The chain showed signs of rust very quickly.
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.
I've been riding for 17 years, and have owned multiple bikes. The SV650S is by far the best all around bike I've ever owned. The harder you push, the better it works, but the original equipment tires are bad and should be replaced ASAP.
This bike is much more than a beginner bike as evidenced by the multiple race classes. There's also an abundance of aftermarket parts, and an almost cult-like following amongst the owners.
I am happy with my SV650s because of its versatility. I own a '04 and have ridden it from Minnesota to Pennsylvania and back. I've also trailered it to San Diego and rode back to Minnesota, coming through the Rocky Mountains on I-70 and detouring on the Peak to Peak Hi-way and then east on Boulder Canyon Road, which is a very technical ride. I've also done a lot of technical riding in California on Hwy 167 from Lakeside to Escondido. It is the first bike I've owned, and I haven't out grown it!
I put a gel seat on it, a K&N air filter in it, the Gold series RK chain and Vortex 520 conversion front and rear sprockets on it. I also upgraded the front brake lines to Gaffer Steel braided lines as well as put frame and swing-arm sliders on it. I've had the Dunlop D220 (No longer manufactured) tires on it and switched to Avon Azaro tires because of the way I ride, I need tire length with performance. I had no problems with the Avons in the Rocky Mountains, having excellent grip even at maximum lean on wet roads.
I've experimented with different sprocket teeth numbers for both fuel efficiency and for low speed pick up. I've topped my SV out at 131 (Clocked by police because the speedometer is 6 mph off at 131) and my only complaint is that the bike is sluggish to respond to throttle at higher speeds when geared for more torque. Although through the chicanes on Boulder Canyon road, both uphill and down hill, the bike responded beautifully between speeds of 50-80 mph. (Posted limited on curves for that road is usually 25-35 mph.)
All in all, the SV suits my needs in a motorcycle, and I challenge anyone with a crotch rocket to keep up with me on technical street rides. Jason Pridmore, an AMA champion racer, said of the SV "You will never out grow it!"
Isn't anyone else bothered by the abrupt throttle response on the 03 Suzuki SV650? Someone said that they nailed the EFI mapping on the bike. Like it was the best! Please! It totally sucks! How can I smooth out the throttle response and make it safer to ride! It's so -- notchy! It's too loose and it jumps out there! I'm still talking about the throttle response, fuel delivery, whatever ya wanna call it! My 1st V-twin, why are they so difficult to ride smooth? In-line 4's are smoother, tighter, when ya twist the throttle... could anyone share with me anything about this problem!?
I am personally very tired of hearing that this is a great starter bike. I have been riding for 15 years (since 15 years of age) and most bikes can be great starter bikes. I have owned a Jawa 250 dirt, Huskavana 500, Harley 1200, Kawi 636, and Honda 750. The 2007 Suzuki SV650 naked is the best bike yet.
I changed the exhaust out to a Scorpion system, remapped the fuel injection, and added a belly pan. This bike is great around town, and I can open up in the curves and hit 85mph in 3rd gear. Most riders would never use all the power this bike has to offer.
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=55459&highlight=throttle+position+sensor
That'll fix your jerky throttle response.
And as for the chain rust... lubricate it! Bike maintenance... you're doing it wrong!
Nothing on a motorcycle should rust, if proper care and maintenance is provided. Just like anything else you want to keep for a long time, you'll have to perform regular maintenance on it. Just as you would change the oil, you need to dust/wash the bike once in a while. Else a bunch of dirt/grime/grease will accumulate, and somebody will start complaining of hotter temperatures or what not. The chain, especially since it's most important link between your engine and your wheel, need to be lubricated and cleaned to keep it in tip top shape. Care for your bikes!
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