To trade or not to trade my '98 VFR800 for an '03 SV1000 S

I've been offered a trade for my 1998 VFR 800. The other bike is a 2003 Suzuki SV1000S with 12,300 miles. It's stock except for a Leo Vince exhaust. I haven't ridden an SV1000 before but I've heard nothing but good things about them. Does anyone else have any experience with the bikes? My bike has 18,400 miles and is fairly modified. My bike's mods are:

Engine Mods:
K&N Filter
Dynojet Power Commander II
Micron High Mount Slip On
Barnett Clutch Kit
Scotts Performance Stainless Steel Oil Filter

Suspension/Brakes/Tires:
Ohlins Remote Reservoir Adjustable Rear Shock
Galfer Wave Style Front Rotors
Galfer Wave Style Rear Rotor
Galfer Braided Stainless Brake & Clutch Lines
EBC HH Sintered Brake Pads
Michelin Pilot Power 120/70/ZR17 - 180/55/ZR17

Appearance/Comfort/Luggage:
GenMar Bar Risers
Speed Metal LED License Plate Lights
Harris Motorsports "VFR" Gel Grips
Zero Gravity Double Bubble Windshield
Hard Wired "Battery Tender"
Solo Seat Cowl
Carbon Fiber Front Fender Extender
Carbon Fiber Clutch Cover Overlay
Carbon Fiber Trim on upper Triple
Corbin Gunfighter & Lady Seat
Corbin Passenger Backrest
Givi Monokey Frame and Mounting Plate
Mirror Risers
Frame Sliders
Powder Coated fairing fasteners
Chrome: Frame, Rear sets, Passenger Pegs, Wheels, Upper Triple, Kick Stand, Center Stand and Heat Shield
Trimmed Fender

I love my VFR but I don't do as much touring as I thought I'd be doing so I've been modifying it more for sport riding. Only problem is I can't get away from the bike's weight and top heavy nature. The SV weighs about 120lbs less than the VFR and has more hp. I'm just really lost. Here's a few pictures of both bikes.

He offered for a straight trade which I think is fair considering the book prices on the bikes.

Yes? No? Suggestions? Opinions?

My VFR













The SV1000S

 

Take it for a ride!

 

I'd have to travel an hour and a half to meet with the owner. I guess it's not too bad.

 

Didn't you just get that VFR about a month ago?

Its true that without significant time and money, you won''t be able to get away from the VFR's weight. Any time someone faces the dilemma that you do - meaning to get rid of the VFR - the same questions always come about.

What expectation is your VFR not meeting?

Driven hard, the viffer is gonna hang with most of the bikes out there. Unless you continuously find yourself driving 150mph+.

Speaking as an "old guy" with a bad back, I know that I can get on my bike for the day and still feel human when I get off. A couple of my friends and other riding buddies (some who are half my age), can't even stay on their bikes for longer than an hour or so without taking a break. And as the day goes on, those rests become more and more frequent. So even though your not touring, there's still a nice advantage of being able to ride hard all day long. Can't say that about some more sport oriented rides.

But the bottom line is personal preference. If you're still getting used to that VFR, you might want to give it a little more time? Maybe that hour and a half ride to go see the other biker will help you realize you want to keep the VFR!

 

I'd do that trade there's nothing like a V-twin and not to mention those bike handle way better than any viffer.

 

I own both bikes.

After reading your post my first impression was the VFR is worth more money but I haven't checked values. My SV is used for track time and due to the torque available makes it alot easier. Basically just use 2 gears going around the track (Blackhawk in Rockton, IL). I don't think the VFR is that much heavier, at least doesn't feel like 120 lbs. Both are very nice bikes but the VFR is, of course, a much better tourer. Your VFR is a beautiful bike. Nice Job!

 

I also own BOTH

Hi I also own both bikes, I love them both.:smile:The SV is Blat bike although I have used it extensively for touring (one up). The sound it makes and the grunt it offers is infectious to say the least. I have done 125000kms on it with no problems so far.
The VFR is my new ride , its smooth quick and an excellent tourer ( two up ). It is more refined than the SV by a long shot but lacks a bit of the character of the SV. Gas consumption is similar but the VFR is easier on tyres and chains and has an easier riding position. Sv is an 03 S model, the VFR is 2008 Vtec and I have just clicked over 25000kms on it. They are both bloody good bikes , hard choice to seperate them. Horses for courses really.