Big thanks to John for letting me take his bike out for this video. Obviously since this video John brought the bike home due to el Virus. So we'll see how much I get to actually record doing to the bike! Hope every is staying safe and washing their hands! :)
I purchased a 1st Gen sv650s in Oct 2020 after watching your video. I'm a 6'2" 20+ year experienced rider and this bike is, by far, the favorite out of all that I've owned. The low speed torque and consistent power through all the gears from 0 - 100+ mph never fails to put a smile on my face. This bike is an absolute beast as it treats around every turn. Thank you for your review and recommendation as without it I would have missed out on such a joyful riding experience.
Ah brilliant! You've actually made my day with this comment :) I'm really glad I could help a small bit and I hope it treats you well for a long time to come :)
Now put a stage 1 jet kit and a +1 rear sprocket on it with some delkevic headers and shorty pipe, they REALLY got some punch up 100, the look on peoples faces at the next red light after a 3rd gear tire lift coming out of second is priceless 😋 I'm 5'6" at 150lbs I could keep up with a 919 hornet up to 100, I topped out at 114
My dad has an SV650s, he hasn’t ridden it in 20 years, it’s been dry stored in our garage. I’m just waiting to get my money together to restore it! I cannot wait. I’m so lucky that this is a superb bike! Thanks for getting me even more excited than I previously was!
Test rode a SV650s K3 today. 31k miles, no written service history for 10 years, it stinks a bit after turning off but - it rode absolutely fine as far as I can tell. It would need some love but I'm on the edge of getting it and investing a bit to get it up to standards.
Yeah they're very reliable, once they haven't been on the back wheel too much I wouldn't worry about it, it's likely they just did the servicing themselves, none of my bikes have a service history as I do the servicing. I hope it all goes well for you if you do go for it.
Just passed my IBT and was looking at getting one of these. Lovely blue fully faired version with the white stripes. Your video has convinced me to finally pull the trigger on it. Great video man you've earned a sub. Stay safe
Ah congrats!! Very good, happy to help :) I hope you like it, I'm actually looking at getting one myself now since I moved and they're affordable :) Thanks !! :)
Thanks John, I can quite honestly say that's the most honest review we've ever seen on the SV 650. Me and my four boys....who are all big fellas like yourself.....watch this video every weekend. I'm an old fella but am lucky to have owned one the same vintage as you review for many years, and your appraisal of the machine is true. You have a lightness of touch, to your commentary that is ace. Keep on making them. Your a man after my own motorbiking heart, for sure.
Wow thanks! :) I really appreciate that thank you so much! I will.be back making plenty of them soon I hope! Current stuff make borrowing bikes hard sadly. But thank you again :)
I actually bought my sv a year or so ago identical to the one you were riding. Very accurate review I agree 110% with the front brake needing a braided line. And for me as I am a short arse I think a top yoke conversion to take renthal bars. Then it will be spot on. Great video
Thanks :) They're not bad brakes just generally old so a bit of love would help immensely :) Renthals also look class on them :) Glad you liked it and best of luck with the bike :)
Confirm you opinion. As an experienced daily rider of both scooters and motorbikes traded a 1200 bandit for a 2005 sv650 and I am absolutely in love with this bike. Corners impressively well, engine noise perfect, incredible torq for road use, easy to service...
I have a gen1 Curvy and I can’t believe how good this 23 year old bike is. It has taken me to France, Spain andPortugal. Waiting to leave the ferry port several bikers were saying ‘I loved my SV. Wish I’d never sold it. Most fun bike I ever had’ etc. then walked back to their BMWs or other ‘proper’ tourers. I’ve upgraded the suspension as the OE units wore out and it has braided lines. That’s all the changes it needs. Yes, the reg/rec failed and cooked the battery but that is the only problem in six years of ownership. Even then It still got me home. I am very fond of this bike and after a lifetime of riding German and Italian iron I never thought I’d say that about a Japanese middleweight. It does look better with fairing lowers fitted though.
Ah I just love older bikes anyway, so so many good ones :) I have 3 that people would consider old :) I often hear the same from people chatting to them about how their favourite bike was an SV650 and they regretted ever selling it! Suspension upgrades are always worthwhile either way imo, the stuff that comes new on most bikes that aren't "premium" aren't great. Ah those are problems that could always happen anyway so no big deal eh :) Haha I think some recipes of bikes just work, such as a fun twin. You don't need anything else :) It does agreed!
One of the things I love about the SV650 is that it offers riders of all abilities something. ace for new riders as long as they can reach the ground, and ace for more experienced... bags of fun, it is great on track too, and has a great racing class! I was very tempted to get one myself this year and do a bit of a build series on it. Cracking fun bikes, I prefer the naked version, but always have preferred naked bikes, they have a better turning circle than the faired one.
Exactly it's such a well balanced do everything bike!! :) Yeah it does and they sound like literal thunder at road races :) Then you got that awesome new Beta instead :D I still have my eye on a SV1000S in the UK that I want to some how afford when all this blows over!! Yeah the nakeds are bags of fun but fairings always suit me for the type of riding I do plus the fact I'm far too large so all of the air smashes me in the chest :D
I've got a gen 1 as a winter hack and love riding it, even though I also own a BMW S1000RR M Sport, the SV650s puts a huge smile on my face! They do have some common faults, especially the petcock failing, resulting in the cylinders then sump filling with petrol, so I would recommend getting the petcock refurb kit done, otherwise, awesome fun
Oh an S1000RR...you have great taste in bikes then :D Ah yeah the SV650s are just fun, they might not be the top of any of the things you'd judge a bike on but pure fun, definitely up there :) Ah yes, tbh that's an issue I've had with a few bikes, I've seen it on my supermagna, on a buddies Kawasaki I just fixed and an older Africa Twin, I think just petcocks in general need to be looked after, there is a big old rubber gasket in there to perish I suppose!
As a bigger rider looking for something cheaper and not uncomfortable this review was very helpful! They do sound very good for the money! After riding my brother in law's new 2021 Vulcan S yesterday it has restarted my want to own a bike again (although I looked rather large on it) it was a very nice bike. Looking to see if you've done a review on one now! Thanks
Glad I could help :) I haven't done a review on that sadly, being a very small channel it can be hard to get bikes to review tbh! I'm trying to see can I even rent more or somthing. I'd love to do reviews way more often :) Only tip I have is give up worrying about looking big, I look massive on all my bikes but just have fun! :)
@@TheGorillaBiker cheers mate! Keep up the good content, - Brad from Australia. P.S looking forward to seeing your review of the CMX 1100 if and when you get one 😉
I personally am a huuuge fan of that gen R1 and GSX-R but that said it's a classic design and I'd happily own one! I do like them with the lower fairings.
While I'm not as tall as yourself, I'm still a not tiny 6' 3 1/2". I used to ride an R3 and was perfectly comfortable. Bikes are weird like that. You never know what you're going to find comfortable unless you sit on it and ride it. Saying that sportier bikes are for smaller folk is not accurate. Depends on the bike. Great video as always mate.
That's exactly it it's a weird one that some bikes just hold you right. And they definitely weren't designed that was for us so it's just random chance which is kinda cool, it's like there's that one perfect bike you just have to find it it's why I try so many 😁 Thanks man!
Just bought meself a SV650s and honestly, this video was the one that convinced me it's the right choice. Thank you for this! Hopefully it was a good buy :)
@@TheGorillaBiker I need to get some gear still cuz I sold everything after a crash last year. Had to take some time to recover. But I’m just too hooked up on motorcycles to give up :)
I’ve watched this video a good few times, picking my SV 650s (carb model) tomorrow week, started it up and immediately fell in love with the sound, it’s got a scorpion exhaust that sounds tasty as fuck and the previous owner went and put braided brake lines on which saves me a job, for a bike as old I can’t believe how mint it is. Counting down the days now like a kid waiting for Christmas. Hope your mate John is getting on well with his.
Haha class, and thanks! :D Nice!!! Congrats! Honestly a good exhaust with carbs is a combo that is hard to beat. So many sv650s are really well looked after as they're a lot of people's first bikes, I was the same with my fazer. It was my baby. Plenty of them absolutely destroyed too to be fair. Best of luck with it anyway, I still want one myself at some stage :D He is indeed :)
@@TheGorillaBiker it’s my first road bike for years, last bike I had was hornet 250. I’m fairly used to dirt bikes so should be fine with the SV, I’d be a fair bit smaller than a gorilla but still found it very comfortable and easy to handle, also I’m lucky enough to know both lads that owned the bike so have full history, it wants for nothing. Few more days til I get her on the road but your Irish roads videos are getting me through the wait and the lockdown, dying to ride some of the roads in yourself and Kazawhakis videos. The fazer was a nice bike but I think you made the right choice with the CBF.
Bought one as my first bike... 6'0 225lbs here... loved every second of it. I've owned faster bikes since but never had more fun then when I had my SV.
They're a class bike to be fair! He's actually decided to sell this one since it's currently up for sale! Ah you can only go so fast on public roads anyway eh! I am fond of a bit of power anyway :P
Thank you so much for the video! I’m looking for a big enough bike for my A2 license because I’m 6’4 and don’t want my legs to be uncomfortable so you being 6”7 and being comfortable on it makes it even more comfortable for me ! It looks nice and big even with you on it 😂
You're more than welcome :) Haha yeah you should fit a touch better, plus lots of parts available for this bike like rear sets and such to make you fit better :) They're really actually a roomy bike which is nice, the lack of sculpted fairings and all that stuff helps so we don't have places to NOT fit in to :D
@@TheGorillaBiker I also like the Yamaha fzs600 fazer but I think I’ll go with this one they’re very similar bikes. Hopefully they’ll have a all black version of the suzuki looks beautiful 🤩 thanks for the advice
God this thing sounds awesome. This engine and the MT07 have the best sound of the 650'ish class sports and naked bikes imho. At least in the still-somewhat-affordable category.
You certainly looked OK on it, GB. As a fellow 2m rider, I'm always keen to find comfy bikes and I now want to try one of those. Just discovered your channel. Really enjoying it 👍
Well thank you :D They're oddly comfortable for tall folks! I met a fella who's 6'10 who has one, one of the only bikes he say's he enjoys riding. Thanks, glad you are :)
Recently I purchased just the same bike (25K Mile)(1999) with Yen 150,000. (Equiv. STG 11, 000.) After changing to new tire (Pirelli Rosso 3) and Exhaust, it run much better than my expectation. after 5000RPM is very fun. So I could understand what you say.
I just picked up a naked to replace my sv650s that was written off last oct by a didn't see you mate driver.7133miles & in really good nick, probalbly one of the cleanest 19yr old bikes i've seen.It rides like new too.
Ah lovely, they're my favorite type of person. Same line of human did the same to my Uncles Tiger 1050. Glad you're alright anyway. That is no mileage at all. It's mad to think in 19 years it's only gotten that put on :) Best of luck with it!
@@TheGorillaBiker It was stored very well mothballed as the first owner went to live in france, then a very nice honest guy bought it last year, had it fully serviced & new tyres etc, then sold it to me,He was the most honest seller i've ever met tbh, thanks Steven!
I been looking at one of these, just passed my test but wasn’t sure until I see your review so thanks because of this video I’m going to go look at it now 😂😂
Turn it into the sportbike it wants to be. Sounds good let it breathe velocity stacks, pod filters, strip it down to clean it up and lighter wheels you wouldn't believe what you gpt back from me ... it is a sportbike!!!
Only found your channel , alot of good videos I'm in KILKENNY atm training in the army . 10weeks left so I'm planning on a sv650s after training . Nice to have videos in Ireland and not England or us
Ah sound, hopefully more people find it too :D Ah class, I ride past the barracks a good bit if I'm doing a circuit of kilkenny. Ah nice, I'd still love to buy an SV at some point, preferably a 1000 but that's just cus I like to compensate :D Sound! :)
To be honest the 650 is a much better all round bike anyway :) Id only go the 1000 cus I have a collection. Wouldn't ever daily it I'd say. But yeah it'd be a grand jump
Hi..great to hear your enjoyed it. I have a 2001 SVS and do love it. But haven't driven it since kids came along. I did get it refurbished few years back, incl tyres etc but sitting up since. So would like to tackle it myself as mini project. Brakes are seized n battery dead. Have the Haynes manual and gonna start there. Not a mechanic or heavy biker, just enjoyed riding :)
It was a fun bike! :) Ah I see, that sort of stuff is ok to sort :) I actually just did a series restoring a 750 GSXR after it sat for 13 years :) You'll be grand :) I also just love riding bikes :D
I have the same model, they're great bikes. I think they will be future classics, especially the curvy if stock and unmolested. I know a lot were made, but a lot have been raced and crashed and modified and junked. I want to hang on to mine, I'm sure it will outlast me.
Great video man. I love my 2002 sv. The only thing i dont like about the sv is the electrics. The reg/tec can be a nuissance. The electrics are also vulnerable to corrosion and need to be kept on top of maintainnace wise or you will be forever breaking down.. Other than that i hsve owned 2 of these now and they have been superb for what they are. Very good review 👍
Thank you!! I'll pass that info along to John thanks, although he's been looking up just about everything about them so he probably already knows :P they are really a great bike, I'd love one or preferably the 1000 but there is nothing wrong with the 650 especially as you can get such a good bike for a good price. Thanks again glad you enjoyed it!
This brings back memories! I loved mine, 20yrs ago. Shame about the shonky build quality, brakes that'd sieze every 3 or 4 months, forks that came from the factory with insufficient oil... All fixable, but can you see why I changed to a Honda?
I've honestly never heard much bad about the build quality, the brakes yes, but a lot of bikes of that era had questionable setups, my own 1996 gsxr is....underwhelming :D I can definitely see why you changed to a Honda tho to be fair...I own a few myself these days. That said my CBF's suspension from factory is absolutely terrible. I think all bikes have their little bits you have to fix to your liking :)
@@TheGorillaBiker I owned a '96 600 bandit which dived to the deck like a footballer. It had ~100ml of oil in each leg, should have been 500+. Then I got the SV650 in 2001 with 1760 miles on it, its front end dived horribly too. So, changed the fork oil again. Same thing, less than 1/4 the spec volume, and it was a watery grey crap. It transformed the bike. There was no evidence of it being taken apart beforehand. I can see why the original buyer sold it. The same dealer too.
@@TheGorillaBiker yeah it's happening everywhere with all this crap that's going on right now, I'm hoping to get a ride in this week, unless they shut us down, stay safe brother 💯✌️😎
Super review as usual sir, I applaud loudly. Regarding retro reviews, the gtr is at your disposal when all this Corona unpleasantness is over. Think retro reviews would be a class series to do if you could source classic bikes. Also if you're interested in a bike rebuild I'll let finish my zxr engine rebuild. (You provide the parts and labour and I'll supply the raw dismantled engine)
Thank you Kaz :) Oh thanks I'll definitely take you up on that offer!! :) That's the plan, tbh I nearly prefer old bikes anyway it's just getting people to trust me with their bikes :D Hahaha I'll do it if I can keep it :P
You'll honestly forget the fuel gauge in no time, 3 of my 4 bikes don't have them, just watch the odometer and reset it every fill up and you'll be grand :)
Just bought a 2000 sv650s and it sounds awesome like a Ducati. Only issue is I cannot for the life of me get the bike into neutral when stopped. It goes up to second gear then back to first and can see neutral light just flicker past. Clutch is adjusted right up and it’s just been serviced with new oil to correct level . Any ideas fellow SV fans
Great review thx, as a shorter person at 5'8" and just looking at getting my 1st larger bike at the young age of 55 my concern is the seat height, would you think this would be an issue. I am trying to find an older bike with carbs, don't want to be messing around with fuel injections and ECU's Cheers
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :) No I think you'd be grand on an SV650 with that height tbh! Nice light bike to be getting on too. I think at 5'8 you'll be grand on most bikes, the only ones that'd require a bit of getting used to would be the taller ADV style stuff :) To be honest any of the newer fuel injection models are pretty much bullet proof. You'd have more hassle with carbs if you don't know how to(or just don't want to) maintain them. I have a few carbed bikes and my EFI CBF1000 is my daily, it just works :)
Nice review passed my test last year on the newer sv and after this review I'm thinking it's the bike for me £1200 x reg but 45k miles is that a bit high for a bike any advice much appreciated
Congrats!! I think that's a good deal tbh if it looks clean and runs and moves. No beginner bike will be perfect anyway but get it checked over before you buy and you'll be grand. 45k miles isn't too much on the SV
Great review. Seems to tick all of the boxes as a reliable all-rounder. Would you recommend this for a new big-bike rider with 125cc experience? Cheers.
Thanks! :) It does indeed, it's even more reliable if you get the fuel injected models. I would indeed provided youre big enough to handle the frame etc it's not a small bike. As always just take you time to get used to it and you'll be grand :)
I'm hoping to pick up my first bike this week or next.... I'm torn between the SV, Bandit or Hornet. If it was you, what would you pick? It'll be just a bike to take out on weekends really.
Ah very good! Best of luck with whatever you do get, personally I'd pick the SV, the engine has a lovely character to it and the twins torque is lovely on the road :)
That's what i'm saying work to it's strengths just let it breathe +3 rear sprocket gearing alone would put you right onto the meaty torque curv. Suspension is probably the worst thing about it.
After riding it home for him long distance I think +3 would ruin it cruising anywhere at distance to be honest, it'd definitely make it move a whole pile faster!
@@TheGorillaBikercruise comfort yea say goodbye to it after +3 at rear , move faster ? 🤭 not really 😉👍🏻 stock do 0-100 mph in 10 sec change sprocket to +3 at rear and time be still 10 sec 🤭👍🏻 if not worse cos probably 1 more shifts be required 🤭 only elasticity on the same gear to certain velocity increase but on stock you always can be gear down and get the same 🤷🏻♂️👍🏻
Have you still got it i am looking at one on weekened same model in black whats milage on urs theone i am going to look at has 23.000 thou on it is that alright or high milage thanks
I never had it it's my friends bike :) There were 40 odd thousand miles on that one. It depends on how the bikes been looked after I couldn't say without seeing it sorry!
Not used one personally but a friend of mine had, and he had about 80k on the bike and still loves it. So I would say yes once it's looked over for problems since that's mad cheap.
The market for bikes everywhere has lost its mind tbh. I'd love to buy another Falco or older sports bikes over here in the US too. People think near write offs are worth 5k
Ah you should be ok tbh I know a good few lads who are 6'1ish and on cbrs and r1s etc, worst case you'd need some adjustable rear sets! :) The SV should fit you lovely :) Ah I'm just used to squishing myself on to things these days.
@@TheGorillaBiker I’ve actually got an r1, I’ve had it since 2010, only has 12k miles on it! Just under 3k when I bought it. Before the r1 I had a zx6r, which I think I enjoyed more than the r1 - but it felt too small! The current plan is to get a sv as a second bike, maybe upgrade the suspension and have it as a fun runabout. With the current fuel prices and driving 60 miles a day in my 15mpg car which will only run on e5, my bank account is suffering haha.
Ah I'm jealous, I absolutely love R1s!! I don't really fit tho :( I recently rode a ZX6R and I get that, brilliant bike but definitely on the smaller side! I don't think you'd go far wrong with that as a plan tbh, the sv650 is a brilliant bike, and will continue to be for a long time!! Oh god 15mpg, Oooff.
No, definitely not something to worry about once you take you're time and learn it the bike. ABS MIGHT one day save you a spill, Ice never had it trigger unless I meant to for a test ride.
Depends on your leg length. I've a 35 inch inseam, 89cm or so. If you aren't much different than that I think you'll be fine but the naked sv650 would definitely be more comfortable. Try sitting on one before you buy.
I’m a tiny person (158 cm with a 71 cm inseam), and I’m currently trying to get my license. But: I’m too short (or my legs are) for the Kawa z650 the driving school uses. So I’m going to look at a lowered SV650 to buy and do my driving lessons on. Do you think that’s a wise idea? I really want to get my license this summer after putting it off for two years after some dude rammed me off my bicycle and my fractured elbow took some time to heal. But I still want to ride a motorcycle. So, an 18 year old machine, for an absolute beginner?
Ah the opposite end of the spectrum to me so! Nothing fits properly :( If you look up Jocelin Snow you'll see you can ride anything really, she's tiny and an incredible rider! But anyway to the question!! I think a lowered sv650 would be grand tbh they're not a massively heavy bike in relation to most and easy to handle once moving, most bikes are. Honestly sit on one and if you can tippy toe on one foot you'll be able to ride the bike, one huge thing for shorter riders(or so they tell me) is hill starts, so no matter what you get plan ahead mentally when you see you'll have to come to a stop! My gf found the same when I got her to ride a bike around. Sorry to hear about that, I had the same but it was my knee...a fella in a jeep got me, scratched my bicycle too and drove off :( I genuinely think this bike is a great beginner bike that'll last you, another bike to keep an eye out for would be a cb400 or a cbr400rr, both are a nice small frame and would enable you to stand a bit easier, they're also very very light. The main thing is learn a style and take your time, you'll likely end up scooting over to one side and tippy toeing most bikes - just give yourself time to get comfortable with it. For more cramped bikes I have to plan ahead to uncramp my leg basically coming to a stop, but it's well worth it! I hope this is some way helpful and if you have any more questions let me know :)
The GorillaBiker thank yoooooou! :) The thing is, in Germany we have those different licenses. There’s A1 (at 16 or 18 years?), A2 (at 22 years, I think) and A. Since I’m closer to 40 than 30, I can get the A directly, which would enable me to ride any bike I want, smaller ones too, of course. So of course I want to get that one, even if later on I decide to ride a smaller bike. I went to five different driving schools in my city, they all have either a Kawasaki z650 or a Honda CBF 600 (?), and while I can tippytoe on the Kawa, after dropping it in my first driving lesson, the instructor is scared I’ll completely damage it by the time I’m done with my license 😅 But it was my first time on a bike! And everything else he wanted me to do was fine (I never even shifted past the first gear though, just driving around in an empty parking lot). Just stopping is hard... and after I dropped the bike, I was tense and ‘scared’ of dropping it again. So that’s why I thought getting a lowered bike and then maybe also altering the seat (since it’s wider than on the Kawa) seemed plausible. Because I reallyyyyyy want to ride! Anyway, I’m rambling. 😆 Thanks for the reply, you have my sub and a thumbs up. :)
No problem :) Ah the same as here so :) We also have direct access over 24 :) Yeah that makes sense I would be the same!! :) That's poor from the instructor to be honest those bikes are there to be dropped and have given you that tension! It sounds like to me you're well able to handle a bigger bike in that case, if you can ride it slowly you can ride it fast, way more skill involved in riding a bike slowly :) Try a stock sv650 it might be perfect for you already :) Haha I know the feeling :D Rambling is fine here don't worry :D Thank you!! :)
The GorillaBiker the insurance said they’re cool with me using the bike to get my license, so I’ll go buy the Suzuki I looked at last Saturday. I’m sooooooo excited! Of course, I couldn’t take her for a test drive - but I couldn’t with my first car either, and we still had a great relationship for a few years 😍 Oh goooood, this is amaaaaaazing :D
Came back to this video after finally getting my license and having some 240 km on the odometer on the bike - I LOVE IT! And your video definitely helped in my decision to buy it two years ago. It’s so much fun and beginner friendly.
To be honest I do like the DL 650 but the 1000 was much more my street when I rode it, I think it was more the size suited me more tho :) As for the SVs....I'd only buy the 1000 :D But that's due to me being silly more than anything else.
@@TheGorillaBiker yea very comfortable the 1000 for a taller rider. Just two very different rides, both fun in their own way. I'd love to have a spin on a sv 1000. I nearly both one a few months ago. Talked myself out off it. Some day maybe. I've the Bandit 1200 in my sight now. Seems like a fun bike.
Had my first lesson today on one of these , I am 6,3 and my hips are in bits with my knees bent... still wkd bike man ...want one but...hoping its just me being a nuby hahahah
Ah very good! :) You should be fine, any bike will use muscles you haven't used before and you'll be sure, I was crippled after I rode my first sports bike :) I'm 6'7 tho and it was genuinely comfy so you should be ok :)
I assume you meant can't handle wheelies? It's been a while but I'm fairly sure I mentioned that in the video. It's very unlikely that all of them would have been wheelied a lot anyway, and most people I know who wheelie are in their 30s 😂
No matter the years old bikes are much better.And not to mention the the speedometers, the all new ones are all LCD!!! Guess what happens with the pixels when the bike falls one or twice. Total garbage they are. That's what I think.
Well they're better in some ways, modern bikes are generally insanely reliable and having EFI on a cold morning is far better than carbs 😂😂 but yes I agree on the LCD and such plus for the price difference I'd have an old bike every single time!! Hands down
Ah I think you have to bear in mind the bike is 20 years old and was designed even longer before that. Could it be prettier? Absolutely and that's solved by getting the lower fairing :D I quite like the look of it overall.
Big thanks to John for letting me take his bike out for this video. Obviously since this video John brought the bike home due to el Virus. So we'll see how much I get to actually record doing to the bike!
Hope every is staying safe and washing their hands! :)
The GorillaBiker I know, with not being able to go places I’ll probably tip away at jobs to keep my sanity!
@@johnteahan2333 Oh do them all Tango, I have the surprise thing in the shed to be working on anyway :) Your sanity is important after all
Now I'm having problems getting it running it cranks but won't start fuck that sucks
Did you comment on the wrong video? :/
@@TheGorillaBiker no I don't think so
I purchased a 1st Gen sv650s in Oct 2020 after watching your video. I'm a 6'2" 20+ year experienced rider and this bike is, by far, the favorite out of all that I've owned. The low speed torque and consistent power through all the gears from 0 - 100+ mph never fails to put a smile on my face. This bike is an absolute beast as it treats around every turn. Thank you for your review and recommendation as without it I would have missed out on such a joyful riding experience.
Ah brilliant! You've actually made my day with this comment :) I'm really glad I could help a small bit and I hope it treats you well for a long time to come :)
I'm 6ft3 and these bikes have piqued my interest. Dime a dozen in Canada, cheap and easy on insurance too.
Now put a stage 1 jet kit and a +1 rear sprocket on it with some delkevic headers and shorty pipe, they REALLY got some punch up 100, the look on peoples faces at the next red light after a 3rd gear tire lift coming out of second is priceless 😋 I'm 5'6" at 150lbs I could keep up with a 919 hornet up to 100, I topped out at 114
My dad has an SV650s, he hasn’t ridden it in 20 years, it’s been dry stored in our garage. I’m just waiting to get my money together to restore it! I cannot wait. I’m so lucky that this is a superb bike! Thanks for getting me even more excited than I previously was!
Ah brilliant! Best of look with the restoration and enjoy it when it's all done, the best way to learn a bike imo :)
Test rode a SV650s K3 today. 31k miles, no written service history for 10 years, it stinks a bit after turning off but - it rode absolutely fine as far as I can tell. It would need some love but I'm on the edge of getting it and investing a bit to get it up to standards.
Yeah they're very reliable, once they haven't been on the back wheel too much I wouldn't worry about it, it's likely they just did the servicing themselves, none of my bikes have a service history as I do the servicing. I hope it all goes well for you if you do go for it.
I am driving sv650s k2 because of you, and it is just perfect everyday bike. And that sound 🥰
Ah brilliant :D Really glad I could help to be honest that's brilliant :)
I bought a black SV650 on 7/7 and I love it- thanks for this great review which I agree with 100%
Congrats!! :) I hope you keep enjoying it and best of luck with it :)
ive had my 2000 sv for a year now and still love it. my ancient body struggled with the clipons so I put renthals on. perfect 2nd bike now. a keeper!
Ah very nice! I've seen Renthals on them but never used them, are they way more comfy? :)
@@TheGorillaBiker oh yes! Works well with the half fairing too
Just passed my IBT and was looking at getting one of these. Lovely blue fully faired version with the white stripes.
Your video has convinced me to finally pull the trigger on it. Great video man you've earned a sub. Stay safe
Ah congrats!! Very good, happy to help :) I hope you like it, I'm actually looking at getting one myself now since I moved and they're affordable :) Thanks !! :)
Thanks John, I can quite honestly say that's the most honest review we've ever seen on the SV 650. Me and my four boys....who are all big fellas like yourself.....watch this video every weekend. I'm an old fella but am lucky to have owned one the same vintage as you review for many years, and your appraisal of the machine is true. You have a lightness of touch, to your commentary that is ace. Keep on making them. Your a man after my own motorbiking heart, for sure.
Wow thanks! :) I really appreciate that thank you so much! I will.be back making plenty of them soon I hope! Current stuff make borrowing bikes hard sadly. But thank you again :)
I actually bought my sv a year or so ago identical to the one you were riding. Very accurate review I agree 110% with the front brake needing a braided line. And for me as I am a short arse I think a top yoke conversion to take renthal bars. Then it will be spot on. Great video
Thanks :) They're not bad brakes just generally old so a bit of love would help immensely :) Renthals also look class on them :) Glad you liked it and best of luck with the bike :)
@@TheGorillaBiker just putting ebc pads in mine tightened them right up I think a braided line will make them tip top.
Confirm you opinion. As an experienced daily rider of both scooters and motorbikes traded a 1200 bandit for a 2005 sv650 and I am absolutely in love with this bike. Corners impressively well, engine noise perfect, incredible torq for road use, easy to service...
Yeah after a bandit 1200 it'd feel light as a feather too I'd imagine, bandit is a great bike but nothing as nimble as the sv :)
I have a gen1 Curvy and I can’t believe how good this 23 year old bike is. It has taken me to France, Spain andPortugal. Waiting to leave the ferry port several bikers were saying ‘I loved my SV. Wish I’d never sold it. Most fun bike I ever had’ etc. then walked back to their BMWs or other ‘proper’ tourers. I’ve upgraded the suspension as the OE units wore out and it has braided lines. That’s all the changes it needs. Yes, the reg/rec failed and cooked the battery but that is the only problem in six years of ownership. Even then It still got me home. I am very fond of this bike and after a lifetime of riding German and Italian iron I never thought I’d say that about a Japanese middleweight. It does look better with fairing lowers fitted though.
Ah I just love older bikes anyway, so so many good ones :) I have 3 that people would consider old :) I often hear the same from people chatting to them about how their favourite bike was an SV650 and they regretted ever selling it! Suspension upgrades are always worthwhile either way imo, the stuff that comes new on most bikes that aren't "premium" aren't great. Ah those are problems that could always happen anyway so no big deal eh :) Haha I think some recipes of bikes just work, such as a fun twin. You don't need anything else :) It does agreed!
One of the things I love about the SV650 is that it offers riders of all abilities something. ace for new riders as long as they can reach the ground, and ace for more experienced... bags of fun, it is great on track too, and has a great racing class! I was very tempted to get one myself this year and do a bit of a build series on it. Cracking fun bikes, I prefer the naked version, but always have preferred naked bikes, they have a better turning circle than the faired one.
Exactly it's such a well balanced do everything bike!! :) Yeah it does and they sound like literal thunder at road races :) Then you got that awesome new Beta instead :D I still have my eye on a SV1000S in the UK that I want to some how afford when all this blows over!! Yeah the nakeds are bags of fun but fairings always suit me for the type of riding I do plus the fact I'm far too large so all of the air smashes me in the chest :D
@@TheGorillaBiker The Beta replaced the Beta, so n = n still ;-)
Thanks man, i brought my sv650s last night, this has been super informative 😎, top man n top vid cheers 👍
Ah sound glad I could help :) best of luck with it! :)
I got one for real cheap but never heard of them an I can say I love this bike,will upgrade to the 1000 soon
They're a fantastic bike! I'd love the 1000 myself, maybe one day!
Well presented mate. Nothing wrong with older bikes👍
Nothing at all! They're my favorites to be honest :)
I've got a gen 1 as a winter hack and love riding it, even though I also own a BMW S1000RR M Sport, the SV650s puts a huge smile on my face! They do have some common faults, especially the petcock failing, resulting in the cylinders then sump filling with petrol, so I would recommend getting the petcock refurb kit done, otherwise, awesome fun
Oh an S1000RR...you have great taste in bikes then :D Ah yeah the SV650s are just fun, they might not be the top of any of the things you'd judge a bike on but pure fun, definitely up there :)
Ah yes, tbh that's an issue I've had with a few bikes, I've seen it on my supermagna, on a buddies Kawasaki I just fixed and an older Africa Twin, I think just petcocks in general need to be looked after, there is a big old rubber gasket in there to perish I suppose!
As a bigger rider looking for something cheaper and not uncomfortable this review was very helpful! They do sound very good for the money! After riding my brother in law's new 2021 Vulcan S yesterday it has restarted my want to own a bike again (although I looked rather large on it) it was a very nice bike. Looking to see if you've done a review on one now! Thanks
Glad I could help :) I haven't done a review on that sadly, being a very small channel it can be hard to get bikes to review tbh! I'm trying to see can I even rent more or somthing. I'd love to do reviews way more often :)
Only tip I have is give up worrying about looking big, I look massive on all my bikes but just have fun! :)
@@TheGorillaBiker cheers mate! Keep up the good content, - Brad from Australia. P.S looking forward to seeing your review of the CMX 1100 if and when you get one 😉
Thanks man, glad you think it's good :P Ah nice, I'd love to visit Aus at some point :)
Haha ah I hope I can get my grubby paws on one :)
First gen naked SV650 is one of the best looking bikes from the late 90's, early 2000's IMO.
I personally am a huuuge fan of that gen R1 and GSX-R but that said it's a classic design and I'd happily own one! I do like them with the lower fairings.
While I'm not as tall as yourself, I'm still a not tiny 6' 3 1/2". I used to ride an R3 and was perfectly comfortable. Bikes are weird like that. You never know what you're going to find comfortable unless you sit on it and ride it. Saying that sportier bikes are for smaller folk is not accurate. Depends on the bike.
Great video as always mate.
That's exactly it it's a weird one that some bikes just hold you right. And they definitely weren't designed that was for us so it's just random chance which is kinda cool, it's like there's that one perfect bike you just have to find it it's why I try so many 😁
Thanks man!
@@TheGorillaBiker Tis like pants. They might all be labelled as the same size but some are going to be better pants for big lads.....
Sorry.
@@PaddyOutback Haha very true :D Why are you saying sorry :D
Just bought meself a SV650s and honestly, this video was the one that convinced me it's the right choice. Thank you for this! Hopefully it was a good buy :)
I've yet to meet someone who didn't like riding a SV650 so you're in safe.....ehhh.....handlebars?
@@TheGorillaBiker I need to get some gear still cuz I sold everything after a crash last year. Had to take some time to recover. But I’m just too hooked up on motorcycles to give up :)
Good stuff dude.
Unrelated note, Paddy hit 1k today. Unironically looking forward to the consequence vid.
Thanks man!
Hahaha do you think I wasn't the first person he told :D Oh yeah me too....so much :D
I fitted a Dynojet kit to my 1999 SV 650 and it made a huge difference in the top end performance.
Very nice! I'd like to do the same for my GSX-R at some stage.
I’ve watched this video a good few times, picking my SV 650s (carb model) tomorrow week, started it up and immediately fell in love with the sound, it’s got a scorpion exhaust that sounds tasty as fuck and the previous owner went and put braided brake lines on which saves me a job, for a bike as old I can’t believe how mint it is. Counting down the days now like a kid waiting for Christmas. Hope your mate John is getting on well with his.
Haha class, and thanks! :D Nice!!! Congrats! Honestly a good exhaust with carbs is a combo that is hard to beat. So many sv650s are really well looked after as they're a lot of people's first bikes, I was the same with my fazer. It was my baby. Plenty of them absolutely destroyed too to be fair. Best of luck with it anyway, I still want one myself at some stage :D He is indeed :)
@@TheGorillaBiker it’s my first road bike for years, last bike I had was hornet 250. I’m fairly used to dirt bikes so should be fine with the SV, I’d be a fair bit smaller than a gorilla but still found it very comfortable and easy to handle, also I’m lucky enough to know both lads that owned the bike so have full history, it wants for nothing. Few more days til I get her on the road but your Irish roads videos are getting me through the wait and the lockdown, dying to ride some of the roads in yourself and Kazawhakis videos. The fazer was a nice bike but I think you made the right choice with the CBF.
Bought one as my first bike... 6'0 225lbs here... loved every second of it. I've owned faster bikes since but never had more fun then when I had my SV.
They're a class bike to be fair! He's actually decided to sell this one since it's currently up for sale! Ah you can only go so fast on public roads anyway eh! I am fond of a bit of power anyway :P
Thank you so much for the video! I’m looking for a big enough bike for my A2 license because I’m 6’4 and don’t want my legs to be uncomfortable so you being 6”7 and being comfortable on it makes it even more comfortable for me ! It looks nice and big even with you on it 😂
You're more than welcome :) Haha yeah you should fit a touch better, plus lots of parts available for this bike like rear sets and such to make you fit better :) They're really actually a roomy bike which is nice, the lack of sculpted fairings and all that stuff helps so we don't have places to NOT fit in to :D
@@TheGorillaBiker I also like the Yamaha fzs600 fazer but I think I’ll go with this one they’re very similar bikes. Hopefully they’ll have a all black version of the suzuki looks beautiful 🤩 thanks for the advice
God this thing sounds awesome. This engine and the MT07 have the best sound of the 650'ish class sports and naked bikes imho. At least in the still-somewhat-affordable category.
Love the "Big wide arse" comment. Very true! I love my gen2 sv650s to bits.
Haha thanks :P the seat suited me :) I'm absolutely mad to get a 2004/2005 sv1000s
You certainly looked OK on it, GB. As a fellow 2m rider, I'm always keen to find comfy bikes and I now want to try one of those.
Just discovered your channel. Really enjoying it 👍
Well thank you :D They're oddly comfortable for tall folks! I met a fella who's 6'10 who has one, one of the only bikes he say's he enjoys riding. Thanks, glad you are :)
love your accent love the bike! greetings from germany.
Haha thanks! It's a great bike :)
I just recently bought one of these for my first big bike!
Nice! Congrats and best of luck with it :)
Recently I purchased just the same bike (25K Mile)(1999) with Yen 150,000. (Equiv. STG 11, 000.) After changing to new tire (Pirelli Rosso 3) and Exhaust, it run much better than my expectation. after 5000RPM is very fun.
So I could understand what you say.
Oh wow so that's about 1250 euro that's a great price!! :)
Tyres and exhaust always make a huge difference :)
Good stuff thanks for watching :)
@@TheGorillaBiker I fully agree. Maybe (Before Euro 3 & 4 Regulation would be some point.) Lets enjoy.
This was a great video. My dad has the 2004 Suzuki SV1000 in silver. Hopefully I'll be on that soon
Thanks! Ahhhh I'm jealous, I still would love an SV1000 :D
I just picked up a naked to replace my sv650s that was written off last oct by a didn't see you mate driver.7133miles & in really good nick, probalbly one of the cleanest 19yr old bikes i've seen.It rides like new too.
Ah lovely, they're my favorite type of person. Same line of human did the same to my Uncles Tiger 1050. Glad you're alright anyway.
That is no mileage at all. It's mad to think in 19 years it's only gotten that put on :) Best of luck with it!
@@TheGorillaBiker It was stored very well mothballed as the first owner went to live in france, then a very nice honest guy bought it last year, had it fully serviced & new tyres etc, then sold it to me,He was the most honest seller i've ever met tbh, thanks Steven!
Ah very nice. They're the best finds when you get them and it's always nice dealing with an honest human :)
I been looking at one of these, just passed my test but wasn’t sure until I see your review so thanks because of this video I’m going to go look at it now 😂😂
Haha well glad to be of help, welcome to biking and best of luck with whatever you get!
Turn it into the sportbike it wants to be. Sounds good let it breathe velocity stacks, pod filters, strip it down to clean it up and lighter wheels you wouldn't believe what you gpt back from me ... it is a sportbike!!!
Haha the owner of this bike loves it as it is :) Sounds great and isn't too fast for him as his first bike!
Only found your channel , alot of good videos I'm in KILKENNY atm training in the army . 10weeks left so I'm planning on a sv650s after training . Nice to have videos in Ireland and not England or us
Ah sound, hopefully more people find it too :D Ah class, I ride past the barracks a good bit if I'm doing a circuit of kilkenny. Ah nice, I'd still love to buy an SV at some point, preferably a 1000 but that's just cus I like to compensate :D Sound! :)
@@TheGorillaBiker I'm coming from 250s so the 650 will be a good jump .
To be honest the 650 is a much better all round bike anyway :) Id only go the 1000 cus I have a collection. Wouldn't ever daily it I'd say. But yeah it'd be a grand jump
@@TheGorillaBiker did you ride a nc750x ? Looks like a nice bike to live with but loads of people say they are boring
Hi..great to hear your enjoyed it. I have a 2001 SVS and do love it. But haven't driven it since kids came along. I did get it refurbished few years back, incl tyres etc but sitting up since. So would like to tackle it myself as mini project. Brakes are seized n battery dead. Have the Haynes manual and gonna start there. Not a mechanic or heavy biker, just enjoyed riding :)
It was a fun bike! :) Ah I see, that sort of stuff is ok to sort :) I actually just did a series restoring a 750 GSXR after it sat for 13 years :) You'll be grand :) I also just love riding bikes :D
I have the same model, they're great bikes. I think they will be future classics, especially the curvy if stock and unmolested. I know a lot were made, but a lot have been raced and crashed and modified and junked. I want to hang on to mine, I'm sure it will outlast me.
Id agree, they're a brilliant bike and will become rarer so they'll most likely become very desirable :)
Great video man. I love my 2002 sv. The only thing i dont like about the sv is the electrics. The reg/tec can be a nuissance. The electrics are also vulnerable to corrosion and need to be kept on top of maintainnace wise or you will be forever breaking down.. Other than that i hsve owned 2 of these now and they have been superb for what they are. Very good review 👍
Thank you!! I'll pass that info along to John thanks, although he's been looking up just about everything about them so he probably already knows :P they are really a great bike, I'd love one or preferably the 1000 but there is nothing wrong with the 650 especially as you can get such a good bike for a good price. Thanks again glad you enjoyed it!
My pleasure mate. Keep up the good work
This brings back memories! I loved mine, 20yrs ago. Shame about the shonky build quality, brakes that'd sieze every 3 or 4 months, forks that came from the factory with insufficient oil... All fixable, but can you see why I changed to a Honda?
I've honestly never heard much bad about the build quality, the brakes yes, but a lot of bikes of that era had questionable setups, my own 1996 gsxr is....underwhelming :D I can definitely see why you changed to a Honda tho to be fair...I own a few myself these days. That said my CBF's suspension from factory is absolutely terrible. I think all bikes have their little bits you have to fix to your liking :)
@@TheGorillaBiker I owned a '96 600 bandit which dived to the deck like a footballer. It had ~100ml of oil in each leg, should have been 500+. Then I got the SV650 in 2001 with 1760 miles on it, its front end dived horribly too. So, changed the fork oil again. Same thing, less than 1/4 the spec volume, and it was a watery grey crap. It transformed the bike. There was no evidence of it being taken apart beforehand. I can see why the original buyer sold it. The same dealer too.
It's a good looking bike for sure, glad to see you are out and riding, stay safe out there Brother 💯✌️😎
Well this was filmed 2 weeks ago sadly, we're now being strongly discouraged from riding here :( You too man!
@@TheGorillaBiker yeah it's happening everywhere with all this crap that's going on right now, I'm hoping to get a ride in this week, unless they shut us down, stay safe brother 💯✌️😎
Super review as usual sir, I applaud loudly. Regarding retro reviews, the gtr is at your disposal when all this Corona unpleasantness is over. Think retro reviews would be a class series to do if you could source classic bikes. Also if you're interested in a bike rebuild I'll let finish my zxr engine rebuild. (You provide the parts and labour and I'll supply the raw dismantled engine)
Thank you Kaz :) Oh thanks I'll definitely take you up on that offer!! :)
That's the plan, tbh I nearly prefer old bikes anyway it's just getting people to trust me with their bikes :D
Hahaha I'll do it if I can keep it :P
You are a tiny, tiny person...tiny!!! 😁 You do really thorough reviews! That twin does sound wonderful. I saw a v4r today....i cried.
:D They call me el Gorilla Pequeno around here. I'm glad you think so :) It does I want one :P Ah man stop....such magnificent creatures.
Nice review mate. I still own my k10 sv650. Greetings from South Africa 🙏
Thanks :) I'd still looove to get enough cash together to add a sv650 or a sv1000 to the shed! :)
@@TheGorillaBiker what a hoot bike. Does everything so well. 🙏
Thanks for upload.
I've a Mille 1000 rsv and I'm considering buying one of these to replace the CBF500 I've just bought.
Thanks for watching :)
Nice! That's a proper nice bike. I'd say you much prefer one of these over the CBF to be honest
I have an 02 S model. Love it.
They're a class bike...I'm still dreaming of an sv1000 😁
@@TheGorillaBiker I'm really not sure more is better. The 650 is just so well balanced.
Oh the 1000 isn't a better bike, I've since ridden one, but it's just stupid and sounds amazing so I want it 😂😂
Great Review. Well Done.
Thanks
Ive had mine over a month love it and that sound is mean only thing I don't like is it has no fuel gauge
You'll honestly forget the fuel gauge in no time, 3 of my 4 bikes don't have them, just watch the odometer and reset it every fill up and you'll be grand :)
That’s a nice looking bike GB, I’m a measly 6’1, I do have a friend from Boston who is 7 foot, man I felt short next to him 🤣😃👍
Isn't it just, I'd looooooove the 1000cc version :) Christ 7 foot! Knowing how hard it is for me to get stuff I feel sorry for him :(
The GorillaBiker haha we played golf together, his clubs were almost as tall as me 🤣🤣🤣
@@motogspot 😂😂😂 pulling up trees to use as clubs 😂
The GorillaBiker 🤣🤣🤣
Just bought a 2000 sv650s and it sounds awesome like a Ducati.
Only issue is I cannot for the life of me get the bike into neutral when stopped. It goes up to second gear then back to first and can see neutral light just flicker past. Clutch is adjusted right up and it’s just been serviced with new oil to correct level . Any ideas fellow SV fans
Great video! Subbed.
Thank you! :)
Great review thx, as a shorter person at 5'8" and just looking at getting my 1st larger bike at the young age of 55 my concern is the seat height, would you think this would be an issue.
I am trying to find an older bike with carbs, don't want to be messing around with fuel injections and ECU's
Cheers
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :) No I think you'd be grand on an SV650 with that height tbh! Nice light bike to be getting on too. I think at 5'8 you'll be grand on most bikes, the only ones that'd require a bit of getting used to would be the taller ADV style stuff :)
To be honest any of the newer fuel injection models are pretty much bullet proof. You'd have more hassle with carbs if you don't know how to(or just don't want to) maintain them. I have a few carbed bikes and my EFI CBF1000 is my daily, it just works :)
Nice review passed my test last year on the newer sv and after this review I'm thinking it's the bike for me £1200 x reg but 45k miles is that a bit high for a bike any advice much appreciated
Congrats!! I think that's a good deal tbh if it looks clean and runs and moves. No beginner bike will be perfect anyway but get it checked over before you buy and you'll be grand. 45k miles isn't too much on the SV
Great review. Seems to tick all of the boxes as a reliable all-rounder. Would you recommend this for a new big-bike rider with 125cc experience? Cheers.
Thanks! :) It does indeed, it's even more reliable if you get the fuel injected models.
I would indeed provided youre big enough to handle the frame etc it's not a small bike. As always just take you time to get used to it and you'll be grand :)
@@TheGorillaBiker Nice one. Cheers.
I'm hoping to pick up my first bike this week or next.... I'm torn between the SV, Bandit or Hornet.
If it was you, what would you pick? It'll be just a bike to take out on weekends really.
Ah very good! Best of luck with whatever you do get, personally I'd pick the SV, the engine has a lovely character to it and the twins torque is lovely on the road :)
Nice review. Thanks
You should get one :)
That's what i'm saying work to it's strengths just let it breathe +3 rear sprocket gearing alone would put you right onto the meaty torque curv. Suspension is probably the worst thing about it.
After riding it home for him long distance I think +3 would ruin it cruising anywhere at distance to be honest, it'd definitely make it move a whole pile faster!
@@TheGorillaBikercruise comfort yea say goodbye to it after +3 at rear , move faster ? 🤭 not really 😉👍🏻 stock do 0-100 mph in 10 sec change sprocket to +3 at rear and time be still 10 sec 🤭👍🏻 if not worse cos probably 1 more shifts be required 🤭 only elasticity on the same gear to certain velocity increase but on stock you always can be gear down and get the same 🤷🏻♂️👍🏻
Ya big unit. 6'7". Geez man. I'd love to have a crack on one of those.
I'm only a wee lad, man try to they're so much fun!!
The GorillaBiker last v twin I rode was a buell 1200. So much torque
@@hachewie those Buells are disgusting!!! I love them
Great review 👍
Thanks!
Have you still got it i am looking at one on weekened same model in black whats milage on urs theone i am going to look at has 23.000 thou on it is that alright or high milage thanks
I never had it it's my friends bike :) There were 40 odd thousand miles on that one. It depends on how the bikes been looked after I couldn't say without seeing it sorry!
Has anyone used one for touring and fitted luggage bags to it ? Found one near me for under 1k wondering if it would be good for touring uk in
Not used one personally but a friend of mine had, and he had about 80k on the bike and still loves it. So I would say yes once it's looked over for problems since that's mad cheap.
how things have changed, not one of these for sale in Ireland at the minute for sub 2K
The market for bikes everywhere has lost its mind tbh. I'd love to buy another Falco or older sports bikes over here in the US too. People think near write offs are worth 5k
The 650 is way better than the sloppy running 1000. The bigger engine is better at drag racing but not as good all aroung.
I don't know the 1000 I rode was a beautifully smooth engine :) I'd have the 1000 over the 650 every day of the week :)
I’m 6ft2 and finding sport bikes that fit is a pain. Now looking to get a sv. Must be even more rubbish if you are 6’7 haha.
Ah you should be ok tbh I know a good few lads who are 6'1ish and on cbrs and r1s etc, worst case you'd need some adjustable rear sets! :) The SV should fit you lovely :)
Ah I'm just used to squishing myself on to things these days.
@@TheGorillaBiker I’ve actually got an r1, I’ve had it since 2010, only has 12k miles on it! Just under 3k when I bought it.
Before the r1 I had a zx6r, which I think I enjoyed more than the r1 - but it felt too small!
The current plan is to get a sv as a second bike, maybe upgrade the suspension and have it as a fun runabout. With the current fuel prices and driving 60 miles a day in my 15mpg car which will only run on e5, my bank account is suffering haha.
Ah I'm jealous, I absolutely love R1s!! I don't really fit tho :( I recently rode a ZX6R and I get that, brilliant bike but definitely on the smaller side!
I don't think you'd go far wrong with that as a plan tbh, the sv650 is a brilliant bike, and will continue to be for a long time!! Oh god 15mpg, Oooff.
I’m a very new rider, searching for a first bike, however I’m scared it doesn’t have ABS, is it a thing to worry ? can someone tell me ?
Thanks
No, definitely not something to worry about once you take you're time and learn it the bike. ABS MIGHT one day save you a spill, Ice never had it trigger unless I meant to for a test ride.
I definitely love it
What is your opinion on gen 2 sv650s as a beginners bike for 6'8" (205cm) tall driver?
Depends on your leg length. I've a 35 inch inseam, 89cm or so. If you aren't much different than that I think you'll be fine but the naked sv650 would definitely be more comfortable. Try sitting on one before you buy.
@@TheGorillaBiker thank for a quick respond. Greetings from Serbia. Cheers
I’m a tiny person (158 cm with a 71 cm inseam), and I’m currently trying to get my license. But: I’m too short (or my legs are) for the Kawa z650 the driving school uses. So I’m going to look at a lowered SV650 to buy and do my driving lessons on. Do you think that’s a wise idea? I really want to get my license this summer after putting it off for two years after some dude rammed me off my bicycle and my fractured elbow took some time to heal. But I still want to ride a motorcycle. So, an 18 year old machine, for an absolute beginner?
Ah the opposite end of the spectrum to me so! Nothing fits properly :(
If you look up Jocelin Snow you'll see you can ride anything really, she's tiny and an incredible rider!
But anyway to the question!! I think a lowered sv650 would be grand tbh they're not a massively heavy bike in relation to most and easy to handle once moving, most bikes are. Honestly sit on one and if you can tippy toe on one foot you'll be able to ride the bike, one huge thing for shorter riders(or so they tell me) is hill starts, so no matter what you get plan ahead mentally when you see you'll have to come to a stop! My gf found the same when I got her to ride a bike around. Sorry to hear about that, I had the same but it was my knee...a fella in a jeep got me, scratched my bicycle too and drove off :(
I genuinely think this bike is a great beginner bike that'll last you, another bike to keep an eye out for would be a cb400 or a cbr400rr, both are a nice small frame and would enable you to stand a bit easier, they're also very very light.
The main thing is learn a style and take your time, you'll likely end up scooting over to one side and tippy toeing most bikes - just give yourself time to get comfortable with it.
For more cramped bikes I have to plan ahead to uncramp my leg basically coming to a stop, but it's well worth it! I hope this is some way helpful and if you have any more questions let me know :)
The GorillaBiker thank yoooooou! :)
The thing is, in Germany we have those different licenses. There’s A1 (at 16 or 18 years?), A2 (at 22 years, I think) and A. Since I’m closer to 40 than 30, I can get the A directly, which would enable me to ride any bike I want, smaller ones too, of course. So of course I want to get that one, even if later on I decide to ride a smaller bike.
I went to five different driving schools in my city, they all have either a Kawasaki z650 or a Honda CBF 600 (?), and while I can tippytoe on the Kawa, after dropping it in my first driving lesson, the instructor is scared I’ll completely damage it by the time I’m done with my license 😅 But it was my first time on a bike! And everything else he wanted me to do was fine (I never even shifted past the first gear though, just driving around in an empty parking lot). Just stopping is hard... and after I dropped the bike, I was tense and ‘scared’ of dropping it again.
So that’s why I thought getting a lowered bike and then maybe also altering the seat (since it’s wider than on the Kawa) seemed plausible. Because I reallyyyyyy want to ride! Anyway, I’m rambling. 😆
Thanks for the reply, you have my sub and a thumbs up. :)
No problem :)
Ah the same as here so :) We also have direct access over 24 :) Yeah that makes sense I would be the same!! :)
That's poor from the instructor to be honest those bikes are there to be dropped and have given you that tension! It sounds like to me you're well able to handle a bigger bike in that case, if you can ride it slowly you can ride it fast, way more skill involved in riding a bike slowly :)
Try a stock sv650 it might be perfect for you already :) Haha I know the feeling :D Rambling is fine here don't worry :D
Thank you!! :)
The GorillaBiker the insurance said they’re cool with me using the bike to get my license, so I’ll go buy the Suzuki I looked at last Saturday. I’m sooooooo excited! Of course, I couldn’t take her for a test drive - but I couldn’t with my first car either, and we still had a great relationship for a few years 😍
Oh goooood, this is amaaaaaazing :D
Came back to this video after finally getting my license and having some 240 km on the odometer on the bike - I LOVE IT! And your video definitely helped in my decision to buy it two years ago. It’s so much fun and beginner friendly.
Does it consume oil? Cause the 03' one i had did a little
Depends on mileage with a lot of them. Most twins use a little as they age. No idea on this one as I didn't own the bike.
My better half has the DL 650, way more fun then the 1000 on country rds.
To be honest I do like the DL 650 but the 1000 was much more my street when I rode it, I think it was more the size suited me more tho :) As for the SVs....I'd only buy the 1000 :D But that's due to me being silly more than anything else.
@@TheGorillaBiker yea very comfortable the 1000 for a taller rider. Just two very different rides, both fun in their own way. I'd love to have a spin on a sv 1000. I nearly both one a few months ago. Talked myself out off it. Some day maybe. I've the Bandit 1200 in my sight now. Seems like a fun bike.
Had my first lesson today on one of these , I am 6,3 and my hips are in bits with my knees bent... still wkd bike man ...want one but...hoping its just me being a nuby hahahah
Ah very good! :) You should be fine, any bike will use muscles you haven't used before and you'll be sure, I was crippled after I rode my first sports bike :) I'm 6'7 tho and it was genuinely comfy so you should be ok :)
@@TheGorillaBiker Cheers to that .. on the hunt so. Under 2k here we come :) Hahha
Bandit 600 etc would also be great :)
@@TheGorillaBiker Humm I cant decide I am Incapable, find me a good deal and ill buy you a pint :) Ha..
Haha I'm afraid I couldn't do that, dangerous business finding bikes for people :)
Does anybody else have a 1999 suzuki sv650s in the states?
Twin carbs?? 2??
Yes
Mint👍
Was the bike comfortable?
I assume you're taking the piss? 😂
Is it komfortable?
Yes I thought so.
Sv 650's can handle long wheelies, beware of this when buying used from young people.
I assume you meant can't handle wheelies? It's been a while but I'm fairly sure I mentioned that in the video. It's very unlikely that all of them would have been wheelied a lot anyway, and most people I know who wheelie are in their 30s 😂
No matter the years old bikes are much better.And not to mention the the speedometers, the all new ones are all LCD!!! Guess what happens with the pixels when the bike falls one or twice. Total garbage they are. That's what I think.
Well they're better in some ways, modern bikes are generally insanely reliable and having EFI on a cold morning is far better than carbs 😂😂 but yes I agree on the LCD and such plus for the price difference I'd have an old bike every single time!! Hands down
It sounds great... All the retro lol
Yeah they're a gorgeous sounding bike with the right pipe and carbs always sound better :)
Wanted to watch all of it but ran out of time after being forced to watch the adds.
Sorry you feel that way. I do my best with my videos and spend a lot of money on fuel, cameras and other such things off my own back.
Come on be honest you had to stop when mommy called you to pick up your toys before nap time.
He made that look like a 125 😂
He? You know I run my own channel? 😂
Also yes. I'm a large human I'm aware.
Sales pitch spoofer keeps repeating himself
Hahaha sales pitch spoofer that's a new one.
I wasn't trying to sell the bike. I just like it. Thanks for the view!
Ah, sure the eshvsixfiftyesh like
Sorry? 😂😂
Arsthetic is ugly like hell. That front manifold is absolutely horible. Suzuki could have done better with that
Ah I think you have to bear in mind the bike is 20 years old and was designed even longer before that. Could it be prettier? Absolutely and that's solved by getting the lower fairing :D I quite like the look of it overall.
I hear ya on the front pipe, on the later bikes they have the oil cooler in that gap and I think it improves the side profile
@@johnteahan2333 Oooooor a lower fairing :P
@@johnteahan2333 or some of them have side fairings and it looks much better
Kiki Rider I dunno, I like the half faired. And I’m not going to go looking for a lower fairing for one 😂