 05... both great bikes... don't think there's too much diffrent between the previous gen and the 03+ other than FI and styling. but that's enough for me. the motor is a tank and will take care of you if you take care of it.

One of the perks to the SVs is that you can upgrade the suspension with GSXR parts very easy.

If you like the V and riding position, more power to ya. I demoed an '08 and couldn't stand it. Only place I would ride it is the track. I'm the P-twin type :rockwoot:

If you're going to spend the extra $3k for the Shiver, MotorCyclist says you're farther ahead with the new Monster 696.

I had an 05 SVs and loved it. Has a ton of mods and accessories to make it a much better bike. I say go with a 04+. 03's have some subtle differences that you can't use some parts from 04+.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8168/img3880gz4.jpg

Killer bike.

that's some nice modding there :dthumb:

Arrah Arrah has the best SV I have see in a long time. It's black and a slick looking street fighter. He was selling it not to long ago. I think he still has it, but it is very pricey for an SV because he has almost the best suspension you can get for the damn thing.

My Tuono is FI and the SV is carbed. To be honest, when it comes to throttle control, they feel similar. Both are motorcycles and go faster when I twist the grip.

I mention this because it's a major difference between the two SV models that you listed (Fuel injected vs Carbed). Just pick the body style that you like better. I got a 1st gen because I love the tube frame and the price was right (picked it up early 05). You can't go wrong either way. :rockout: