Faults:

Nothing major.

General Comments:

A small step up from a beginner's bike. Don't believe the hype in these reviews. The bike is just meh. It's a fun bike, but all motorcycles are fun to a degree. A lot of reviewers are 'churching' this bike up here. It's not that great. Not fast. Not quick. Corners okay. Brakes okay. Looks pretty dull.

I suspect the reason there are so many positive reviews is because most people can't ride and don't know bikes. So a large number of riders are referred to the SV650, which is a fairly tame bike for people who can't ride and don't know much about bikes.

Faults:

I have had no problems at all on my 03 naked. In fact it is the least problematic bike I have ever owned. I beat on it hard, I'm an ex road racer, and I use the red line ;)

General Comments:

The stock SV650 is way soft suspension wise. You ride fast on it and you'll get hurt. A few little mods and the bike will rail around corners. Even as low tech as the suspension is, it will work.

I like the seat, and the bars are perfect for me. I love my SV. ;)

Faults:

Only things I have had to replace on this bike have been the brakes and chain/sprockets. I am very impressed, I beat this bike up, and it keeps coming back for more!

General Comments:

I have just over 41k miles on this engine, and it runs just as good as the day I got it. I have changed the oil with synthetic oil every 3k miles, and have installed a K&N air filter.

I am very impressed with the reliability of this bike; I have laid it down, and only had minor cosmetic damage.

Faults:

The bike I purchased is a 1 owner bike. At first, I was a little disappointed with the bike's comfort. The seat is a little rough at first, but you will get used to it.

The handling on the bike is exquisite. It leans great and rides smooth. Basically you're paying half the cost and still achieving the same goal, comfort, speed, and fun!

I did drop it, and the only problem was the rear brake lever doesn't fold up, so it snapped. A new one is a whopping 70 bucks. I'm not sure if they offer the fold up brake levers, but it would definitely be a great idea.

Otherwise, a great bike, especially for driving in traffic.

Faults:

Electrical connector plug on right hand switch gave me problems with headlights once... I bypassed the connector plug and fixed the problem...

I burned the high beam filament at 16 miles...

Got a nail on my rear tire after my second set of tires...

General Comments:

The SV650 has a bullet prof V-Twin engine that delivers torque in spades... The bike will wheelie under full throttle in 1st and 2nd gears... It is not a power house, but has enough to move a 200 lbs rider with ease...

With regular maintenance, this bike will give you thousands of miles of trouble free service... Word of advice... Break in your engine properly, and adjust valves lash as soon as the engine is completely broken in... Do NOT wait for the recommended 15,000 mile service to adjust valves...

Chassis handles very well... However suspension is too soft for riders above 170 lbs. If you are a heavier rider, consider working on the suspension before anything else (excluding of course, safety gear!!!)... Once suspension is dialed in and a few adjustments to geometry, the SV650 turns into a very capable V-Twin sport bike... From there any beginner rider can learn to ride to a high performance level... Limiting factor is the rider...

Final drive is OK for commuting and easy riding... If you want to wake up your bike's throttle response, I would recommend 15 tooth front sprocket and a 47 tooth rear sprocket... Do NOT go -1 on the front +2 on the rear... You will hate it!!!

I think one other thing worth mentioning is that there is an endless supply of GSXR bolt on upgrades... As well as a extensive selection of aftermarket parts and accessories available... Backed with an army of followers that know this bike inside and out...

As with all motorcycles: Service your bike regularly... Check your tire pressures at least once a week.. Clean and lubricate your chain regularly (300 mile intervals)... And wear all your gear every time you ride...