Owner Survey - 2006 Suzuki SV 650S

Never mind the hype put out by manufacturers and the reviews done by the pro publishers, here's a chance to take a look at what actual owners think of their rides. I have already done a survey on my own 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200C and a 2007 Buell Odyssey. This post is on a 2006 Suzuki SV 650S.

The Suzuki 650S appears to be a very good choice of bike for lots of reasons. It gets excellent fuel economy at 50mpg and the initial purchasing price of a new 2008 model seems like a bargain at under $7,000.00. I took a quick look around the Internet and found used ones going for around $4,000-$5,000. The online Kelley Blue Book has the 2006 SV650S listed with a retail value of $5015.00.

So if you're looking for a practical sportbike that's good for the commute and carving the twisties, the SV650S or its twin, the Standard SV650 may be just the ride for you. If sport bikes aren't your thing, the Standard version has an upright seating position and would make a great all around bike. It sells for about $500.00 less.

SURVEY
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Owner Name/State - hsartteacher, Miami FL
Year/Make/Model -2006 Suzuki SV 650S (red)
Modifications/Accessories-frame sliders, tank bag, tank pad, in process of putting in new Sonic Springs in front
How tall are you?- 5'9"
How are the ergonomics, is the bike comfortable on short rides?-on short rides it is great. This is the sport bike version of the SV so the position is more aggressive; longer rides takes some getting used to. You need to use your abs, squeeze the tank slightly w/your knees to take pressure off your arms.
What would you say about the handling characteristics? -so easy to take corners and curves, flickable, maneuverable, a BLAST to ride
What is the bike mostly used for? -street riding for fun, commuting, overnight trips, and now track day coming up
Has there been any unscheduled maintenance or repairs?-just fixing the clutch lever after a low speed parking lot drop (doh my fault)
What is the average gas mileage?-50 mpg
Average miles ridden per week?-150-200
Mileage on the odometer?-2400
What do you like most about the bike?-all around fun to ride for a variety of riding styles. Kicks a** on curves/corners, can outcorner a litre bike.
What do you like least about the bike? -fender is kinda ugly cheap plastic (but it's a budget bike)
Would you buy another one?- YES!!!!!!!!
If you had a different bike, what would it be? -maybe a Triumph Street Triple or Daytona 675
Overall are you satisfied with your bike? -I adore it
Would you recommend the bike to others?-Absolutely-- a great value for the money. May be a bit much for rank beginners though.
Comments?:This bike has a cult-like following worldwide because it is so quick, flickable, and all around fun to ride. People who don't want the sport riding position should sit on the standard SV 650 (same bike, w/ higher handlebars and no fairing). I used to ride a cruiser and will never go back to that; there is no comparison.
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So there you have it, the Suzuki SV 650S. Thank you hsartteacher for giving us a rare and valuable peek at the SV 650S from an owner's perspective.

Would you like to have your bike featured and in the spotlight here at Kano's eCoffee House? All makes, models and years are welcome. Just send me an email at oregonian@netzero.com and I'll get a quick and easy survey out to you pronto.

Specs - 2006 Suzuki SV650S
Engine: 645 cc, four-stroke, liquid cooled, 90° V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves, TSC
Bore Stroke: 81.0 x 62.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: #525 chain
Overall Length: 2080 mm (81.9 in.)
Overall Width: 730 mm (28.7 in.)
Overall Height: 1170 mm (46.1 in.)
Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in.)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in.)
Wheelbase: 1430 mm (56.3 in.)
Dry Weight: 169 kg (372 lbs.)
Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable preload
Suspension Rear: Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload
Brakes Front: Dual hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc
Tires Front: 120/60-ZR17
Tires Rear: 160/60-ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 liter (4.5 gal.) 16 liter (4.2 gal.) CA. model
Color: Blue, Red

Suzuki.com

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Owner Satisfaction Survey - Buell Ulysses XB12X

Owner Name/State - Mike/Oregon

Year/Make/Model - 2007 Buell Ulysses (1200cc)

Modifications/Accessories - Taller Windshield, Soft Bags.

How tall are you? - 5'11"

How are the ergonomics, is the bike comfortable? - The bike fits me well. The seat is OK for short touring, the bars and pegs are just right. Wind blast is a bit much at 55+. Obnoxiously loud and continual cooling fan. Power and low end torque are substantial.

What would you say about the handling characteristics? - The bike rides fairly light and it seems to hop around a bit when hitting rough spots and at speed - maybe I need to adjust the suspension a little to soften it up.

What is the bike mostly used for? - Commuting and short touring. The most fun I have is taking short tours (less than 200 miles) off the beaten path, no traffic, no freeways, combined with fly fishing. There is a lot of opportunity to do this during the spring, fall, and summer in the Pacific Northwest.

Has there been any unscheduled maintenance or repairs done? Not yet, 2,200 miles so far.

What is the average gas mileage? - 49mpg when riding easy, 44mpg with spirited riding.

Average miles ridden per week? (summer months) - Usually about 120.

Mileage on the odometer? - 2,200.

What do you like most about the bike? - Low end torque and adequate high end power. It is a little hot rod and fun to ride. Can be ridden almost like a sport tourer.

What do you like least about the bike? - Obnoxious fan noise and heat from rear cylinder/pipes. Power at low speeds in first and second is a bit twitchy and you have to be careful using the throttle in first and second. You always have to be ready to fly when you give it the gas - that's OK when you are ready, but watch out if not.

Would you buy another one? - There are too many different bikes to ride, I am already thinking about my next bike. I like the style though and I think the Buell is an excellent bike and value.

If you had a different bike, what would it be? - I have never met a bike I didn't like. There are some bikes that I didn't care for some characteristics. My ideal bike would be: light, quick (but not necessarily high top end), have some character, be able to travel distances comfortably, dependable, able to travel rough roads - not dirt trails - come to think of it, the Buell matches my needs very well.

Overall are you satisfied with your bike? - Definitely, but I am looking for an after market fan that is much quieter.

Would you recommend the bike to others? - ONLY if it fits the riding style of the rider - this bike is not for everybody.

So there you have it, The Buell Ulysses. Thank you Mike for taking the time to do the survey. - Anyone else want their bike on this blog? Just send me an email at oregonian@netzero.com. Thanks. Kano - Copyright 2007 N.(Kano)Miles Kano's eCoffee House.

Adventure Buell: 1,000 miles in 24 hours.(UNCONVENTIONAL TOURING)(Buell XB12X Ulysses)(Product/service evaluation): An article from: American Rider

Owner Satisfaction Survey. Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200C

Owner/State - Kano/Oregon
Year/Make/Model - 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200C
Modifications/Accessories - Sport detachable windshield, luggage rack, mini rail sissy bar with sissy bar pad.
How tall are you? - 5'11"
How are the ergonomics, is the bike comfortable? - Fine except the stock seat gets feeling like sitting on a brick after about 50 or 60 miles. Needs more padding.
How does it handle? - It corners fairly well for a cruiser. Lack of decent shocks make the smallest rut or pothole a bone jarring experience.
What is the bike used most for? - Commuting to work.
Has there been any unscheduled maintenance or repairs done? - No
What is the average gas mileage? - About 42mpg.
What is the average miles rode per week? - 70 or so.
How many miles on the odometer? - 2086
What do you like most about the bike? - It's a Harley, it's relatively light and easy to handle and I like the looks.
What do you like the least about the bike? Uncomfortable seat, bike sits a little lower than I would like, inadequate shocks, gas mileage could be better, takes a while for the engine to warm up.
Would you buy another one? - Yes, a 2007 or newer because they have fuel injection.
If you had a different bike what would it be? Maybe a Triumph America or Moto Guzzi California EV, or a Harley Softail Classic.
Overall are you satisfied with your bike? - Yes.
Would you recommend the bike to others? Yes.

So there you have it, the first of many bike satisfaction surveys to come. If you would like to have your bike included in an upcoming survey post, please email me at oregonian@netzero.com

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