Riding a Suzuki SV650 v. the SV650S

After spending a few months on my new ride, I thought I would share my experiences riding almost the same bike.  This is my second SV and my fifth motorcycle since I started riding bikes in 2004. My previous S model was with me for 4 years before I sold it last Christmas before moving to Philadelphia. The main reason I bought that one was because I hated the Kawasaki z750s I had at that time. I made the mistake of buying it because it looked cute and I did very little research on it. As a result, I only rode it 6,000 miles in 3 years! Sad. Before I tell you some of these differences, I think it’s important that you know where I was coming from before I bought my first SV. <div><a href="http://gearchic.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2006_kawasaki_z750s.jpg"><img src="http://gearchic.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2006_kawasaki_z750s.jpg" alt="2006_kawasaki_z750s" width="560" height="459"></a>My old 2006 Kawi z750s. So not fun.</div> Once I found the S model, I was in love. Definitely love at first sight, and first ride. <div><a href="http://gearchic.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2003_suzuki_sv650s_livermoreCA.jpg"><img src="http://gearchic.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2003_suzuki_sv650s_livermoreCA-574x1024.jpg" alt="2003_suzuki_sv650s_livermoreCA" width="574" height="1024"></a>One of many rides on my trusty SV650S! This one in Livermore, CA.</div> So that brings me to what made the S model so awesome. Here are a list of features that I noticed and right off the bat and learned to love: <ul><li>Falls easily into corners, with very little input</li> <li>Much lower center of gravity; the fuel tank felt like it was under me not in front of me</li> <li>Responsive to my lower body’s input; when I used my legs and feet to lean into the corner the bike responded quickly and easily.</li> <li>Figured out how to use my body position to lean into the corners</li> <li>Almost 2″ shorter seat height! I can barely remember how I rode that thing.</li> <li>50lbs lighter</li> </ul>Toward the end of our relationship, I grew to hate the aggressive riding position because I enjoyed taking long rides (150+ miles) and long trips (1,000+ miles). This bike was killing me at the end, although I thought heavily about putting risers on it I simply never got around to it. In hindsight, I should’ve sold it for the other version. <div><a href="http://gearchic.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1798690_10152085494208261_951812618_n.jpg"><img src="http://gearchic.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1798690_10152085494208261_951812618_n.jpg" alt="2006 sv650 naked blue" width="579" height="579"></a>My new to me 2006 SV650, as of April 2014</div> Which brings me to the differences I’ve noticed about the non S model. <ul><li>Steering input; feels different but just as easy to fall into a corner with. I can’t quite say if it’s better or worse, it’s just different.</li> </ul><ul><li>More comfortable; if I hadn’t almost ruined my back on my last trip with the S version, I would’ve gotten another one. I’m really loving the almost upright riding position. Of course the seat is still stock, so still massively uncomfortable after 30-40 minutes but we’ll (and hubby’s speed triple) be refoaming our seats very soon.</li> </ul><ul><li>Stiffer front end; I think because there isn’t a windscreen and large fairing up front that it’s lighter, so the front doesn’t feel as soft. I feel like the front isn’t as ‘bouncy’ when I come to a stop. Whereas the rear is definitely stiffer and I need to drop the preload and then at some point, get a shock that’s a bit softer. Even with the awesome Pilot Power tires I have, my weight doesn’t compress the rear shock enough to give me stability in corners. If I throttle too hard then the rear end slides a bit.</li> </ul><ul><li>No windscreen; Oy. Riding into the wind at highway speeds is definitely more work. I definitely need a small windscreen of some kind, hoping that I can find a Puig that will work and not look too awkward.</li> </ul><ul><li>More seat space; since the toolkit is stored in a different spot so that means I can shove my rain liners and a pair of gloves under the seat. YES!</li> </ul><ul><li>Torque; I have a Delkevic shorty exhaust and it’s Loud. It has a low rumble, which I appreciate so hopefully I’m not pissing off any of my neighbors. They say some aftermarket exhausts add a little power. I really can’t tell if it’s the noise that’s creating the illusion of more power.</li> </ul>Everything else is the same; gas mileage (although the fuel light blinks now, instead of just staying on), seat height, weight, overall performance. Overall, I would recommend the non S version, because it’s a much more comfortable bike to ride vs. the S. You’re more upright and almost in a supermoto-ish riding position. Feet are right beneath you and it feels natural and easy.

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