[vcs700s]

I can't believe it! First post!! That hasn't happened in quite awhile.



The SV 1000S sounds great. I know it is much anticipated and will sell like hot cakes. I can't wait to sit on one at the local dealer. Any idea when it will hit the showrooms?

 

[3655]

I know of a few dealers that are expecting them in March/April. According to a recent MO news story, the naked model is delayed until summer because of problems with the headlight supplier.

 

[DJS]

Good report!

First off, only rode the faired model? Is it just me or is it a little odd to have separate press intros for the faired and unfaired models? Did they have any unfaired models for comparison to compare the comfort / wind with?

Did they have any claimed HP numbers? I have yet to see Suzuki claim any numbers yet. HP really doesn't matter, its the torque I'm wanting.

What about gas mileage? Did you get any impression for range on a tank?

I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to have a job like this. Where do you sign up to fly to exotic locations and flog other peoples new motorcycles?

And last but not least, MOfridites? That has some scary connotations.

David

 

[KPaulCook]

No smack here Excellent Report

Love the pictures and great writing. For all my talk about obsolete V-Twins, I must confess I have a fondness for the SVs both 650 and 1000. This report was a beam of sunshine in midst of dreary Seattle day. Good work Sean.

 

[chriss_1]

Great write up. Definately sounds like a fun ride.

 

[El_Flaco]

Ah, you're a bastard. I mean that in the best way, but Southern Spain is one of my all-time favorite places. Drivers that won't call the cops on you for riding a fast motorcycle, sunny, good food, cheap (and good) wine, then throw a new SV1000 in the mix... sounds pretty blissful to me!

 

[dwr461]

Ok I'm now envious. While I have been working and studying you, Sean, have been off in Spain riding. On top of that you were also riding an ass, or was it a mule? I can never tell. Which leads me to the obvious question after reading about your trip to Spain, what was the donkey's name? Seriously, though it was a much improved article, particularly when compared to that Diablo ad copy. Keep up the good work and maybe the motorcycle companies will allow more MOron's (journalists) to actually ride review a bike. Rather then read the spec's page and give educated opinions.



Take care,

Dave

 

[JohnGeisz]

Thanks for the write-up Sean.



Will the torque-happy among us be satisfied with the torque-happiness of the motor? How does the power feel compared to a Ducati Monster, Aprilia Falco, or even a naked four (ZRX, FZ1, etc)?

 

[15311]

Its Suzuki's version of a VTR1000F - doubt it's any better though, but that would stil make it a great bike!

 

[Betamax]

Wow, sounds like a great ride. Thanks to Sean for the write-up...it's articles like yours that justify my subscription here.



I don't think I've ever been as excited to read a ride report as this one...I sat on an SVS1000 at the Vancouver motorcycle show and fell in love...and the blue color looks amazing in person; pics at suzuki.com don't do it justice.



I'm planning to buy one of these beautiful bikes in 2004 (once my car is paid off) so I'm glad to know that the bike handles well and is a comfortable ride (except for the seat? I can live with that...)

 

[Steven_Verschoor]

"In summary, I know this sounds more like a travel story than a bike review..."



That's okay, Sean. Thank you for a good read. Both the travel and the moto segments of your story are equally satisfying. I especially like the pictures, and the bike sounds good in the vids.



As for the moto analysis:



"It tracks straight, but suffers from a slight rider induced wobble at speeds above 90 mph... A tight tuck behind the bubble will normally stop the wobble... Power is sweetest between 6,500 rpm - 10,500 rpm... it does however, have a slight tendency to understeer when hard on the power out of medium speed corners..."



It is highly descriptive and most welcome. Try to weave it into lyrical prose instead of laundry listing it at the end of the story. Then you'll be like Johnny B!



Okay, what do I know? I'm sitting at my desk, and you're out riding... Ride on!



Steven

 

[Grappelli]

It sounds great and looks like the bike the falco should have been. Shame it's SO DAMN UGLY...

 

[24905]

Great article.

 

[psi_radar]

I've been waiting on this particular review for some time--it's cool you guys got to it first. I've been debating with my wife (the sv650s is her first bike and she's mighty attached) whether to:

a)trade in our sv650s on one of these

b) buy one in addition after selling off one of our other superfluous vehicles

c) soup up the SVS650--port polish, cam, exhaust, balance and blueprint.



I think my decision just got harder. Guess I'll have to wait til march when I can thrash one of these for myself. Does it have all the torque of a tl1000s? (I'm an admitted wheelie freak). Good work, my subscription was just paid off. After a busy day tomorrow, I'm going to ignore my wife and child to write Suzuki and let them know I appreciated they gave you a go first.

 

[shooby]

guys & gals,



this off the suzi australia website:

115ps @ 8,500rpm / 10.4kgm @ 7,000rpm..



can't wait for the speed triple/buell/monster s4 shootout!!

 

[shooby]

Re: Good report!

Dave,

115ps @ 8,500rpm / 10.4kgm @ 7,000rpm in Australian spec.

Cheers,

 

[superbikeuk]

you should be a travel agent

 

[11158]

Worth paying for

OK, THIS is worth paying for. MO going to Spain to do a press intro alongside the big print mags--then posting the report on the web weeks or months before we'll see it in Cycle World. Cool !

 

[Pulsar]

wow, i mean this is what many ppl waited for.. thanks for the great article.. i just returned from the berlin motorbike days where i sat on this nice bike. besides the great look, my 1.96m felt comfortable on this baby.



one comment that comes to my mind every time i watch the videos.. is there a chance that there will ever be an acceptable sound quality? i mean, the sound is really annoying.. you hear nothing but wind noise. can't there be a workaround?



geetings from snowy berlin.. can't wait until the temps rise and the spring arrives

 

[33225]

Nicely Done Review

Good job! Now I want to ride the SV1000 and visit spain. My faith in MO is restored. No apologies necessary for the travel commentary. It made for interesting reading and added context for how this bike will best be used.