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storysunfolding wrote:I've seen quite a few SV-650's outfitted for touring. they are great for solo tours but not the best for two up... obviously?

Anyway- check out the sv boards. There are a couple guys who have over 100,000 miles on sv650's

Though if the height of one isn't an issue (and they can easily be brought down 1.5 inches) it sounds like you want a Vstrom 650.

I actually don't forsee myself doing any two-up riding at all, as my boyfriend will be getting a bike as well.

Actually I do like the V-Strom, but I guess I hadn't considered it because of the seat height. How can the seat be lowered--are we talking a different seat or adjusting the suspension?

I stuck handlebars on my sv650s, its fairly cheep and pretty easy to do. also you can get convertibars which are kinda pricey but work great from their reviews.

RC Fan wrote: Actually I do like the V-Strom, but I guess I hadn't considered it because of the seat height. How can the seat be lowered--are we talking a different seat or adjusting the suspension?

The seat sits on four blocks of rubber that you can remove giving you an inch. Then with $40 lowering links you can drop the rear another inch and bring the front up an inch in the triple trees (no more). All in all it takes 3 different wrenches, new lowering links and blue lock tite to get it done.

Ask the dealer about options as well as many people have new lowering links and installation thrown in with the bike.

Dichotomous wrote:I stuck handlebars on my sv650s, its fairly cheep and pretty easy to do. also you can get convertibars which are kinda pricey but work great from their reviews.

So I assume this will raise the handlebars? If so, how much?

It won't raise the handlebars at all, the front fork tubes will just be higher in the triple trees (holds the forks on the bike)

storysunfolding wrote:It won't raise the handlebars at all, the front fork tubes will just be higher in the triple trees (holds the forks on the bike)

Is it practical to raise the handlebars on the SV650S? I love the looks of the bike! I know the naked version has higher handlebars, but I want the faring! Because of this the Bandit 650 would be a good alternative, but is the Bandit too top-heavy?

sure its practical, more practical than buying a bike you dont really like just because the position of the svs is off for you. if you can ride the naked version and forget about the wind you will know if you like the bike, if not then no its not practical .my handlebars are quite a bit higher now, easily 4" higher and 4" back. its the same position as the naked version, or anything near there, you can swap handlebars wicked easy so you can get a bar that has a bend that fits you body the way you like it, and you can angle that bar up and down so your wrists feel most comfortable. none of this is possible with clipons. then again if you have convertibars you can REALLY custom tune your riding position, though not your downward angle cause that doesnt change, but pullpack angle, how far back they sit, and how high are infinately adjustable within their respected ranges.

Dichotomous wrote:sure its practical, more practical than buying a bike you dont really like just because the position of the svs is off for you. if you can ride the naked version and forget about the wind you will know if you like the bike, if not then no its not practical .my handlebars are quite a bit higher now, easily 4" higher and 4" back. its the same position as the naked version, or anything near there, you can swap handlebars wicked easy so you can get a bar that has a bend that fits you body the way you like it, and you can angle that bar up and down so your wrists feel most comfortable. none of this is possible with clipons. then again if you have convertibars you can REALLY custom tune your riding position, though not your downward angle cause that doesnt change, but pullpack angle, how far back they sit, and how high are infinately adjustable within their respected ranges.

I actually really like both bikes, I just worry that the extra weight will be problematic. Ideally I would prefer the lighter bike if I could practically raise the handlebars.

RC Fan wrote: I actually really like both bikes, I just worry that the extra weight will be problematic. Ideally I would prefer the lighter bike if I could practically raise the handlebars.

the weight wouldnt be all that noticable I dont think, the way the two bikes put power down and turn and just feel. if you can ride both the you will know about the extra weight on top.

Dichotomous wrote:

RC Fan wrote: I actually really like both bikes, I just worry that the extra weight will be problematic. Ideally I would prefer the lighter bike if I could practically raise the handlebars.

the weight wouldnt be all that noticable I dont think, the way the two bikes put power down and turn and just feel. if you can ride both the you will know about the extra weight on top.

Thank-you! I really appreciate everyone's advice.