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I am wondering what the SV650 feels like at speed. Being that it is a vtwin and most of it's power is down low... do you still have some "get up and go" at highway speeds? 65-75mph also what kind of rpms are you sitting at in top gear at these speeds? Anyone take these bikes on long trips?

At about 80mph in top gear (6th) I'm sitting at about 5500 or 6000 rpms from what I can remember (haven't been on the highway in a few weeks). I think my redline is like 11 grand so, yeah, I've got plenty left to downshift and get the hell outta the way if I have to. As far as the ride goes, its just as smooth as if I'm cruising at 40mph, no vibrating or anything weird. The wind didn't even bother me for an hour on the highway, but for really long trips a bigger wind screen might be useful.

One of my buddies rode Calgary to Wyoming on one a couple years ago. It's plenty of bike for the highway, although the riding position isn't ideal for touring...

My brother nomad cruises right along @ 75 + on the highway and he is a big boy .
He goes every where up and down this state .
Best regards, Wizzard

There is plenty power available from the SV at highways speeds and beyond. If your cruising down the highway going about 70 in top gear, there isnt all that much pull. If you click down a gear, then you have some passing power. I am being constantly suprised by the capabilities of the SV650S.

The naked SV will have more pull up top anyway because the gearing is 1 tooth different (IIRC)

im guessing the SV650S is down one on the front sprocket?

Sounds like quite a versatile bike. With the more upright riding position, the low end torque and the high end passing power? All it would have to do is accomidate my long legs and that sounds like a great second bike:)

The SV650 has gobs of midrange (i.e., at least through 8500 rpm), so acceleration at highway speeds is effortless. Windblast on the naked model is considerable, though, and I often find myself wishing for an extra inch of room between the seat and the pegs (I'm 6'3"). It's a terrific bike, but it's not an ideal long-distance tourer.

I've yet to ride more than 15 miles at highway speeds (above 70). However the power is clearly there at 5,500. I have an S model so my wind protection is a little better but if you're buying one just for highway use you can invest in a taller windscreen.

I'm contemplating taking a ride from Denver to Ouray which is roughly 8 hours. If I do that I'll let ya know how it goes. Unless I grab a GSXR600/750 then I will have to see what I feel like taking.