POSTINGS  FOR FEBRUARY 2003

I wrote to George asking for some feedback on being a new owner - did the SV live up to his expectations? See Feb 19th. So this is for anyone who's not too sure about taking the plunge and buying an SV.

Hi John, Am I pleased with the SV... Yes, absolutely! I love every minute that I'm riding it. The SV definitely lives up to expectations. Plenty of power, great handling, and gobs of torque. Perfect all 'rounder. Thanks again, George

Hi John. Thought I would send some pics of my exhaust system done by sidekick performance exhausts down here in Plymouth. It sounds great, V noisy but I have not been pulled yet. I am trying to get a sound file together for you to add if you want to the rest that you have. Lots of mods done to the bike but plenty more to come. Cheers Nige(rastas).

I have just started an SV web site in Australia. http://www.svdownunder.com   We do not have any other SV sites in Australia and I have been looking at your site, is it ok that I put a link to your site in the links? Even though your web site does not help in the side of where to buy I still see that it is worth a look as we all work on the same bikes.  -- Bill Preston SVdownunder.com 

I know we get a few readers here from the Australia, so you might want to take a look at Bill's site

John, great site, very useful managed to get some replacement bits and advice for my SV. Did not know if appropriate to post a message about the Club I ride with on the discussion board. May be off interest to people based in Kent looking for people to have a blast with. See what you think and let us know. Kent Invitica Bike Club Meet 1st Tuesday each month The Good Intent West Farleigh Maidstone Kent Regular ride-outs, trips abroad etc. http://invicta.bc.users.btopenworld.com/index.htm  Thanks Paul

A few months ago, I asked if the SV would be a good bike for a return rider and got lots of positive feedback on the forum. I've since purchased a new yellow '02 and have already made a few mods. Here they are: Fairing is a Ducati Monster fairing with SV mounting hardware from www.Redracingparts.it . They were great to deal with and I got the fairing right away. Handlebars are Suburban Machinery Type 1 (www.suburban-machinery.com ) purchased from www.cyclecenterofdenton.com  (USA). The Bars are excellent and CCD was a pleasure to deal with. Tank cover and rear hugger are Suzuki brand purchased from the Suzuki dealer. I painted part of the hugger black - too much yellow. Belly pan is made by Skidmarx and purchased from www.streetfightersbydesign.com  (USA). The proprietor, David Cork, is a great guy to work with and he sent the pan right away. Mirrors are CatEye bicycle bar end mirrors (slightly modified to fit) from the local bicycle shop. Corbin saddle from Corbin. George

George, what I want to know is, are you happy with the SV? Did the feedback match reality? I guess the answer is yes, but there are probably other Georges out there trying to decide at this moment, give us your first impressions.

Dear John As a regular reader of the SV650.org I was wondering if you'd be able to add a link to the links page for a tyre fitter in Reading. www.rideinbiketyres.co.uk I've tried a few companies before, ranging from mobile companies to large chains and I was very impressed with the quality of service and the price of tyres including fitting for my 2002 SV650s. I paid just under £200 for a pair of BT010s fitted that was £30 cheaper than anywhere else in Berks I could find. The company is a one man band and I wanted to show my appreciation that I feel is very deserved. Cheers  Jonathan Wadham

Consider it done.

Dear John, Attached are some pictures from the track-day in Estoril (Portugal) last weekend. The SV650 is indeed one hell of a bike! I've done 2'07 (Ok! Rossi does 1'39! But who cares?) and I had a lot of fun. In the Portuguese owners club website you can see all the pictures and even a video: http://www.sv650pt.net  Best regards, Pedro Leal Clube sv650.pt

You lucky man, all that warmth and sunshine. Did your knee sliders last the day?

John, I've been reading the website for a number of weeks now. I check it most days and have found it really useful. Keep up the good work. I've setup a website for my own sv650s, http://www.robertwillett.com/bikes/sv650s  and would be grateful if you could advertise it's presence on your own forum. Other people may find some of the stuff interesting (or perhaps not). I won't send pictures as everybody has seen pictures of yellow SV650S's . All the best, Rob Willet

Yes I have noticed your email address ;-)

Hi John, All the talk and expectation of the new SV1000 didn't really interest me at all until the MCN review recently - even the looks have started to grow on me.... but not being a fan of the half-faired look, I've been wondering what it might look like with the fairing lowers that will, apparently, be offered as with the current SV. Naturally (!), that led to wondering about a seat cowl, the removal of the horrid and massive tailpiece and, of course, some lovely high-level titanium Renegades. Anyway, here's the result - excuse the slightly dodgy Photoshopping, but it should give a vague idea. I couldn't force bring myself to stick the number plate back on - let's just assume it's hidden by the cans :) Modifications are always entirely subjective, but frankly, this is the one for me! Now, who do I write to about a black version?....... Cheers, Dan

Sorry Dan, Thought I'd have a play with your images in shockwave. John

Just a few notes on the meet at Box Hill this Sunday; It was a cold trip down to Box Hill, but nothing a cup of hot chocolate couldn't soon sort out, and get the feeling back into your fingers ! Turn out was good, we had 13 bikes plus a few other SV owners who wandered over. Unfortunately no naked bikes made it, maybe they only get them out in the summer.. ;o) It turned out to be a rather busy day and we couldn't get all the bikes lined up together for a photo, so we moved to the overflow car park to get some better pictures. Some of us took the posing too seriously though (see the photo with us and our bikes) I have attached some pictures and they can also be found on my web site @ www.cyfc.co.uk/morebikes.htm 

Sounds like you had a good time, and I hope you kept the hypothermia at bay!

Hi John, You have a great site. The pics of the bikes are awesome. Keep it up. here are a few pics of my SV. Thank you for your time. enjoy -Marty- Everyone likes to see their baby on the site, which is fine, although I do have to consider disk space, so I may not publish every shot you send me. John. 

Bit pricey at $60

http://www.zianet.com/GenMar/s216.html 

John, Here I go again asking for your help. Ok here is the format. Riot Racing is going to enter the SuperTwins and MiniTwins series organised by Bemsee (a British Motorcycle Club), the idea is to prepare riders for BSB or WSB. The bikes will be my Mille (hopefully another) Wosser here is a good Corporate Sponsor offer) and an SV650. Technical side will be Wim (Belgium tuner) and a Renegade in house mechanic as bike caretaker.

The riders, two young fast lads on the Milles?? and a rookie for the SV. The Aim, to win the Championship. The plan, all three riders together with Renegade are at present the Major Sponsors, however more financial support is needed both from corporate sponsors and individuals. For more details (Corporate Sponsors) please email me, jorge@renegade-products.com  As for individuals, what we are looking for is as much as you can, each give, be it money, parts or anything you can which will help the team (tyres, fuel, truck servicing, food and drinks. etc.) Apart from the bike, financial support and a lot of work, renegade is providing a 7.5 ton to the Team. 

The truck is not only to be used as Team transportation, sleeping and workshop as it will be used as hospitality to it's Sponsors. Corporate ones will get this plus maximum exposure within the Team's structure, both on track, on the road, in the media, as on the internet. Individuals, will have a place called home while at the races, the opportunity to witness how much there is to racing and come out with a full grin on their faces. What we intend to do is provide you with a weekend for you not to forget. We intend to welcome you and introduce you to Your Team, making you fell part of it and be part of it. We intend to ask for your opinion, share your opinion with others and seeing your feedback being taken serious. Our hospitality will provide you with food and beverages at all times while at the races, at least a full meal will be provided per day (£10 each day will be asked to all taking part).

We can take you on track, accompanied by one of our official reporters and allow you to get as many pictures as you want, at close up. Take you around the track on our scooter (circuit permitting) and now and then be part of our on track parties, hopefully with our Team live band. We can only do this with your support, to share the Riot Experience the Team is asking for donations as little as £50 per person, for the season.

Those already used to Riot Racing can give you their testimonials. Please pass on the message to as many as you can. Make Riot Racing be YOUR Team. Please contact tomoko@ridersitemail.com  for how to donate. Best regards, Jorge

www.renegade-products.com 

Hi John, Thought it was about time I sent some pictures of my SV to sv650.org. Bike was completely stock when I got it in September, with the exception of the Suzuki OEM lowers and hugger. I have recently added a high level Remus GP race can, micro indicators on the back and a black screen. Also have just put a pair of those "Xenon" headlamp bulbs in, make a great difference. No engine mods as yet, but I have got plans for the front indicators, a seat cowl, and clear tail light array. Would like to modify the speedo so it has a white background with an orange indicator, if anyone knows where I may get such a thing, please let me know. Only passed my test in September and have done more than 4000 miles on the bike since then... Regards, Steve (Jelster)

Hi John,   There’s an update on my sv.  I’ve finally fixed the last of the bodges that St. Albans Dyno did.  I got a new undertray from James Holland, along with a new billet aluminium clutch cover.  I think he’s managed to undercut everyone on the price for the cover.  Here are pictures of the first one.  Now all I need is the other side.   Regards   Jack    S'looking good

Here are some pics of my baby, please post them. Okay, as it's pretty, what about some details?

Hi John, Kudos for all your continued hard work on the site. We really appreciate it. Here are the latest updates on my custom gas tank project: I've finalized the shape and roughed in filler on the fiberglass. I really like the way it allows the rear cylinder to peek through. Sorta Ducati 999, maybe? (yep I thought so too) I've modified the underside to provide more space for airflow, too. The plan is to make a set of panels that fit between the frame and tank that are simply thin borders with a mesh inlay to preserve the 'see through' look while hiding some of the now-visible wiring, etc. Still working on a front fairing design but I'm also liking the naked look (SV/MV Brutale?). We'll see. More to come as it continues to evolve. Ride safely. Chris Baker

John, My cousin Steve has started a new website selling bike parts, including some SV650 bits. I was wondering if you could include a link to his site? Steve is an amateur motorcycle racing champion and Isle of Man racer. He has his own website with a great story telling of his first Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix in 2000. http://www.motorcycleracingchampion.co.uk  His new site - for possible inclusion in your listing - is http://www.bikeparts4u.co.uk/  Cheers, Wayne Campbell (Lardacre) PS End to End update coming soon!

Hi john just thought i would send you a couple of snaps of my sv.I bought it as a damage repairable xmas 2001 i replaced the tank clocks bars but as you can see i have added lots of other stuff. I intend to fit a small black screen can you suggest any i also intend to chop the rear mudguard.

Looks very tidy. I can't recommend a screen myself, although I'm sure someone here can.

Hi, I just came across your forum on Yahoo. I didn't want to subscibe and post this info as I know it can be really annoying for the users, so I thought I'd mail you and ask for a mention if you think its appropriate for your members. We are a new e-commerce company dealing primarily in motorcycle salvage. We do have a large selection of parts for sale, including many SV650 bits, at often less than half MRP. We are - All About Bikes LTD, www.aboutbikes.co.uk  We have many other bits not yet listed on the site, so if you, or any other members have a specific request, please mail me. best regards John Butler All About Bikes 07720 415 857 

After replying to John's email, he also sent me this.

John, Thanks for that. By the middle of the year we should have new OEM parts available for purchase online, as well as performance parts and tyres. We are also in partnership with a dyno centre and should soon be able to offer complete hop-up and setup packs. Have you considered a SV650 club dyno day ? We could offer very cheap rates for individual runs and setup advice if you bring a group. Incidentally the dyno centre is situated in the heart of Salisbury plain so the ride there is great too! regards John.

Sounds like a fun day out. I'll try and organise something when the weather improves and a bike that's not in a million pieces.

Hi John, Saw your picture on the front page this month and had to reply! The drawing is almost the spitting image of my own bike. I've attached a few pics so you can see for yourself. Since these pics were taken, I've also fitted a bellypan and single seat cowl, and removed the grab rail and pillion footrests - it looks the kitty's bits. Glad to see the drawing is called "dream_SV650" - couldn't agree more myself ;o) Cheers Pete 

The Cover artist, Stephen Spiteri is planning on rebuilding his brothers machine to this design, so he'll be interested in seeing the real thing. I take it the exhausts are Rene's. Interesting how they mount the number plate under the cans.  Nice Bike

Hiya john Was wondering if you could put my crash pictures up on the current data part of the site. This is the aftermath of my baby after meeting a white boy racer corsa who decided to pull out in front of me on a empty road thinking he could make it. I smashed into the side of the car, went over the bonnet and traveled about 75 yards where I was hit just slightly by another oncoming car who just managed to move out of the way. My bike is a complete right off as you can see (notice the no front which apparently evaporated on impact as there was hardly any debri on the road) and personal injuries are a completely rebuilt left knee with bone from my hip, 6 metal plates down the tibia and 4 down the fibia to hold everything in place. That happened in November and i'm still not walking, nor will I be for at least another 2/3 months I Guess my Nitrous'd SV from Blitz plans will have to go on hold for a few years!!!

Not much of a crumple zone on the SVS, even less on SV. Perhaps they should put air bags in the headlights! Glad you lived to tell the tale.

Hi John / Steve With reference to your article from Steve Webb regarding thrust curves for the SV650. He was trying to show the graph in Excel, however could not find a way of doing it. I have had a go, but do not think the graphs are that good. If any one wants to take a look then visit: http://www.symonsnet.fsnet.co.uk/svgraph.html  I can e-mail the spreadsheet to anyone else who might want to try. By the way excellent website, keep up the good work. I shall be ordering my stickers this week! Regards Ady Thanks Ady. There was a small typo in the second table of figures the ratio should have been 46:14 not 46:15. Now amended. 

Hello John Attached are a couple of photos of my previous SV which was involved in a collision with a Ford Escort Estate. The bike ended up stood upright embedded in the front wing of the Escort when the driver pulled out in front of me, an all too common occurence! From the back the bike doesn't look too bad, it's only when you get round to the front that it looks bad. One of the forks is snapped and the other is twisted and bent through 90 degrees, the bike was written off and declared a Category B loss. As for me, I was thrown over the top of the bike and car and smashed both bones in my right arm and twisted my little finger on left hand to an un-natural shape, plus many other bruises and aches and pains. It didn't put me off though, as soon as I was able to ride again, I was back on another SV. Best Regards Barry Walker (Mariner)

I hope bent SV's aren't going to be the theme of the month. Glad it wasn't worse for you.

Hello John. Following the Feb. issue of performance bikes, I worked out the thrust curves for the SV605 with std. and revised gearing of 46:14 teeth. Attached picture shows the result for all gears. I dunno if it's of any interest to you or others but if so, I could rework it for other combinations... Steve Webb

I found it interesting. Looks like the standard gearing gives you a theoretical top speed of 150mph.

Steve followed this up with;

Thanks for your interest. Actually, I suppose I should have given some more information: The thrust is calculated from Torque X gearing and all figures are worked out on the basis of 70mph indicated for an indicated 5,000 rpm (as that seems common). The torque curves were obtained by digitising a dyno graph from the JHS Racing website. I tried to find a way to do it in Excel, so that it would be available to everyone, but I couldn't find a way to graph it. I had to use Mathcad in the end. If you know of a way to do it in Excel, let me know! PS. If you can format the following in monotype, the table will make sense

Std gearing for SV650 (45:15)

RPM	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th

1000	4.8	6.7	8.6	10.6	12.4	14.0

2000	9.7	13.4	17.3	21.2	24.8	28.0

3000	14.5	20.1	25.9	31.8	37.2	42.0

4000	19.4	26.8	34.5	42.4	49.6	56.0

5000	24.2	33.5	43.2	53.0	62.0	70.0

6000	29.1	40.3	51.8	63.6	74.4	84.0

7000	33.9	47.0	60.5	74.2	86.8	98.0

8000	38.8	53.7	69.1	84.8	99.2	112.0

9000	43.6	60.4	77.7	95.4	111.6	126.0

10000	48.4	67.1	86.4	106.0	124.0	140.0

10500	50.9	70.4	90.7	111.3	130.2	147.0

 

With 46:14 teeth (chosen to give a difference of only about 500 rpm at 70 mph - 467 actually

 - and to keep the chain the same length)

RPM	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th

1000	4.4	6.1	7.9	9.7	11.3	12.8

2000	8.8	12.3	15.8	19.4	22.6	25.6

3000	13.3	18.4	23.7	29.0	34.0	38.3

4000	17.7	24.5	31.5	38.7	45.3	51.1

5000	22.1	30.6	39.4	48.4	56.6	63.9

6000	26.5	36.8	47.3	58.1	67.9	76.7

7000	31.0	42.9	55.2	67.8	79.3	89.5

8000	35.4	49.0	63.1	77.4	90.6	102.3

9000	39.8	55.1	71.0	87.1	101.9	115.0

10000	44.2	61.3	78.9	96.8	113.2	127.8

10500	46.4	64.3	82.8	101.6	118.9	134.2

Hi john and all, here's some pics of my sv after its encounter with junction 23a roundabout! Its all back together now, i'll send some more pics soon! safe riding matt (DYNAMITE,MATT SMITH)

Looks like you did a right good job. I think you managed to bust every piece of bodywork available. How did you fare?

I'm a Canadian rider waiting patiently for my 2003 SV650S to come in, so in the mean time I took an image of the stock bike and did some Photoshop work to remove the massive rear fender, add flush mount turn signals, and I added the spoiler from the SV1000 (which took some work). It's not perfect, but it gives me something to stare at during these frigid days of January. These are the mods that I'm making to mine so this pretty much looks the way mine will when I get it. Thought maybe you would like to see. Gary Kraemer

Must be like watching a kettle boil. It'll be interesting to see how long accessories take to appear for the new SV.

Just an update on the Frame alignment for the SV, I found somewhere!!! :-) The location is in Bury and the guy who runs a little workshop there is called Nigel. Here's his number if anyone else get's the dreaded banana SV syndrome. 0161 7616222

As far as pricing goes, he generally gives a quote for around 150 quid for frame straightening, BUT be warned as he told me that the SV's frame is prone to snapping while being straightened (Trellis frame) and welding it bumps the price up to around 330 quid (For a proper job). And all that's providing that you get the bike there relatively stripped down. But I'm still waiting on the bike so hopefully no complaints. Stuart Carrington. 

Update from Stuart.

Actually got the bike back yesterday (Wednesday), and my word what a difference. He even polished everything up for me, it's like new. From what he said the frame was banana shaped (mainly due to the central engine adjustable mount). But once on the jig he managed to get it sorted within 0.1 of a mm, and it didn't snap so all's well now. And the mods now are new powerbronze rear hugger, powerbronze front lowers, powerbronze undertray, Goodridge hoses, front smoked screen, front fender extender, Quill T3 Oval Road legal can. Oh and some Oxford wrap on Hot hands for that winter chill. Just need to get my new chain and sprockets fitted for summer. Need some nice weather now to hopefully not chuck it down the road. Should be able to get a couple of pics of it for you soon. Also, I'd like some recommendations for tyre's. I'm after some reasonable wear but grippy tyres for summer. Ride safe, Stu.

I wrote back asking whether the frame was bent by the accident or the over tightening of the central engine mount. This was Stuarts reply

Well the frame was a bit of a double whammy, twisted to the left but bent to the right, if you get where I'm coming from. As the fall was on the right hand side, seems that that was enough to loosen the central engine mount enough for it to be pulled to the left due to the final drive causing it to twist over time. So bit of negligence on my part. But mainly due to the slide, Can but learn from experience. You'll have to let us know how it goes with the powder coating, as one of my old school mates works for a engineering firm that does that. I've been considering it myself as the rear peg mounts keep flaking and rusting a little along with the side cover lug holes (that's my problem, rust on all the bits that dangle outside the bodywork). Even might consider having some bits anodized or nickel plated that way it saves on the WD40 :-) I actually got the bike back in one piece on Wednesday, I asked the guy to do a full rebuild and check everything out. Just to make sure. ...And the bike handles like new. Regards Stu.

Where do I start?  Well let me say thank you to Stephen Spiteri for yet another stonking piece of artwork on this months home page. I love it. I've added the image to the multimedia section in a variety of wallpaper sizes for you to download.

I mentioned last month that I was going to get some SV650.org stickers made up. Well I have, and they're available to buy at £1 each. I'll have to limit the sales to UK people for the moment. I'm taking a bit of a risk here because I'm not sure if I'm going to get killed in the rush or suffer an embarrassing silence. click here for further info. 

I haven't ridden the SV for over a month now and I'm developing a nervous twitch. Why? Well the SV's been in dry dock for a refit. I've been working on it for the last few weekends and this is the score so far. Firstly I'm knocking on the door of the big 15k mile service. Time to check the valve clearances, happily they were fine, so the rest of the service was confined to the usual oil change, sparkplugs and general greasing. On top of that the oil pressure switch has gone awol. A new one cost £17.

The paint on the front of the engine was looking grim, lots of bare metal, so a touchup of engine paint was required. Last year, as an experiment, I made a cover for the starter motor out of black plastic drainpipe. It slips over the motor and I was worried that all sorts of cr*p might be lodged under it by now, so I thought I would remove it to check for corrosion etc. I needn't have worried it was fine, even the PVC tape looked okay. See for yourself in this photo.

 Another experiment was to polish the front forks and leave them bare, just relying on regular polishing to keep them in good nick. This largely worked well until the middle of December, when I covered the bike and hardly used it for a couple of weeks. The level of polish must have been quite low and what with the road salt some corrosion did occur but nothing major and certainly nothing like last years photos. A quick buff with some Belgom Alu and a polishing mop soon brought them back again. A success I think, I'm certainly not tempted to coat them in lacquer again.

I got the rear brake torque arm powder coated last year and it still looks like new. Looking at the state of the subframe convinced me that a touchup with Hammerite was not the real answer. So I've stripped the frame bare and getting that powder coated too. Should look good. The second photo shows the rusty sub frame but the reason I included it was because if you need to get to the rear of the engine its a doddle to remove the two lower subframe screws, unhook the rear brake reservoir and pivot the whole thing up. I even left the battery in.

German Webring

Nächste Seite       Vorige Seite       Alle Seiten