Does anyone here ride an SV650S?
 

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anyone here has a Suzuki SV650S 2003+. I'm looking into getting one and replacing my Ninja 250. Granted I'm going away from fuel miser and going to a torque monster - I just don't know what kind of mileage penalty I'll be getting.

-SDF

From what I've read the Ninja 650 gets 60+ if driven reasonably, the SV's with the FI instead of carbs (2003+ I think) are about the same.

Shameless plug: Stay with mother Kaw. Check out the Ninja 650 for a fun and comfortable bike with good MPG potential. It tolerates tall gearing well and I understand they have adjustable cam timing gears from the factory for even more torque, or HP. If my Concours ever dies, that's my next bike.

Thanks beatr911,

I did look at the Kawi 650R, but the only reason was that I didn't want to spend additional money on getting clip-ons. I was deciding on between the two (SV and 650R) but after doing my own research I think the SV is a bit more to my liking, however the 650R is a super close - plus the '08s have the Kawi Green. I'm trying to see if I can swing for a used SV, but if that fails I surely will revisit the 650R, esp with KAWI GREEN!

Your 250 looks just like mine lol my front right fork started to leak oil at 8k for some reason. But i get about 72-78mpg out of my 04 ninja with muzzy exhaust.

They are great bikes and it looks like I'm going to take beatr911's suggestion of keeping the kawi.

Versys
 

Maybe we'll see how the Ninja 650 does soon enough. I'm close to dropping the hammer on an 08 Kawasaki Versys 650. They run pretty much the same engine.
Anything is better than the 06 Triumph Sprint (37mpg average) I just got rid of.

Jim T.

My 955i Tiger gets 45mpg no matter what. I had an CBR600F3 and could get close to 60 or as little as 30. My KTM 640LC4 got 54 unless riding off road.
My 103CI Chopper with an S&S got 45mpg. The singles and twins can do well for mpg's. No reason the SV can't get 60 if your easy on it.

All in all any bike can get good economy. The small CC bikes can do better, but suck on the highway for long trips. Considering that the Tiger can handle 2 up, plus 3 loaded cases and ride all day in comfort is hard to beat.

Ride for fun and get the bike you think is right. If you like it more then you'll ride more.

Might take a look at the BMW F650 if spending that much for a Versys. Also another good cheap bike is the Suzuki Bandit 600S. I think I'm buying one of these next week.

The versys is tuned for more down low and mid range torque. Even though it is the same engine as the Ninja 650 they have different cams and tuning to them. The Ninja has higher HP. The versys also has completly different guages and rear suspension setup. Along with a 5gal fuel tank opposed to the Ninja's 4.1gal.

I am torn between the 2 for my next bike :(

Torn between the a Versys or Ninja 650R
 

My thought would be to go with the Versys since it has a 5 gal tank. From what I see, the more ability to store fuel, the better of you'll be. However, that being said, I don't think I fit on a Versys cause way taller than a 650R.:(

Can't tell you mileage. But try to get a 2004+ SV650. The 2003 was the first year of the second generation SV650 with the fuel injection, new frame and all, but there was a variation on the crankshaft. A 2004 model and up would be better for durability.

Great bike. Very popular, and even used parts are easy to come by on ebay. Much more popular than the Kaw 650. Nothing against, Kawasaki, but the SV just has a huge following. I know of several SV message boards.