JANUARY 2000

A quick line... this week my choke stuck full on and wouldn't shift.

As I passed a motorcycle shop on the way to work, I dropped in. They said my choke and carbs were corroding badly due to rain etc getting in. They said bike design was poor, side stand only meant that the carbs are water traps and that the bike won't last two British winters and value will plummet!!!  (thanks for the good news!)

I love the SV and wasn't pleased to hear this. It cost me £50 for them to clean and fix, grease etc. Can I get this back via warranty? Should I contact Suzuki? Has anyone else experienced this? (yes....you should have taken it to an authorised Suzuki dealer and got them to do it...try after the event to get your money back but they may be funny about it because you got some other outfit to do the work - let us know...)

Awaiting responses.

Good to have the site back with us.

And more on sticking chokes....

28/01/2000 - This from Davy (davyf@freenet.co.uk)...

On cold mornings or wet (especially if it had been raining on the way home the night before) my bike does the cutting out at low revs trick but it is definately down to a sticky choke.

I mentioned over the Christmas I had a sticky choke and stripped them out to free them off well its back. & is definately due to water running through the choke cable.

The symptoms are when cold with the choke off the engine still revs high but rough, as the bike warms at low revs it cuts out. When the bike stands after a journey even if it cuts out when parking after an hour or so the choke closes and the bike runs fine when restarted. I have removed the friction piece below the choke actuator which enables me to drop the choke which eventually closes the sticky on. (I experience cutting out at low revs when the choke is off and i think the bike has warmed up enough...only done it a few times and didn't cause a problem, just hit the starter quickl and i'm off again. Maybe it was a sticking choke problem or maybe the bike simply wasn't warm enough and I was shutting the choke off to early).

I'll have to strip it out again soon cause it will only get worse. Leaving it as long as possible because its a nasty job. (keep us up to date..)

Oh no !!!

I have been looking forward to 2 "happenings" in 2000, for ages

1) The SV rideout..should be a great sight and a chance to talk to like minded people about my bike all day without people getting bored.

2) My mates stag "do" to Amsterdam (for all the obvious reasons)

The inevitable happened, and they are both over the same weekend (that Murphy and his law can be SUCH a pain). Anyway Amsterdam is booked so I'll have to miss the rideout (fancy a swap?). Please can everyone make sure that they have such a good time on the rideout that it wont be the last one.

Heres hoping its the first of many, and as much of a success as this site is (100k hits !!!....Kevin, you should be proud !!) I am...big time! :- )

Everybody have fun that weekend....I know I will :-)

Geoff, Check out this hi-bar conversion. I guess this is a naked SV with an S fairing attached. You might have to mess around buying a new top yoke (triple clamp) and longer cables.

Kev, Others might find this interesting? Got the pics from http://www.svrider.com/ :

http://www.svrider.com/photos/sv-pics/sh_front.jpg    http://www.svrider.com/photos/sv-pics/sh_left.jpg    http://www.svrider.com/photos/sv-pics/sh_right.jpg    http://www.svrider.com/photos/sv-pics/sh_top.jpg

Also from John is a reply to the tyres of old question raised recently...

I think tyres have improved beyond belief since I started out in 1974. If you bought a jap bike in the seventies the first job was to dump the Bridgestones/Yokohamas and get some Dunlops.

The SV650 is my first bike fitted with radials. It's very hard to compare the road manners of my GSX to the SV. The GSX has crossplys of 16x100/90 and 17x120/90 and is currently on Avon Roadrunners. The GSX has never been slick in the handling dept.

In the short time I've had the SV, I can say that it moves around less, feels the cats eyes more and does appear to have much more grip and I do push it harder in the wet than the GSX. Now and then it slides and takes away my confidence, but I'm sure that this is down to those damn Metz and the winter driving conditions.

In general all modern tyres are better than they were 15 years ago, the compound improvements go into both the radial and crossply formats, so everyone benefits.

I think, as an experiment, I'll get Kev to take the GSX out in the rain and get his views (no thanks...the dry was bad enough!). I'm sure the only crossply bike he has owned is the Honda 125 ;-)

John ( http://www.btinternet.com/~john.tapley )

I am one of the "poor Americans" who had to swap the top triple clamp when I converted from a "X" model to a "S" model. I did not have to change the lower clamp, as the parts bolted right on, and did not notice any difference in rake or trail. The only difference in the lower clamps may be the location of the steering stops, with the "S" models being slightly more restrictive. The fork legs do sit ever so slightly higher in the clamps on the "S" however.

I have a black '99 SVS now with 8200 miles on the clock. The original tyres have maybe 1000 - 1500 miles left in them (I hope).

I experience all the normal problems with the original MEZ4's, i.e. dodgy handling due to tyres not warming up - even after 70 miles fast riding on A roads & motorways.

I have seen postings regarding BT56 & BT57's, but not seen any feedback as to what they are like, also what are the Avon Azaro's like (other than cheap)? (I'm very happy with my BT56's, they stick like hell and feel better in the wet than the Metz)

Anyone recommend any other tyres that do the impossible - grip like glue in all weathers, cheap and last forever! or at least 2 of the above. (but they are not going to last anything like 8/9000 miles! More like 5/6000 max. I will fit BT57 to rear next time and seek that balance you talk about)

great site, keep up the good work.

It's good to have you back! The last couple of days have been hell! (good to be back...)

As for the rideout, if anyone is coming past Liverpool on the way to Brum, please make contact, and we'll meet up for the rest of the journey. I plan to go through Chester, Whitchurch, Ironbridge etc. It would be a great photo oppurtunity to get a group of SV's in front of Thomas Telford's finest creation! Which reminds me, is Jen going to be able to make the trip? Oh well, it was a thought! (I'll be going from Oswestry towards Shrewsbury and then either down M54/M6 or Telford/Ironbridge and via your route...drop me a mail near the time and I'll join you if I can).

See ya all soon

PS As it's mothers day on the 14th, do we have to bring them as well? Although it would be a nice present, it would really upset the handling! (is it? my Mum actually wants a go on the back.....I'm trying to put her off, she thinks it's dangerous as it is!)

Love the site! Now I gotta buy the bike.

I am on from Canada, and we are waiting for the white plague to leave the ground (actually I like snow but I feel the need to ride bikes). I have some questions either you or maybe some of your SV fanatics can help me with.

I have had a couple of 4 cyl Japanese sport bikes over the years, 85 ninja 900, CBR 600F2, and have been on all the rest, but I have always wanted a twin. Love to see the engine, love the sound of a twin, (ahhh Ducati), but can't afford Italian lust. So I am introduced first to the TL 1000, and Firestorm. Fantastic, but then comes along
the SV and wow, lookit the price. Gobs lower in price than the rest. Haven't had a chance to test any of them, & The SV was sold out here late in the season (99). Kinda funny because I worked at a dealership for awhile, and rode bags of bikes but they were all Kawasaki's. No twins other than the 250 and EX 500. Hmmmmmm.....

So I guess what I am asking is, is the price variance (read: low) indicative of something lacking? Performance? (compared to what, a TL? Yes, but the TL is king of the torque. Compared to other similar bikes? No, not really, just different from a 4 pot.) Build? (could be better but it's a Suzuki thing not a price thing) I would like something that can hold it's own in the corners ( I love the twisties) (yes it can), and need something that is cheap to run, has character and is different than all the other plastic covered beauties..(buy one then..)

Can you give me insight. Free Canadian Lagers to those with the knowledge! Cheers

P.S. I was in Crewe in 1997, Kinda toured that area and Scotland for a month and gotta say, I LOVE THE PUBS. & fell in love with Guinness.........Thanks, now export the damn stuff will ya, and stop sending those devilish teletubies bent on ruining our peaceful way of life..............Heheheh I've got two young children and the Teletubbies have ruined my way of life so why not yours too?!! ;- )

Regarding to Paul's question about the K&N air filter. I have asked them about it and they say it is coming. They suppose to e-mail me when the filter is available. But, I will keep calling and bug them about it. At the mean time, Yoshimura does have the filter available for about US$75.00.

I have also received the SV's Service Manual today. So, if anyone who needs info from the Service Manual, I can try my best to help.

Picked up my new SV in Mid December. Like others, this site really helped with the decision. The bike lives up to its reputation, mostly good. This site is very good!

I have been away from motorcycling for about 15 years and I have a "novice" questioin, Are modern tires that much better than old tires, providing decent traction in the wet? If so what tires are considered better in these and other not so ideal conditions?  more matures readers need for reply to this please...how about you John T? ;- )

I'm becoming very interested in an SV650 after talking with the parts guy today. I had to pick some stuff for my '90 Katana 750 and wandered over to the showroom.
They had a wonderful blue one sitting there. They fired it up for me in the showroom, revved it a bit, and now I think I'm sold (that's what salesmen do to you.....you're doomed now....).

The seating position feels very good (from what I could tell) and the exhaust burble is quite nice ;-) The parts guy went on to tell me about aftermarket full exhausts,
clip ons, etc, etc. "This baby'll walk a Monster 900 and you'll see your friend's Gixxer in your mirrors during top gear roll ons. Heck we take these out around the block and pull wheelies no prob." I was pretty stoked. (and I can't help smiling.)

As I was leaving he invited me back for a test ride on the next dry day can't wait!! For $5700 it sounds like a pretty good back for buck deal.

Once again though great page and keep up the good work!

I just bought a naked sv650, and i have a couple of questions about modifacations.

one, i read that someone was able to fit a buell flyscreen to the sv. is this possible without modification of the screen, and if so, which screen would one use cyclone, lighting or some other?

two, has anyone tried to fit renthal handlebars to a naked sv? a guy i ride with has a duck monster set up that way, and it looks really trick. anyone have any idea how this would affect the handling/riding position?

for those of you living in norther California Spears enterprises does all kinds of cool stuff for SV's (they are racing two one is under 300lbs wet, 90+ bhp) at (408) 879-0724. edr performance in oregon also works on sv's and can be reached at edr_performance@yahoo.com or (503) 259-2891

pics soon...i hope

Hi, Just thought i'd let you people know some info reference the apparent Carb Icing on the SV650.

To start with it isn't, the SV650 comes with carb heaters fitted as standard in the uk. My local dealer has spoken to Suzuki and they say that they will shortly be issuing a bullitin that the problem, (engine cut out when revs drop), is caused by one of three things;

1. Padding under the tank slipping and covering the air intake.

2. A T piece in the fuel line with a sharp bend that can be too sharp to allow fuel to pass.

3. The water run off on the fuel tank has become blocked, clogged or twisted and thus water is ending up in the fuel.

Anyone experiencing problems should get there dealer to speak to Suzuki and they should be able to help. As for me, mine goes in next week and my moneys on
the water run off putting water in the fuel, as my problems mainly happen in the rain. Finger crossed that by next weekend my problem should be sorted. (let us know)

I'll try and make it for the meet - sounds like it could be fun! (well, it's up to you lot but it should be)

I would also look at the water pump area on your bike, I would think what is happening is that the alloy under the paint is oxidising (good old road salt - don't you just love it......) probably at the edge of the casting for the water pump where it is not painted (where the gasket sits). This will then bubble the paint and when you give it a brush the whole lot comes off. Nice eh? (NO!)

I always give this sort of joint a good spray with WD40 after a wash (and me, every time) and it seems to help a bit but doesn't stop the rot completely. I guess the only way for us to get a bike that lasts the winter unscathed is to get a MZ (they are knackered before the winter!).

I think I will have to look into getting some of the parts coated for the summer as they are starting to look tacky - any ideas of good coatings / companies that would up to
the job? (no, I haven't but if anyone reading knows please write in...)

I got a call from my friend Red tonight. It's happened! Yes, my dream is going to be a reality this summer. I've been invited to attend the first meeting to officially form a Greater Pittsburgh Sport Bike Riders Club! First meeting will be at Whiskey Dick's in the Strip @ 1:00pm this Saturday. I'm very excited about this, it looks like it's really going to fly. I'm going to suggest the formation of an official web site.( Links will include yours as well if I can get the web space. :) ) If I can get the web site started I hope to include rider pics with bikes, meeting places, shows, rides, schedule of events, links, etc....

Wow, I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight! I'm absolutely Psyched!!!!! And get this, the Star Boyz stunt team from Akron Ohio will be associated with it and ride with us when they're in the area! ( Apparently, Rich, Matt, Mark, and a few others were riding with them toward the end of the summer after meeting them at one of their shows.) Some of the guys will go out and do shows with them in the local area and try to get sponsorship.

This is an absolute dream come true.....finally we're getting organized.

So to all those out there who live in the greater Pittsburgh area and are interested, feel free to contact me and I'll give you the details as they develop. (good luck...)

Just a quicky to john, i am just about to have my silver wheels powder coated black i will let you know what the finish is like.the cost is £30 the pair.

I am enjoying checking in regularly on the site while I wait for delivery on my 2000 SV. I don't mind not having it yet; this isn't the weather for riding
(Wisconsin- northern USA) what with the snow and -10ºC temps (today's high !).

I usually can't ride until mid-March or so, in part because I wait for the rain to wash the ice melting road chemicals away. (Judging by the many comments of those in the UK riding at this time of year, the corrosion caused by these chemicals is a problem there too.) I am planning to remove all the painted parts to give them a couple of coats of clear-coat paint to improve their durability, before using it. Again, something that I am picking up from the comments you are receiving. And bring on the hugger, front fender extension, and fork tube protectors. I just wish there were a center stand to facilitate on-road maintenance.

And I wanted to let you know that it seems that Brett's photos were repeated again for Mark and Mark's photos don't come up. ? Brett's posting was the last one of the 18th Jan. and Mark's is just above that on the 20th. I hope that helps. (thanks for that...hopefully it's sorted out now)

Again thanks for the site. I am replacing my 1983 GR650, also a Suzi twin, which I had held on to for so long waiting for something like the SV to appear. I also ride a 1982 GS750E, having sold off the GS1000G and GS850G (both from 1981) as well. As it turns out I sold these last two a year ago to a company that refurbishes these older bikes for resale in the UK! It seems there is quite a market for those older UJM's in the UK. So maybe some reader out there is riding one of my older bikes. Though it might not be very likely that he is reading the SV pages. (about as much change as winning the lottery....but...it could be you.....it's never me anyway!)

One of the things that has sparked my curiosity is the number of comments regarding noise in the front suspension. Has anyone considered that this sort of thing can happen because of how hard wheelies are on the forks and such? I wonder if these are related, since so many are also commenting on how much fun it is to do wheelies on the SV. Am I looking forward to pointing that wheel skyward! I have to be careful around here though because we get fined for such sport. (and here too but I don't wheelie and I have always had the noise).

Carb heaters are standard in UK, option for the rest of us... (they are? Why do you think that?)

My Compliments to the Compilers for an excellent Web Site!!!! On behalf of all the SV riders, WELL DONE! It's much appreciated!! Another GOOD SITE worth checking out: http://www.svrider.com/. (yes, Rob's site is very good looking and puts this one to shame. Hopefully the frequent updates and large archives on here make up for it. They both offer different things which is good. I think Rob is in the website creation business or at least in the graphical side (let me know if you're not Rob) where as I'm not and keep the site going in my spare time. Horses for courses as they say.......).

In September (99), I returned to riding a bike after a 10 year absence by buying a Millenium Blue SV650S. This bike looks stunning and contrary to popular belief, the dark blue (even better than the R1 blue) is the best colour for the bike (especially at sunset)!! I'm a bit of a perfectionist however and feel that it's bodywork needs some tweeking. I'm looking at adding to it a Powerbronze Hugger and a Powerbronze Lower Fairing.

If anybody has fitted the same and has good or bad experiences, please email me - I'd be grateful for your comments. If there are better bodywork kits around, please let me know too. I'm a bit nervous about colour matching the parts though as I don't want them to look like an after sale add on!

Before buying the SV, I considered the Suzuki Bandit and the Yamaha Fazer 600. I felt that the Bandit was now looking its age and the Yamaha looked too conventional. The stunningly sexy good looks af the SV and the performance of the V-TWIN make the SV650S incredible value for money. Naturally, if you've got the dosh and the guts, go for the Suzuki TL1000R or S, the BIG BROTHER/SISTER of the SV650S. But against all 600 opposition, the SV650 is the BEST!! (best depending on your needs you really mean...)

I've attached two pictures of my Millenium Blue SV for all to enjoy! Beautiful!!!!!!      Image 1     Image 2

Anyone that is mad about their SV and needs someone to email their joy to, email me please. Remember, look after HER and SHE'LL look after you!! ENJOY!!!

Congrats on your excellent resource, long may you have the energy to continue.

In Oz, the only SV version available is the 'S' faired model (I can hear the Stateside gnashing-of-teeth from here!) but with my unhealthy back, I am looking for some relief before committing myself to a SV purchase.

Do you know if "risers" can be fitted successfully, i.e. without fairing or tank clashes and having adequate length of cables/wiring available. I would be looking for a lift of 1 to 1.5 inches whilst retaining the fairing. (ummmm....help anyone??)

I have enjoyed this site over the last 6 months (since I Got my Blue '99 SV650S). I put almost 9k miles on it in that time and purchased all the relevant accessories. Without this site I would have been lost, thank you for all you hard work.

Anyway the reason for the e-mail. For sale the following all painted in the '99 Blue colour :

* Belly pan (powerbronze) with all fittings
* Seat Cowl (pyramid Plastics) with rear black pad.
* Hugger (MPS) including all fittings.
* Carbon Fibre hugger (NWS) Inc all fittings
* ART Carbon Fibre race can (very loud). This I will have to sell without the connecting pipe (to allow fitting of the original can) but this can be purchased from ART separately.

Offers for the lot or will sell separately. I am sending this mail from Dublin so post to UK would be extra or if anyone is interested from Dublin can arrange to meet them.

Hi all:

Did you know that letter C in "TCP" (the spanish company of fairings) is the initial of Antonio Cobas, the chief engineer of the Movistar Honda Pons 500 cc team?

He is one of the owners of the company that makes all the bodywork for the beatiful Bimotas.

He is a very famous engineer and is believed that he was the real developer of the actual twin beam chasis before Yamaha presented it's Deltabox.

On the other side, do you have any photo of a SV650S with the double bubble screen fitted? (yes, click About Me...mines got a double-bubble screen)

What legal exhaust with carbon finishing do you recommend? I'm looking for a real Ducati sound.   (not sure, anyone care to comment?...)

With respect to the glowing pipes. Any changes to the jetting of the bike before this happened?

I read an article in the Feb 2000 issue of cycle world where a guy was cooking his right foot on a ZR-11. Apparently he bought it used and it had a slip on and jet job done on it before he bought it.

The Authors ideas were that the jetting was probably too lean in the RPM range that the guy was riding in. ( Said it got too hot after about 30 minutes of riding.) I don't think that running too rich would make the pipes hotter, and gas in the exhaust that ignites is commonly known as backfire when letting off the gas! Plus, the major by products of combustion are carbon dioxide and water vapor - more fuel, more carbon dioxide and water vapor being produced. ( I think you get the picture, a lean bike doesn't dump heat into heating the water vapor, instead it dumps it on the pipes.) I tend to argee with the article from that stand point.

An easy way to check the richness / leanness of your bike would be to see what the plugs look like. Lots of carbon black on them indicates too rich, a white, excessively tan color indicates too lean. Also look at the end of the tail pipe - does it blow a noticeable amount of black when you start it? When you rev it up from idle? If you stick your finger in the end and pull it out is there an excessive amount of black on it? (You'll get soem dirt, but your finger should not be completely covered with soot) If it does, you're too rich.

Does the fan kick on excessively? Is the bike overheating in general? If the operating temperature is normal, and the pipes are getting hot, I'd look into carburetor issues first before tearing into the exhaust valves.

In either case, you have an issue that should be investigated, and should be covered under the 1 year service agreement.

A word of warning....I was washing the bike at the weekend and used a 'tyre' brush (heavier nylon bristles than normal brush but nothing extreme) to get the mud of the wheels and tyre walls. All OK there. I then use it on the engine casing as that was spattered too. All OK there. I then used it on the water pump cover and managed to chip off a couple of flakes of black paint! (I wasn't even trying hard!!)

The flaked paint looks crap and I'm amazed it's so thin on the pump cover. What were Suzuki thinking of when they sprayed that component (OK, it's probably not made by Suzuki but you know what I mean..)? Suzuki finish hasn't improved much then afterall......

On a happier note the evenings are drawing out a little and the roads were actually dry for once at midday today. This morning I took the long detour to work and wound the bike up to 120mph...felt much better after it too! Next....

Re: previous post on inconsistent Metz's

Three words.

Bridgestone BT57's Rock

Cold mornings, wet mornings, pouring with rain kind of mornings all I get is consistent, reliable, predictable grip - no wild transitions.

I've purposely been pushing hard to upset these babies and all I've had is a single spinout on the rear, held the throttle, and the rear bit back into the road and twitched into line (the Metz's would sheer, and take their time ...). With regard the front, I made it twitch, but it just bites back and won't let go, and it holds it's line everytime. I'm rebuilding confidence on my local slow corners (the Metz's kept chipping away at me), but it's looking good.

They weren't cheap, but I won't be replacing the side of my bike, let's see how long they last.

One fair point for the Metz's the rear may have been squareing off which would account for my 'local slow corners' they're just sharp enough to put the bike onto the worn edge - I did adapt my technique so I'd 'drop' into the corner so I'd use the other side of the edge (I realise why I was doing it now) - but the front Metz wouldn't hold the line - a tad discouraging.

So 120/60 on front and went to 170/60 on rear, I noticed immediately that the rear turns faster, probably a little taller.

If I were to choose one over the other if you can only afford one tyre, I'd give it the the rear since you'd use that to pick up the sliding front ...

My 2 cents.

Of course, after a week, I'll be taking all that grip for granted ...

Just thought I would chip in about a SV meet this year. What about Box Hill in Surrey. I went down there on Sunday and met two fellow SV650S owners. We had a good chat and I drooled over the looks and noise of a oval alloy race can by Scorpion. Its the first time I've heard an aftermarket exhaust on the SV and the noise is amazing and I'd swear it would put a 900SS Ducati to shame in noise and performance.

I'll be getting a Scorpion carbon oval race can from South Essex Motorcycles in Grays at the first service. Are K&N doing an airfilter yet for the SV?

By the way I'm still waiting for a new right-hand fairing (been on order since 10 November) its probably typical for a fairly new bike.

Anyway back to Box Hill, I know it favours southerners but its not that packed on a sunday morning at the moment (all the rich sods on Ducati 916's can't stand the cold or the bikes won't start) and its got a good cafe there and the roads are a good mixture of twisty back lanes and dual carriageway.

Anyway keep up the good work!

The ride-out. Thanks for your suggestion but I have a feeling Surry is just to far south for a lot of people. I understand what you say about Sunday mornings being quiet at the moment but the ride-out won't take place until about May and by then it will be busier. Add to that the fact that most of wouldn't get there for the morning unless we started out at an unearthly hour then I still suggest that the Motorcycle Museum near the NEC in Birmingham is central for most people (Scottish and West Wales/West Country riders excepted!!). Plus, if people want to, they can visit the museum as well (like me!) and make the trip really worthwhile. This might be appealing especially if it's raining.

See information at top of this page...

Hi there, first of all, I love your page. I am a proud owner of a SV.

I want to find aftermarket or genuine Suzuki parts for it and i don't know where to look. I live in the states, so of course, i have the unfaired version. I want to add a GP headlight fairing, a 1/4 fairing under the motor and a solo seat. I know that Targa has the solo seat, but where do i find the fairings?

Does Suzuki make them for the SV yet? Only a lower fairing for the SVS as far as I know..

Please try and help me with this problem. Hope to hear from you.

I was flipping through the images section and have a minor suggestion for some people before submitting. If the picture is going to include the exhaust, try some mothers polish on the stainless. It removes that brown looking crud, and if kept up will make maintaining that showroom shine easy. I can't say how odd it looks to have these beautiful looking bikes, all tricked out and shiny with a fresh coat of spray polish, only to ruin the picture with pipes that look like they were pulled from the bottom of a swamp! No offense guys, it's just something to consider.

If you're washing your baby and waxing it up for a photoshoot, whats the extra 5-10 minutes to polish the pipes? ( M4 owners may notice that the headerpipes are
more difficult to keep polished due to different composition in the stainless, probably made to dump heat more than look pretty. You guys are off the hook, at least until you get to the connector pipe for the can! :) ) Let's make the images section "shine".

Oh, one last note. Who will be the first this year to experiment with polishing the frame? If anyone puts in the time and effort, please post the pics - would like to see it!

Has anyone experience of painting SV650 wheels? I have a '99 S with the silver wheels which in my experience as an all weather commuter, are very difficult to keep clean. Is it best to paint them or will some other treatment last longer? I was thinking of a gloss black finish.

If anyone can recommend a company who would do this I'd be grateful.

Hello again Thought I'd tell you what else is happening to my SV. The Micron pipe is working a treat (not one single pedestrian has stepped out on me). One thing I think some of your readers should know if you cut up your exhaust for a slipon can if you have a warranty claim they will dismiss it because of the pipe. My full system only cost around £300 & if I have to claim I've got the standard system to put on. 

Also I had an Audi pull out on me, nearly stopped after locking rear wheel front wheel went through his bumper to crumple his front wing. the bike didn,t even go down but my front mudguard is broke. His insurance have admitted liability so thats ok. The salt has got the clutch switch I had to cut the cables and join them together one dark night to get started. The choke is playing up again (after heavy rain then snow). The horn is playing up on examination I found there is no solder on one of the connections (not really Suzuki's fault). Here's some answers to some questions I have seen on your site recently. (I like answers...)

Gustaf.Nygren@swipnet.se
Wheelbase. (oh no...not more wheelbase comments.....) If your remember back to july/august the poor old Americans were trying to convert SV's from X to S and when the top yoke was repaced they found the trail was different and also had to swap the lower yoke too (Though they did call them fork clamps).

Nicky@nmyoung.fsnet.co.uk
Carb icing Suzuki do fit heaters to carbs. I know one of mine broke. Also it is mentioned in the Suzuki sales leaflet.

mbs1@sawyers8.freeserve.co.uk
Fairing repairs. plastic welding on the cheap. Practice first but use a hot soldering iron to melt the plastic and use as the solder. Melt the cable tie as you weld to fill in the weld. I can't advise on painting because I'm absolutely useless at it.

ob@earthling.net
Sidestand hot exhausts. Either replace to modify your sidestand its cheaper than a fairing, etc. If your exhaust is that hot take it back its no right have the valves, valve gap, timing (cam, ignition checked). If it is exessively hot it will break.

colin@roedaleroad.freeserve.co.uk
Roadlegal exhausts Try Micron they do all configurations. There system is the basic front pipes the chose a can in the 2000 range (carbon/ally/round/oval/legal/race/cans) with an optional connector for high level, lowlevel. I went for a high level ally race system.

andrew.smith@motivepr.co.uk
Tigcraft. I phoned Tigcraft they offerd me 2mm oversized (690ish cc) high comp pistons for £195. Also stated that the 750 pistons need new liners and they had not tested them yet (the 690 is winning races).

chrisward@piquant.globalnet.co.uk
Running in You have just invalidate your warranty. If you do that if you make a warranty claim don't tell them cause you have just invalidated it. Suzuki a famous for using any get out clause they can.

i have just read the posting regarding the glowing hot pipe at the front cylinder, this also happened to me recently, i went out to start the bike as i do every week just to keep her ok over the winter period, I left the choke on about 3000 rpm and went to answer my phone and when i came back it was red hot (only left it for 5 min) I put the choke off and it was ok, cooled back down.

I have only done 400 miles on my bike and was a little worried but after going out for a quick run nothing seemed amiss. I think a temperature gauge would have been a great idea for the bike just to keep an eye on things especially on hot summer days (few and far between in summer in this country).

Anyway back to the point I think this is normal for V twins that are left idling at 3-4000 rev for a limited time.

I bought a SV650s in April 1999 which I used for commuting 60 miles a day into London, up until November. Now I want to use it for fun, fun and more fun. So that means I need some sticky rubber and an aftermarket pipe.

Have been thinking about some BT56s in case I want to ride to work in the summer again, has anybody got any comments about these? Yes, I have them and I like them, they wear quicker than harder tyres but I knew that before I bought them. The turn into a corners feel much more positive than on the standard Metz.

Also been thinking about the M4 exhaust system because of the extra 10 horses and no re-jetting needed, again anybody got any comments or better suggestions. I would have thought jetting would have been required...

Would also like my bike to sound a bit nicer too. If anyone has any exhaust suggestions could they let me also know where to get it and how much. Scorpian cans sound very nice, the M4 is not bad according to postings on this site (download a few pages and search for M4 to see the lot)?...

Finally has anybody seen a rear seat hump similar to those found on the TL1000S? Again price and where available.

Finally swiped my brothers camera to take pics of my polished swingarm. The pictures arent that great but they give a general idea of the looks of it. It came out pretty good, but it was ALOT of work. Don't know if I'd do it again (Of course I would!). I will have to re-polish now and then but what the heck, right??

How do you like my custom bolts and auto jack-stand race stand??? Ain't it a beauty?! Oh well, as long as it works. I can't justify the money for that when my Jeep needs goodies too!! Just Empty Every Pocket!

I agree that you should be getting commisions on half the SV's sold Kevin! so do I, so do I !! write and tell Suzuki everyone then I can retire to the South of France and live a life of luxury ;- ) I'm SURE this site was a major influence on many buying decisions.

      Image 2       Image 4        

Here is a picture of me and my bike. I have the M4 ready to go, just have to wait for the weather to be warm enough to put it on!

Hope you got the pictures of the targa fairing, I know some people have wanted to know what it looked like from different angles. It does provide a decent amount of wind resistance.  Keep up the good work Kevin!

      Image 2       Image 3        Image 4      

Glowing red/yellow hot exhaust pipes...

My reaction to this is that you got leaking exhaust valve / valves, or perhaps running very rich so you got gas that ignites in the exhaust system. This is not normal....

Hello little v-twin friends (little?? you should see the size of some of us!). Nice site I have just started my own for the TLR1000. http://www.tlr1000.fsnet.co.uk/     Thought this might interest you :

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes/bikes.asp?page=Latest+Bike+News&id=116  

(we've seen that report and been there already....looks like Tigcraft aren't going to produce the kit afterall...but thanks for the post anyway...)

Happy biking

Matthews concern over performance is understandable. He's needs to also consider power to weight ratio and torque. The SV makes up for low HP by having gobs of torque and being very light. I've dropped 15-16 hp from my previous bike, but I haven't noticed it (GSX750E 86bhp 204 kilos). Torque is important, as this is the main
component for acceleration. As Kev said 'get out and try one'. I did....it was Kev's. (and I tried the GSX...aaarrrggghhhhh)

Regarding the carb icing as Kev said, we were out on a very cold day last weekend and I noticed nothing.

Fairing repairs. I've seen various repair kits in MPS and M&P. In the past I've used a glass fiber repair kit to re fix those studs on body panels that pop into rubbers rings in the frame. I glue the stud on and then use glass fibre strips like a splint. The whole lot is then painted in resin. You could do the same thing with cracked panels, sticking the glass fibre on the inside. The outside is not so easy, I'm hopless with a spray gun, but a car paint shop should be able to help.

anyone knows where to find any videos, with the SV650(S)?

from 2 danich students...... nope...but if you find out let me know.....now, I do  have some Danish videos but there's no SV in them I'm afraid.   ;-)

Just chanced across your SV650 site and I was wondering if I could ask a little advice on the SV650S, I'm considering getting one. I quite like sports bikes but I finally find myself having to admit that a) I'm not really nutty enough to get the most out of a supersports 600 (eg R6, ZX6R etc) and b) I'm getting too old for them!

I currently have a ZXR400 which is great but a little extreme - it's very uncomfortable (very low bars), rock hard suspension etc and it's very high revving. Do you think that the SV would be a little more, er, forgiving? (can ducks swim?) As I say, I like sports bikes but I want something that's a little less single-minded.

Also, what's the size and weight of it like? (small and 167kg for the half faired version) I'm kind of a short bloke at around 5'5" so I can't really see myself with anything too big and heavy - but it looks relatively small? (sounds ideal to me) And how about the power? (69-70bhp) Compared to a Hornet, which I'm also considering (but leaning towards the SV) it seems quite underpowered... has it got enough there when you need it? (how much do you need? it's not as powerful as a 600 four but it delivers the power in a different manner plus it handles very well...for A and B road riding you can get in a rhythm, use the engine braking, not have to rev the balls off it...as I tell everyone else, try one, I think you'll like it. Personally I'd go for something else if I was mainly riding motorways and touring long distance but I'm not so I didn't).

Sorry to go on so much, I hope I'm not turning this into the Spanish Inquisition. If you have time, let me know what you think but don't worry if you can't, I'm sure you're pretty busy looking after the site - which is great, thanks for putting it there! (it's OK but if you read through the archives then you'll get a good picture of what the bike is like and what being said about it).

Just wondering, before I cough up what is sure to be a stupid amount of money, if anyone has a spare right hand mirror for the SVS, I snapped mine this weekend getting my baby down a very thin alley (long story).

I live in Birmingham, but if you live in the UK, I'll pretty much ride anywhere just for the sake of riding. So if you have one please let me know.

Anyone notice that the M4 seems to have a small exhaust leak on the rear attachment to the cylinder tube? I bought new gaskets before mounting the M4, but only needed the front one since the rear slip gasket does not fit with the M4 since the pipe fitting is snug. I tightened the clamp pretty tight, but I think it's leaking a small amount of exhaust where the clamp ends come together.

My questions are:

What can be done to eliminate this?

Is it something that after the first real ride will go away when some carbon deposits on the inside of the exhaust tubes?

Is this something negligible? If not, what can be used to seal it? It is not a large leak, if at all. ( Sounds like it, a soft muffled tick / hiss - front does not make this noise.) Should this be of concern?

Putting that minor point aside, I like the sound! The fit is good and I like the way the tubes tuck up under the engine now. Most of all, the sound. :)  No longer is the exhaust note confused with that of a quad. I can hardly wait for the warm weather to try it out.

P.S. I read in the service manual about permatex - anyone use this stuff when mounting their M4?

Can you post these images on your site for me please? It's just in case people want to look at the Swona cans while the website is down.  I've still got the sound samples and dyno graphs as well if you want me to send you those. Anyone interested can still contact Swona by phone on 01968 678 687 or email swona@zoom.co.uk

Image1       Image 2       Image 3       Image 4

Happy new year to you. I haven't looked at the site for a while and today it looks as good as ever.

I have been riding bikes for 40 years in March and in my experience there are no such things as warm hands in winter without heated grips. I have some very old wool lined soft leather gloves which are quite good with the liners which I always use. In fact, if you wear liners which I always do all the year round as I am fastidious and like to put on clean gloves every time, then keep a spare pair wrapped in a cloth between the cylinders where it is pretty warm and you can swap gloves as often as you need. From here to London takes about 1½ hours and a single glove change is enough even in the present cold wet weather. Very good results in rain too as they dry out but don't get ruined by excessive heat.

Look after yourself and thanks for your hard work.

Oh, I have now fitted a BT56SS on the back. Not a choice but all I could get in a hurry. Lots of grip even in the cold and it seems to be surviving well after 1500 miles. Much better than the original rubber.

Also....now for the bad news....

My SVS just fell over in the garden. It has broken the fairing.

Anyone repaired one?

I was wondering if you anywhere I could get the above helmet (a Roof Boxer Helmet). It's French there is a distributor in England and I was wondering if anyone would be willing to pick one up for me as they are unavailable in Canada?

More...

I know this is off topic but I have just purchased a Suzuki SV650S in Canada for delivery in March, it's -30 right now. I really like the Roof Boxer helmet that's available in Europe and England. Anyone know where I can purchase one for a reasonanle price. There is a mail order company that sells them for 250 pound but that seems excessive?

To put to rest the wheelbase argument: The different wheelbase specs are due ONLY to the difference in rear sprocket size.

Wheelbase is measured with the bike unburdened, so the size of the rider is unimportant. As for the suggestion that Suzuki fits a longer chain to the bikes with bigger
sprockets, then turns around and fits a different swingarm or frame (to vary the rake or trail) to the bikes with smaller sprockets, well the sense of that argument speaks for itself!

And this from Gustaf (Gustaf.Nygren@swipnet.se)...

I took out my service manual and this is the figures:
SV650:
Wheelbase: 1430 mm
Caster: 25 degrees
Trail: 100 mm
Chain: 110 links

SV650S:
Wheelbase: 1420 mm
Caster: 25 degrees
Trail: 100 mm
Chain: 108 links

I can't find any reference mentioning different swing arms. Seems the only variable is chain length...

Is there any way that you can tell me just how much a full fairing and a half fairing would cost for someone to build one for me. just wondering.

Just a quick message to say hi to the SV site ! I got my yellow faired SV last September and love it to bits. I have been riding since May 1997 and ride all year round - mainly commuting to work, but also blatting round the country lanes at weekends !

I'd recommend Premier Motorcycles in West Wickham, Kent, England for anyone looking for a great after-sales service (they remembered my name 3 months after I got my bike) and a really friendly "local dealer" feel.

I've only just found this site, so will be coming back to visit regularly I'm sure.

Also....CARB ICING...

Re Paul's carb icing problem, I'd suggest he contacts his Suzuki dealer to see if they'll fit carb heaters under warranty.

I know the GSX-R range had/have carb icing problems and think I heard somewhere that Suzuki fitted heaters for those who asked.

Worth a phone call anyway. I haven't had any probs with my SV and have ridden it in temps of about zero. My Ducati Monster on the other hand.......now that's a typical Italian bike that hates cold weather and would always cut out on me in temps of anything below 10 degrees !  Carb heaters helped, but didn't completely solve the problem.

Best of luck !

Just to let you know I had several replies after my last mail regarding the problem of the side stand folding up, and have also seen how other folk have to park theirs round town (i.e. tied to railings!). But importantly, yesterday the head of a Suzuki dealer's workshop (don't want to drop the guy in it here!) admitted the stand was badly
designed, not coming forward enough and not leaning the bike enough, and actually offered to fix it! Next step? Spoke to Trading Standards and they've been very helpful, will let you know!

The second thing to mention is my SV has just gone in to the workshop with a new problem; glowing red/yellow hot exhaust pipes.

Sounds incredible doesn't it? The first 8-9" of the pipes first glowed after running the bike at 3-4K for less than a minute after cleaning the plugs (the bike wasn't starting, traced to gunked plugs) and I almost scalded myself on the exhaust steam. There's no backfiring or drop in power.

Apparently the glowing is standard on many Ducatis (apparently!) but not the hot exhaust gases, dealer is baffled, mates are baffled, anyone else had this or got any suggestions!?!

Dealer doesn't seem to think this will have damaged/softened the valves etc. but I'm not so convinced...

Otherwise still loving it!!!

(UPDATE 18/01/2000 - I've bought it by Fechter-Drive GmbH Deutschland (http://www.fechter.de/) for 389,00DM.)

Here I'm sending you some pictures of my SV.  Greetings from germany.

Image 1       Image 2       Image 3       Image 4

I have for sale:

1 yellow Baglux tank cover
1 brand new yellow tank

Anyone interested contact me on email address below.

Hi, I was just wondering If anyone else had encountered problems with carb icing on their SV 650 S, it's getting to the point that riding at any time during the winter I risk a cut-out, normally at an inconvenient ( and sometimes dangerous) time. (last Sunday I was out with John on his '99 SVS for about 1.5 hours and it was *cold*, frost on road, and we didn't have any problems....anyone else?)

Any thoughts

Some thoughts about the wheelbase queries.

The wheelbase of the bike is measured when the bike has no rider and is from the centre point of each wheel spindle. My point being that people seem concerned about a 10mm difference, but surely if a light rider sat on the bike the rear would go down and, as the swingarm is pivoted the wheelbase would increaseas the rear wheel pivots backwards and upwards. If a lardy rider (you mean me?) sat on the bike the rear would compress more and the wheelbase lengthen agian - the same applies when a passenger gets on.

There is obviously a limit to the amount of movement as the swing arm will reach a point where it is horizontal and this is the maximum wheelbase of the bike. It could be that there is more than 10mm difference dependant on rider weight!!

If you add into the equation the chain length or wear - There is a good deal more than 10mm difference between the first and last chain adjustment marks - and the amount of compression on the front forks (more compression = shorter wheelbase) or does the rear moving backwards and the front moving backwards move the same amount? I don't see how anything meaningful can be calculated.

A light rider on a bike with a new chain will have a shorter wheelbase that a lardy rider on a bike with a well worn chain - it looks, at a guess, that the difference could be as much as 1.5" to 2".

On another note I did order a set of heated grips from MPS but sent them back.

1) There is no provision to mount the on/off switch. It should mount on the handlebars but the SVS has clip ons with no "tube" between them.

2) The ends of the heated grips have no hole for the bar end weight to go through, MPS told me it would probably be OK to cut the grips but I didn't think they sounded sure and they admitted that the grips were not really designed for Sports bikes.

Just beware when items are sold as universal.

Also more wheelbase info...

14/01/2000 - Thanks Colin (colin@roedaleroad.freeserve.co.uk)...

Regarding the posting from Daz (daz@technologist.com) I just could not let this one pass. The size of the rear sprocket has no bearing on the wheeelbase. The length of the chain might do so, but one assumes they would just use a longer chain on the bigger sprocket to maintain wheelbase if required. Of course the wheelbase of our bikes will change as our chains wear and we wind the wheel backwards to compensate.

If the official figures say the wheelbase is different then it is likely to be in the swing arm length or fork rake/trail. I seem to recall that my handbook states identical figures for both naked and S models, but I will check later.

On another matter, has anyone got experience of road legal exhaust cans in the UK.

I'm 6'2" and had similar problem with headflap & neck shearing.

Located M&P (http://www.mandp.com/) flip-up tinted screen £30 and problem gone, works beautifully and makes the bike look quite sinister ...

I noticed this bike has one on sv650.org --> see image

Oh, and it annoyed me after 1000km after chasing an R1 at max speed, I couldn't see straight for days ...

I live in America and Suzuki only sells SV650X model here (the one without the half-fairing) (oh yes...we know all about that...). As far as I can see, there is no difference in 1999 and 2000 model. I have talked to the Suzuki Representative at the recent Cycle Show (Long Beach, USA) and I was told there is no difference between the two.

I would say that if you buy the 1999 model, the only drawback is the resale value, because technically the 1999 model is one year older than the 2000 model, although you are buying it at year 2000. (ah...but the '99 model is *the* original SV650....means nothing, just makes me feel better because I can't have a 2000 model...)

Have fun with the SV!

Since I just finished my bike yesterday (after an unfortunate track day crash) I haven't had much of a chance of testing it. But, once I read the posting about a 5500 rpm hesitation after running on the track I decided to go do a little research. I found that mine is doing the exact same thing.

Right between 5500 and 6k the bike kind of just noses over for a second before picking up cleanly again.

Needless to say I will be working on it asap and if I find anything I will let everyone know. If anyone else find the culprit first you can either e-mail me or post on this site ( I check just about every couple of days....addict ;) Thanks.

I read Sonny's posting with interest, as I'm in the midst of choosing a system (rather than an end can where I have to saw up the original.....).

I contacted V & M Racing (http://www.vandmracing.com/) who are the UK's agent for Vance And Hines and was told the S4 system was not available in the UK. This was the only line of text in the email reply, so I've given up with them and asked Vance & Hines how I source one from the US - I'll keep you updated.

Regarding the posting from Daz (daz@technologist.com) I just could not let this one pass. The size of the rear sprocket has no bearing on the wheeelbase. The length of the chain might do so, but one assumes they would just use a longer chain on the bigger sprocket to maintain wheelbase if required. Of course the wheelbase of our bikes will change as our chains wear and we wind the wheel backwards to compensate.

If the official figures say the wheelbase is different then it is likely to be in the swing arm length or fork rake/trail. I seem to recall that my handbook states identical figures for both naked and S models, but I will check later.

On another matter, has anyone got experience of road legal exhaust cans in the UK.

Hi, I'm going to buy a new bike this year and like what I've heard and seen about the SV650S.

I do have some questions that I hope you can answer.

1. It would be my only bike and I'd like to know how it would cope with the daily ride to work - how does it cope with repeated short journeys of under ten miles. (yes...like most other bikes....it shags them up if you do it often enough but regular servicing/oil changes will help as will longer runs at the weekend etc. The finish on alloy parts goes pretty quickly once attacked by road salt..see other postings this month for info.)

2. I ride my current bike all year (except in snow - bad memories) and wonder how the SV's finish would cope with British winter road crud. (oh....see above...could be better but then the bike only cost £4500 brand new...this is a budget bike don't forget. If you want Honda VFR finish quality then you have to spend VFR money...it shouldn't have to be like this but it is...for now...)

3. I've never ridden a V-Twin before - What're they like? Do I really have to say?? Take a look through this web and you'll get a good idea... TRY ONE TODAY!...they're grunty and forgiving, they have character...you'll never be in the wrong gear again (almost)... I like 'em anayway.

Can you help? (i've tried)

I previously e-mailed you about these seat cowls - Image 1  - and didnt respond. I then took the pix to a couple of suzuki dealers when i was in london and scottland last week, and no one knew anything about them.

would you be so kind as to tell me where i can get one? Maybe a phone # of a shop? Thanks.

At last, I have managed to get my pictures scanned. Hopefully should have new after market can at end of month, I will try and do some WAV file samples (before and after sort of thing). Did anyone else make it to the Manchester show this weekend, needless to say I took 4 rolls of film and I think about ten percent of them were actually of bikes (well what do you expect with models on stage).

I think a UK meet might be a good idea at first (possibly spring time) then followed by a bit further afield. Happy to go on either, but would need to change tyres before trackday (more expense I hear my other half cry).

Question time:

a: Has anyone done a head light conversion from solo to twin, if so please let me know how much of a pain it was.

b: Does anyone know of any mph overlays for the SV.

cheer Kevin for laying on the site, (notice you are from Owestry, ever tried the roads around Llangollen, big grin time if you make it back lol) (yep, went out with John on Sunday morning...it was cold but great to go for a spin (not literally!)..see an image of our bikes here)

Image 1       Image 2

Also...

Just a quick one. I have been getting numerous e-mails about M & P screens, so here is the list of parts that they do (as of Dec 99) for everyone to see.


3FFRHS16BK     Black hugger     50.00
3FFRHS16R     Red hugger     50.00
ACR33050TF     Tint flip screen     30.00
ART1S13C     Hi level Art carbon can     225.00
MIG1SZ362     Hi- level alloy race can     258.00
MIG1SZ362C     HI-LEVEL Carbon race can     331.00
PYR3089     Fender extender     13.00
VP177C     Headlamp cover     16.00
REN10100     Engine bars black     50.00
REN7233     Sports rack black     40.00
PB3BPS7BK     Belly pan black     49.00

Prices in UK pounds £

I've been riding a blue 2000 SV650S since mid September and so far it's had no faults although I'm not keen on the MEZ4 tyres that it comes with. They'll be ugraded to D207s In February.

So far, the only modification I've made is the addition of a full race M4 system with carbon fibre end can. The full M4 system is singularly the biggest performance enhancing mod that I've ever made to a bike. I fitted it and went for a quick test ride and the handlebars nearly hit me in the face when the front popped up! I was astonished.

Image 1

To all those people who were getting excited about the prospect of 748cc upgrade kits becoming available in the UK from Tigcraft (Kevin, I think there was a posting on this in December, pointing to a MCN review of the Tigcraft 'SV750') - well, contrary to the Motorcycle News report, it seems they are unlikely to be put into production.

I just spoke with Tigcraft, who are of the opinion that the engine's bottom end was originally built with 750cc's in mind and firmly believe that it wont be too long before we see an official SV750 anyway, so they probably aren't going to bother. They're still offering end cans in alloy, carbon and titanium, as well as fork and rear shock upgrade kits.

SV750S eh? How about that? By the way Kevin, excellent site - un-missable! (So it's a wait for Susuki then.....should be interesting....)

Simon (simon@nortoncast.demon.co.uk) wrote that Suzuki GB was to be an official distributor of the Tech-Line (TCP) lower fairing, but that his dealer didn't know the prices yet. Well, on Saturday I popped into my local dealer, Crescent Suzuki in Bournemouth, for the first time in ages and was surprised to see that they are selling new SV650S's ready fitted with the fairing. 

I saw two yellow bikes and a black (metallic) one all fitted with the fairing.  The price tag on the bike in the showroom was four thousand eight hundred and something
pounds. (In the UK the official SVS price has risen by £400 and in this months Bike magazine the SVS creeps in at number 10 in the top 10 selling bikes in the UK for the month with 135 units sold)

I think Daz has gotten a little too much Christmas cheer inside him! ;-)

The wheelbase is longer because of a different rear sprocket??? (I suppose it might make it slightly shorter with one more tooth on the sprocket - if the chain is the same length then the wheel would need to be further forward if it had a bigger sprocket.)

The wheelbase is longer on the SVS because it has a slightly different front end geometry than the SV (I don't have the figures to hand). The front end on the SVS was (presumably) kicked out further to increase stability as it is able to run at higher speeds.

Also on the subject...

12/01/2000 - WHEELBASE AND WIND BLAST...thanks Chris (crevill@kinetic.au.com)...

Regarding Peter's comments about the SV wheelbase: it only differs between the faired and unfaired model because the nudie has a bigger rear sprocket which, with the same length chain makes the axle sit a bit further forward. Nothing more sinister than that I'm sure. (but Jock disagrees...)

Something which is starting to annoy me with my SVS after 7000km is the buffeting from the fairing at anything over 110kph. I recently moved to the country, and most of my riding is 110kph+, so it is starting to spoil the bike for me. I'm 6 foot tall so I guess my height is only slightly taller than average. The buffetting is so bad that I can't see properly due to my head shaking wildly. It's okay if I sit up a about 20mm higher so the wind blast hits my neck, but it is a bit noisy and uncomfortable.

If I crouch down about 20mm, the blast hits the centre of my visor, which is fairly smooth and quiet but doesn't do my neck or back any favours.   Do the aftermarket taller screens work? Are they worth the money and relative ugliness? (anyone comment please?)

Some more comments to put on the web site.

It seems I expected too much from the tyres. I still feel that the tyres should last longer especially when the SV is a light bike with a power output at the lower end of the spectrum (compared to something like a GSXR600), but thats' life I suppose. I am noticing that the bike has become less stable when cornering as the squaring off becomes more pronounced. A new rear is calling.... (I'm afraid that's how it is with the rubber...)

Has anyone any solutions (that really work) for cold hands. 70% of my daily journey is on the A13 at speed and my hands really suffer from the cold. I have a pair of "Sub Zero" gloves but my fingers hurt from the cold so I have been forced to fit (hangs head) handlebar muffs!!!! - even these don't seem very effective and I know they will be off as soon as the cold is bearable but there must be an answer. Are there any gloves that really stop the cold? (I use Frank Thomas winter gloves, can't remember type, they are Goretex and fully waterproof. While they fend off the real cold for about 20 minutes after that my whole body is like toast except for my finger tips. I do use lining gloves as well but they only help a little - I think the only solution is heated gloves/grips...hand guards as per trailie type bikes would deflect the wind blast too...anyone else comment?)

I know the wind chill factor doesn't help - apparantly for every 5 mph the wind chill is minus 1 degree so 80mph is another minus 16 degrees, bloody cold when the ambient temperate is below freezing to start with.

My comments about the bike becoming a pure commuter were probably a bit hasty - just the frustration of seeing the bike deterioate so quickly. I have no problems parking my bike next to a shiny new one. At least I ride all year unlike the poseurs on their GSXZXRZZRR1R6600 machines..... (me too....nice one!)

Is anyone going to the Alexandra Palace bike how at the end of Jan?? Maybe I can pick up the gorgeous Micron high level oval can at a bargain price...

Keep up the good work.

At last, we now know who compiles this page! This isn't a dig, but I thought that the pictures of Jen were slightly better! Never have I set eyes on a BMW that looks so desirable! I'm only 25, a student (who has a camera!), and also enjoy riding my SV! Alright, Rivington Barn may not have the appeal of riding 'round the states, but beggars can't be choosers! They obviously have a grant system over there, rather than a scandalous student loan thing like over here. Saying that, it did pay for my bike!!

If Jen is ever in Liverpool, she is quite welcome to drop in and talk bikes! (only after she's talked bikes with me first!)

Also...

The problem with the gearbox was the lever was not returning to a central position, and I needed to knock it back to a central position before I could either shift it up or down a gear. A total pain, and I hope that it doesn't happen again. I wash my bike every 2-3 days during the winter, and hope that as this appears to be a corrosion problem, that it is enough to save me getting any more funny looks from the Carnell staff!

Hope xmas and new year went well, and lets start work on the ride out!

About a month ago I ordered a set of "foot-rest jackup plates" from NWS and I just wanted to let everyone know that they have worked out very nicely. They raise the stock footpegs up and back 1" and come with a longer rod to conect the shift linkage. The finish on them is good and for about $80 you can't beat the results compared to $400 rearsets.

I would just like to say what a superb job it is that you are doing in amassing the many and diverse opinions regarding the magnificent SV650.

My Millennium has been an unforgettable experience though I do not refer to the distractions of London's fireworks or the dubious attractions of the Dome or the London Eye. Of course, I refer to the fact that I passed my driving test on December 22nd, and have been having a blinding time learning to drive my little 99 T Reg. SV. I should say that this site was an enormous influence over my decision to buy the SV over others, and I think that everyone who has contributed should be proud of how this site has evolved. (we are...I think...)

I am quite a tall bloke (approximately 6ft 6"), though I find that the SV is supremely comfortable over long distances - a nightmarish 5 hour journey from Sheffield to London down a freezing, traffic-suffused M1 can attest to this. Therefore anyone of a taller stature should not dismiss the SV on any putative notions of being uncomfortable. In fact the only possible excuse is a fair bit of wind buffeting at 80mph speeds or above... a faired SVS would see to this. (maybe not, you're leaning more forward on the SVS so this might be worse for a tall rider)

I have noticed that my SV, which is parked outside, has started to succumb to the ravages of the winter months. In particular the brake discs seem to be taking a bit of a battering. What can you do to prevent this? I know that a bit of WD40 would do the trick, but I would not fancy the prospect of trying to stop the thing ever again...! (try spraying the WD40 into a rag/brush and just coating the housing and not the disk?)

With regards to the use of the "illegal" race cans, I rang up my insurance company to determine their position. The fact that the bike is modified would confer a surcharge (~10% of the policy), but they did not seem to be bothered about the legality of the cans. So its seems that it is possible to fit these cans without negating the policy, though you might have to pay a little more for the privilege.

Does anyone know of any rearsets for the SV? I remember a post concerning "jack-up" plates but I don't recall any follow-ups. My recently acquired Daytona boots are a bit unwieldy when it comes to gear-changing, owing to the fact that the footpeg and the gear lever are too close together. Shifting the pegs back should do the trick. Any suggestions? (see the posting directly above...)

Well I'm getting BT57's fitted tomorrow morning (front & back), the Metz's just weren't doing the job (current UK weather conditions).

I think the Metz's are good but here's the problem.

#1 Their tread is not aggresive & angular enough (doesn't move crap/water on the road, just sits on top,

#2 Their warm up/retention time is poor, and since they're radials they cool down quickly (as a sports tyre needs to). However, with the urban 35 minute journeys I typically use the bike for, the tyres don't get up to temperature, and those two problems make my journeys a 110% concentration exercise. Longer, agressive fast jouneys work fine - but one day I'll get stopped ;-)

On a warmish wintery (>10 degrees C) and dry/windy day the Metz's are stunning, go round corners on their side, etc. However, pull up at a junction on a damp day, they
cool down, you move off, drop into a large roundabout to have a bit of fun and whoa, the characteristics all go to hell, as it skips and slips (just nail it when you straighten up ;-) )

So my choice, BT56 pretty aggressive tread, BT57 more so on the front. I'll see what happens. (I use Bridgestone BT45's on my 2nd, a GS500e, and that gets me around town faster at the moment).

If I were a summer rider, the Metz would be fine, (though watch out for the odd down-pour), but I need consistency. The Avons looked good too, however they're radial
so will cool down quickly also.

I'll post my opinion after a couple days of testing. (please do)

On the exhaust front, after seeing the pictures of Emma's bike, I just moved Micron to the top of my list.

The Vance and Hines exhaust is $445.00 U.S. from V&H. A search on the net should find it a little cheaper. The RS3 from Yoshimura can be had for $494.96 U.S. plus shipping from Chaparral (sv653rrc). I have seen an M4 for $459.00 U.S. from Ridelite (no shipping charged). If you go the Vance and Hines web site and click on the Ducati portion, by clicking on the muffler of the Ducati that comes up, you can hear what it might sound like on the SV. I know it's no Ducati, but it is a V-twin, should be close.

Have to leave now, looking for a place that sells Micron.

Hi Kevin, will I finally bought a bike, but it wasn't an SV650. There are several reasons for my decision.

One, I live in Arizona, and Suzuki, in all their wisdom, will not bring the faired model here.(we do have ample 75mph highways here)

Two, the bike appears to have reliability problems, from what I read on your site and motorcycle registries site, especially as compared to the Hawk GT. (I'm not familiar with the Hawk GT, does it have no problems?)

And third, the dealers think they can charge any price they want for it.

Sooooo, I bought a 2000 model EX500R. I know it is sometimes thought of as a beginner bike, but it's my 13th cycle and I've learned that "light" is "right". It is alot of fun and I recommend it to anyone who would like a SV, but find they are a little out of their reach financially. It also has a FAIRING, Suzuki. The insurance is only $216/yr for me, it has low vibration, handles great, and sounds good at high revs.

Sorry Kevin; and Suzuki, maybe next time. (don't be sorry...you gota get what's right for you...)

Has anybody else had engine problems with their SV650 during or after a track day where the engine began to misfire about 5-6000 revs and even opening the throttle fully did not help as it continued to misfire?

After the track day I got it serviced and they replaced the spark plugs which seemed to improve it but it happened again after that but did seem to clear when I opened the throttle fully. I was wondering if it was a sticking carburettor. During the track day I had been revving it really hard and it was also a very hot day.

It was a parallel import stock faired bike.

Has anyone had similar problems and if so what was the resolution?

Bought my SV650s in september, what a brilliant bike! Ive now got about 2.2k miles up,and the bike is ridden in all weathers.Now and again i get a misfire on one of the cylinders,usually at low revs when bliping the throttle. Is this a characteristic of the SV being a V-twin or does this sound like a problem,any thoughts? (like a problem...check the front plug...make sure it's got no road crud in it...sometimes a change of plugs works...think about fitting a fenda extenda..it doesn't save the starter motor but does stop the from plug from being in direct line of fire from the front wheel.)

Hi Kev, you do an incredible job with this page. You should be getting paid. (yeah...but how much!)

In response to David about tires. I've not mixed the two (Metzler and Bridgestone) on my SV, but in the past I have on a VFR with no ill effects. The front was a Z1 and the rear was a 54 or a 58 I can't remember. Hope it helps.

Here's the advice my dealer gave me about running in my new SV:

First 500 miles: up to 6000 rpm
500 - 600 miles: up to 7000 rpm
600 - 700 miles: up to 8000 rpm
700 - 800 miles: up to 9000 rpm
800+ miles: full whack.

Seemed sensible to me. Take it or leave it. Certainly makes the first 500 miles more tolerable and means the bike isn't suddenly thrashed.

Apologies to anybody who has one, but avoid Mitsubishi Shoguns at all costs. My wife has just been reversed over on MY SVs while stationary,She's OK but my other
baby suffered far worse.

Towbar dented rear silencer and over nine hundred pounds worth of damage down left side.Including purple bar ends and anodised foot peg also the n/s fairing is totaly destroyed as well as indicators and levers. Now its off the road waiting for claim forms and things to be haggled over with her insurance company Perhaps the dozy woman will look in her mirrors more and perhaps even by a smaller car. A micra perhaps.

Thats it,winge over , Happy New Year to everybody. (very happy......)

Greetings from Cape Town South Africa!

First thanks for the smashing site, with over 90 000 hits it is criminal that Suzuki don't at least send you a new set of snazzy GSX leathers since by now you have probably contributed to a measurable percentage of their SV sales! (no justice). I'd rather the cash ;- )

Secondly I would like to mention that up to about a month ago I wasn't into bikes. You see I haven't ridden anything with gears since high school 12 years ago. About a year ago I decided to enjoy the summer weather more and avoid parking hassles by buying an off-road scooter for occasional use (A yamaha BWS 100). After a year of 'riding' that I felt in Dec 99 that it was high time to upgrade.

I went to a Suzuki dealer to have a look at a DR350 which I thought would be my next purchase but while I was in the showroom waiting for the salesman to finish a call I mosied over to the 'big' bike section. A blue 99 spec sv650s caught my eye and after about 4 minutes of staring (and checking the lowly price tag) I was overcome by feelings of desire which I now realise are completely inappropriate towards a mechanical object...

I didn't buy it there and then but after a few days of thinking about it (and inspecting your site) it became clear that I couldn't live without one. That was two weeks ago and, needless to say, that blue sv650s is now long gone. In fact I have called every Suzuki Dealer in the country and have found only 5 bikes in SA and only 1 in the Cape province . I am due to collect it next week (it's still in the crate) but one thing troubles me. the bike is a 99 spec model and is selling for R44 000 (about £4400 ). If I wait until February (painful but possible) I can probably get a 2K spec bike for about R48000 (about £4800) If the bike costs me 4 thou less to buy now but is then worth four thou less to resell then I'd rather buy the 2K model and ride a 2K spec.

Is there any mechanical difference between the two other than the colours ? Any thoughts would be welcome. (not that I can remember...I'm sure someone will let us know if there is...)

I AM EXTREMELY EXCITED TO STUMBLE ACROSS YOUR WEBSITE..I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FO PLACES TO BUY LOWERS AND HARD LUGGAGE FOR MY BABY, HOWEVER SUZUKI STILL IDOLIZES IT'S TL YET WHAT ABOUT US- I CAN'T GET PARTS? WELL ENOUGH WENGING, I LOVE THIS BIKE. MY FIRST ONE WAS AN OLD BRIDGESTONE 200 THEN THE BMW AND THEN THE 250 NINJA.

I DECIDE I NEEDED SOMETHING WITH ALOT MORE POWER AND STABILITY IF I WAS GOING TO CONTINUE TRAVELING AS MUCH AS I HAVE. AFTER READING THE SPECS ON THE SVS I WAS IN LOVE. I AM ONLY 5'0 AND 95 LBS THIS WAS PERFECT.

I LIVE IN KANSAS AND VENTURED UP TO CANADA TO MAKE MY LONG AWAITED PURCHASE. SEEING AND HEARING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME WAS NEARLY ORGASMIC! I HAVE NOW PUT 9000 MILES ON HER, AROUND CANADA, MINNESOTA THE WHOLE MIDWEST AND AROUND NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA, THIS SUMMER I AM HOPING FOR THE WEST COAST.

I AM 21 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN RIDING SINCE I COULD GET MY HANDS ON A LEARNERS PERMIT. I AM A UNIVERSITY STUDENT STUDYING
PHOTOGRAPHY- I ENCLOSED SOME PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SV AND MYSELF, I WOULD LOVE TO CHAT WITH ANY OF YOU WHO ARE EVER IN THE AREA AND WE'LL GO FOR A RIDE.. (21, studying photography and riding an SV from state to state....there is a heaven after all!!!)

ALSO ANY ONE WHO KNOWS WHERE I CAN FIND A NICE LOOKING LOWER AND COWLING I WOULD BE EXTREMELY APPRECIATIVE FOR ADVICE. LOVE THE WEBSITE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!! JEN.  EMAIL ME AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS.

Normally I get annoyed by people writing capitals but this time.......who cares...

Image 1       Image 2       Image 3       Image 4       Image 5        Image 6

Happy new year.

Saw Kevins question about tyre wear - I think he should have a look at one of the recent bike magazines (I think it was BIKE but I'm not too sure) where they did a road test with an R1 against a Scooby - The tyres on the scooby had to be repaced after the test as they were worn out. The ones on the R1 were still OK. The tester did say that if you drove the car the same way on the road you (and probably a few others) would be dead, but bikes were often ridden that way (or close to) on the road without problems.

I suppose that if you put hard tyres on a car and drive very gently then they will last - Put tyres with the same level of grip as a bike tyre (you will be hard pushed to find any non-race tyres that come close) on a car and then give it as much grief as you do your bike (you may not even realise how fast you are going or how quick you are accelerating or braking) and then see how long it takes before you have to replace all four.

If Kevin needs better mileage then he should try some Avon Speedmaster Mk II tyres (he may not be able to get them to fit the SV but he could always swap it for a C90!!!!) they last forever but please don't try to lean the bike, brake or accelerate too hard!

I wrote in a few weeks ago about lower fairing for my '99 's'. Having decided that the tech-line (TCP) fairing looks best I stumped up the money just before Christmas. The parcel arrived ten days later exactly as promised, protected better than a Cricketers lunchbox.

You cannot be failed to be impressed by the quality of finish and fit of the assembly - no cutting, carving or messing at all. I was expecting a hand laid fibreglass product but it looks like vacuum formed ABS plastic which is trimmed really well. All the brackets are epoxy coated and fitting is a doddle. The instructions say 1.1/2 hour to fit but I got the lot done in under an hour with no problems whatsoever.

I'm not prone to praising people and I'm not getting commission for these comments, but I'm like a dog with two tails at the moment.

As a point of interest the kit cost me ~£250.00 delivered into the UK from Holland. I had looked on TCP's site which indicated that Suzuki GB was to be an official distributor. I visited my local Carnell who said that no prices were set yet, but expect £400 - £450 un-fitted!!! Buyers beware.

As for the rest of the bike. Black flip screen, carbon extenda, dynojet and full high level M4 system. The bike looks A+ and hopefully quite unique - just want a rear hugger now. I'll post a photo soon.

Hi all, and happy new year.

Just a quick point about tyres - I changed my rear tyre about a month back from the Metz to a Dunlop D207. This was after asking on the forum for advice. My mechanic advised against it, but ignored him - am I glad I did!! Changing the rear tyre has made an ENORMOUS difference, in that I have stopped being terrified every time it rains. I assumed it was a part of riding during winter in the UK (it's my first 'big' bike) but it's actually because of the useless Metz.

So my advice to you all is to go for new tyres, both is poss, rear if budget tight (like me). You will be VERY glad you did.

One other question - I am asking for opinions on a new end can - can some of you who bought one in UK give me opinions on how you rate them?
Spring is coming.....

I noticed a posting by http://www.sv650.org/sv_jan00.htm#07/01/2000 SV DIFFERENCESabout the different wheelbase between the SV and SVS. They both have the same swingarm, the difference is caused by the bigger rear sprocket. It's only slightly bigger (1 tooth??) but enough to make the difference.

Here are some pics of my sv and me . i have got sooooooooo many e mails from the pics being on your page . 

Take a look at this SV.....

Image 1       Image 2       Image 3       Image 4     Image 5      Image 6

I'm sending these pictures of Emma's SV (She's been poorly this week) so she has asked me to do it on her behalf.

image37.jpg      image38.jpg       image39.jpg       image40.jpg       image41.jpg       image42.jpg

I've ridden the bike before and after the exhaust and it certainly seems to have fattened out the midrange and of course it now sounds like a 90deg V twin should. You can check out the sound cos I did a wav file of it. I think Emma is still waiting for her seat cowl so she'll no doubt send you a picture of it when she has it.

I don't actually own an SV (I've got a GSXR) but having ridden Emmas I think they're a storming bike and handle and steer so well. I've only really had four cylinder bikes and It surprises me every time I ride the SV that it can pull so hard with so few revs showing. Great Site keep up the good work.

Hey all Happy new year and all that stuff, I hope it all went past in a suitably drunken blur. I went to the cream Thingy in Liverpool for new year, and when cruising back to Birmingham (about 120 miles ish) in the afternoon afterwards, I was sitting between 100Mph, with the odd spurt up to 130Mph, and the reserve light came on at about 155 Miles. Reserve gets about 15 miles. These bikes like a bit of revs, keep it between about 7-9000 rpm, and you'll get about what Kevin said, keep the revs too low, say 4000 while running around town, and the reserve comes on at about 130 miles. But then why would you want to run around at 4000rpm?? Make her scream, it what she
likes.

I have taken a few people for a spin, and one time this TVR tried to play with us, but that's a different story. No one has complained about the pillion seat, but the longest they were on the back for was say 45mins, and I'm 6"3 so I stop most of the wind and rain for them (how kind)

Later all, oh by the way, what do you think are the best tires for scatching around the A roads? I don't like these MEZ's, when I get too low, they don't feel very stable, but then again maybe that has something to do with the fact I haven't seen a dry bit of tarmac since I got her. (I like my BT56's but don't expect huge mailage from them - discussed earlier in this months postings...)

OH. And. Did anyone see 'Driven' on the Tele the other night (UK)?

Did I see something earlier about trying to organise a run?? Fancy doing a run to the Nurburgring, for a bit of a play on the 14 mile track? £7 gets you 1lap. Maybe do a weekend of it? If there was a few people we could do it for about £100 for the whole weekend (EXC Petrol, which is CHEAP in Europe anyway), maybe do it when a GP or SBK race is on close to the time, and make a week holiday out of it, or something...... (personally I was after a UK meet first off but anyone else interested in Richards idea let him know!)

how is everyone? My name is Brian. I live in Knoxville, TN. I ride an SV650S that I bought in Canada. It was a major pain in the butt to bring the bikes back. Yes, bikes! I bought more than one. Four total. My dad has one I have one and two of them are looking for owners. They are titled here in the states and if someone is interested I will sell them for a reasonable price. Keep in mind all of the customs stuff is done.

I love the bike and the reason I bought so many is because suzuki needs to wake up and start selling these bikes in the states. But, until they do. I will.

So write me and let me know if you are interested. I have a blue one and a yellow one. With less than 10 Km on both of them. Brand new. Warrenty and the whole nine.

Write me at RennBP@mfr.usmc.mil. See ya!!!!

I was also looking for either a Vance&Hinse S4 (complete system around US$440.00 http://www.vanceandhines.com/pages/SS4slip.html ) or Yoshi RS3 (around US$550.00 http://cochise.uia.net/cgi-bin/simple/oval1.html ). But, as you can see, they don't come cheap and I decided to put this project on hold.

Anyway, from what I've heard, as long as you don't purchase the "Race only" system, both the V&H and Yoshi should be fairly quite (around 90~92 dB, you can compare this value with the value on the manual). I am also hoping that someone can post a sound (wav) file for these two systems, but it probably is too much work. V&H provide a sample exhaust sound for the S4, but I believe it was from bike with in line 4 engine. Just go to V&H web site (see above) and then click on the "muffler" on the bike to download the sound file.

You can also download the installation instructions for S4 at http://www.vanceandhines.com/download/S510IN.pdf and for RS3 at http://www.yoshimura-rd.com/in/suzuki/SV656RR_SV653RRC.pdf . The RS3 instruction also shows you a side view of the SV with the pipe on it and the before/after comparison dyno graphs.

After upgrading the exhaust, it is also better to rejet the carbs to get the optimum performance. The best way is to contact the exhaust manufacturer forthe correct jets.

If I have the money, I will go for the Yoshimura RS3 system, since they primarily develop high performance products for Suzuki motorcycles.

Happy riding!

PS....Just would like to let you know that the original SV's muffler's noise level is 80 db. I found it stampped on the muffler (not in the manual). This is just for your reference, because I have no idea how they measured the noise. At the Yoshimura web site, go to the FAQ section and you can find out how they measured their muffler noise.

Glad to finally see your picture. I am happy to see also, that you are the mature type, like me.:0). (what do you mean??!! I' m only 33....but looked like a 21 year old before I started doing this web and like a 43 year old now!!)

I have been riding, off and on , since a teenager, but quit for about 10 years. Just started back about three years ago. I have experienced the water leak that most people have encountered. In my case, there was too much liquid in the system. I siphoned some out and, viola!, no more leak. It showed up as a water streak above the oil sight window.

The weather has been mild here in Georgia, so I've been riding more than usual (don't quite have the cojones to ride in bad weather). I have been caught in the rain a few times in the past years, and you're right, it sucks. I like your Shark helmet (it's a Shark isn't it?), can't find one in the states. well, I'm rambling again, happens when you retire, keep up the good work. (yep, Shark XRS...only shark or Arai were my head shape and I really wanted an Arai but couldn't afford it at the time..the Sharl is OK but comes a bit too close to my face...could do with being more room at front - cost £129)

I have done some research regarding which engine oil is better and according to the Consumer Report and an Automobile Magazine in the US, as long as you use the correct grade of oil, correct oil filter, and replace/refill (with new ones of course) according to the manual, there is no difference on which brand of oil you use.

I will use the oil designed for motorcycle only, although they cost more than the automobile oil. Because, the motorcycle engine runs at higher RPM then the automobile and most of the motorcycle's clutch is also immerged in the engine oil.

What grade of oil to use is related to the ambient temperature in your area. To choose the correct grade of oil, please refer to temperature vs. oil grade in the manual. Multi-grade oil is the best, because the viscosity is low at the cold engine start to help lubing the cold engine. The viscosity gets higher as the engine temperature goes up.

Also, not oil related....

Kevin, you look great. I would let you date my daughter if I have one! anyone with a daughter feeling the same way should contact me ASAP!! :- )  (just don't tell my wife!)

Regarding the MPG, I was calculating the gas consumption with US Gallon which is = 0.8 UK Gallon. So, the other Kevin is correct about getting 58~59 miles per UK Gallon on the SV. Pretty confusing considering the questions were posted by SV lovers from all over the world. We need to get the units right! (thats why I got it wrong..someone gave me the wrong conversion  figure...blame someone else...always the best bet!)

Just a pre-cautionary tale.

2 week's ago my gloriously black and naked was nicked, from my double locked garage, with security lights and alarm (linked to house). The B*****DS responsible are pro's beyond any doubt. The unfortunate thing is the christmas period, insurers are closed for 14 days, just to delay my claim I'm sure.

The bike could have been secured but space is at a very high premium so therefore it was left unlocked. If it had been, no doubt they would not have been able to just wheel it away within the time the sounds and wakes everybody up.

The moral is, lock it or loose it. The tight space would have worked in my favour, they could NOT have broken the locks (DISK AND ROPE), in the tight space.

BUT just in case anybody see's mine for sale, or is offered really cheap parts, it was a Naked Black 650 with Alphadot. Registration :     T765 EUA.

Your site finally made my mind up on choosing the SV650 and I have to say I am not disappointed with my SVS. (even below 5,000 rpm)

I have had my 2000 model SV650S for just over 2 weeks but only managed just under 200 miles so far. Reading the reports on the site I am a bit concerned as to what damage the road salt and British weather will do in a very short period of time. (you'll have found out by now I guess...)

Hopefully Suzuki may have improved the finish on some of the components that fair the worst on the new 2000 model, but only time will tell. (indeed).

Hope everyone had a great xmas and new year!

I've had the same problem as davyf@freenet.co.uk. It started on xmas eve, and it wasn't until the Thursday afterwards that I could get it into Carnell to be
looked at. They were great in rectifying the fault, even though they were unsure what caused it. (I can't find what problem that was...please enlighten me...)

They did accuse me of dropping the bike on the left hand side (I haven't, it was the right!), and bending the lever. Then they thought that it was the bush that caused it, which apparently happens on the GSXR when it gets covered in road crud. I had a really horrible courtesy bike this time, a ZZR600. But it will get worse when I am due for the next service, as it's a courtesy scooter from now on!

Summer is on it's way!!

I am currently looking into buying the sv 650. Although I like the naked model which reminds me of and old Honda Hawk GT, I really love the UK model. I am wondering if anybody knows if I would be able to get the fairings and everything needed to make it look like the UK model. If so from where and who.......Please help.........

As far as fairings go I think http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/ are going to produce a full fairing for the naked bike, hopefully others will email you about the clocks etc..

Re: Jay's coolant leak, I had the same once. I cleaned it up and have kept an eye on it but have never seen a trace of it again.

Also, this from Sonny (ssu@trendware.com)...

By looking at the picture Jay posted, the leak is from the water pump cover. The leak is very small, so it occurred during/after riding because the pressure built up in the cooling system when the engine got hot. The white streak on the cover is from the coolant and since the leak is small,  the coolant dried out before dripping down to the ground.

If you are confident, use the proper wrench and "lightly" tighten the bolts at the bottom side of the cover see if that help. Otherwise, take it back to the dealer and they should be able to do a warranty fix for free!

I don't have a service manual for SV (I will get one soon), so I don't know what is the correct torque on those bolts. You can always call the dealer and find out, thought.

I've been checking up on your site regularly, and now I'm planning to buy an SVS somewhere in the next few months.

There is only one thing on my mind: I have installed a topcase on my CB500, does anyone has any experience with a topcase on the SV? I know it doesn't look good, but it would be so practical....

There was a posting in June where Harvey had used the Givi multirack as no specific rack was available at the time, a posting here with the Givi rack mounting instructions and Givi rack fitting instructions from Ian are detailed here....hope this helps...

Well... a happy new year and keep up the good work!

First off, great site Kev. When I first found the site (Octoberish) I must admit to downloading all the archives and reading everything! Talk about information overload.

The best way to find historic information at the moment is to get hold of a search program and then search for words within all the .htm files once you've downloaded them, I use a great little program called Search and Replace (http://www.funduc.com/). The format of this web may change soon so that searching for, and finding, article and text will become much easier...watch this space...

I passed my test at the beginning of September and had a blue 2000 SV650S ready and waiting for me at the showroom (I was optimistic!).

The question I have is about insuring bikes with aftermarket exhausts in the UK. Presumably it is necessary to specify the exhaust to the insurance company, as it is a modification to the bike, and insurance companies are wonderful at finding ways not to pay out on claims (modified bike, not declared etc.). Is the insurance more expensive if a road legal exhaust (such as a Micron E-legal system) is used?

Not sure but I don't think so...

Furthermore, I don't see how it is possible to use a 'not for road use' exhaust, as presumably the insurance company would refuse to insure the bike when it is declared that an illegal exhaust is fitted to it. There is always the (distinct) possibility that I am missing something here, but I am not sure what!

I would say that 9/10 of the end cans sold are not road legal so it can't be a factor when claiming or we would have heard about it (wouldn't we??). I know the police, if you're stopped and they notice, usually give you a short amount of time to get a road legal can back on and you then go down the station to prove it....anyone have any first hand experience with insurance companies and non-road legal cans?

Anyway, keep up the superb work Kev, and I hope to meet you guys sometime if an SV meet is organised! (when a meet is organised...)

A Happy New Year to yourself and to you're site's visitors.

I have fitted a Powerbronze Lower Fairing over the Xmas period and enclose a couple of pictures, due to the poor instructions supplied it took myself and a friend three hours to fit.

Image 1    Image 2

The fairing comes well packed in a cardboard box, containing two halves of the well finished plastic fairing along with four unidentified metal brackets, this was the first cause of head scratching, which bit went where? The piece of paper accompanying the kit didn't make it clear , some markings on the pieces to indicate their intended location would have helped. However it looks good and offers some protection to the oilfilter and engine, but doesn't seem to make much difference to the wind on my legs, it seems quite a firm fit and I haven't noticed any movement when riding at speed .

I will mention for the sake of those who saw the fairing at the NEC and were concerned about the way it was mounted, that the production version has revised brackets and is quite firm.

Great site (everyone says that but it's just true!) (oh no it's not....)

My wife (God bless her cotton socks) blew me away this Christmas by opening the garage to a brand new 2000 SV650S as a present!  I've always known she was one of a kind and surely this only goes to prove it. (can I marry her instead please?)

Of course the painful business of running in the yellow peril then began. I kept under 40mph for the first 60miles and now start to use up to 5000 (I'm only at 100!). It's my first ever bike and I will be keeping it for some time so I want to get it spot on for longevity's sake. Are there any tips/advice from anyone bearing this in mind.

Just stay under 5000-5500rpm and try to vary revs within that range...difficult...I know... Ensure the first service is performed on time.

The second thing is that it is winter with salt water etc etc. One of the bargains made with my good lady is that I wouldn't deliberately go out in bad weather but there's still plenty of c**p about to get on my new baby. Of course this all needs to come off - what's the best way to do it? Does using a jet to clean with (tap power only) risk getting water into the electrics? Does it matter cleaning when the engine's still hot? Any good places to squirt a preventative spray of WD40 in winter (on the bike.....).

In my opinion....use a hose if you have one, most of the affected area in the front of the casing so keep the water off the front plug. I liberally use WD40 as an aid to displelling water and making it easier to get road crud off next time..I spray mine all over...well, nearly all over...only solution is to emigrate or drive a car...

I know it all may seem a bit noddy to those of you more seasoned riders but we all start somewhere.

When the pictures get developed and I get my hands on the scanner I'll send some pics.

A great site! Lots of information and pictures!

I have a red 99 SV650S since two weeks. My former bike was a Yamaha FJ1200. (what a difference). The FJ was a torque-monster and the SV is a damn little bullit....
Only after 2 days I went faster then ever round a corner. Boy what a handling!

I have a BSM Vampire Carbon exhaust on my SV. It sounds like a 900cc Ducati now. Never seen that cars go away to let me pass.......Here are some pictures of my bike.

Image 1       Image 2       Image 3       Image 4

The next wishes are some carbon things......

Please go on with your site! (ok..just for you...)

Hey! I read the site almost daily at lunch, and sit here and dream about all the cool ways I can trick out my bike.

I rode pillion for the first time a couple of weeks ago on my own bike, kinda weird, but it was interesting to be a passenger again. The results? I'd say that this bike is fun as a passenger - you can see clearly, you're up nice and high so you don't bump helmets quite as often, and the seat is comfortable.

What do I like better? DO you even have to ask? Once you are in front, it's pretty hard to take the back.........seat!

Well, I live in California, my SV is getting about 160 mile per tank (less reserve) with a mixed riding on Highway and local traffic. So, I would say Kevin is right about the MPG. I also notice the MPG is not much difference between riding on Hwy or local stop and go traffic. (Ummm...I was wrong (got my number of litres per gallon mixed up)....see below from Kevin...)

Now, regarding the seat. I am 5'7" and 150 lbs. The stock seat is very comfortable for me. My longest non-stop ride is 90 minutes on the Hwy at avg. 70 mph and my butt was just fine. I used to ride a 96 Harley 883 Sportster (all stock), and I tell ya, I have to make a stop every hour ( a full tank of gas plus reserve can only go about 90 miles and I have to stop and get gas anyway) and I could feel the soreness from my butt and back. I did not experience any of that on my SV.

However, since I don't have windshield screen on the SV, on a day with a small breeze, if I ride faster than 80mph, I need to fight the wind a bit which can get the arms tired. Other than that, I feel great riding the bike.

Before I bought the SV, I was considering buying a Ducati Monster 750. The SV did not catch my attention at the 1998 Bike Show, but the more I read about it and a few trips to the dealership, I decided to get the SV and I did not regret my decision. The bike will grow on you.

I am not a racer, so I really don't know if the suspensions are too soft on the SV. But, compare with other bikes in the same class (standard bike). The SV cost less, cost less to maintain, requires less maintenance, has plenty of power, and can go very fast if you want it to. With Kevin's great site www.sv650.org and many SV enthusiasts there to help you with any SV questions that you have, you really can't go wrong with the SV650.

The best thing to do is to rent one or borrow one and ride it for a while and see if you like the controls and handling.

Hi have a red SVs live in the UK, and in the recent cold spell I have experienced symptoms that I have attributed to carb icing, ie ½ way into a 20 mile journey in cold weather the bike has coughed and spluttered at lower revs, even cut out at 30 mph at one stage! Bike shop thinks it may be a loose connection on the carb warmer and wants the bike in, anyone else experienced this.

PS much better than my old GSX400F Slingshot...

If you have anny questions about the tank patch or the rest of the patches just contact me , I make them by hand for your bike no mather what bike it is.

Please Kevin could you add me to the Year 2000 pics (Done...)

Image 1       Image 2       Image 3

Kevin. Very nice site! You have grown alot in the past months. (you mean me? I have...outward...it's all the Christmas chocolate laying around the house...I can't resist it!)

Question: Any idea who makes the aftermarket fairing on the blue SVX in you photo archieve? (web address bassman.@wanadoo.fr) Nice looking fairing, but I can’t get through to he e-mail.

Re. differences between the S and the "standard" SV650, their wheelbase also differs by 10mm. If I'm not mistaken (from memory of an early test) it's down to a different length swingarm (!) rather than fork geometry. If Suzuki can take that amount of care about riding balance, why don't they do so with the front end?

How about an additional Q&A on changes to the 2000 model, especially if they're more than cosmetic -- eg. better fork oil? (good idea....do you want to volunteer to take that away? Seriously...if anyone wants to help out by producing something like that (appropriate emails would go to you to compile) then I don't mind one bit, just say!)

Hello, again. It's Harley, writing from the southeast U.S. I wrote a while ago about getting clip-ons in the US. Anyway, I was curious about a posting sent in on 01/11/99. It was a picture of a dual-exhaust on a bike identical to mine. I've repeatedly tried to e-mail the guy that posted, but to no avail.

The company is KENZ, and I was wondering if anybody had any idea where I might find some info on this company. If not, any other info on dual-exhaust for SV's would be greatly appreciated.

To some of you I know this may sound a little strange, perhaps even trivial in comparison to something like the "water in the gas tank" issue, but I still thought it was worth mentioning.

While pulling the battery out of my bike ( 99' sv650x), I noticed that the right side screw that bolts the seat to the sub frame was tight and not totally seated like the left side. Upon further inspection, I saw that the hole for the screw was not completely tapped, and that when the bike was assembled the screw was screwed in only part way. Of course this was an easy problem to remedy since I own a decent tap set, but for those who don't own one I thought it worth mentioning before you discover the hard way by cross threading the screw when putting the seat back on.

The bolt is a 6mm with a 1.00mm thread pitch. I chased down the bolt to remove any possible burr, then used the hole tap to finish the threading of the hole. Screw now fits perfectly in the hole and can be screwed in until it seats properly. Has anyone else discovered this? (mine is OK...)

Question: Anyone notice that the clap screws for the air box and the carburetors seem stubborn? Any suggestions for helping to ease them up so they don't strip the heads? I was going to apply a little liquid wrench to the threads and let it soak in and see if that would do it.

In response to Marc's question concerning braking distance

from 30 mph 27.16 ft.
from 60 mph 118.36 ft.

Source is May 1999 Cycle World. Hope this is helpful in answering your question.

I thought I would add some comments:

Firstly, I don't know where you get 38mpg from!! 1 gallon is 4.54 litres therefore 16 litres is approx 3.5 gallons and 160 miles is approx 45 mpg. I think this is still poor mpg as I commute 80 miles (round trip) a day (every day I might add) and the bikes' worst mpg was 56 when I was "playing" with a Thudercat at speeds up to 110!!! - usual mpg is 58/59.

Yes, you're right....well spotted that man...I wondered how long it would take before my deliberate mistake was found ;- )    ...ignore my ramblings from the 5th (don't tell me...you do anyway...)

Secondly, I am appalled at the wear rate of the rear tyre, I am hoping (seeing the tyre) to reach 8,000 miles before replacement but still think this is horrendus. If car tyres can last at least 15,000 miles (Subaru Imprezza, from the Scoobynet site) and they are high power 4WD cars then why should a bike like an SV650 (hardly a road burner) shag out a rear so quickly?? I would have expected 16,000 at least. Is there a harder rear tyre that lasts longer?? I have found no problems with the Mezs fitted as
standard.

Because...all the power to drive you and the bike forward passes through one tiny patch of rubber and not through four generous patches of rubber as on a car...plus bike tyres are softer and therefore last less long...plus the dynamics of a bike tyre are very different to the car as the bike leans and the design therefore differs internally and externally. The SV is not at fault, most modern machines are the same...  You can get harder rear tyres but then you'd be unhappy with grip in corners..it's called give and take... Handling expectations rise and rise and tyre wear increases accordingly in most cases...

Lastly, My bike was put away before Christmas but when I took it out for a clean and check for the return to work, it looked like a pile of shite, I have all the corrosion problems that have been mentioned by others on this site. Brake pipe brackets, starter motor, Rear hub bolts plus others - the bolts that hold on the boot guards, the large round "chrome plated?" screw heads on the engine, corrosion showing where the front head bolts to the block and many other parts.

I know the bike is budget but I have ridden a Diversion and a Triumph Daytona through the winter and neither bike showed corrosion this bad - the Triumph looked new once cleaned.

I agree...why bikes, especially Suzuki go so quickly is beyond me....the cost to delay the onset of corrosion must be minimal...I'd pay the extra...

Luckily my bike has not suffered from any of the problems other owners seem to have suffered - fuel in water, oil leaks etc so I suppose I can't complain that much but sadly the bike must now become a commuter through and through and I will find a decent bike for summer weekend rides - maybe another Triumph a Daytona Super 3 this time, big and heavy I know but loads of character.

A commuter  through and through? Simply because the finish has gone off in places? I don't understand. The ability to have great fun and a hugely enjoyable summer weekend ride is not affected one bit by the problems you describe above....unless it's a problem for you to park up next to a shiny new bike and expect yours to look the same that is. Just my two peneth....

Just read latest copy of Australian motorcycle news and it had results of International Bike of the Year In which the SV 650 came in 6th overall . Voted by bike mags all over the world not a bad effort for a supposed budget bike ?

Just read a review in Cycle Torque another Aussie mag and the reviewer said it (the SV 650 ) was in his opinion the best value bike of 1999.

I have an unmodified SV650SY with 750 miles on the clock. I noticed a faint noise last night for the first time and would like someone to reassure me that this is normal.

Basically the noise sounds like the gentle rustling of dead leaves. It happens upwards of 30mph (regardless of what gear I'm in) and only when the throttle is open. If I close the throttle the noise disappears immediately. Likewise if I disengage the clutch.

In neutral, if I rev the engine I hear nothing abnormal.   Therefore I think this faint rustling sound has something to do with the drive train (possibly the chain, although it has just been lubed). Bear in mind I'm wearing a helmet so most things sound faint!

Any ideas?

I've had the same problem with the left mirror as has been noted previously on your site. Everything else is top.

has any one mixed tyre types? ie. bt57 rear with the mez4 front, I'm going for the 57's for longevity but i'm wondering weather it's okay to change just the back, I assume this is pointless coz i might as well just get another mez4, but i don't like them or should i just swallow the cost and go for front and back?

Also has anyone used any other tyres ie. pirelli corsa's, Avon azaro's and are any of them any good? HELP! I'm going out of my mind!

I have a red 99 sv650 s, great bike. First bike I have ever owned. Should have got into this biking thing years ago.

There have been two guys that advertised big bore kits (1 in the USA and 1 in Germany) and one guy ( in Germany i think, didnt leave his name) advertising
parts ( huggers, fairings etc) on your site. I e-mailed all of the looking for info and prices, but not one has come back to me !! Has anyone else had a response
from any of these guys ??

On the subject of synthetic oils they range from 5w60, 10w40, 20w50, 15w40 So many choices so little time !!! Mobil, Agip, Fina, Shell, Total, Motul and so the
list goes on. Any suggestions ?? Suzuki recommend 10w40

Happy New Year to all and have a safe year ahead.

I would like to ask those who have changed their pipes on their opinions on the Yoshi RS3. I have a Y2K model 650S and am thinking of fitting the RS3 system with Titanium can. Are the pipes loud? and is yes how much louder than stock. Authorities here are pretty strict on such mods and I don't want to attract too much attention.

I was also advised to get a dynojet kit as the standard jetting is much too lean for the pipes. Is this really necessary. I don't want to bugger the engine up too much as I've heard many nightmares of re-jetting gone wrong.

I love the bike but it sounds a tad too much like my Honda Transalp - a bit lame. Thanks.

Thanks for the information (from Jock). I wasn't sure about the shim. I was strictly going on what the M4 people told me. I'd be more than happy to just move a washer and see what happens! :)

Here is a question, wonder why Suzuki had it there in the first place? Maybe it is there to do just what people have been doing with it? Again, I thank Jock for re-posting the "stock jetting modification". (I remember reading it somewhere, but didn't really have the time to weed through a years worth of archives!) (didn't have the time!!??...)

As far as the air fuel screws go - anyone mess with them personally? I hear that they are covered by a plug that needs removed.

In response the oil leak / first service - Why did you take it to a non dealer service station? When I bought my bike, the dealer gave me a free first service card. (I actually had closer to 700 miles when my appointment came around. Rode 130 miles the first day!) Almost all the people I've talked to that bought a new bike from a dealer got the first service free, at least in Pittsburgh.

Also...

I remember a lot of people experiencing water in the gas tank after lifting up the gas tank due to the drain tube.

What is the best solution to fix the drain tube? I will be lifting up the gas tank soon to clean the air filter and shim the needles and want to know what the best solution is so that I can avoid learning the hard way. See here...

Also...

For anyone who is interested:

I have acquired the factory shop manual for the 99' sv650x from a dealer in Indiana Pa. ( Sold it to me for $50 - still in the plastic wrap right off his workshop shelf.) If anyone wants information from it, feel free to email me. ( I also have a scanner and could possibly scan some of the diagrams and pics if necessary.) (thanks for that offer Brett)

I am giving the Suzuki SV650 a hard look as one of several candidates for my next bike. Thanks for the great page, the info was very helpful. I am trying to locate the detailed performance statistics on the bike.

Your site has a Cycle World published track results from I think May, 1999 giving speed and acceleration. However, I would like to see the braking results. Do you by any chance have those, or a scan of the Cycle World article? (if you do, as with any performance data, I'd love to see it too...)

Thanks for any help you can give me in this area.

Sorry for the unintentional misinformation folks!

While my U.S. dealer does indeed have "world" parts numbers in his microfiche, entering the numbers only results in an "invalid entry."

Of course, all this would be a non-issue if Suzuki marketing would stop being coy and just give people what this website clearly indicates they want; access to the complete product line!

Suzuki, if you're listening at all , STOP flogging a dead Bandit and START listening to this web site with nearly 90,000 hits! (more than that by the time I posted this!!) The SV is clearly your winner, we just want more SV and we want better SV. (nice one...)

Happy Birthday to SV650.ORG!!!

I would like to thank Jock for his comment about the oil leak on my SV. I took my oily SV650 back to the shop and discussed the oil level, leak, disconnected hose, and spark plug heat range with the Mechanic and he told me he is sure that he filled up the oil according to the book. He also said he got the plug number from the NGK book. So, he cleaned up the mess and phoned the Suzuki dealer to double check the correct plug number and put the CR8E plugs back on the bike. He also admitted the oil level is high and that was also corrected.

According to the manual, as long as the bike is serviced by a certified mechanic, the warranty is still good. I have call a dealer in Long Beach, California and the Service Manager told me the leak was cause by overfilling and as long as I correct the oil level, it will not damage the engine (thank God!). He also mentioned overfilling the oil will cause the oil to travel up to the crankcase breather hoses and to the air box and leave the big mess. This did not happen to my SV (thank God again!).

Jock is also right about removing the seat before lifting up the seat. It sure makes the job much easier! don't thank him too much...it'll go to his head!! ;- )

Now I have a new question. Does anybody know how to replace the front spark plug without putting any small imprints on the radiator? I have removed the horn bracket and loosen the radiator. But, because the gap between the radiator and the engine is very narrow, I can't prevent leaving small imprints on the radiator. (help?)

G'day from Australia,
Could you let me know if Tank Bras are available for SV 650S and costs.  Cheers

what sort of mpg could i expect cruising down the motorway at 80mph and is the pillion seat comfortable

Well, I get about 160 miles from a full tank to reserve if on a good run, around town it's a different story. So 16 litres is about 4.2 gallons, at 160 miles equals about 38mpg...this sound right?? WRONG, WRONG...see Kevin's posting

I have no experience of the pillion seat....any offers to comment?

Happy Anniversary and Happy New Year, congratulations on reaching the one year mark with this great site. (thanks...)

It's one of the reasons I decided to get my SV all those months ago. I would also like to take a moment to thank all of you contributors for your comments and annecdotes: it 's all been a great source of information on what is, with out a doubt, one of the great bikes of the day.

Well, the bike is running great (even if the weather and travel isn't.) So, a quick run-down:

I've swapped the stock bars for TBR V2 titanium clip-ons, a full TBR exhaust, a Factory Titanium jet kit, and I replaced the stock from springs with Progressives. Don't have the  numbers handy, but the bike is riding like a dream! And it looks hot too!

I was recently at a coffee shoppe where bikers congregate, sitting and enjoying the coffee and atmosphere when I noticed a number of fellow travelers encircling my ride. To make a long story short, even the Ducati riders were wishing they had one! I haven't had reaction like that since I was riding my ol' yellow 1974 BMW cafe bike around Indiana! Oh, yeah, the sound from the TBR can is an amazing improvement over stock. My girlfriend swears she can hear me a mile away over traffic.

Now, for my (dumb) question: I was out yesterday puttering around the bike (adjusted the idle, cleaning, etc.) and I noticed some surface rust on the chain. Now, this is my first chain drive bike, and I'm wondering if this normal, and what I can do about it? I've been riding pretty steadily this winter (no snow in New England), but I've also been traveling these last two weeks. Also, I've seen reference to WD-40'ing parts of the bike to protect it from the elements. What parts need it?

After I wash the bike down I cover all engine parts, swing arm and surface of chain (lightly) with WD40 (or equivalent) and it stop the rust that you talk about and makes cleaning eaier next time. Oh...and my fenda extenda doesn't stop road crud hitting the underside of the engine or the starter motor but it does stop all crud hitting the front spark plug as it used to.

Any info, as always, would be helpful.

I like your site. I have a red '99 just like yours, but have a Yosh pipe on it.

I'm from the UK, have had about 40 bikes over the last 35 yrs, and the SV shares the garage with a '96 GPZ1100.  I live in Calgary, Canada, but usually get home once a year for a refresher (and to see my Mum).

I've got some new adjustable internals for the front, and am ordering some progressive springs. I'm looking for a rear unit that's cheaper than a Fox, Penske, or an Ohlin. Any ideas out there?

I don't think the lower fairing is available here from Suzuki, but would like one, and am also interested in the extension for the front mudguard and a "hugger". If I don't screw up, you'll get a picture of my daughter, Liane, on the bike. Click to view Liane...and the SV

Here are 4 pics of my SV-Different Views of my SV with the blue rims/bootguards/Radiator guards.

Notice I do not have turn signals or a  tail section-Also note that I reinstalled the licensce plate under my  wheel-well-this required trimming the outside of my Maryland plates because  it was a tad to wide! You can't see in the pictures but I also relocated the  licensce plate light to the underside of the wheel well above the licensce  plate-Used a small lense from the junkyard on a car-lights up blue at night-reflects off end can-really trick!

I was the one hit by a car a few  weeks ago so the Two Brothers is a Yoshimura RS-3 system now-and also F1  mirrors-(will have pics soon). Tell me what you think of the pics (the red  nissan 240sx in the background is my other baby).

Image 1       Image 2       Image 3       Image 4       Image 5

Great site once again.

I resently purchased a fairing, belly pan, and rear hugger for my sv650 from Powerbronze.

Here are some pictures for your images page. Click to view

Hey Kevin, been wanting to send you a photo.

Finally got a scanner, hope it  comes out right. I put a TL1000S Sharkskinz comp. fairing on it, with a Zero gravity double bubble wind screen. This season I'm going for the M4 pipe, Dynojet kit, and a BMC air filter. The Tigcraft 750 kit looks inviting, Dear Mom, send money!!....

Image 1      Image 2

Here is a pic of the coolant leak on my new SV650. It only has about 330 miles on the odometer in this picture. The quantity of coolant leaking appears to be very small.

There has never been a spot of coolant under the bike itself. This leak occured yesterday while riding it. The case was dry of any coolant before setting out for a ride. I noticed the trace of coolant after I got back home. I noticed this morning the streak on the case was not white. After warming up the bike the streak turned white making it easy to capture. See for yourself...

To read more on this....

Hi Kev great web site very helpful. I've got a yellow 650x with 5300 miles on it. The problem is its disolving beneath me at the moment.

My most recent problems which may catch other users out are ...

One of the chokes seized in the carb body causing engine to race until warm then it cuts out at low revs. Seems to be due to water inside the cable.

Another problem has been the gear leaver the weather & salt seems to affect the copper/plastic bushing inside the gear leaver/footrest. when this starts you will find after
a down shift the leaver does not quite return to the statring position this prevents the pawls in the gearbox reaching the pegs on the drum preventing further change down of gears. (I'm quite good at pulling away from traffic lights in 3rd 4th gear now. the short term answer is to return gear leaver with foot. the long term is to strip footrest and clean replace bushing (its a copper braid coated in plastic.).

Sometimes the bike misfies when salty & wet.

I someimes get the ticking noise at the front cylinder but most Suzikis get this especially TL1000 its cam float (harmless).

I've replaced my pipe with a Micron high level with oval can. it helps the wheelies (the salt doesn't wheel spins all over).

Suspension is shocking, thicken oil twice and spaced it out. think I'll change the springs next.

love the bike but the finish is shocking. Dealer Kens in Newcastle is shite, mechanic dont know anything. when i complained about suspension they tested it and said it handled well despite everyone else who rode it saying it was dangerous with suspension so soft and under damped.

My last bike was a GSXR750 this SV is a hell of a lot more fun to ride. I just can't stop wheelieing from lights across junctions behind slow traffic if fact at every opportunity. My friends think the same.