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:

Nothing. This bike has been reliable and more than I have ever expected from a bike. Long trips are comfortable, and if required, it handles well on highways and even dirt roads when you want to get off the beaten track.

Faults:

Not a single thing.

General Comments:

I've had many bikes over the years, but without a doubt my favourite is my SV650S. It handles unbelievably well, and the V-twin makes the bike so forgiving of gear choice through corners, and best of all, it's not fussy to ride like other bikes I've owned, which require the perfect engine speed and gear choice, plus precision riding 100% of the time. Unlike other bikes I've ridden, my SV can be corrected mid-corner without upsetting the apple cart. It's a total pleasure to ride, whether you're hammering it, or just cruising along. It also drives comfortably in city traffic, and never chugs along like a high performance engine that requires it be kept above 4500 RPM or more.

The best thing about the SVs is that they are virtually a blank canvas, on which you can upgrade and individualise to your heart's content. I've changed so many parts, I've lost track. It's like an obsessive hobby, which I gain so much enjoyment from in the process.

With a few modifications these bikes can keep up with anything through the twistie stuff. In fact, it's the other bikes that struggle to keep up, as I can ride the wheels off my SV because it's so simple and light to ride, whereas the overly temperamental R1s, GSXRs, etc, are struggling to man handle their bikes through the corners. It's alright if you're an accomplished racer, but those bikes are a pain in the backside for us mere mortals, and believe me, I'm a good rider, and never drop to the back of a pack, and most often sit in first or second when I ride with other experienced riders.

My point is, if you want to have lots of fun on a bike that allows you to explore your true potential, this is the bike for you.

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...