Re: SV 1000 and the VFR
Well, I have a 1998 VFR and had a chance to put a couple of hundred miles on the SV1000s. I really liked the SV, 'specially as I love the V-twin thunder and gobs of torque. The seat on the SV sucks, and the bars put a little too much lean on for my taste. However, both of these things are easy fixes. Pluses for the SV include a more flickable feel, and it's a much cooler ride in the Georgia summer heat. VFR has it beat for refinement and passenger accomodations.
Brakes, handling, etc. are close enough that I don't think I could make a call without some serious time on some real twisty roads, including time to tinker with the suspension settings. Considering the price difference, I would pick the SV for one up, the VFR for two up. However, my VFR is almost paid for. So no, I'm not going to sell it for an SV. However, it is tempting.
Vlad