SV1000s

PU7E · 13 Feb 2013 at 11:48

Just sold my hornet, great bike just not me, little too screamy imo. I'm planning on doing a euro tour/manx this year, had a go on a friends sv1k and wanted one ever since and I'm now past the window shopping point with only 400 left to raise of the intended budget of 3.5k for a nice 2005+ black framed one.

Has anyone owned one and can give me some further info on what they're like day to day and also if there's any SV specific things that I should look out for when viewing?

thepeteh · 13 Feb 2013 at 12:28

SV1k Has crossed my mind a few times, never got round to it but I would probably consider it as a next bike if I ever did leave my AT. I did some research on them in the past and really there didn't seem to be much wrong, only fuel consumption isn't great and reports from owners suggest suspension upgrades can really be of benefit. A friend of mine has the 650 and I believe its quite common for people to fettle with suspension in the same vein.

With all that in mind have you considered a VTR 1000? I know this wasn't what you were asking for but I would class them as pretty similar.

MONOLITH · 13 Feb 2013 at 12:33

I've not had a thou, but with the 650, if you intend on using it all year corrosion can be a bit of an issue. Just be sure to put some ACF-50 etc on it and keep it as clean as is feasible. With that in mind be sure to check the banjo connections and brake lines for corrosion/splitting. Just give it a good look over before you buy it with a mind on looking out for corrosion.

The 650 was a great bike so I would have thought the thousand is even better.

PU7E · 13 Feb 2013 at 13:20

thepeteh said:
SV1k Has crossed my mind a few times, never got round to it but I would probably consider it as a next bike if I ever did leave my AT. I did some research on them in the past and really there didn't seem to be much wrong, only fuel consumption isn't great and reports from owners suggest suspension upgrades can really be of benefit. A friend of mine has the 650 and I believe its quite common for people to fettle with suspension in the same vein.

With all that in mind have you considered a VTR 1000? I know this wasn't what you were asking for but I would class them as pretty similar.

Well the SV will be a long term bike that I hope I'll never grow out of so planning on getting a full suspension setup done to suit my extra few pounds

Most people stick a GSXR1k K3-4 front and rear shock on, although I'll most likely just get an uprated rear shock and uprated springs in the stock forks for the time being.

I've had a look at a few VTR1k's as the SP2 is my dream bike, I'd just like to ride further then the next petrol station

MONOLITH said:
I've not had a thou, but with the 650, if you intend on using it all year corrosion can be a bit of an issue. Just be sure to put some ACF-50 etc on it and keep it as clean as is feasible. With that in mind be sure to check the banjo connections and brake lines for corrosion/splitting. Just give it a good look over before you buy it with a mind on looking out for corrosion.

The 650 was a great bike so I would have thought the thousand is even better.

I'll be riding it all weathers, all though might get a winter hack next year as my hornet did feel the weather a bit this winter, even with lashings of ACF-50

What 650 do you have? Also is there any awkward spots where corrosion could form/be hidden on your 650?

thepeteh · 13 Feb 2013 at 14:16

PU7E said:
I've had a look at a few VTR1k's as the SP2 is my dream bike, I'd just like to ride further then the next petrol station

If you think you'll get more mpg/tank range out of an SV1K than a vtr you're in for a shock

PU7E · 13 Feb 2013 at 14:28

thepeteh said:
If you think you'll get more mpg/tank range out of an SV1K than a vtr you're in for a shock

Couple of people I know with them get around 45mpg avg out of the SV1K, the VTR is a nice bike but all I ever hear about it is how thirsty it is.

Dogbreath · 13 Feb 2013 at 15:17

thepeteh said:
If you think you'll get more mpg/tank range out of an SV1K than a vtr you're in for a shock

Not sure he is, the fuel injected SV is better on fuel than the old carb'd VTR. The SV tank is larger than the original Firestorm as well, though smaller than the later Hondas.

I nearly bought an SV1000, I wanted the later one in the GSXR colours, but having tried one they just don't feel very 'special' IMO. I also had major comfort issues on my SV650 that would leave my rear end in agony after a couple of hours. The same money would buy a lovely, comfy RSV with a much better finish and better handling...

EDIT: There's a pretty good road test on VisorDown that compares the SV1000, Firestorm and Aprilia Falco.

thepeteh · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:27

Perhaps not exactly the same in mpg terms but tank range I always thought they were very similar. Though I suppose if you're using it to commute and tour, not just a weekend toy then these things are more important.

svbooga · 13 Feb 2013 at 21:03

Had a 2004 SV1000s for about 5 years now. Suspension is pretty cheap so could do with tweaking or aftermarket suspension fitting. Brakes arent the strongest and its looking a bit dog eared after the last 4 months as a daily commuter, with paint stripped from the exposed engine. Not the most comfortable riding position but you get used to it.

Saying that I've never had any mechanical issue in the years ive had it and put on 23000 miles. Power is nice and smooth, though not as exciting as other V-twins. Commuting 30 miles a day i was getting an average of 43 mpg on a mix of mways, A roads and city centre, reserve light comes on early at about 110-115 miles and never seems to get to the last couple of litres in the tank.

Ive moved jobs so no more commute so looking at a Tuono or Speed Triple, something a bit more 'fun'.

MONOLITH · 13 Feb 2013 at 21:07

What 650 do you have? Also is there any awkward spots where corrosion could form/be hidden on your 650?

I had a curvy one, so it was the old shape as the 1000's are all pointys. On my bike the worst sp0t was where the exhaust met the engine. The bolts there were especially bad, almost crumbling with rust. Some people put extenders on the front mudguard/fender which can alleviate the crud off the road finding its way up towards the engine. Try and stick your head under the rear cowling as well and have a look at the sub-frame for any serious corrosion there.

You can generally tell though if it has been neglected so just keep your eyes open.

Make sure you get some new end cans on it though if it has stock ones. The noise of the v-twin is not something you want to keep quiet

PU7E · 14 Feb 2013 at 13:35

thepeteh said:
Perhaps not exactly the same in mpg terms but tank range I always thought they were very similar. Though I suppose if you're using it to commute and tour, not just a weekend toy then these things are more important.

I'd most likely get an RSV as a weekend toy

svbooga said:
Had a 2004 SV1000s for about 5 years now. Suspension is pretty cheap so could do with tweaking or aftermarket suspension fitting. Brakes arent the strongest and its looking a bit dog eared after the last 4 months as a daily commuter, with paint stripped from the exposed engine. Not the most comfortable riding position but you get used to it.

Saying that I've never had any mechanical issue in the years ive had it and put on 23000 miles. Power is nice and smooth, though not as exciting as other V-twins. Commuting 30 miles a day i was getting an average of 43 mpg on a mix of mways, A roads and city centre, reserve light comes on early at about 110-115 miles and never seems to get to the last couple of litres in the tank.

Ive moved jobs so no more commute so looking at a Tuono or Speed Triple, something a bit more 'fun'.

Suspension is one of the top things on my list of mods, going to have it a few years so might as well get it done, did you do anything to your suspension, or just cope with the stock?

MONOLITH said:
I had a curvy one, so it was the old shape as the 1000's are all pointys. On my bike the worst sp0t was where the exhaust met the engine. The bolts there were especially bad, almost crumbling with rust. Some people put extenders on the front mudguard/fender which can alleviate the crud off the road finding its way up towards the engine. Try and stick your head under the rear cowling as well and have a look at the sub-frame for any serious corrosion there.

You can generally tell though if it has been neglected so just keep your eyes open.

Make sure you get some new end cans on it though if it has stock ones. The noise of the v-twin is not something you want to keep quiet

Ever since I've ridden one I can't get the deep throaty noise out of my head

svbooga · 14 Feb 2013 at 14:33

PU7E said:
Suspension is one of the top things on my list of mods, going to have it a few years so might as well get it done, did you do anything to your suspension, or just cope with the stock?

I just stuck with the stock suspension, didnt really have the funds to go for anything else. Its a bit of a bone shaker on bumps though

PU7E · 14 Feb 2013 at 15:14

svbooga said:
I just stuck with the stock suspension, didnt really have the funds to go for anything else. Its a bit of a bone shaker on bumps though

Bouncy or too hard?

Also what should I be looking at milleage wise, is there anything I should be avoiding around a certain price?

PU7E · 14 Feb 2013 at 22:01

Out of interest has anyone ever brought a bike from a dealer by distance without seeing it?

Problem is it's 200 odd miles away I have no transport, but it's exactly what I'm looking for with low millage, looks clean and comes with warranty.

Or is it just insanity and I should start looking at insanely priced train tickets

.one. · 14 Feb 2013 at 23:51

PU7E said:
Out of interest has anyone ever brought a bike from a dealer by distance without seeing it?

No

MADMAN69UK · 14 Feb 2013 at 23:54

I've purchased 2 bikes over the internet without seeing them. Both from private sellers though, not dealers. I normally call the seller for a good chat, try and get a feel for how genuine they are etc. Also asked a lot of questions via email, so at least you have it in writing.

And had both delivered over 100 miles via courier. Was fairly simple to arrange collection etc. Guys take your number, the sellers number, then arrange the best collection/dekivery times. Cost over £100, but for me it was easier than getting myself over there to collect in person

If you buy from a dealership and they give you a warranty as assurance, might be a bit of a 'mare getting it back to them should something go wrong though...

.one. · 15 Feb 2013 at 00:00

MADMAN69UK said:
I've purchased 2 bikes over the internet without seeing them. Both from private sellers though, not dealers. I normally call the seller for a good chat, try and get a feel for how genuine they are etc. Also asked a lot of questions via email, so at least you have it in writing.

And had both delivered over 100 miles via courier. Was fairly simple to arrange collection etc. Guys take your number, the sellers number, then arrange the best collection/dekivery times. Cost over £100, but for me it was easier than getting myself over there to collect in person

If you buy from a dealership and they give you a warranty as assurance, might be a bit of a 'mare getting it back to them should something go wrong though...

Why would you part with money with out seeing or riding a motorcycle first ? the motorcycle trade is no different to the car trade.

MADMAN69UK · 15 Feb 2013 at 00:30

The 2nd bike is the Speed Triple I have now. And it's still the best bike I've ridden, even after all the test riding I did last summer.

After speaking to the previous owner at length, I was fairly confident in what I was getting. Turns out it was immaculate as stated/pictured.

I guess I could have been shafted, but I believed I'd asked enough questions and acquired enough information to make an informed decision.

PU7E · 15 Feb 2013 at 10:35

.one. said:
Why would you part with money with out seeing or riding a motorcycle first ? the motorcycle trade is no different to the car trade.

Well the bike in question is only a few years old and still has the stock tyres on and only just broken 6k miles, if it was any older then I wouldn't even consider it. I'll be covered by dsr and it'll have a warranty, although I'm still uncertain.

MADMAN69UK said:
The 2nd bike is the Speed Triple I have now. And it's still the best bike I've ridden, even after all the test riding I did last summer.

After speaking to the previous owner at length, I was fairly confident in what I was getting. Turns out it was immaculate as stated/pictured.

I guess I could have been shafted, but I believed I'd asked enough questions and acquired enough information to make an informed decision.

What questions did you ask?

MADMAN69UK · 15 Feb 2013 at 11:00

Both of the bikes I bought were under 6k miles, and advertised as "fair weather bikes" that had never seen the rain. At least until I got hold of them

I asked all the usual stuff you might ask when going to view a bike really, being sure to point out politely that I'd rather know about any issues than buy something that has issues covered up. With that all being in writing, I imagined that would be useful should any problems occur with it. Though I'm no legal expert

And I don't know with dealerships, but speaking to private sellers you tend to get a feeling for the ones that have something to hide...

Would the dealership cover the costs of collecting the bike from you and returning it, should a warranty issue come up?