Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

After much research for a bike, after selling my 2006 ZZR600, I wanted a bike that was FUN, good on power, and good handling. The SV650S covers all of them really well.

Although not big on peak power, the delivery of the power is simply fantastic, along with the growl of the intake under the tank, this bike is just an amazingly fun ride. Sure it doesn't have the power to rip your face off under acceleration, but it is more than enough for the street and back roads.

I was a little worried about stepping down in power, but I have to say that I am not worried any longer. Unless you ride consistently over 200km's per hour, then maybe this bike is not for you.

But for MOST of the riders out there, this is the bike they should be riding MOST of the time on the street. I am not a track day guy, I am not a full-leather racing on the street kind of guy. I'm a guy who wants a simple, fun, quick bike to RIDE! An added plus is the great gas mileage with this bike.

With some cheap upgrades to the front suspension, a nice exhaust, and maybe steel braided brake lines, this is all the bike you'll ever need for the road. Why buy a bike with 150hp that you CANNOT fully use on the road? The SV650 has real world HP, looks great, is cheap to own, and from other reviews, is quite reliable.

Who buys this bike? Beginner Sport bike enthusiasts, and people who just want a fast motorcycle without going full on race for the street, or who don't want to own a cruiser. This bike is almost in the middle of the scale, and to me, that's what most of us should be riding unless you want to race.

I've only gone on two rides so far, both a few hours in length. Comfort is great for a sport bike, bad is you are used to cruisers.

All in all, this bike puts a smile on my face. That's what motorcycling is all about.

Faults:

The chain showed signs of rust very quickly.

General Comments:

The SV650S is a great first time bike. I previously owned a Katana for a very short time and enjoyed it more.

The bike responds well and is easy to handle.

The bike does not accelerate as quickly as I had hoped, but does well enough. I would not run up against anyone.

The seat for riding more than 20 miles can be a little painful. Though you have a more upright sitting position compared to most crotch rockets, it is still tough.

There is also a good bit of instability at high speeds. The SV650S does not seem to grip the road as I would imagine or hoped it would.