What Year SV650 should I buy?

C

ChiGGz

Active member
Hi Everyone,

After some research I think the SV650 is the most reasonable bike for me in terms of power, insurance and looks.

I was wondering if there is a specific year of this bike that I should avoid or if any year is fine?

In particular I was thinking the price points of the 2003 wasn't too bad.

Thanks in advance!
 
I may be wrong, but I believe there was an early 2000 year model which used a slightly different size/shaped swing arm or frame; some structual component. Either the '02, '03 or '04 which can only have those parts replaced with parts from the same year.

Or I could be talking complete crap :P. Was told something along these lines when I was bike shopping last year, from a Honda tech (who happened to work at Suzuki previously) at the Supershow. The memory is a blur.
 
Buy my 2008 !

Take a look in my sig.
 
Jampy00 said:
Buy my 2008 !
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How do you like the TechSpecs? Need somethin for the track, but don't want it to chew me up when I ride in shorts!

-Jamie M.
 
1999-2002: carbed, analog gauges, rounded styling, welded aluminum frame. Personally, I'd love to score a factory naked in stock condition, but they're rare specimens.

2003+: FI, digital instruments, angular styling, cast aluminum frame, a few more hp/ft-lbs. 2003s are the slightly unique, according to Wikipedia:

"The 2003 SV650s also supported some first generation parts (like the rearsets and radiator). The subframe is also angled up higher than 2004+ models. The different subframe has year-specific parts, such as the rider seat, plastic frame covers, exhaust hanger brackets and passenger pegs."

The naked SVN has different gearing and rearsets from the fairing-equipped SVS (according to some road tests).

Go with FI if it's your daily rider. Carbs are a nuisance on a commuter/short hop bike, especially during spring/fall/cold mornings.
 
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I'd stay away from the 03's, the first year of the "pointy" Sv650's....they had some unique parts that if anything were to happen to your 03 may be much harder to find.

Alo 05+ had the black frame vs alu color from before....The bike looks much better with the black frame

My fiance rides an 04 street fightered SV650S with 05 GSXR front, Aprilia Shiver headlight and handlebar, Two brothers Pipe meant for a GSXR. I spent a lot of time riding it too and simply love that bike.

By far the best mod is the addition of the motorcross styled handlebars. Sv650 has for some reason a very aggressive riding position that puts a lot of weight on your wrists. The more upright riding position of the street figher made it 10x better. Its more comfortable and confidence inspiring.

i'll see if i can find pics of it and post it up.

photo5_zps5ad67ebc.jpg
 
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Red_Liner740 said:
I'd stay away from the 03's, the first year of the "pointy" Sv650's....they had some unique parts that if anything were to happen to your 03 may be much harder to find.

Alo 05+ had the black frame vs alu color from before....The bike looks much better with the black frame

My fiance rides an 04 street fightered SV650S with 05 GSXR front, Aprilia Shiver headlight and handlebar, Two brothers Pipe meant for a GSXR. I spent a lot of time riding it too and simply love that bike.

By far the best mod is the addition of the motorcross styled handlebars. Sv650 has for some reason a very aggressive riding position that puts a lot of weight on your wrists. The more upright riding position of the street figher made it 10x better. Its more comfortable and confidence inspiring.

i'll see if i can find pics of it and post it up.

photo5_zps5ad67ebc.jpg
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Hey Redliner, did you manage to find any pics?
 
toysareforboys said:
How do you like the TechSpecs? Need somethin for the track, but don't want it to chew me up when I ride in shorts!

-Jamie M.
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They are amazing, I got them to stop nut crunchin' when I have a passenger. The grip is great and they don't dig into your skin.
 
Jampy00 said:
They are amazing, I got them to stop nut crunchin' when I have a passenger. The grip is great and they don't dig into your skin.
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Woot woot :) I ordered at 3pm from bluestreak yesturday, received them this morning! Now I just have to wait for some warm weather to install them, maybe get out the hair dryer :)

-Jamie M.
 
People have nailed the major points. I wouldn't buy a 2003 because of it's uniqueness. Either buy a curvy from 2000 to 2002 or a pointy from 2004 onwards. They started coming fully faired in '08 and around '07 or '08 you could get ABS.

If I had my choice, I'd get a fully faired S model with ABS. What I have is an '04 S, half faired, no ABS - and I love it. Although I removed the clip-ons and put on clamps and handlebars from an N.
 
toysareforboys said:
Woot woot :) I ordered at 3pm from bluestreak yesturday, received them this morning! Now I just have to wait for some warm weather to install them, maybe get out the hair dryer :)

-Jamie M.
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Due to the fact that you can peel these off and re-apply they never feel like they 100% adhere until you get them out in the sun. So wait for a warm day or heat up the tank until it is nice and warm.
 
Jampy00 said:
Due to the fact that you can peel these off and re-apply they never feel like they 100% adhere until you get them out in the sun. So wait for a warm day or heat up the tank until it is nice and warm.
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Thanks. I remember with my ex's they never seemed to stick properly so we 5 minute epoxy'd them on there. Her's ain't never comin off ;)

I'll wait for a warm day and get the tank hot too before I attempt it.

-Jamie M.
 
ChiGGz said:
Hey Redliner, did you manage to find any pics?
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You cant see the picture i posted in there?? weird...

let me repost it again

photo5_zps5ad67ebc.jpg
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I'm also taking the bikes out of the winter storage tomorrow so i'll snap a few more better pics...this angle and quality is not the most flattering.
 
None of the "unique" parts for the 2003 SV650 are too hard to find. The subframe was steel vs. aluminum in latter years, the seat was slightly different and the rearsets. That's about the only significant difference, none of them too crucial. Do not shy away if you find a good deal. They were popular bikes, lots of used and aftermarket support, no matter which year.
 
My 2005 sv650s is full fairings so don't know why people are saying they don't
 
Any year - as long as it is in good condition. You can narrow it down to Carb vs. fuel injected.....
 
frekeyguy said:
Any year - as long as it is in good condition. You can narrow it down to Carb vs. fuel injected.....
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What year did they start Fi?

-Jamie M.
 
They started FI with the new generation, the Pointy gen.

Regarding 03's....imagine if you crashed, you are now trying to find spare parts for the subframe....you go on kijiji and realize there are NO 03 parts and TONS of 04+.

If you are choosing between an 03 and 04+, they are the same price and shape, i'd choose an 04+ every single time. In fact i'd go 05+ just to get the black frame instead of silver. It makes the bike look so much better.
 
I understand that concern and if the SV was truly a rare bike - yes. However it never was and there's TONS of aftermarket and used parts for every year of the production. If something is exactly same price and condition I would generally go with the newer model anyhow unless the particular year had some specific issues which was never the case with SVs.

Over-analyzing and hypothesizing too much can cloud one's vision.
 
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