Cant Decide: SXV or another SuMo...

[bill_will]

I posted something similar on supermotojunkie last night, looking to get more input on the SXV here...

Hey all,

I've been lurking/stalking the forums for about 3 months now. I am going to be getting a bike soon and am looking at a few models but namely the ones mentioned in the title. I know what you may be thinking, the SXV shouldn't be compared to the DRZ and maybe likewise for the others, but I am still considering them, at least. I want to buy a bike I will keep and not one that I will get bored (at least power-wise) of, or want to sell to be able to upgrade down the line. By the way, the bike will be mainly used to commute to work 1-3 days a week (work is a 2 mile drive - but I'll probably take the backwoods way ) and the occasional long (couple hours) ride on the weekend (probably twice a month).

I have read hundreds of threads on each bike and even comparisons of some and I thank everyone here and over at thumper talk for all the awesome info. I just would like answers to some specific questions. I figure I'll run through each model and describe my thoughts on each and see if they are accurate or on course.

SXV 450 - From what I hear its a beast. 60hp at the wheel is insane and fun. But also at a cost - of maintenance. This didn't really scare me (oil changes are no deterrent for me) until I read about valve adjustments every 3k miles and the bike literally consuming a noticeable amount of oil between every couple gallons of gas/fill up. That to me is nuts, is it really that bad? Do you guys who ride SXV's carry oil with you or just top it off like every week or so? Also, how labor intensive is it to adjust the valves? Monthly or biweekly oil changes don't scare me - but checking valves every 3 or 6 months sounds like something I don't want to do if it takes more than something like 3 hours or so. All maintenance issues aside, the SXV has just drawn me in and that V-twin is so unique.

DRZ400SM - This was the first bike I looked at and for quite some time was of great interest to me. Now, though, after learning more about other supermotos out there, it doesn't appeal as much, mainly because of power. I feel like I would quickly lose interest and want to upgrade to one of the other models here. Is a DRZ with substantial upgrades (let's say anything but BBK) close to anything listed here? I really don't think I'll be going with the dizzer, but still, its a nice bike and a ton of parts/support available.

Husky 610 - This is the bike I am really leaning towards. I feel it has the best balance of power and reliability. Are these close to as reliable as the DRZ? Oil changes about 3k miles right? How about more intense maintenance such as valve adjustments?

Husky 510 - More of a race bike from what I hear, but is it as bad as the SXV? How frequently should oil changes and valve adjustments be done? This bike is pretty sexy, I kind of view it as a mix between the Husky 610 and SXV.

Any and every piece of feedback/opinion is appreciated. I'm sorry to start another comparison thread but I really want to make the right purchase. If you think there's a particular model I left out or should consider, I'd love to hear from you .

[bill_will]

Some specific questions I have pertaining to the SXV are:

- how often should I changes the oil with light street use?
- how often will I need to check/adjust valves?
- will I need to add oil in between oil changes?

Thanks again guys.

[rmbukk]

Only you can decide which one you really want! Take them all for a test ride and decide? Sxv does not need a valve check often at all! Husky 510 has similar oil intervals but needs more valve checks! You need to decide if you want a race bike like the 510 and the sxv! Or if you want a road supermoto with less maintenance like a drz or the 610!
You see some people would rather do less maintenance and settle for a bit more weight and less power while others needs a race moto and are willing to maintain the fucker! Many will say as a daily rider it would be best to choose a road going bike but you just need to decide on what you neeed!

[bill_will]

Agreed! I really hate to have to pass up on one and take the other. I want the best of both worlds, ugh.

Are SXV's as bad as people say they are? Like... new pistons and rings at 3,000 miles, really?!

I don't mind changing oil every 500 or 800 miles or doing valves every 3000 or so.

[rmbukk]

Oil change 500 miles or so, valve check only when engine is taken apart approx 5000 miles sone have gone 10000! May need to top up the oil a bit but nothing to worry about really!

[rmbukk]

Do a search on the forum many go a lot longer than that with no problems

[bill_will]

Do a search on the forum many go a lot longer than that with no problems

Thanks, will do.

Would a 30 mile ride every now and then be too much for this machine? I know my grinning butt wont care and I don't mind stopping to fill up either.

[rmbukk]

A 30 mile road would be no problem! People use them all day on the track

[bill_will]

A 30 mile road would be no problem! People use them all day on the track

Nice! Good to know, thanks!

[rocketnz]

I commute daily on mine done 800 km so far, doing a oil change this weekend ;)

[bill_will]

I commute daily on mine done 800 km so far, doing a oil change this weekend ;)

That's very encouraging. You foreigners are all unafraid of commuting unlike us here in the US. It's interesting. You all are more badass I guess haha.

My commute is literally a 7 minute drive and I plan on commuting a max of 2, maybe 3 days a week.

Do the SXVs have hour meters?

[rocketnz]

mate you'll be fine. thats like 4000km a year in commuting. my run into work is similar.

[bill_will]

mate you'll be fine. thats like 4000km a year in commuting. my run into work is similar.

Sheesh I want one even more now! Thanks!

[RacerX901]

I felt the same before I bought my APE, i got 400 plus miles on bike and runs like champ,I did 70 mile loop yesterday only thing bad is your a$$ gets sore, but I stand and ride to elevate the monkey butt haaaaa, the thing is hands down my fav bike of my stable! If all your doing is 2-3 mile commute daily , then this thing is your bike!

[bill_will]

I felt the same before I bought my APE, i got 400 plus miles on bike and runs like champ,I did 70 mile loop yesterday only thing bad is your a$$ gets sore, but I stand and ride to elevate the monkey butt haaaaa, the thing is hands down my fav bike of my stable! If all your doing is 2-3 mile commute daily , then this thing is your bike!

Holy $hit that's a lot of bikes in your stable man!

I just cleaned out my shed this past weekend and it feels real good. I kept telling my wife "now I have the stable cleared out for my steed..." and she just kept rolling her eyes. Haha.

That's good to hear. I really think even though the SXV's are race machines I could swing it as my semi-daily driver...

Is it crucial to let these v-twins warm up properly before riding (not hard riding)?

Thanks again guys, awesome knowledge bank right here.

[h1dave]

Hey Bill

I've ridden alot of bikes but not any of them would raise
the front end at 60 mph like this bike. I just pulled the motor
and sent it to Allen after 6500 miles of hard riding with just
oil changes. I have Silmoto, piper-x and VDB mapping. Its pulls
so hard you think you can beat just about every bike out there !
Now the bike is running perfect but I want Allen to check it out,
new rings, clean and adjust valves ( if needed ) and tweak the
mapping. This past May at Deals Gap I put on 1500 miles with
3 oil changes !!!!!!!!!! I would call this its first service !!!

Dave

[wilmar13]

DRZ400SM -
Meh, does everything asked of it and is the cheapest most reliable option, consider it like a Honda Civic... which is why you should just get a Honda Civic for the A/C and radio if you want something cheap and reliable. I rode a freinds that had pipe and jetting and it felt very tame and not much fun or emotional appeal.


Husky 610 -
Never rode one, but think it is fair to say the KTM 690 is a better bike, but also costs more. So it is a question of value. For a jack of all trades bike that has DRZ usability but is still fun, either 610 or 690 would be a good choice.



Husky 510 - More of a race bike from what I hear, but is it as bad as the SXV? How frequently should oil changes and valve adjustments be done? This bike is pretty sexy, I kind of view it as a mix between the Husky 610 and SXV.
I put 8000 miles on my 510 and it was the best bike I have ever owned. I did everything on it 500 mile days, commuted to work, etc. It handled perfect right out of the box and is so easy to go fast on, makes an average rider a good one, and a good one great. I put a 532cc kit on it for $500 and had to replace the head gasket once after that, but it is a simple thumper (rebuild the entire top end takes an afternoon!). Valves never moved after 2k miles. Yes change the oil every 400-600 miles, easy though. Lighter than the SXV's too (280lbs ACTUAL weight with full tank of gas, weighed it myself). With the big bore kit and Power Commander the bike was a torque monster, with more torque than my 550 SXV. Throttle only wheelies at 45mph, no problem. I sold it to a friend a couple weeks ago for a cheap price... why? Well because the SXV I bought used is so F#$*ing complicated and high maintenance, I have not sorted it out fully and the learning curve is a lot steeper than a Husky thumper (at least for a DIY'er), but I am determined to get this sexy beast to work reliably! I was not really trying very hard when I had an awesome Husky supermoto that was always ready to ride in the garage too, so when another problem would appear on the SXV it got parked until I felt like dealing with the issue, and that pattern has gone on for more than a year.

Now I have a friend with my awesome Husky wanting to ride with me, providing motivation to get it sorted out and less distraction.

Not much of a sales pitch for the SXV, but it is the truth. If you want a bike to ride fast and often the Husky SM510R is a race bike with no downside, and you can make it into a torque monster for less than the cost of two pistons for the SXV. And the geometry/suspension of the Husky is SO MUCH better than the SXV stock for stock.

But I stuck with the SXV instead of cutting my losses and riding my SM530R... something about the bark of that sexy petite V-twin just makes you want to put up with its sh!t.

Hope my personal experience helps you decide what you really want... Just remember this is a motorcycle, so go with your heart not your head. The purchase you should make with your head is for the Civic :lol:

[bill_will]

Hey Bill

I've ridden alot of bikes but not any of them would raise
the front end at 60 mph like this bike. I just pulled the motor
and sent it to Allen after 6500 miles of hard riding with just
oil changes. I have Silmoto, piper-x and VDB mapping. Its pulls
so hard you think you can beat just about every bike out there !
Now the bike is running perfect but I want Allen to check it out,
new rings, clean and adjust valves ( if needed ) and tweak the
mapping. This past May at Deals Gap I put on 1500 miles with
3 oil changes !!!!!!!!!! I would call this its first service !!!

Dave

That's awesome! Good to hear from someone with high mileage.

[bill_will]

Meh, does everything asked of it and is the cheapest most reliable option, consider it like a Honda Civic... which is why you should just get a Honda Civic for the A/C and radio if you want something cheap and reliable. I rode a freinds that had pipe and jetting and it felt very tame and not much fun or emotional appeal.

Never rode one, but think it is fair to say the KTM 690 is a better bike, but also costs more. So it is a question of value. For a jack of all trades bike that has DRZ usability but is still fun, either 610 or 690 would be a good choice.


I put 8000 miles on my 510 and it was the best bike I have ever owned. I did everything on it 500 mile days, commuted to work, etc. It handled perfect right out of the box and is so easy to go fast on, makes an average rider a good one, and a good one great. I put a 532cc kit on it for $500 and had to replace the head gasket once after that, but it is a simple thumper (rebuild the entire top end takes an afternoon!). Valves never moved after 2k miles. Yes change the oil every 400-600 miles, easy though. Lighter than the SXV's too (280lbs ACTUAL weight with full tank of gas, weighed it myself). With the big bore kit and Power Commander the bike was a torque monster, with more torque than my 550 SXV. Throttle only wheelies at 45mph, no problem. I sold it to a friend a couple weeks ago for a cheap price... why? Well because the SXV I bought used is so F#$*ing complicated and high maintenance, I have not sorted it out fully and the learning curve is a lot steeper than a Husky thumper (at least for a DIY'er), but I am determined to get this sexy beast to work reliably! I was not really trying very hard when I had an awesome Husky supermoto that was always ready to ride in the garage too, so when another problem would appear on the SXV it got parked until I felt like dealing with the issue, and that pattern has gone on for more than a year.

Now I have a friend with my awesome Husky wanting to ride with me, providing motivation to get it sorted out and less distraction.

Not much of a sales pitch for the SXV, but it is the truth. If you want a bike to ride fast and often the Husky SM510R is a race bike with no downside, and you can make it into a torque monster for less than the cost of two pistons for the SXV. And the geometry/suspension of the Husky is SO MUCH better than the SXV stock for stock.

But I stuck with the SXV instead of cutting my losses and riding my SM530R... something about the bark of that sexy petite V-twin just makes you want to put up with its sh!t.

Hope my personal experience helps you decide what you really want... Just remember this is a motorcycle, so go with your heart not your head. The purchase you should make with your head is for the Civic :lol:

Very nice reading all of what you had to say! Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of that!

I agree with most everything you had to say. I know the DRZ would take a beating to the ground, and possibly the same with the Husky 610. The KTM 690 is really what suits me best, but is almost double the price of these other bikes. Plus, the 610, I have learned about some reliability issues with cam chains on that bike, so I immediately ruled that out - and - it is HEAVY from what I hear.

I can almost certainly say that my decision has been whittled down to either the Husky 510 or SXV. The SXV is just too cool to pass up, but the Husky seems just as nice too.

Thanks again for your input! :peace:

[wilmar13]

The KTM 690 is really what suits me best, but is almost double the price of these other bikes. Plus, the 610, I have learned about some reliability issues with cam chains on that bike, so I immediately ruled that out - and - it is HEAVY from what I hear.

I can almost certainly say that my decision has been whittled down to either the Husky 510 or SXV. The SXV is just too cool to pass up, but the Husky seems just as nice too.

Bill, just a few more random thoughts to screw up your decision… if you can afford the SXV, you can afford a used KTM 690. The purchase price might be higher for the KTM but the total cost after 5000 miles of ownership will probably be less and certainly less as the miles increase from there. That said, it is just as much of a bloated porker as the 610/630 so if you want raw visceral essentials only, you're back to SXV/SM510R.

The SXV will cost you big* in either free time (to learn its peculiarities and fix its weaknesses) or money (pay an expert), and unfortunately some folks pay big in both which helps make them cheap to aquire used (spend time and money on a bad dealer, then pay an expert to fix dealer issues).

There are many people on here that have big miles on their SXV’s… but all of those people are somewhere on the spectrum between paying a lot for great support or are capable of supporting and troubleshooting everything themselves (most are somewhere in the middle, with help from the forum).

The Husky 510 is a great bike and I don’t think reliability is something you would ever need to worry about. But it doesn’t have the intangible allure of the SXV for me. Also the Husky is LOUD, especially with a 532cc high compression (13.5:1) piston, so after you add Leo Vince duals to keep the dB’s down without killing performance so you can actually ride it on the street and a PCV with Autotune to get the fueling right; a cable from Kwest and an SXV maybe a cheaper purchase anyway.

I would pick the Husky if you want to ride more than you wrench, the SXV if you can accept wrenching more than you ride, and the KTM 690 if you want to just ride. While wrenching is not that appealing, you must keep in mind that wrenching requirement is directly proportional to sex appeal and fun quotient. :devil:

*-Disclaimer: I don’t mean to sound negative about the SXV, just objective. I knowingly bought a used SXV with problems as a fixer-upper project, so I probably have a worse than average experience than if starting with a solid platform to learn from… and yet I still kept the SXV and sold a bike that I loved that never gave me any grief if that tells you anything.

[rmbukk]

Another thing you might wana take into consideration is the 510 vibrates like a mad thing! It was a toss up between the sxv or 510 for me but took the husky for a test ride and it vibrated so much i decided against it as my only bike. People do say it vibrates but i couldnt believe the intensity of it till i had a go, actually made me think something was up with the bike. Ill show you a good review of the sxv and 510 back to back and youll see the two are very different to ride! The husky is like a converted crosser and the sxv is like a dirtbike with a screaming v twin. Take em for a ride and you will fall in love with one

[rmbukk]

You might have already read this but its a good read! I had the 690 smc before the sxv its a wicked bike but i sold it to get the sxv! http://www.visordown.com/road-tests/pack-instinct-sm510r-vs-690smc-vs-sxv550/5927.html

[wilmar13]

Another thing you might wana take into consideration is the 510 vibrates like a mad thing!

TRUE!

But a trick is to loosen the bolts in the motor mount and shift it so that the motor is suspended with preload though the bolts and not resting on the side of the bolt.* Makes a big difference in vibes transmitted to the frame and then to you. Goes from sitting on a paint shaker to an electric razor with almost dead batteries. Seriously it makes a huge difference, the motor still has inherent vibes, but it doesn't affect you at all.


*-Said another way center the engine mounting studs in the hole so that it doesn't touch the edge around the the diameter at any point in the frame. there is more slop than you would think, and if you don't do this the bolts rest solid transmitting all that thumper vibe straight to the frame... if you do you have a natural vibration damper with the mount.

[bill_will]

Bill, just a few more random thoughts to screw up your decision… if you can afford the SXV, you can afford a used KTM 690. The purchase price might be higher for the KTM but the total cost after 5000 miles of ownership will probably be less and certainly less as the miles increase from there. That said, it is just as much of a bloated porker as the 610/630 so if you want raw visceral essentials only, you're back to SXV/SM510R.

The SXV will cost you big* in either free time (to learn its peculiarities and fix its weaknesses) or money (pay an expert), and unfortunately some folks pay big in both which helps make them cheap to aquire used (spend time and money on a bad dealer, then pay an expert to fix dealer issues).

There are many people on here that have big miles on their SXV’s… but all of those people are somewhere on the spectrum between paying a lot for great support or are capable of supporting and troubleshooting everything themselves (most are somewhere in the middle, with help from the forum).

The Husky 510 is a great bike and I don’t think reliability is something you would ever need to worry about. But it doesn’t have the intangible allure of the SXV for me. Also the Husky is LOUD, especially with a 532cc high compression (13.5:1) piston, so after you add Leo Vince duals to keep the dB’s down without killing performance so you can actually ride it on the street and a PCV with Autotune to get the fueling right; a cable from Kwest and an SXV maybe a cheaper purchase anyway.

I would pick the Husky if you want to ride more than you wrench, the SXV if you can accept wrenching more than you ride, and the KTM 690 if you want to just ride. While wrenching is not that appealing, you must keep in mind that wrenching requirement is directly proportional to sex appeal and fun quotient. :devil:

*-Disclaimer: I don’t mean to sound negative about the SXV, just objective. I knowingly bought a used SXV with problems as a fixer-upper project, so I probably have a worse than average experience than if starting with a solid platform to learn from… and yet I still kept the SXV and sold a bike that I loved that never gave me any grief if that tells you anything.

I love you and hate you right now! Haha, really thought thank you again for taking the time to respond. You have made me think of some thing I hadn't thought of yet.

[bill_will]

You might have already read this but its a good read! I had the 690 smc before the sxv its a wicked bike but i sold it to get the sxv! http://www.visordown.com/road-tests/pack-instinct-sm510r-vs-690smc-vs-sxv550/5927.html

Very good read! I like their humor too.

You sold your smc to get the SXV? What led you to get the SXV? What type of riding do you do? All racing, commuting?

[bill_will]

TRUE!

But a trick is to loosen the bolts in the motor mount and shift it so that the motor is suspended with preload though the bolts and not resting on the side of the bolt.* Makes a big difference in vibes transmitted to the frame and then to you. Goes from sitting on a paint shaker to an electric razor with almost dead batteries. Seriously it makes a huge difference, the motor still has inherent vibes, but it doesn't affect you at all.


*-Said another way center the engine mounting studs in the hole so that it doesn't touch the edge around the the diameter at any point in the frame. there is more slop than you would think, and if you don't do this the bolts rest solid transmitting all that thumper vibe straight to the frame... if you do you have a natural vibration damper with the mount.

Really good to know that that issue can be resolved. Thanks.

[bill_will]

Hey Bill

I've ridden alot of bikes but not any of them would raise
the front end at 60 mph like this bike. I just pulled the motor
and sent it to Allen after 6500 miles of hard riding with just
oil changes. I have Silmoto, piper-x and VDB mapping. Its pulls
so hard you think you can beat just about every bike out there !
Now the bike is running perfect but I want Allen to check it out,
new rings, clean and adjust valves ( if needed ) and tweak the
mapping. This past May at Deals Gap I put on 1500 miles with
3 oil changes !!!!!!!!!! I would call this its first service !!!

Dave

Hey just read this again and would like to know - who is Allen? And how do you like the silmoto, from looking at videos of that exhaust it sounds GREAT!

[wilmar13]

Very good read! I like their humor too.


Yeah I just read it and agree... it is an accurate review of all three bikes and not the typical the wandering advert that many mag tests have devolved into.

One thing I disagree with is the premise that you can't ride a real supermoto for more than 20 minutes. All you need to do is HTFU! (harden the f*ck up). :rambo: Seriously though, lather some Noxzema or chamois butter on your nether region and wear a pair of bike shorts under your gear and you will be fine 350 miles into a 500 mile one day ride on your supermoto seat made of the finest mahogany while your riding pals on Multistradas and K1300's are dying to stop (half discomfort half boredom). ;)

Just another of my random thoughts based on what I have learned in my years on this rock and my recent discovery of supermotos being way more fun that powerful street bikes... All the things that cushion and protect you from discomfort also blunt out the experience as well. If you want to ride motorcycles for sheer joy and to actively participate in this life you have been given on a bike that feels like an extension of yourself, a pure supermoto is the way to go and any compromise made for comfort will just dampen the experience by removing the connection to the machine. If you want to be like most people and prefer paying to be a handicapped observer of their own life, well then get something "normal" and comfy. But if you were the stamped of the standard issue sheople stock you wouldn't be asking so I don't think you would go wrong with any of the bikes you are considering.

The KTM will be the least fun, yet the most appealing to your reason and the best decision on paper.

The Husky and the SXV are both equal fun and lots of it.... with the SXV having more power in the top end and being a bit more street comfy with its V-twin power but more expensive to operate, and the Husky making you feel like a 15 year old again riding your MX bike totally illegal every day to work (that pic of the 510 jumping tracks captures its character perfectly). http://s1.visordown.com/uploads/images/huge/24725.jpg

When I am tired and just want something I don't have to worry about, a KTM 690 seems really appealing, but I know I would become obsessive about losing weight on it and making it into something pure function, so I know it isn't the bike for me. That will be something you need to figure out, but if you aren't sure just pick one and see how it fits... it won't be a permanent situation, you will learn something and then you can try again. Like I said, any of the three bikes are good choices. You can always sell it and try another a couple years down the road.
:cheers:


Hey just read this again and would like to know - who is Allen?
Allen Noland is one of the experts who can help you get the bike sorted so it is trouble free with basic maintenance, and you happen to be lucky enough to live close-by... he is west of you in the nice part of Appalachia.
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/member.php?u=37052

[swerver]

I commute about 30 miles everyday on mine (2009), no problems. I've put about 2000 miles on mine since July. It doesn't compare to the DRZ (they're known as DRiZzzles for a reason :D). I can't comment on the Huskys and KTMs.

The main thing you need to be careful of when buying an SXV is the engine sealant problem. If it's 2007 or earlier it may have the orange case sealant which is notoriously problematic (read: will probably need to be re-sealed), if it's 2008 and newer make sure you check the oil filler caps for milky deposits. If there are milky deposits avoid it - unless you're getting it really cheap so with the money you save you can afford to send it for a rebuild to Allen Noland.

[h1dave]

Hey just read this again and would like to know - who is Allen? And how do you like the silmoto, from looking at videos of that exhaust it sounds GREAT!

He is the east coast engine guru !! Silmoto turns a nasty bike into a beast,
she snarls and pops on decell but when you whack the throttle she roars !!

[Muddauber]

Allen Noland is the man on the SXV's/RXV's. I have 12k on mySXV 550 and started having problems with it around 10k. I dont live near Allen but after letting the numbnuts around here have a shot at fixing my bike, I took it to him. He is up in Oakland Maryland, which is about an 8 hr drive for me, but it was wotrth every mile. Hey Dave, are you the Dave we rode with at the Gap this year, Psycho's buddy?

[bill_will]

Allen Noland is the man on the SXV's/RXV's. I have 12k on mySXV 550 and started having problems with it around 10k. I dont live near Allen but after letting the numbnuts around here have a shot at fixing my bike, I took it to him. He is up in Oakland Maryland, which is about an 8 hr drive for me, but it was wotrth every mile. Hey Dave, are you the Dave we rode with at the Gap this year, Psycho's buddy?

:) Thanks! Did a bit of research and found out who he was... seems like a good guy who knows these v-twins pretty well. That is VERY reassuring that he is so closeby. I might just have to give him a ring later on.

Anybody know what he charges for a rebuild, just curious - I know the cost can drastically differ from bike to bike.