Well guys, I thought I'd tell you about a real "sleeper" bike.

The Suzuki SV1000s. I've got a red one like the one below, with a few mods including D&D pipes. (I don't have social media accounts with photos, so I'm not sure how to get URL address linked pics of it.)



They only made it from 2003-2007 (with a naked version for one year in 2003), unlike the SV650 which had a version from '99-2002 and a second version up until 2012.

This thing was the successor to the TL1000 "Widowmaker". Basically what you get is a 996cc V-twin that puts out about 115hp and 70-something ft/lbs of torque. Fun for days. It's not the lightest or the fastest bike on the street, but the engine pulls hard and sounds like God. The twin pipes (the aftermarket options are all amazing--my D&Ds are obnoxious) put out a sound that is intoxicating. It's not in my opinion as boner-inducing as a Ducati 919 or even an RC51 with the right setup, but it's a damn incredible bark. I've had this thing for like five years already and every time I gear down after a hard pull and the thing growls and pops on decel it puts a smile on my face. It won't lift the wheel unexpectedly or anything like that, but you can cruise at a Buck+ and it's not even breaking a sweat.

As for the ergos, it's definitely larger than a 600cc supersport. Longer reach from seat to bars, more room seat to pegs, clip ons a bit more elevated as well. I get sore on long distances, but it's a sport bike after all. Much respect to guys that can tour on those things!

Best of all, you can get super clean examples of this bike with low miles and nice mods in the $3,000-$4,000 range. That's not a typo. In 2010 I bought my '05 with 1900 miles on it, lol.

sv-portal.com is a great user community that has helped me out. Tons of good wrenching info on there, and even a Buy and Sell section. There are plenty of professional reviews and more info out there through google and whatever else, so I don't need to give the whole rundown. But I thought I'd drop some knowledge on ya' about a great bike that flies under the radar. If you guys have any questions about it, I'd be glad to give you what I know. If you can get your hands on one, I recommend it.

Quote: (02-17-2015 04:58 PM)thirty-six Wrote:  

Well guys, I thought I'd tell you about a real "sleeper" bike.

The Suzuki SV1000s. I've got a red one like the one below, with a few mods including D&D pipes. (I don't have social media accounts with photos, so I'm not sure how to get URL address linked pics of it.)



They only made it from 2003-2007 (with a naked version for one year in 2003), unlike the SV650 which had a version from '99-2002 and a second version up until 2012.

This thing was the successor to the TL1000 "Widowmaker". Basically what you get is a 996cc V-twin that puts out about 115hp and 70-something ft/lbs of torque. Fun for days. It's not the lightest or the fastest bike on the street, but the engine pulls hard and sounds like God. The twin pipes (the aftermarket options are all amazing--my D&Ds are obnoxious) put out a sound that is intoxicating. It's not in my opinion as boner-inducing as a Ducati 919 or even an RC51 with the right setup, but it's a damn incredible bark. I've had this thing for like five years already and every time I gear down after a hard pull and the thing growls and pops on decel it puts a smile on my face. It won't lift the wheel unexpectedly or anything like that, but you can cruise at a Buck+ and it's not even breaking a sweat.

As for the ergos, it's definitely larger than a 600cc supersport. Longer reach from seat to bars, more room seat to pegs, clip ons a bit more elevated as well. I get sore on long distances, but it's a sport bike after all. Much respect to guys that can tour on those things!

Best of all, you can get super clean examples of this bike with low miles and nice mods in the $3,000-$4,000 range. That's not a typo. In 2010 I bought my '05 with 1900 miles on it, lol.

sv-portal.com is a great user community that has helped me out. Tons of good wrenching info on there, and even a Buy and Sell section. There are plenty of professional reviews and more info out there through google and whatever else, so I don't need to give the whole rundown. But I thought I'd drop some knowledge on ya' about a great bike that flies under the radar. If you guys have any questions about it, I'd be glad to give you what I know. If you can get your hands on one, I recommend it.

I love the SV1000S. I had an 07 in Blue. Low sided it by locking up the front. It took the crash better than me. Wish I'd never sold it.

SV is a cool bike. Always loved the TL though...

TL is badass but not very comfy

Quote: (02-15-2015 10:07 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

This is not a fear thread IKE so save it. Reminisce of old bikes you like etc

I'm sorry if you're afraid. I said get an armored jacket, not be afraid.
Wearing protective gear is not being afraid, it's not being stoopid like I was.


And damn, don't you know EVERY IDIOT CAGER is required to make a left turn in front of you and try to kill you once a day. She had no idea you aren't really human and a car can't kill you.

I'm guessing that's what happened...


Will you take me out on your boat when I visit Fla?



I've had two Ironhead Sportsters, one I rebuilt for 5K from box of parts then sold for 2K, another one I beat and beat riding from Berkeley to the Sierras at night after band practice going 90 until the oil pump gave out and I sold it super cheap.

I had a Honda Rebel 250 in Hawaii during grad school, mucho fun.

Once time I disconnected a spark plug as an anti-theft measure, forgot to re-connect it and it started and ran fine on one cylinder until I noticed power was low. Over 70MPG. . Heh heh.

Kawasaki is trying to gain market share in here in Phils , I was at a mall and they are selling one cylinder 180cc bikes for about 1400 new. My 110 has a hard time getting over 50 MPH stock.

Quote: (02-17-2015 01:28 AM)sammybiker Wrote:  

Go put some miles on that bike, Pinch.

My recent addiction is doing long haul trips on sportbikes - put 14k miles on a little R6 last summer, touring through the Northern states, British Columbia, Alberta & Alaska. Nothing better.

I see a lot of MotoVloggers with R6s. Snowcat, YummyR6, etc. etc.

Put about 2200 miles on a new Kawa 300 in a couple months. It's been an exceptional winter for it. 2Up is even all right, didn't have a problem dropping it down to 4th and pulling up to 80+ when needed.

Nice Sammy! Will Do!

My next bike : Yamaha R5



I freaked the fuck out at the beginning of this video!! It made me scream "OHHHH HOOO HOOO THIS VIDEO IS SO FUCKING BADASS!!!!" And.... it is (Jeremy Clarkson voice).

I just shoveled through about 50 feet of heavy 4 foot snow to get to my CB. I made it through the narrow path I made and got her on the road, today was the best day of my life.

Just pulled the trigger on this thing. I went back and forth between the bigger CB1100 and the Nortons for awhile but both of those I would end up dumping a lot of money into making the bike my own which is half the fun but also probably twice the money. I'll probably just get a aftermarket exhaust to sauce it up but probably not much else.

Quote: (03-22-2015 10:10 AM)Teddykgb Wrote:  

Just pulled the trigger on this thing. I went back and forth between the bigger CB1100 and the Nortons for awhile but both of those I would end up dumping a lot of money into making the bike my own which is half the fun but also probably twice the money. I'll probably just get a aftermarket exhaust to sauce it up but probably not much else.

Is it a thruxton?

Quote: (03-22-2015 11:05 AM)inostranec Wrote:  

Quote: (03-22-2015 10:10 AM)Teddykgb Wrote:  

Just pulled the trigger on this thing. I went back and forth between the bigger CB1100 and the Nortons for awhile but both of those I would end up dumping a lot of money into making the bike my own which is half the fun but also probably twice the money. I'll probably just get a aftermarket exhaust to sauce it up but probably not much else.

Is it a thruxton?

Yes sir

Thruxton Ace Cafe Edition

Same motor just a bunch of cosmetic upgrades like blacking out a bunch of the covers and wheels. Only 320 made so hopefully I wont run into too many of the same looking bike.

Cool looking bike. Really like the color and style.

Quote: (03-22-2015 04:28 PM)Teddykgb Wrote:  

Quote: (03-22-2015 11:05 AM)inostranec Wrote:  

Quote: (03-22-2015 10:10 AM)Teddykgb Wrote:  

Just pulled the trigger on this thing. I went back and forth between the bigger CB1100 and the Nortons for awhile but both of those I would end up dumping a lot of money into making the bike my own which is half the fun but also probably twice the money. I'll probably just get a aftermarket exhaust to sauce it up but probably not much else.

Is it a thruxton?

Yes sir

Thruxton Ace Cafe Edition

Same motor just a bunch of cosmetic upgrades like blacking out a bunch of the covers and wheels. Only 320 made so hopefully I wont run into too many of the same looking bike.

Fantastic bike. Being a fan of Triumph, NSU, Norton, RE and old BMW's I salute you with your choice my friend. 2 wheels are not only about speed after all. I have a 84 R65 waiting for a cafe or scrambler conversion.

Quote: (03-22-2015 04:28 PM)Teddykgb Wrote:  

Quote: (03-22-2015 11:05 AM)inostranec Wrote:  

Quote: (03-22-2015 10:10 AM)Teddykgb Wrote:  

Just pulled the trigger on this thing. I went back and forth between the bigger CB1100 and the Nortons for awhile but both of those I would end up dumping a lot of money into making the bike my own which is half the fun but also probably twice the money. I'll probably just get a aftermarket exhaust to sauce it up but probably not much else.

Is it a thruxton?

Yes sir

Thruxton Ace Cafe Edition

Same motor just a bunch of cosmetic upgrades like blacking out a bunch of the covers and wheels. Only 320 made so hopefully I wont run into too many of the same looking bike.

What did it set you back in the end? I'll have my license just before summer, and I'm trying to decide what to get. Long term, there is a Bonneville and a Harley 883 on the horizon, but I'd like a cafe racer to kick things off.

Since I didn't get any replies on the other thread, might as well repost this here, hopefully I can get some opinions from experienced riders.

I'm contemplating getting my first bike.

I'm thinking about a used Suzuki Intruder 125, which has a low price here in Brazil, it's potent enough but not too much (I'm very inexperienced) and I can customize it later on - I'm interested in the cafe racer/scrambler style.

What do you guys think?

Quote: (03-22-2015 08:00 PM)DirectDanger Wrote:  

Cool looking bike. Really like the color and style.

Thanks man. Not sure if it could survive that Manila traffic though.

Quote: (03-23-2015 12:04 PM)H1N1 Wrote:  

Quote: (03-22-2015 04:28 PM)Teddykgb Wrote:  

Quote: (03-22-2015 11:05 AM)inostranec Wrote:  

Quote: (03-22-2015 10:10 AM)Teddykgb Wrote:  

Just pulled the trigger on this thing. I went back and forth between the bigger CB1100 and the Nortons for awhile but both of those I would end up dumping a lot of money into making the bike my own which is half the fun but also probably twice the money. I'll probably just get a aftermarket exhaust to sauce it up but probably not much else.

Is it a thruxton?

Yes sir

Thruxton Ace Cafe Edition

Same motor just a bunch of cosmetic upgrades like blacking out a bunch of the covers and wheels. Only 320 made so hopefully I wont run into too many of the same looking bike.

What did it set you back in the end? I'll have my license just before summer, and I'm trying to decide what to get. Long term, there is a Bonneville and a Harley 883 on the horizon, but I'd like a cafe racer to kick things off.

I financed it 3 years at 3.99% with 0 down. I can pay it off at anytime.

List Price 10,199
Freight 495
Handling 295
Vehicle Tax 1,063.56
Doc Fees 95
License Fees 125

Total Financed: 12,272.56

If I dont pay it off over the next 3 years I will have paid 770.60 in interest on top of that but I will most likely pay it off after a year.

I tried negotiating the freight and handling price but only 1 of the 3 other dealerships still had this bike in stock in my area so they wouldn't budge. Each dealership in my area got only 1 each.

I looked at the bonnies and the 883 harley as well. I think it just came down to preference for me when choosing this bike.

I finally get to pick it up tomorrow. They didn't let anyone test drive it except for the maintenance guy who is prepping it so it is supposed to have only 1 or 2 miles on it.

Quote: (03-23-2015 08:03 PM)Ringo Wrote:  

Since I didn't get any replies on the other thread, might as well repost this here, hopefully I can get some opinions from experienced riders.

I'm contemplating getting my first bike.

I'm thinking about a used Suzuki Intruder 125, which has a low price here in Brazil, it's potent enough but not too much (I'm very inexperienced) and I can customize it later on - I'm interested in the cafe racer/scrambler style.

What do you guys think?

They all look cool to me.

Quote: (03-23-2015 08:03 PM)Ringo Wrote:  

Since I didn't get any replies on the other thread, might as well repost this here, hopefully I can get some opinions from experienced riders.

I'm contemplating getting my first bike.

I'm thinking about a used Suzuki Intruder 125, which has a low price here in Brazil, it's potent enough but not too much (I'm very inexperienced) and I can customize it later on - I'm interested in the cafe racer/scrambler style.

What do you guys think?

That's a great first bike. Great for around town and learning how to avoid moron drivers. (hint stay out of everyone's blind spot) If you do get it put a lot of time on it, that's the only way to really become comfortable and skilled on a motorcycle.

With a bike that small you can really learn the dynamics of what is happening when you ride a bike hard, without crashing at 100 mph. The best way to learn to ride is to ride a small bike in mud and figure out how to slide a bike through turns.

I picked up another bike recently, a 2004 VStrom 650. This makes the 17th bike I've owned in 4 years.
[redacted]

I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching this. Guy has skills.
Easy to see why some people hate bikers. Only an asshole drives like this. Still fun to watch.

Quote: (03-27-2015 12:00 PM)DirectDanger Wrote:  

I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching this. Guy has skills.
Easy to see why some people hate bikers. Only an asshole drives like this. Still fun to watch.

Why am I not surprised that this dude has a brace on his left wrist?

You have to admit he can ride, but that curb run @ 6:53 was smooth as shit. Enjoy his video's while you can, it is the "old, bold, pilot" syndrome, not something that can last very long.

Quote: (03-27-2015 12:00 PM)DirectDanger Wrote:  

I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching this. Guy has skills.
Easy to see why some people hate bikers. Only an asshole drives like this. Still fun to watch.

Holy mother of sweepstakes.

That is one of the most intense riding videos I ever watched.

Quote: (03-27-2015 12:00 PM)DirectDanger Wrote:  

I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching this. Guy has skills.
Easy to see why some people hate bikers. Only an asshole drives like this. Still fun to watch.

That guy is such an idiot, yet so strongly reeks of don't give a fuck that it's a amazing.

I was always a fan of more oldschool hooliganism. Downloaded this well before Youtube and it had me glued to the screen.

Quote: (03-23-2015 08:03 PM)Ringo Wrote:  

Since I didn't get any replies on the other thread, might as well repost this here, hopefully I can get some opinions from experienced riders.

I'm contemplating getting my first bike.

I'm thinking about a used Suzuki Intruder 125, which has a low price here in Brazil, it's potent enough but not too much (I'm very inexperienced) and I can customize it later on - I'm interested in the cafe racer/scrambler style.

What do you guys think?

I have a 1994 Suzuki Intruder VS800, it's an 805 cc bike. I picked mine up for about $2300 and it only had 1400 miles on it. I bought it maybe 5 or 6 years ago but it still must have been almost 15 years old at that point, whoever owned it before me must have ridden like 100 miles a year.

I love my bike, its got the shaft drive so you don't gotta worry about lubing a chain or getting new belts when they get loose, its been a pretty maintenance free bike, has good pickup, really everything I need.

I will say I recently rode a Suzuki M50 or C50, can't remember the model but you can definately feel the technological differences that come wiht a newer bike just in terms of how smooth the throttle is, braking, etc. That said I still love my bike, it was my first bike, I'll probably keep it forever and maybe give it to my kid down the road.

Attached is a pic of not my bike but same model, mine is all black.

Curious...what are your thoughts on storing the bike outside?

I live in an apartment, no garage, and have a neighbor who stores the bike outside.

I live in the Midwest, so I would just let it sit out April - October.

My concern would be the leather baking in the summer sun, but I suppose I could just cover it.

Note: I'm simply thinking of buying a bike...I don't have one.