Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Great bike for a first time rider, if you're careful, or a more experienced rider.

Acceleration is good, but not on par with a Supersport.

The handling is great, but the suspension will probably need an upgrade if you're a heavier than 150 pounds and want to do some really aggressive riding, but is fine for the street at any weight IMO.

The stock seat is not very comfortable, but good for maybe a couple of hours at a stretch. No more, plenty of aftermarket seats available, easy fix.

Lightweight and responsive, decent brakes. Awesome sound if you invest in an aftermarket "slip on" style pipe or full exhaust.

The bike is very stable, even at high speeds, and has very little vibration for a V twin. I don't even notice it. Very smooth.

If you are looking for a speed demon, look elsewhere, but for a fun around town, or a twisties bike or commuter, this one will be with you for a long time.

Faults:

None, really. The original owner purchased the motorcycle in 2006 (a clearance sale of sorts), although it is confirmed a 2005 model.

The stock suspension has been commented as being too soft. I weigh about 220lbs at 6' tall, and the front suspension is definitely soft. This is very apparent under moderate braking force. I've personally replaced the fork springs with stiffer once that ran about $80 for the springs, and I installed it myself (not difficult if you follow instructions).

The rear suspension is OK in my opinion. Not too soft, not too stiff. I have purchased a rear shock from a Kawasaki Ninja ZX10 to replace it, but have not yet done so.

Most of my information comes by way of research some SV Internet forums.

General Comments:

This is my first bike EVER! I've practiced on my brother's 2008 Honda CBR600 prior to riding my SV650. Having rode the SV for about 2000 miles, and getting back on my brother's CBR, the CBR is definitely more nimble and responsive than the SV. However, comparing new-to-new prices, the SV comes out about 2-3K less than the CBR. We're also comparing a V-engine (SV) and an inline engine (CBR). V-engines have more torque and can punch off the line hard. So can an inline, however inlines, I'm told, start to lose against a V-engine in the curves. Not sure of the physics of why this is so.

I agree with many that the SV650 (not the SV1000!!!) is a great starter bike for some riders. The Ninja250R has been highly recommended, but I was discouraged from friends and family from purchasing the Ninja 250 due to my weight.

Faults:

I crashed on a curb and the radiator was $400, but otherwise the bike is built to last.

Get the naked version so there is less to break if a curb jumps out at you.

General Comments:

At first I was unsure about the bike, since being my first bike and have never ridden before, but after a few rides around the block and in parking lots, I got the feel for the throttle. A little touchy at first, but nothing so crazy it will take off on you.

The front forks are a little soft, but can be adjusted for stiffness.

Overall a great first bike and very easy to ride. I will be keeping the bike for a long time, and the power is always there if I need it.

Faults:

Nothing wrong yet, had a low speed shunt by a woman in a car about 5 minutes after I picked it up, but the bike was fine.

General Comments:

Suzuki SV650 S 2005 500 miles 'Pointy' Candy Grand Blue.

Well I'm totally chuffed with this bike. I bought it 2 years old with 500 miles on the clock for £3000. Since the weather in the UK is rubbish at this time of year (Dec-Jan) I've only managed to get just over a hundred miles down, but it's amazing compared to my previous (and first) bike, a Honda CBF600 S.

I'm 6ft 2" and 17 stone, so quite a hefty guy when it comes to the smaller more nimble sports bikes with very focused riding positions. But I have to say this is a VERY comfortable bike. After 2 hours of riding, all I had to show was a slightly stiff right wrist (time to hit the gym and build my core muscles instead of resting my upper body weight on the bars).

The acceleration is great, with a lot more eagerness than the CBF. I was stuck behind a tractor for a quarter of a mile, then went for it in second gear, not realising the V-twin is more than capable of power wheelies.

It manages around 120 miles on a full tank with average to aggressive riding style. It's extremely light, which makes low speed handling a doddle and high speed is stable. I'm planning on fitting a double bubble screen just to take the edge off the wind blast. Apart from that, the semi fairing does a great job.

I haven't had it serviced or been on any long journeys yet, so I will have to report back when the weather's better.

I will say that this would make a great first or second 600 'sport' bike before stepping up to a CBR or GSX-R; just take it nice and steady and it won't catch you out.