Are Suzuki sv650's better build quality than Bandit's?

[apple tango]

I am selling my Bandit 600 soon, as I want something newer, lighter, less milage, better reliability and build quality.

I was going to get a Hornet, but i went to view one today and i wasn't that impressed with its looks.

There was a SV650 in the showroom too though, which i think are sexy.

The only issue i'm having is that it's a Suzuki. Bandit's are known for their poor build quality, such as paint flaking off, rust appearing after a spot of rain etc.

Are SV's the same? Or would one be ok for me if it wasn't too old? I use my bike everyday to commute, so often in pissing down rain.
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CBR125 -> Bandit GSF600 '99 -> SV650 02

[G]

Budget bikes tend to be lower build quality from most manufacturers.
The SVs are known to be a bit dodgy; if it's for commuting you could always ignore the 'sexy' angle and go for an older one that's cheap because it's already tatty .

[TheFoxyDuke]

I've read reviews of Gixxers in the past which have a reputation of furring up like a reindeers nuts at the first sign of winter, so could imagine if that happens to their 'more expensive' machines then it may be common through the range.

Reliability wise I couldn't imagine their being many issues, same as many newer bikes. Just keep on top of regular maiuntenance and a quick lick with a chamois every now and again.

I know what you mean about SV's though. I REALLY like the look of them and have heard their quite fun to ride as well.

FoxyD
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[apple tango]

[MarJay]

[Seb]

Alternatively, buy whatever bike you like and simply keep it doused in ACF50 or FS365 sprays, I rode my old ZZR600 come rain or shine and it still looked utterly mint no matter what the winter threw at it

If you just hose the bike down, ACF50 is probably the better way to go, whilst if you scrub the thing frequently with cleaners FS365 works out better.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[MarJay]

[Blue_SV650S]

They go on the fork lowers (think stone chips take the lacquer off the forks and the rot sets in) and the water pump housing for some reason.

They have stainless pipe, so the zorst is fine.

The rest seems as good as any other bike really. As long as you know what a bucket and sponge looks like every now and then and just WD40 shiny bits (including the engine) and she'll be fine!! ... Mines has done several winters now and looks no different to when I got it!
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The purpose of life is to fight maturity.

[Seb]

Indeed not, but I believe that the old ZZR600s were just as bad?
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Clanger]

The sv is of cheaper build quality, but if you buy one, get the important bits changed, coated etc. like I have, it should last for a lot longer, I too use WD40 (similar sprays) and have avoided undue corrosion.

It's personal choice, really.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[craigs23]

Didn't have much trouble keeping my hired SV looking okay for the time I had it, a couple of winters ago. And that was way before I became a full fledged cleaning freak.

Looking around my budget bike now - yes the plastics are cheaper on finish and it's a bit rough around the edges, but it doesn't look as if it'll rot any more than my CBR did last year.

Just smother one in ACF50, or as G says, buy a used model.

[Kickstart]

[nowhere.elysium]

Am I the only one whose Bandit isn't corroded to buggery, then? It's a '96, and there's a couple of spots of surface rust, but nothing to cause any structural concerns.
I shall consider myself privileged, then
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[Kickstart]