Suzuki SV1000 Bike Overview
The Suzuki SV1000 was designed to be a cost-effective, big bike which could handle its own on the road and the track. It is incredibly similar to the old TL1000S and in fact, the engine is almost identical but the SV1000 comes with a better price-tag and some noticeable improvements.
It has an aluminium frame which gives the bike a modern and sleek look and the suspension is also pretty decent. It probably wouldn’t compare with a standard sports bike but for an all-rounder it is up to par. The brakes are also good in the SV1000, something which cheaper Suzuki bikes don’t always offer.
The engine in an SV1000 is a big V-twin which comes with plenty of torque and around 106bhp. It is a seamless and smooth ride which glides easily into those top speeds without too much playing around with gears which makes it ideal for those who like to spend their time down at the track or hitting the wide, open road.
Despite the speed and look of the SV1000, the riding position does seem to be a common issue which many owners report. It seems that the seat is uncomfortable and there is a significant level of vibration into the wrists which becomes much more noticeable over longer distances. This is definitely something worth trying out before you commit to buy the bike.
Additional features included decent under seat storage and a steering damper which comes as standard. Overall this is a pretty decent bike for the price you pay but some may find the riding position too uncomfortable to justify the speed offered.
Take a look at the Suzuki SV1000 in action…
Suzuki SV1000 Bike Spec
- Top speed155mph
- Weight189kg
- Average fuel consumption41mpg
- Seat height810mm
- Capacity996cc
- EngineLiquid cooled, four stroke, DOHC, 4v
Suzuki SV1000 Bike Insurance
Suzuki SV1000 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Ease of maintenance, valves especially. Everything is accessible without having to take too many panels off. Power from the engine is available across the rev range, its a stunning engine. Just make the suspension able to cope with it.
Cons
Clutch, prone to be a problem - cheaply made. Check its been replaced 30k + miles or re-engineered. Rear bearings - check the dust seal and replace the bushing to stop water getting into it. Alternator magnets - check they haven't moved. Known issue. TPS (Throttle positioning Sensor) - check it has been adjusted to remove stumble at low revs
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modified with renthal risers, so much more comfortable for the rider, pillion seat could be better with grab handles, but its a sports bike...
Paint flaking off. Apparently Suzuki are bad for thin paint
GSXR 750 K5 radials. Stops very well, with good bite. Stock discs needed replacing at 35k miles.
modified suspension upgrades, front and back, GSXR750 K5 front forks with Racetech springs to my weight, and aftermarket Nitron shock sorted out the suspension totally. Stock suspension was shot, harsh and under damped. If Suzuki had spent more money on the suspension & ergo, this would have been a more popular bike
punchy motor, with power across the whole range from tickover. Very easy, but powerful motor.and keeps building higher in the rev range
150 miles for a fill up, it has ran for 160 miles. Rear tyres lasts well with Angel GT's - Rear wheel bearings need changing often. Easy to self maintain with scissor-gear camshaft's
Pros
The s fairing is a great shield from the British weather especially with the additional side panels fitted. Dropped the clipons put a handlebar conversion and 12 inch tall handlebars. Modified the switchgear and extended. New oversize throttle cables. It is really the lightest bike in its class and easy to manouvre. Like all Japanese bikes anthropomorphically Japanese engineers think all Europeans have 33 inch inseams its time they learned the truth. Absolutely fantastic bike well engineered let down by a few small niggles. Everyone should own one at least once.
Cons
The riding position and the seat are terrible. What would really improve this bike and quadruple sales? Make it the same as an sv naked like fitting fairings to a naked. We are all getting older and sit up riding positions are the order of the day. Make it with side panels, panniers and top box included. A shaped dual seat like on the dl 1000 would be great. Would have bought a dl but its much too tall for me and a lot heavier. Dont know whether anyone has noticed but sales are proportional to weight these days.
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Really needed good front forks rather than budget
The jewel in the crown absolutely bloody amazing. Twist and go. Gears? Who needs them?
The riding position and the seat are terrible. What would really improve this bike and quadruple sales? Make it the same as an sv naked like fitting fairings to a naked. We are all getting older and sit up riding positions are the order of the day. Make it with side panels, panniers and top box included. A shaped dual seat like on the dl 1000 would be great. Would have bought a dl but its much too tall for me and a lot heavier. Dont know whether anyone has noticed but sales are proportional to weight these days.
It's generally a good bike but doesn't like British winters
Not bad for the design, Tokico not liked these days many have been changed for upmarket calipers
Pros
The look is very similar to an R1 but with the benefit of a grunty V Twin!
Cons
Front suspension
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The SV is very light and the ride is very good. The downside is the front suspension is slightly soft and the is mainly due to the economical set up. The bike could definitely benefit from and USD front set up from a GSXR.
The engine is superb. Loads of low end grunt. The downside is the common clutch “chudder.” This can be rectified by a modified clutch basket which costs around £500. I live with it as I haven’t the funds but Suzuki should of really recalled with an upgraded basket.
Running costs are good and i am seeing around 48mpg on a run.
Build quality is good not excellent. The crank cases are definitely showing wear and tear as are the fasteners/fixings.
Brakes are really good and with good feel.