Suzuki SV1000 (2003-current)

I've had all sorts of bikes in the past but bought the SV to replace my Buell XB12SS. The Buell had been a great bike but I got REALLY hacked off with Harley and their inability to keep basic parts in stock. I bought the SV about 10 months ago and have ridden it through one winter so far. I've had some minor problems with the smooth running - now resolved after a major service. I was finding the seat hideously uncomfortable, it felt like I was riding on my nuts! This has now happily been resolved by the addition of a Sargent seat, a vast improvement. I also have some Hellibars on order - these raise the handle bar position by about 2 inches, I gather that this makes another huge difference to the riding position. Overall, a superb engine, handling is great (could be improved inexpensively I think), practical and sounds great with some fruity cans - all for a bargain price. Cracking!

After the standard "Shall I buy the 650 or 1000?" questions a mint 1000s turned up on the market that had been well-loved and looked after by its previous owner. Having only owned it for a week I feel I cannot contribute entirely to a worth-while review, however in the 200 miles+ I have ridden, I feel completely satisfied that I made the right choice. Being that my previous bike was a Suzuki GS500ES which I had to give up 3 years ago I felt this was a huge step up but so far the bike has done everything asked of it without scaring the hell out of me! It's very stable and responsive and after only a short while inspires confidence. My only niggles are that the seat leads to a numb bum quickly and the after market end bars seem to add to the vibration and I feel my hands going to sleep after only a few miles. Overall thoughts: Stunning looking bike with huge amounts of low-end grunt with a top speed not to be sniffed at - not like I'll need all the power anyway! I only hope I'll look after it as well as my predecessor...

bought this bike 2 years ago and done 10k miles. satisfy with the engine performance but lack of engine braking and smoothes compare to my CBR1000RR. low end torque is good and its good for street use and twisties hills. low rev is jerky, installed a TRE and improve better. head light is briliiant! tail light is simple and cool. For riding position, some might not happy with it. its far to reach to handle bar and its low. long ride migh suffer from pain. the rider seat looks nice, but uncomfortable.. same goes to pillion seats and seating position is too high. fuel comsumption is reasonable but a bigger fuel tank would better as it is a sport touring bike!! front brakes is good but not superb, maybe braided hose and sintered pads will improve, rear brake is brilliant! handling is stable at low speed. high speed corner may feel unstable and the bike diving all the time. try my best to adjust but still lack of stability at high speed corner. a change on rear shock and fork spring is recommended if required. link pipe is close to footrest, beware of getting your legs burned when stand still at traffic lights. stock Michelin rubber last 5k miles but not sticky. chain need to adjust frequently and regular WD-40 spray is needed. no break down issue so far, reliability should be good. this is an inexpensive bike and affordable :)

I have owned from new and bike is still in immaculate condition and done 14k miles, admittingly only summer use. It gets washed afetr every run and a squirt of WD 40 all over. Apart from absolute top speed, it easily keeps up with the most recent sport 1000s in the twisties which after all is what you want given the fun factor. It does get through back tyres 1500-1800, best being 2100, with the front 2500-3000 miles. Done a number of track days and the bike was limited by my abilities. At one circuit the marshalls said my bike was by far the best sounding as it came into and out of the hairpin on its open scorpions. Nothing like a free breathing v-twin on full chat, yahoo. Suspension is ok for a FB like me at 15 stone, but the GSXR K3 rear suspension unit sorts that. Brakes are excellent, all in all great value for money.

I've had my SV1000s for a year now after changing up from the SV650s. Brilliant bike, cracking for fast blasts and great for commuting in and out of town. Handles well and keeps up round the lanes with any other bike I've come across. A must ride bike!

Just passed 22k, what a great bike, everything i need from fast blasts with mates to touring 2 up with Mrs. Never let me down & what a sound when you open her up

Having tried the CBR and Gixxer settled on the SZ variant of this brilliant bike. Have ridden it through its second winter the build quality is equal to that of Honda. The ride is very involving unlike the others tested.The SV still impresses after this length of time. Its the Daddy. Takes a pillion better than most sports bikes.

Just bought a new SV1000S Black with polished rims and Yoshi pipes. Had my first good ride and found the suspension not to my liking. I found it to be too hard in the rear and to soft in the front. Bike now feels much better balanced. I would suggest owners get there ride height sorted to get the best from this bike as it only needs minor changes to satisfy most riders. Strengths: Excellent Engine. Just add good pipes and a good Air Filter (K&N?). Weaknesses: At this point I would think suspension needs some sorting but hopefully without replacing anything expensive.

I wanted to get away from peaky 4 cylinder bikes and was completely hooked after a test ride at my local dealer. I have my bike nearly 2 years now and have been hugely impressed so far, bearing in mind the (relatively!!) low purchase price. The grunt is fantastic and means I can just wind it on and concentrate on the corners while my mates are dancing on their gearboxes! Having said that, it takes a fair bit of hustling to get it round a corner, but I havent adjusted the suspension at all; some people reckon they are very hard from stock. Strengths: Tremendous surge of torque, pretty high revving for a twin, sound from Leo Vince cans (actually bordering on offensive!) Great gearbox (typical Suzuki). Weaknesses: Bum numbing seat, popping and banging from aftermarket cans on the over-run, woeful view from mirrors, suspect finish in some areas (typical Suzuki again!).

I bought my SV last november when the 0% finance deal was on for £6050, a saving of £450. Group 15 insurance, £1 deposit, £170 month for a blazing missile. Not Bad!!! I've never ridden a "Superbike" so can't be completely sure about "Superbike Performance" but as far as I can tell when blasting along with other bikes the SV can handle itself fine. Lets face it, if 170ish mph isn't quick enough for you (get a ZX1400RRRRRRRRR or become a jet fighter pilot) nothings ever gonna be. Strengths: That unbelievable engine thumping away, its comfy (for a 6ft 3 fatty), handles everything I can throw at it, and its just looks so f-----g good. Weaknesses: I dont know yet, but I'm sure the finish is probably gonna fall short, but hey it's a Suzuki. When it starts to go I'll just trade it in (and probably get another SV).