SV-650 to S3 upgrade

[Rich_Williams]

Hi All,

I'm new to this group. I currently have a 2004 SV-650 and I'm considering getting a new S3. I haven't ridden an S3 yet, but from all the glowing reviews that I've read it sounds like what I want.

But for anyone that's ridden both an SV-650 and the S3, can you give a comparison.... I know that there will be more weight and power, but anything else I can expect ?

My SV is a naked model. I did sit on an S3 and the upright seating position is similar. I've modified the SV with racetech springs, cartridge emulators and an upmarket shock. Any opinions on how this will compare to a stock S3 ?

Its well understood on the SV forums that the SV, being an entry level "cheap" bike comes stock with poor suspension components. How good is the stock S3 suspension ?

thanks,

Rich

[Kajota]

I moved up from a '03 Naked SV650 to an '05 Speed Triple last April. Here are my observations:

The S3 is taller. It's not a big deal but since I have a 29 in inseam the it's little bit harder to put my toe down.

The suspension is so much better. I only had stock suspension on my SV but I seriously bottomed out on the rear shock a few times (I actually bent my license tag once).

The power is much better on the S3. Riding the SV after riding the S3 for a couple of monthsd, felt like riding a toy.

There's no helmet lock on the S3.

The S3 takes a little longer to start. You have to hold the button in a little longer than on the SV

Replacing the plugs on the S3 was more of a pain on the SV.

The owner's manual on the S3 is *****. The service manual is ok but it still has deficiencies. (like not telling you how to change the spark plugs).

The handlebars are wider on the S3 that the SV.

The toolkit that came with the SV was better.

There's absolutely no underseat storage on the S3. There's was a least a tiny bit of storage on the SV.

S3 uses 89 octane gas.

Doesn't feel any heavier than the SV even though it's 40 lbs heavier.

The instrument panel doesn't move with the handlebars. On the SV the instrument panel moves with the handlebars.

There's one light to show that your turning signals are on. The SV has a light for each side.

The headlights are brighter than the SV.

The temperature gauge is a graduated bar with 10 levels. I'd rather have an actual number.

Overall, the S3 is more fun than SV. Mainly due to power and handling.

[jackelmatador]

I have to agree with most of Kajota's statements

I have ridden my buddies '02 SV 650 and can say that there is a large difference between the two. The first thing is the extra power that comes just from the larger motor. The nice thing is that since it is a triple you get that low end torque you probably love on the SV-650. The other obvious is the suspension but since you already know that I won't get into details. The great thing about the triple is that the seating position is upright so if you want to do some commute/weekend trips it is much easier on the triple than the 650.

His is the half fairing so he has a small windshield that actually does make a difference at high speeds compared to having abosuletly nothing on the triple.

The only other difference I could see is the brakes. Since the Triple comes witht those huge 320mm Nissin brakes up front you definetly get better brakes/stoppies!

He loves my bike, but is more into the racer types so he wants an R1 .

[kuhlka]

The S3 is a LOT like the SV1000, except the S3 has better styling. I'd be hard pressed to choose if it were the older SV tubular TL frame with an aftermarket single-sided swingarm though since the SV1000 has a great motor as well.

Actually, it'd have to be a TL1000R streetfighter to suit my tastes. The SV1000's brakes were pretty sad, and the seat and foot position killed my legs after only an hour. My 03S3's positioning is beautifully neutral so I can ride for hours with only a sore butt to deal with, and padded shorts or my sport leathers take care of that.

The 05+ S3 is a huge upgrade over the SV650, but it is also a huge price jump. Take a test ride and if you fall in love with the looks and feel of the bike then go for it.

[qc415]

Doesn't feel any heavier than the SV even though it's 40 lbs heavier.

i don't know about that. SVs are much more nimble. i mean it's just a trade-off you make going to a bigger bike and the s3 is an awesome handling bike but its nowhere near as nimble nor does it have the corner speed(in tight turns) of an SV.

[kuhlka]

Are you talking an SV650 or SV1000? Because my dad's SV1000 was pretty squirrely in the corners. They're pretty close though with regard to weight, suspension, etc though. 955i compared to SV1000 that is. The 650 would naturally be a bit more nimble due to it being quite a bit lighter.

[qc415]

sorry I was talking about a 650, i've never actually ridden a 1000.

[auraaura]

I agree with everything said so far. The suspension is better, but one thing you will notice which may be a negative- the suspension on the S3 is MUCH stiffer than on the SV. I suppose this could be good or bad depending on what kind of roads you ride on. I live in 3rd world Mississippi and the roads are *****. I have the compression set at full soft and the suspension still hurts me.

[Geof3]

Funny, I'm thinking of buying an SV-650 for some entry level racing this summer. I love my S3 on the track, but I wouldn't want to trash it a race enviro... besides it would be a tough ride in it's class from a race perspective.

I'd get the s3 and keep the SV.... The S3 is a great bike!!

BTW I would be ADDING the SV-650, not swapping!!

[TonUp]

The SV-650 is a superior track bike, the S3 is the ultimate Hooligan Bike. It makes you do bad things!

We have a really hard time with the SV-650 at the Louden track, not the liter bikes. The SV-650 is a great all around bike, great for beginners and great for advanced riders.

If you can get both!!!!

Ton Up!