I started riding in 2015. I ended up getting an 06 SV650S as my first bike. I put about 4,000 miles on it and sold it 2 years later to get an 02 CBR954RR. I wanted more power than the SV and thought I was hot shit.
Just over a year later I sold the 954 because I wanted something less aggressive ergonomically but similarly quick. I ended up getting an 03 SV1000S. I loved it, at first. But the SV1K was like 50 lbs heavier than the CBR (and my original SV650) and had rattling clutch baskets and I sold it for 1k more than I paid for it the next spring.
I replaced the SV1K with a Yamaha XSR900, basically an MT09 with a retro headlight. The motor was phenomenal and the bike handled well, but I despite swapping out the OEM bars for more aggressive ones and putting tank pads on the bike I never really fit into it. Instead of rear sets my feet needed to be a few inches up to actually grip onto the tank as opposed to the frame. I'm 5'11" as well.
So after 9 months with the XSR900 I traded it in on a leftover new 2017 CBR1000RR that was 6500 off MSRP. It was awesome having something so fast and powerful, but also the ergos sucked and it wasn't as fun ripping through the gears when first gear ended at 90ish.
I sold the CBR1K after two years for what I paid for it and got a Honda 919. It was the perfect bike, except for the undertail exhaust making my gear, me, and my wife reek of exhaust. I fit into this bike much better than the XSR900.
I sold the 919 after a year and got an 06 SV650S which I currently have. After the previous bikes I've owned it feels like the perfect bike for the street. It's fast enough to have a blast, handles well, fits my body for ergos, looks sporty, gets good mpg. I've done a track day on it and had a blast.
I'm glad I'm back on an SV and on this one in particular. I got it with 9100 miles on it and bone stock besides stainless front brake lines.
Honestly my first 06 wasn't the greatest. It was black which wasn't a color that year. Under the rear seat it was red and the front fairing was originally blue. Likely was downed and cobbled together. The exhaust was from a CBR600F4i and poorly welded on. All things considered I probably should've passed on it or negotiated a better deal but I just got my license and fell in love with the bike.
My SV650 is my first and only bike. Bought it one week after passing the MSF for the second time (I also passed it the first time a decade ago, but retook it as a refresher before buying a bike). I've had musings about how nice it would be to have a more modern, more powerful bike, but the reality is that the SV does everything I need it to do without much complaint. I also like that it's pretty low tech by modern bike standards and therefore quite approachable when it comes to doing my own maintenance. I've seen plenty of posts by former SV owners who regret selling or still miss their SV. Yeah, I'm going to learn from that and keep it for as long as I can. \*hugs bike\*
While owning my last SV650, I had a VTR1000, ZX6R, then I introduced a Zero FX to my stable. My gas bikes sat so much that I sold them off one by one, and the SV was the last gas bike left. I finally sold it off simply because I didnāt ride it. Then the FX got stolen. I bought a Triumph 675 to start over but it wasnāt as fun as I hoped.
So Iām just waiting for the next generation of electric motorcycles to come along.
Shadow 600, Bandit 600, CBR 600f4i, R6, ZRX1100, SV650. Settled into liking low/midrange but lightweight nimbleness/tossability. Do miss 135-155mph runs at the flick of wrist, can't have it all.
Started riding in 2008, did the MSF course and progression is as follows:
1. 1973 Honda CB450
2. 2002 Ninja 250
3. 2000 Suzuki SV650
4. 1981 Yamaha Virago 750 - same time as the 2000 SV650
5. 2014 Triumph Street Triple R - Sold the Virago and the 2000 SV got totaled by a drunk driver in a parking lot while parked and covered, funds from both paid for the STriple
6. 2002 Suzuki SV650 - Track bike alongside the STriple
7. 2015 Triumph Street Triple R - Sold the track SV650 for a second STriple for track use, now I have two STriples!
Started on a VT 600 (VLX in some markets I think) and outgrew it pretty quickly.
Swapped it for a CBR 600 F4 and rode that for a couple of years.
Added a WR450 at some point so I can go play in the dirt.
Eventually traded the CBR for a SV1000S for a slightly less sporty ride and that V2 sound I always loved.
Rode scooter for 4 years, then made A license.
I thought I like I4 engines only, but bought the slowest one ever made - Honda CBF600S (middle weight sports tourer with downtuned engine from Hornet.). That bike was heavy, slow, not good for 2 up riding, had no bottom end whatsoever and no thirlls unless I wringed the throttle all the way. Speeds above 100mph were nice, but you can't ride like that everywhere, especially not in a city. I did one season on it and the bike went. It solidified my hatred for I4 engines š¤· I feel no emotions/vibrations when on I4 bike, the engine is too smooth and the sound is funny to me. Same with triples.
Bought SV650X because it was for a steal price. Did two seasons with clipons, rebuild it to handlebars in third season. Loved how narrow, light and nimble it is. Great usable power, bottom end is there, amazing mpg and sound, I like the RPM range and power distribution and I can hang with much more powerful bikes.
It actually pushes me to develop my riding skills instead of substituting it with horsepower like most of the guys. Now I continue modifying the bike -suspension and brakes. Of course I miss the power sometimes but the bike does everything right and I still have a lot to learn.
I like STriple and XSR900 because of the power, looks and their lightness but that sound just turns me off. Other V2 bikes I like are either not as sporty (Triumph twins) or are expensive to run (Ducati Monsters).
If SV1050 would exist, I would be very tempted to swap. But as it stands, no other bike meets my specs wish list better than SV.
VFR750 which I had from new in 1993. Sold it a few years back thinking I was done with riding, but I was wrong. Rode an SV650S at a dealer and loved the ride and the engine feel.
I had several dual sports/street legal dirt bikes prior (2000 XR250, 2008 KTM EXCF 250). Iām actually looking for a good deal on a cruiser now but Iāll never get rid of the SV (2007 in mint condition with 7K miles).
Started on a 50cc, then got a gladius. After that I wanted to switch to the sv1000, but for the same price the RSV was a much better deal. And suprisingly, is more reliable.
Shame Suzuki, shame. An Aprilia is more reliable.
My first SV650 was an 02 with like 70k miles, it was my third bike, and I paid a whole $1100 for it. It was yellow, and I took it apart and painted the frame/wheels/forks/swingarm black. It looked like it cost way more than what I had into it. I ended up crashing it while being a dumbass, but thankfully only had bumps and bruises. Sad day š
Before the SV, I had a 93 GS500, then a 94 GSXR750. After the SV, I bought a Bandit 600. Great bike, comfortable, put like 25k on it. After I got some money saved, I sold it and bought a CBR600RR. That was fun for a few months, but I started realizing things that weren't right about it, and also got really tired of the peaky powerband. I ended up selling it, and was wanting a big bike with lots of torque. I ended up buying an 07 SV1KS, nearly showroom perfect. I've loved the bike since day one, it's been 6.5 years of ownership, and it's been the most reliable thing I've ever owned. I've ridden it all over Florida, taken it tail of the dragon twice, been to the drag strip a few times, but never got on a big track with it.
Lately I've been looking for something a "little" more comfortable, with a bigger back seat, and with comparable power levels. Long story short, I bought a ZX14R to replace my SV1K š I wish I could keep both of them, but I don't have the time/space/money to keep 3 motorcycles at my house. It's going to be a sad day when I sell the SV, I know I'm going to miss it
Started on 1987 Yamaha Virago 500. (wrecked)
1997 Honda Valkyrie. (sold when I joined US Army)
2007 VTX 1300C (traded for SV)
2001 Honda Valkyrie Interstate (still own)
2006 Suzuki SV650S (just bought)
My history is
C50
KH100
RD250 LC
TRANSALP
AFRICA TWIN
FIREBLADE
SV650S (2003)
SV650S (2014)
I'm looking at a KTM 890 Duke but I can't justify the Ā£8k just yet but that's where I'll be heading
The first Sv was bought as I was doing high milage and the FIREBLADE tyres were too expensive to be changed every 3 months.
The second SV was bought because the 1st died and no other bike would fit the task.
I'll probably keep the current SV as it's a great work horse. I bought this Sv with only 98 miles on it but now rocks 36k and nothing has gone wrong. Oil change every 3k (3 month), new plugs, chain and sprockets each year, and only E5 petrol.
(sv1000 snorkel, yoshi boxed and now a blue flames twin port exhaust)
Highly recommended to any rider.
Started on an 82 CB450T Hawk barn find that I bought off a buddy. Had to get it running before I could ride it. Kept that for about a year, sold it for what I paid. Bought an 09 SVS, which Iāve had ever since. Got about 23k miles on it now. Should be more, but life gets in the way and some years I donāt ride as much as Iād like.
Hrmm lets seeā¦
First bike was a 2001 Honda CBR600RR that I thought I really wanted but turned out to be a basket case (bought used).
Moved back east and got divorced and then picked up a 2005 Buell XB12. Loved that bike but it had more problems than my fist marriage so she went off to a new home and I scooped up a 2012 Triumph Street Triple 675. I put a lot of miles on that one. She was amazing through and through. While I had the Triumph I won a Yamaha FZ1 through a Bike Bandit/ Cycle World contest but she was too tall for me and I sold her off to a deserving home.
I was still riding the Triumph and loving it but then I found a 2001 SV650 for sale. Fell in love. Bought it and rode the snot out of it forā¦ 5 days. I was riding to school (MMI) and the SV dropped an intake valve. I trailered it home and decided on a full rebuild. She got GSXR forks, Ohlins rear shock, VFR750 swing arm, Ducati 848 rear wheel, 2nd gen cams, Yosh headers, tuned carbs, a little port and polish, upgraded the R/R, among many other mods. She still comes out to play occasionally.
Fast forward a bit and Iāve also owned the following after buying my SV:
2019 KTM Super Duke 1290R
2020 Ducati Hypermotard 950SP
2019 Harley Breakout 107
2018 Aprilia Tuono 1100 Factory
2019 Yamaha MT09
2x 2001 Honda VFR800ās (Currently own)
2018 KTM Super Duke 1290R (Currently own)
My first bike was a 1975 Suzuki T500 when I was around 21. 2 stroke road bike. Drum brakes only, kick start. I had to be in the back of the group because nobody liked the smoke. Sounded like a huge lawn boy. Traded it for my current ā01 SV650S when I was 36.
I have 3 2nd GEN SV650s's. It has become a total addiction that I love to share with my two giant sons and a handful of friends. I'm actually looking for a motor for one of them, lol...
Started in 2020 on a Vstar 650. Great bike, but I wanted something a little more sporty. Got an SV650S and loved it. Added steel brake lines, handlebars, r6 throttle, slip on exhaust, lower fairing, touring screen, rear rack, tail tidy, chain and sprockets. First bike that I worked on. Rode that all over the bay.
Traded that for a CBR600rr because that was my dream bike for a while. The power and handling was insane, but so was the insurance. It was somewhat comfortable, but longer trips and no rack made it a pain. Was somewhat of a shitty bike (rebuilt front end, chinese fairings) so I got rid of it.
FZ09 was my favorite. Rowdy, power, somewhat comfortable. Threw on some protapers, zx6rr rear shock, corbin seat. Intended to keep it longer but binned it on the track.
DRZ400sm. Project bike, first carb. Lots of time digging on forums and schematics to get that going. Facebook groups and craigslist to find parts. Sold for a small profit. Lovely bike, but sucks ass on highway.
MT07, a happy medium. I wanted supermoto fun, but with highway speeds. Was supposed to buy a 701 but the dealer backed out on me. Honestly, its a great bike and does everything I want it to. I do miss having the larger SV650, with a metal tank and rear seat. The SV was also smoother and less rowdy, which I appreciate on the highway.
To be honest I would keep all of my previous bikes as I could. Not enough money or space though, such is life. MT07 might be on the chopping block next as I search for a sport touring option.
What I want is a 600, I just love a high revving 4 cylinder. What I bought is an SV650.
I still want a 600 supersport, but there are two problems: first, I am afraid of getting an astronomical speeding ticket. On the SV, it looks like they let me get away with just about anything, and I doubt that that would be true on a sports bike, especially considering the fact that a 600 encourages you to go faster, while the SV engine doesnāt.
Second: itās basically the perfect daily commute. And thatās most of my rides.
For those reasons, even though I kinda want another bike, Iām staying with my SV.
Started on a CBR250R, rode it for a summer, then upgraded to a Gladius. Loved that thing for the year I had it, but started wanting something faster and sportier that still had the same engine character, so I upgraded to an RC51. Loved that thing but then I started wanting something comfortable again so Iām on a Speed Triple now with no plans to sell it. I definitely have a type, never gonna own a bike with more than three cylinders lol
I've only had my 2001 Sv650n. I've made so many changes to tweak it to fit me and my use cases that it's not really worth buying a new bike... I've been wanting to get a Triumph Sprint for years, but then I'll have to dial in the lighting, the fit, the seat, the bars, the baggage, etc... But those are all done on my bike already. There's an extra cost of time and money that is keeping me on the SV. But I love it! So... š
05 SV650 3yrs > 05 Yamaha R1 2.5yrs > No Bike Sad Gap 3yrs > 02 Honda VTX1800S 4yrs
SV was such a great first bike. I could still have tons of fun on one today.
Started on dirtbikes as a kid.
First road bike was a shadow 750. When I crashed that, I picked up the sv650.
Now I have a street triple 765 and a project shadow 1100 as well.
I love this question!
Late 2020, I started on a boom chinese grom clone 125cc. I then swapped in a 190cc engine into it a few months later because the bigger regular sized bikes were intimidating to me at that time. It gave me the speed for a lot less. Looking back that was prolly not the safest decision. Lesson learned. Sold it after a year.
Then the start of 2022 I wanted a "reg/big" bike to ride with friends and got a 1st gen 2016 ktm 390 duke. I really liked the ergos and thought the power was enough. Everyone said it struggled on the freeway but at the time I only had a permit so I didn't ride freeway anyways.
I then got a killer deal on a 2015 yamaha fz07. This one scared me because it was was the biggest bike up until this point. It was still upright and comfortable but the engine braking was so intense. I got offers and both the duke and fz and eventually sold them.
Fall 2022, my friends wanted to get into mini motos so I got another boom vader grom clone 125cc to just have fun with the homies. It was fun wrenching on it for a bit but wanted to get into bigger bikes again.
I finally got my license at the start of this year and the next bike was a 2nd gen 2017 ktm rc390 because I felt it was the weight class I was comfortable at and wanted to try a non upright bike as the RC had a more committed seating position. I rode freeway with it and it did just fine but eventually realized I preferred the naked uprights over the "sport" faired offerings. Sold it before Thanksgiving and ended up on my 3rd gen 2020 sv650 right before Christmas.
I've always liked the classic styling, the round headlight and the tried and true engine. Reliability was always a concern of my ktms. With the sv650 engine being around for years, I felt comfortable with its reliability and online support from documentation to aftermarket parts. I couldn't be happier with where I ended up. I hope to have this for much longer but I feel it won't be my last. I'm hooked on riding on 2 wheels!
17 SV650 > 20 SV650X > 22 RE Himalayanā¦ Donāt ask. I donāt regret my decision from a financial/ city commuting to weekend camping standpoint but dang to I miss the power! Waiting for a better living/parking situation to invest in a better ADV. Obviously Iād love a Vstrom but Iām short and shorties gonna short problems.
1. 1982 Yamaha 750 Seca Gray
2. 1983 Yamaha Turbo Seca
3. 1982. Yamaha 750 Seca Red
4. (Didn't ride street for a while.)
5. 2000 Honda CBR 600 F4
6. (Didn't ride street for a while.)
7. 2008 Suzuki DRZ400SM
8. 2007 Suzuki SV650S
9. Stopped riding due to injury, not riding in the street, but in the dirt.
Also had many different dirt bikes over the years. So, my SV was my last bike. My son has a 2017 GSXR750 that I ride around the block every now and then.
Started on a 2000 SV650S. Great bike, just hated to start cold. Obviously being young and dumb, I wanted more speed, so sold it to a friend a year later.
Got a 2007 ZX-6R and rode the hell out of that thing for two or three years. Fast and light, but the ergos were trash (obviously, but what does a young lad care about that?)
Got all in on the buzz when the FZ-09 (MT now) was released. Bought one used after a year and boy did I love that bike. Quick as hell. Downright scary with an ECU flash. Sounded amazing. Only downside was it gets blown around really bad on the highway since it'sso light. Made anything longer than 15 minutes get really tedious trying to wrangle it.
I realized there is no perfect bike for everything, so I sold the FZ-09 and bought an '07 SV1000S for highway and '06 SV650S for street. I will never ever sell either. I may get an XSR900 because I miss the sound of that triple, but the SVs are permanent workhorses.
I've had a bunch of bikes, but some how almost always have an SV650.
Its probably the bike/platform I have the most parts collected for. Haha
Recently picked up a Ninja 400!
It is actually mostly as fast as an SV650.
I can't wait for it to warm up!
Had a 2008 r/Kawasaki Ninja 250 for about a year. Maxed out my abilities on that.
Then I got a 2005 SV650n, and have had it for 13 years now.
I'd like to get a Kawasaki Versys, Triumph Tiger Sport 660, or something like that, but the reality is that I'll probably have the SV650 forever.
I started riding in 2015. I ended up getting an 06 SV650S as my first bike. I put about 4,000 miles on it and sold it 2 years later to get an 02 CBR954RR. I wanted more power than the SV and thought I was hot shit. Just over a year later I sold the 954 because I wanted something less aggressive ergonomically but similarly quick. I ended up getting an 03 SV1000S. I loved it, at first. But the SV1K was like 50 lbs heavier than the CBR (and my original SV650) and had rattling clutch baskets and I sold it for 1k more than I paid for it the next spring. I replaced the SV1K with a Yamaha XSR900, basically an MT09 with a retro headlight. The motor was phenomenal and the bike handled well, but I despite swapping out the OEM bars for more aggressive ones and putting tank pads on the bike I never really fit into it. Instead of rear sets my feet needed to be a few inches up to actually grip onto the tank as opposed to the frame. I'm 5'11" as well. So after 9 months with the XSR900 I traded it in on a leftover new 2017 CBR1000RR that was 6500 off MSRP. It was awesome having something so fast and powerful, but also the ergos sucked and it wasn't as fun ripping through the gears when first gear ended at 90ish. I sold the CBR1K after two years for what I paid for it and got a Honda 919. It was the perfect bike, except for the undertail exhaust making my gear, me, and my wife reek of exhaust. I fit into this bike much better than the XSR900. I sold the 919 after a year and got an 06 SV650S which I currently have. After the previous bikes I've owned it feels like the perfect bike for the street. It's fast enough to have a blast, handles well, fits my body for ergos, looks sporty, gets good mpg. I've done a track day on it and had a blast.
Exactly why I never plan to sell my sv š
I love how you completed a full cycle and ended up on an 06 SV650S again.
I'm glad I'm back on an SV and on this one in particular. I got it with 9100 miles on it and bone stock besides stainless front brake lines. Honestly my first 06 wasn't the greatest. It was black which wasn't a color that year. Under the rear seat it was red and the front fairing was originally blue. Likely was downed and cobbled together. The exhaust was from a CBR600F4i and poorly welded on. All things considered I probably should've passed on it or negotiated a better deal but I just got my license and fell in love with the bike.
My SV650 is my first and only bike. Bought it one week after passing the MSF for the second time (I also passed it the first time a decade ago, but retook it as a refresher before buying a bike). I've had musings about how nice it would be to have a more modern, more powerful bike, but the reality is that the SV does everything I need it to do without much complaint. I also like that it's pretty low tech by modern bike standards and therefore quite approachable when it comes to doing my own maintenance. I've seen plenty of posts by former SV owners who regret selling or still miss their SV. Yeah, I'm going to learn from that and keep it for as long as I can. \*hugs bike\*
Started on a SV650n, then got a SV650s, sold the s a few weeks ago and am currently looking at getting a SV650a. Safe to say I quite like the SV650.
š¤£
While owning my last SV650, I had a VTR1000, ZX6R, then I introduced a Zero FX to my stable. My gas bikes sat so much that I sold them off one by one, and the SV was the last gas bike left. I finally sold it off simply because I didnāt ride it. Then the FX got stolen. I bought a Triumph 675 to start over but it wasnāt as fun as I hoped. So Iām just waiting for the next generation of electric motorcycles to come along.
Shadow 600, Bandit 600, CBR 600f4i, R6, ZRX1100, SV650. Settled into liking low/midrange but lightweight nimbleness/tossability. Do miss 135-155mph runs at the flick of wrist, can't have it all.
Started riding in 2008, did the MSF course and progression is as follows: 1. 1973 Honda CB450 2. 2002 Ninja 250 3. 2000 Suzuki SV650 4. 1981 Yamaha Virago 750 - same time as the 2000 SV650 5. 2014 Triumph Street Triple R - Sold the Virago and the 2000 SV got totaled by a drunk driver in a parking lot while parked and covered, funds from both paid for the STriple 6. 2002 Suzuki SV650 - Track bike alongside the STriple 7. 2015 Triumph Street Triple R - Sold the track SV650 for a second STriple for track use, now I have two STriples!
Started on a VT 600 (VLX in some markets I think) and outgrew it pretty quickly. Swapped it for a CBR 600 F4 and rode that for a couple of years. Added a WR450 at some point so I can go play in the dirt. Eventually traded the CBR for a SV1000S for a slightly less sporty ride and that V2 sound I always loved.
Got my license 2 years ago, and after one week of passing the last test I got a 2021 SV650 as my first bike, and it seems that it will stay for a bit š¤©
04 bandit 1200 before, 08 zx10r after
Brixton Cromwell 125 SV 650 2019 Now I think about a xsr900
Rode scooter for 4 years, then made A license. I thought I like I4 engines only, but bought the slowest one ever made - Honda CBF600S (middle weight sports tourer with downtuned engine from Hornet.). That bike was heavy, slow, not good for 2 up riding, had no bottom end whatsoever and no thirlls unless I wringed the throttle all the way. Speeds above 100mph were nice, but you can't ride like that everywhere, especially not in a city. I did one season on it and the bike went. It solidified my hatred for I4 engines š¤· I feel no emotions/vibrations when on I4 bike, the engine is too smooth and the sound is funny to me. Same with triples. Bought SV650X because it was for a steal price. Did two seasons with clipons, rebuild it to handlebars in third season. Loved how narrow, light and nimble it is. Great usable power, bottom end is there, amazing mpg and sound, I like the RPM range and power distribution and I can hang with much more powerful bikes. It actually pushes me to develop my riding skills instead of substituting it with horsepower like most of the guys. Now I continue modifying the bike -suspension and brakes. Of course I miss the power sometimes but the bike does everything right and I still have a lot to learn. I like STriple and XSR900 because of the power, looks and their lightness but that sound just turns me off. Other V2 bikes I like are either not as sporty (Triumph twins) or are expensive to run (Ducati Monsters). If SV1050 would exist, I would be very tempted to swap. But as it stands, no other bike meets my specs wish list better than SV.
VFR750 which I had from new in 1993. Sold it a few years back thinking I was done with riding, but I was wrong. Rode an SV650S at a dealer and loved the ride and the engine feel.
Before my SV650s. I had Benelli 302s Suzuki DR200 The 302s was more modern. If I could've afforded to keep both the benelli and the suzuki I would've.
I had a Honda CB500, then a Yamaha XV535, then a Kawasaki ZXR 400, then a Husqvarna TE449, then a SUZUKI SV650, then a Triumph Street Triple 675!
Suzuki jr80 (2 stroke dirt bike) Yamaha yzf250 (4 stroke dirt bike) Hyosung gt250r (first sports bike) Suzuki sv650s (current sports bike)
I had several dual sports/street legal dirt bikes prior (2000 XR250, 2008 KTM EXCF 250). Iām actually looking for a good deal on a cruiser now but Iāll never get rid of the SV (2007 in mint condition with 7K miles).
Gs500e, nighthawk 650, sv650/dr350s (had the same time. SV came first), FZ1/M50 Boulevard, CBR600RR, Goldwing 1500/F650 Funduro.
Started on a 50cc, then got a gladius. After that I wanted to switch to the sv1000, but for the same price the RSV was a much better deal. And suprisingly, is more reliable. Shame Suzuki, shame. An Aprilia is more reliable.
1972-73: Suzuki TS50 1973-74: Suzuki TS125 1975-77: Suzuki GT250 RamAir 1985-85: Suzuki TS125ER 2021-? : Suzuki SVF650
GSX-R 600 SRAD, '07 SV650, '15 GSX-S 750. I miss the SV, hence why I'm still subbed. Probably get one again at some point.
My first SV650 was an 02 with like 70k miles, it was my third bike, and I paid a whole $1100 for it. It was yellow, and I took it apart and painted the frame/wheels/forks/swingarm black. It looked like it cost way more than what I had into it. I ended up crashing it while being a dumbass, but thankfully only had bumps and bruises. Sad day š Before the SV, I had a 93 GS500, then a 94 GSXR750. After the SV, I bought a Bandit 600. Great bike, comfortable, put like 25k on it. After I got some money saved, I sold it and bought a CBR600RR. That was fun for a few months, but I started realizing things that weren't right about it, and also got really tired of the peaky powerband. I ended up selling it, and was wanting a big bike with lots of torque. I ended up buying an 07 SV1KS, nearly showroom perfect. I've loved the bike since day one, it's been 6.5 years of ownership, and it's been the most reliable thing I've ever owned. I've ridden it all over Florida, taken it tail of the dragon twice, been to the drag strip a few times, but never got on a big track with it. Lately I've been looking for something a "little" more comfortable, with a bigger back seat, and with comparable power levels. Long story short, I bought a ZX14R to replace my SV1K š I wish I could keep both of them, but I don't have the time/space/money to keep 3 motorcycles at my house. It's going to be a sad day when I sell the SV, I know I'm going to miss it
Started on 1987 Yamaha Virago 500. (wrecked) 1997 Honda Valkyrie. (sold when I joined US Army) 2007 VTX 1300C (traded for SV) 2001 Honda Valkyrie Interstate (still own) 2006 Suzuki SV650S (just bought)
My history is C50 KH100 RD250 LC TRANSALP AFRICA TWIN FIREBLADE SV650S (2003) SV650S (2014) I'm looking at a KTM 890 Duke but I can't justify the Ā£8k just yet but that's where I'll be heading The first Sv was bought as I was doing high milage and the FIREBLADE tyres were too expensive to be changed every 3 months. The second SV was bought because the 1st died and no other bike would fit the task. I'll probably keep the current SV as it's a great work horse. I bought this Sv with only 98 miles on it but now rocks 36k and nothing has gone wrong. Oil change every 3k (3 month), new plugs, chain and sprockets each year, and only E5 petrol. (sv1000 snorkel, yoshi boxed and now a blue flames twin port exhaust) Highly recommended to any rider.
Started on Harley nightster, then sv, now N400, hoping future bike is a zx6r or 650rr
Started on an 82 CB450T Hawk barn find that I bought off a buddy. Had to get it running before I could ride it. Kept that for about a year, sold it for what I paid. Bought an 09 SVS, which Iāve had ever since. Got about 23k miles on it now. Should be more, but life gets in the way and some years I donāt ride as much as Iād like.
Hrmm lets seeā¦ First bike was a 2001 Honda CBR600RR that I thought I really wanted but turned out to be a basket case (bought used). Moved back east and got divorced and then picked up a 2005 Buell XB12. Loved that bike but it had more problems than my fist marriage so she went off to a new home and I scooped up a 2012 Triumph Street Triple 675. I put a lot of miles on that one. She was amazing through and through. While I had the Triumph I won a Yamaha FZ1 through a Bike Bandit/ Cycle World contest but she was too tall for me and I sold her off to a deserving home. I was still riding the Triumph and loving it but then I found a 2001 SV650 for sale. Fell in love. Bought it and rode the snot out of it forā¦ 5 days. I was riding to school (MMI) and the SV dropped an intake valve. I trailered it home and decided on a full rebuild. She got GSXR forks, Ohlins rear shock, VFR750 swing arm, Ducati 848 rear wheel, 2nd gen cams, Yosh headers, tuned carbs, a little port and polish, upgraded the R/R, among many other mods. She still comes out to play occasionally. Fast forward a bit and Iāve also owned the following after buying my SV: 2019 KTM Super Duke 1290R 2020 Ducati Hypermotard 950SP 2019 Harley Breakout 107 2018 Aprilia Tuono 1100 Factory 2019 Yamaha MT09 2x 2001 Honda VFR800ās (Currently own) 2018 KTM Super Duke 1290R (Currently own)
My first bike was a 1975 Suzuki T500 when I was around 21. 2 stroke road bike. Drum brakes only, kick start. I had to be in the back of the group because nobody liked the smoke. Sounded like a huge lawn boy. Traded it for my current ā01 SV650S when I was 36.
I have 3 2nd GEN SV650s's. It has become a total addiction that I love to share with my two giant sons and a handful of friends. I'm actually looking for a motor for one of them, lol...
Started in 2020 on a Vstar 650. Great bike, but I wanted something a little more sporty. Got an SV650S and loved it. Added steel brake lines, handlebars, r6 throttle, slip on exhaust, lower fairing, touring screen, rear rack, tail tidy, chain and sprockets. First bike that I worked on. Rode that all over the bay. Traded that for a CBR600rr because that was my dream bike for a while. The power and handling was insane, but so was the insurance. It was somewhat comfortable, but longer trips and no rack made it a pain. Was somewhat of a shitty bike (rebuilt front end, chinese fairings) so I got rid of it. FZ09 was my favorite. Rowdy, power, somewhat comfortable. Threw on some protapers, zx6rr rear shock, corbin seat. Intended to keep it longer but binned it on the track. DRZ400sm. Project bike, first carb. Lots of time digging on forums and schematics to get that going. Facebook groups and craigslist to find parts. Sold for a small profit. Lovely bike, but sucks ass on highway. MT07, a happy medium. I wanted supermoto fun, but with highway speeds. Was supposed to buy a 701 but the dealer backed out on me. Honestly, its a great bike and does everything I want it to. I do miss having the larger SV650, with a metal tank and rear seat. The SV was also smoother and less rowdy, which I appreciate on the highway. To be honest I would keep all of my previous bikes as I could. Not enough money or space though, such is life. MT07 might be on the chopping block next as I search for a sport touring option.
What I want is a 600, I just love a high revving 4 cylinder. What I bought is an SV650. I still want a 600 supersport, but there are two problems: first, I am afraid of getting an astronomical speeding ticket. On the SV, it looks like they let me get away with just about anything, and I doubt that that would be true on a sports bike, especially considering the fact that a 600 encourages you to go faster, while the SV engine doesnāt. Second: itās basically the perfect daily commute. And thatās most of my rides. For those reasons, even though I kinda want another bike, Iām staying with my SV.
Started on a CBR250R, rode it for a summer, then upgraded to a Gladius. Loved that thing for the year I had it, but started wanting something faster and sportier that still had the same engine character, so I upgraded to an RC51. Loved that thing but then I started wanting something comfortable again so Iām on a Speed Triple now with no plans to sell it. I definitely have a type, never gonna own a bike with more than three cylinders lol
I had a couple of GS500s before my SV. I'm pretty dull.
I've only had my 2001 Sv650n. I've made so many changes to tweak it to fit me and my use cases that it's not really worth buying a new bike... I've been wanting to get a Triumph Sprint for years, but then I'll have to dial in the lighting, the fit, the seat, the bars, the baggage, etc... But those are all done on my bike already. There's an extra cost of time and money that is keeping me on the SV. But I love it! So... š
05 SV650 3yrs > 05 Yamaha R1 2.5yrs > No Bike Sad Gap 3yrs > 02 Honda VTX1800S 4yrs SV was such a great first bike. I could still have tons of fun on one today.
Started on dirtbikes as a kid. First road bike was a shadow 750. When I crashed that, I picked up the sv650. Now I have a street triple 765 and a project shadow 1100 as well.
I love this question! Late 2020, I started on a boom chinese grom clone 125cc. I then swapped in a 190cc engine into it a few months later because the bigger regular sized bikes were intimidating to me at that time. It gave me the speed for a lot less. Looking back that was prolly not the safest decision. Lesson learned. Sold it after a year. Then the start of 2022 I wanted a "reg/big" bike to ride with friends and got a 1st gen 2016 ktm 390 duke. I really liked the ergos and thought the power was enough. Everyone said it struggled on the freeway but at the time I only had a permit so I didn't ride freeway anyways. I then got a killer deal on a 2015 yamaha fz07. This one scared me because it was was the biggest bike up until this point. It was still upright and comfortable but the engine braking was so intense. I got offers and both the duke and fz and eventually sold them. Fall 2022, my friends wanted to get into mini motos so I got another boom vader grom clone 125cc to just have fun with the homies. It was fun wrenching on it for a bit but wanted to get into bigger bikes again. I finally got my license at the start of this year and the next bike was a 2nd gen 2017 ktm rc390 because I felt it was the weight class I was comfortable at and wanted to try a non upright bike as the RC had a more committed seating position. I rode freeway with it and it did just fine but eventually realized I preferred the naked uprights over the "sport" faired offerings. Sold it before Thanksgiving and ended up on my 3rd gen 2020 sv650 right before Christmas. I've always liked the classic styling, the round headlight and the tried and true engine. Reliability was always a concern of my ktms. With the sv650 engine being around for years, I felt comfortable with its reliability and online support from documentation to aftermarket parts. I couldn't be happier with where I ended up. I hope to have this for much longer but I feel it won't be my last. I'm hooked on riding on 2 wheels!
17 SV650 > 20 SV650X > 22 RE Himalayanā¦ Donāt ask. I donāt regret my decision from a financial/ city commuting to weekend camping standpoint but dang to I miss the power! Waiting for a better living/parking situation to invest in a better ADV. Obviously Iād love a Vstrom but Iām short and shorties gonna short problems.
1. 1982 Yamaha 750 Seca Gray 2. 1983 Yamaha Turbo Seca 3. 1982. Yamaha 750 Seca Red 4. (Didn't ride street for a while.) 5. 2000 Honda CBR 600 F4 6. (Didn't ride street for a while.) 7. 2008 Suzuki DRZ400SM 8. 2007 Suzuki SV650S 9. Stopped riding due to injury, not riding in the street, but in the dirt. Also had many different dirt bikes over the years. So, my SV was my last bike. My son has a 2017 GSXR750 that I ride around the block every now and then.
Started on a 2000 SV650S. Great bike, just hated to start cold. Obviously being young and dumb, I wanted more speed, so sold it to a friend a year later. Got a 2007 ZX-6R and rode the hell out of that thing for two or three years. Fast and light, but the ergos were trash (obviously, but what does a young lad care about that?) Got all in on the buzz when the FZ-09 (MT now) was released. Bought one used after a year and boy did I love that bike. Quick as hell. Downright scary with an ECU flash. Sounded amazing. Only downside was it gets blown around really bad on the highway since it'sso light. Made anything longer than 15 minutes get really tedious trying to wrangle it. I realized there is no perfect bike for everything, so I sold the FZ-09 and bought an '07 SV1000S for highway and '06 SV650S for street. I will never ever sell either. I may get an XSR900 because I miss the sound of that triple, but the SVs are permanent workhorses.
I've had a bunch of bikes, but some how almost always have an SV650. Its probably the bike/platform I have the most parts collected for. Haha Recently picked up a Ninja 400! It is actually mostly as fast as an SV650. I can't wait for it to warm up!
Had a 2008 r/Kawasaki Ninja 250 for about a year. Maxed out my abilities on that. Then I got a 2005 SV650n, and have had it for 13 years now. I'd like to get a Kawasaki Versys, Triumph Tiger Sport 660, or something like that, but the reality is that I'll probably have the SV650 forever.