[rangerman]

I have finally decided to buy a SV as soon as summer is over (When is it the best time to buy a bike anyway?) But, here is my problem. Should I choose a SV that is naked or not. I like both looks but if I got a SV with the upper fairing, then I would have to buy the lower fairing along with it. I can't stand the look of it only half faired in the front. And, if I bought a naked SV, then it kind of will stay the same theme as naked. Which should I choose from? The only reason I could see to choose a faired SV is that it keeps the wind off, but a naked SV does not do that. Which one?
Thanks

[slickwill]

The SV-S also has clip-ons rather than handlebars so gives a different seating position. I think that the rear sets might also be higher on the SV-S but I'm not sure on that part. So the regular SV will be a little more comfortable and easier to ride long distances. The SV-S gives a little more of a sport seating position. You just need to decide what kind of riding you are going to do. I like the look of the naked SV better but I would end up removing the bar and adding clip-ons. If I went with an SV-S then I agree it looks weird with the half fairing and would also have to get the lower for it.

[rangerman]

What are clip-ons? Are those the mirrors? Thanks, I do like that sv better. It has a street fighter look to it which is cool. I will really only ride it 2-3 miles a day, since my school is so close. But, here in oregon it does rain a lot like 2/3 the time. Thanks, any more suggestions or comments?

[slickwill]

Clip-ons are the "handle bars" for sport bikes. Handle bars are more of a one piece unit that mounts to the top of the forks and raises the bars up above the top of the forks so that you are more upright. Clip-ons are two separate pieces, one for each side, that attach to the top of the forks on the bike and place your hands at or below the level of the top of the forks. Next time you go down to the suzuki dealership compare the "handle bars" of the two bikes and you will notice a difference.

[rangerman]

Oh, I see. I just never knew what they called it before. I have felt both, but I am more used to single peice handle bars such as dirtbikes and bicycles. I would probably prefer a singe peice since I am so used to it. Thanks

[rangerman]

Why has nobody recommended any other V's? Like the Honda 599?

[slickwill]

Because you said you had decided to buy an SV.

[rangerman]

I know, but before (6 months ago) a bunch of people talked to me about getting a SV (they said it was a good starter bike) but nobody recommended any other V type bike (or any small inline-4 bike not a ninja)

[HondaStreetfigh]

I started on an old Honda 2-stroke 225cc dirtbike. Rode my friends old Silverwing v-twin 900cc a little bit, then I said hell, and bought a Honda 919 (my first bike) and I haven't dumped it yet!

[slickwill]

The SV is a V-Twin, the Honda 599 is an inline 4, the EX 500 is an inline twin.

According to SportRiders numbers the SV and 599 are very similar. The 599 had a slightly faster 1/4 mile time, SV a little faster roll-on times, that is most likely due to the extra torque that the SV has. The EX 500 would be down a step from the other two, but still offers a very good performance/value trade-off. My bro-in law rides a Ninja 250, a good friend rides the 500. There is going to be a definite difference in "character" between the engines of the SV and the 599. I ride a Honda inline 4 so obviously I think it is a pretty decent engine. I think the SV actually has more "character" and stands out a little more. I really like the V-twin engine sound. My next bike will be a v-twin for sure.

[rangerman]

Thanks for your input. But, I found out that I can ride earlier (I am 16) I was originally supposed to ride when I was 17 and 8 months, but since my truck broke down, my mom said that I can only ride to and from school. Which is fine by me. I don't have that much money, since I was plannin on working for 2 summers then buy a nice bike. But, instead I found a 1992 Suzuki Dr650 Dual Sport bike, but it is all legal and ready to ride on the street for $1500, and the insurance is $135 a year! So, I might end up buying that bike and having fun with what I have.....then later on either buying an SV or a Cbr. What do you think? Of course I will have all the protective gear needed and the motorcycle safety course. Thanks

[sammae01]

get a naked SV, buy clip ons, solo seat cowl, and belly pan, and you good.

[slickwill]

Sounds good ranger.

Ride safe.

[rangerman]

o.k, thanks, I will ride safe!

[rangerman]

Actually the bike sold. Now I am looking at a 1996 Honda xr600, it is not really a street bike (more for off road) but I thought since it was cheap I will buy a Dual sport kit and ride it on the street, then when I want to go dirt biking I will switch the wheels and tires off, what do you think?

[rangerman]

One more question. When did Suzuki switch the frame style on the sv? It was round tubing and silver but now it is square (I think) and black.

[peoples_champ]

square came in 03 and frame color changed to black in 05.
i would recomend 05+ naked sv. i just love the sound of that vtwin.

[rangerman]

yeah, my brother bought an 01' sv650s, so I will be buying that next summer......if my brother doesn't kill himself first. He should be wearing leathers (you know what I mean)

Naked!