DECEMBER 1999

COMMENTS AND INFO

I'm looking to buy an SV later this year, but I had some questions regarding its size. I'm 6' 5" with about a 35" inseam. Would this bike be too small for someone of my stature? I'd appreciate any feedback on the subject.

Golden rule for someone your height is try one first, I suspect you may find the bike too small, I have a 32" inseam and wouldn't like it to be much more on the faired bike...try the unfaired, should be better (if you're in the US you've got no choice)

It may be worth while for Colin to get his dealer to check the electrics on the bike (especially things like the connection to the throttle position sensor and the rest of the 'ignition' parts including the HT side of things and plug gap) as problems with these can sometimes appear the same as fuel faults.

The dealer should also check all the stock settings like float height and turns out of the mixture screw, as this machine has not worked properly from new so they may well be wrong.

I am presuming that the needles were lifted by moving the washer from over to under the clip and that is all that has been done. If the dealer cannot 'fix' the carb problem then he should take it to someone with a dyno who should be able to track the fault down quite quickly. I wouldn't mess with the filter until the problem is sorted as it will make the fault harder to find.

I too have raised my needles by adding a 22 thou(.5 mm) washer between the white nylon bush and the needle circlip. I purchased the washers at my local engineering store. I.D is 1/8 inch (3mm) and O.D is 1/4 inch(6mm).

Seems stronger betwen 4500 and 6000 RPM. Even the induction noise sounds a bit louder. And so far no surging like it used to at 4500/5000. I will try adjusting the idle air bleed screws next.

Postings may be intermittant? Is this something to do with the alcohol level? :) OK...there's no 'may' about it, postings will *cease*! :- ) I have enough trouble typing and spelling normally never mind after a few pints of Caffery's ;- )   If I get bored between Christmas and New Year I may make an update but probably not, I'm think I may be going to the South Coast to visit friends near Worthing. Having said that will the Net exist after the world crashes in Jan 1st?? Will it be able to cope with the millions of new people getting online for the first time after buying PC's/MAC's etc for Christmas? If it does I'll see you all in the 21st Centuary!

I saw Sonnys' posting about his oil leak - I would say that what has happened is that the mechanic (??????) has overfilled the bike with oil. I had this once before where a car mechanic (????) filled the box up to the top of the filler as he couldn't find the dipstick! (he thought a bike [GS650] would be the same as his lawnmower......) This resulted in a very close call as the pressure inside the engine then blew the oil (couple of pints) all over the back wheel once I got to about 70. Not the funniest thing that has ever happened (Oh look - here is a roundabout at the end of the dual carrageway - I wonder how I am going to get around that ........). Sony has probably blown most of the oil out onto the underside of the tank by now but he should make sure that the oil level is right before it damages his engine.

The breather pipe may have been blown off or not put back by the mechanic when he did the valves (errr - why? I don't have my manual with me but I didn't think they were done till the 12K mark?).

As to the plugs - I doubt they needed changing at 600 miles!!!!! (unless Sonny had a real problem with them overheating, but I would be supprised).

I also think Sonny may have lost his warranty if the dealer wasn't an official Suzuki Dealer. I think it says in the booklet that it has to be for the first service otherwise the warranty is invalidated (please correct me if I am wrong).   I am also fairly sure that the manual states that you have to remove the seat (4 bolts) before lifting the tank.

Brett was also after info on a washer to lift the needles on his machine. If he takes the needles out, there is (apparently) a washer of exactly the right size (20 thou) sitting above the clip on the needle. If he moves this washer to below the clip it should do the job (or so it says in a lot of postings I have seen)

Finally, after nearly 3 months of waiting for parts I have my lovely blue SV650S back in my life. As mentioned in previous postings, Suzuki GB customer services were less than friendly though the dealer did tell me that after I'd talked to them, they (Suzuki GB ) took it on themselves to source the missing fairing. Whether they or the dealer succeeded I don't know. (nor will you ever know Tom!)

Anyway, I got the bike back last night at about 7.00 pm and went out in the wind and rain for a few miles. Superb!  :- )

Merry Xmas to you all especially as mine will be now.

We are a german Suzuki Dealer and fit out a SV 650 with Raceparts from Großewächter Germany, because the bad weather we drive only 250km. At 1000 km we planed a dyno run ,the result we will mail to you.

Click for image of the 677cc SV

Email ZT-Visbek@web.de

After I had a non-Suzuki dealer mechanic did the 600 mile service, I've found the following problems. Please give me your input.

1. After a short 50 miles ride (the bike ran fine), I found the engine was leaking oil. I could see the oil been sprayed on the bottom of the gas tank.  I later on found the breather hose (on the left-hand side of the bike) from the front engine to the sir box is not connected (on the engine side) and the oil level was above the peep window (completely covered the window). I then started the bike with the tank up and rev the RPM to 5000 and hold it and I did not see any oil spraying out (maybe because the bike is not moving, so the wind can't blow on the oil leak).

I took the bike back to the shop and the mechanic told me the oil is probably coming from the vale cover gasket, because he did remove the covers to check the valve tolerance. What do you think?

2. The mechanic also replaced the spark plugs with NGK CR10E, which are colder plugs than the manual's suggestion (standard CR8E, if over heat, use CR9E). The bike stated fine, accelerated fine, but do you think the plugs are too cold? The mechanic said he got the number out of the NGK book.

3. When I lift up the gas tank as described in the manual, it takes some effort and also the tank deforms the seat. Is this the way it is? (does the seat reshape whenthe tank is lowered?? If so then it's ok I'd say)

Any help will be appreciated. Merry Christmas to all SV650 enthusiast!

Anyone have any ground clearance issues with the M4 standard fit? I'd really like to retain the passenger pegs. (SO the ladies can still ride :) )  Probably going with it anyway, but just wondered if anyone has information. ( Got a great deal in the making - 10% off!)

Talked to the guys at M4 today. ( Toll call to Texas!) I asked them about the best jetting for their pipe. Reply was promising. Says that aftermarket jet kits don't perform as well as shimming the needles 20 thousands on the stock set-up. Said to turn the air fuel screws out three turns as well. ( Dyno test showed this to give the best performance out of everything tried by their R&D, including re-jetting with a factory jet kit.)   Anyone try this? I figure I will give it a shot when the weather is nicer. Need to find out what size washer ( Inside diameter and outside diameter) will work with the needles to allow them to move freely. (Anyone?)

Great site Kevin! I have learned so much from this site about my bike (good, serves it's purpose then...). I log on everyday to see what's new as far as products, tech tips, and minor issues. Thanks to all who have supplied information to me at one time or another - you all know who you are! :) Hat's off to the guys and gals who contribute world wide.

Now, if only we could organize a riders club.....anyone? (not me...not me....)

UPDATE 24/12/99....

Guys at M4 told me that if I'm getting low enough to worry about the clearance of the standard fit pipe that I should be racing for Suzuki. (Assured me that I should be okay.) Ordered the pipe yesterday, waiting 2 weeks for shipping due to holidays. (10% discount! ) Hopefully when it's all done I'll be able to get some sound clips and pictures to post.

I spotted my first SV in Shrewsbury back in Feb. I got talking to the owner and he showed my his coolant leak problem. As you say it's not where the lower end of the hose connects, it's where the connector mounts to the engine. Dodgy gasket? Not tight enough?

As per my previous email, here's three pics of the NWS hugger........

Image 1        Image 2        Image 3

PS - That MEZ4 (shown) has done 6000 miles and it's illegal - how somebody gets 7000+ is beyond me!

In the image section is a picture of a seatcowl from TARGA. I not able to find the manufacturer or supplier in the NL (where i live) or the uk. Kevin already replied but there's nothing in the links section to find about targa.

Is there anyone who can show me the way to TARGA (if you can then do...)

I was wondering if anybody nows the real fix for the surging at about 5 thou revs in second or third gear.

My SV650S which was new in July 99 has now done 6000 miles and has suffered from this since it was new, it has been going back to the dealers every two weeks recently as it has got worse with the onslaught of winter. I know this has been discussed regularly on the forums, but there seems to be no definative cure. My dealer has tried most of the suggestions on your web site.

The latest attempt was to lift the needles which actualy cured the surging HORRAY, unfortunatly it now suffers from terible hesitation at the same revs which indicates it is now to rich in the mid range as opposed to to lean which was causing the surging. The only thing left to try is to modify the air filter ie cut out the centre tube which should lean it out across the range, what I would really like to know is will I be back to square one if I do this.

I would be interested to know of any ideas as it must be a carburation problem and must be fixable.

In most cases either the problem has lessened to such an extent that it is no long a problem or people have got used to it and 'ride around' it...in your case the severity suggests there's still a major problem (why do I state the bleedin' obvious!!).

If you have any suggestions for the dealers to try on Colins bike please write in, there will be others who will want to read it too...thanks

Image 1       Image 2        Image 3        Image 4      

The tank patch is self made, if you want one You just have to contact me at SV_Biker@hotmail.com  Price depends on the distance of delivery.

PS: the MEZ 4 aren’t good tyres for the bike, I recommend Bridgestone BT 56 back, front MEZ1.

22/12/99 TIGCRAFT 750cc CONVERTION - MCN feature initial reports of the 750cc upgrade - Thanks to Nick (nick_hall@europe.adaptec.com) for the information...

Picked this link up this morning - what a headline! Spend £1500 on your SV and start chasing 748's! Of course, we could always chase them and remain closer than any Ducati rider could think possible, but now an SV could be right in the wing mirrors! This is the Tigcraft 750cc conversion that a few people have mentioned before, but they haven't put it on a dyno yet. I'm sure the bhp numbers will be interesting.....

On another subject: I have always thought the huggers I saw at the NEC were a little "bulky" looking, especially the Powerbronze model. So, after six weeks of waiting my NWS carbon-fiber hugger finally arrived. An hour later and I'm pissed off, it didn't fit. A quick email to NWS brought a very prompt reply, indicating that they did have batch where the chainguard screw holes were in the wrong place. So, a few minutes with my Black & Decker and it was on. I was so impressed with the looks and finish of it, I couldn't wait for a replacement, so it is on the bike and it looks great. I believe this is the best looking hugger for the SV I have seen.......I have some pics being developed right now, so I'll email these over as soon as I've retrieved them from the film developers and scanned them in...... (please do and I'll post...)

All the best for Christmas and the 21st Century. Hopefully we can get that meet scheduled. If we need to choose a "central" UK location, how about the National Motorcycle Museum near the NEC? I've been to a couple of Norton Club weekends there, and it's good for the family too (following up in the support vehicle, a necessity when covering long distances on old British iron....) Some great roads and country pubs are only a few minutes ride away from there. (great idea, top of the list so far I think)

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/news.asp?page=Latest+News&id=298     <<Motor Cycle News.url>>

also check out Tigcraft logo on fairing at : http://www.motorcyclenews.com/home/index.asp

22/12/99 Thanks for your comments Doug (Douglas.Pepper@KPNQwest.com)...

Just a quick note to say thanks for the work on the site during the year. Excellent!!!!!! (ta.)     Merry Xmas etc to all those SV650'ers out there. Lets hope we can get a
meet going for the Summer.

Had to put baby away for last two days, as unless I do a James Bond fit with spiky tires etc I am going to have a damaged bike (and a happy missus, but that's another story lol) on the ice rink formally known as Holland (Lots of water in Holland, and everyone knows what happens to water in the cold).

Anyone going to the Manchester show in a couple of weeks??

22/12/99 Michael (futtie@worldonline.dk) in Denmark has his say...

Everytime I lead my surfing to this page I get this weird feeling in my stomache. (same as I get when I edit it??)   Why is it again the bike's put away for the winter? Oh yes, I forgot, snow & ice - this winter-stuff sucks a lot, doesn't it?! Well, I'm preparing myself for spring already now. Buying leather, helmet, boots, etc. (Motto: Protect your limbs, you never know when you might need'em...) (Disclaimer: The rest should be read with the fact in mind that a beginner (!) wrote it...;)

Well, just to give my comment on some issues earlier on this site (I love it btw.). I've heard the knocking, the cam chain tensioner and know a little 'bout dropping the bike... I just want to give my thoughts and experiences to it... And then some tuning update for the 19/12/99-posting from our Austrian friend... At last some personal issue (as if the rest isn't...)

The first two: my mechanic wound the bolts on the fairing "extra tight" (his words) at the 6000 km check (didn't help on the knocking), and the cam chain is supposed to sound like that every 4-5000 km - something about grinding the links in the chain right for the gearwheels... (WHAT? Aren't the chains' link holes some mm apart??)
(sorry 'bout my bad technical english, and maybe a bad reference to my technical mechanic - I might have misunderstood him)

The third issue: To Martyn (20/12/99): Try to have your SV in motion - you only have to work on some scratches on the fairing ;) My brother did that badly on a huge roundabout with his yellow '99 SVS, I made the mistake by standing still while dropping my red '99 SVS (it may sound corny - two brothers with one each...) Actually I had to hit the brakes to avoid four (4!) vans practically taking a 80 to 0 in no time in front of me (at least it felt like that). The rear brake can be pretty touchy if you're in a little panic... My fairing got a 20 cm crack, and the brake lever broke off... I guess I was lucky... (I've found a good German shop with reasonable prices and delivery times... I'll post their name/address as soon as I remember it...)

And no. 4: I phoned Grossewächter (Peter's posting 19/12/99) today. They weren't too happy about telling 'bout their tuning kit (no power improvement figures nor prices - they don't do private customers - btw: you may try your luck on their fax: exchange 6 with 7 at the end...). I was told that I had to talk to my local shop for import and prices. I don't like the thought of that - I paid app. £6750/US$10850 for my new SVS (oh yes, I'm not kidding you, the prices in DK are horrible!) What are the prices for tuning anywhere else (Northern Europe preferred :)? Got any ideas/cheaper prices?

Some other things: I'd like all you experienced riders to be a *little* more specific about the details of your technical stuff... The bike is pretty new, and homepages are often not updated at the same rate of development of new SV-stuff... What kind of front fork springs, exhaust systems, helmets etc. (Yes, I'm a BLOODY beginner, but I'm still planning several mods for my SVS as soon as it gets out of it's well-deserved, but sad :´(, winter-break)

22/12/99 COOLANT LEAK - Anyone else experienced the same as Jay (jhicks@gnc.net) ?

I noticed today a drop or two of coolant just below the right side cover the top radiator hose connects to. The amount was small enough that nothing actually dripped off the motor. I had been keeping an eye on the right side cover because while going over it closely it looked damp around the bottom portion of that cover. When swiped with a finger I could detect the odor of coolant. I suspect it may weep a small amount when the temperature drops below 10 degrees C (I live in Florida).

The coolant seems to be coming from around the right to lower right perimeter of the cover. Not from the hoses. It doesn't seem to be a problem when its up to operating temperature. I'll let the dealer where I purchased the bike know about it now. However, I will wait until the run in period is over to have that problem serviced.

Has anyone else experienced a similiar problem?

22/12/99 Ian wondered how Dave got 7300 miles out of his Metz rear, Dave (jbs.applejuice@virgin.ne  ) says....

I honestly hav'nt got a clue how my rear tyre's lasted this long. I ride the bike to work every day, sometimes at weekends but I've just become a dad so I don't get much opportunity to go for a decent burn up at the weekends so maybe thats it, it's pretty much straight-line commuting and not much knee down hooning thats the secret to my tyre longevity, not very exciting! Merry Christmas to one and all.

22/12/99 In reply to my images of winter wear and tear Jock (jock.addison@dial.pipex.com  ) sends his sympathies...then depresses me more!

I saw the pics of the winter damage to your machine and can only sympathise - mine all did this last year. I don't know why Suzuki cannot put an extra few thou of protection on these parts - it really wouldn't add a substantial amount of cost to the machine and they would have a much better reputation for the quality of their bikes.

If you think the damage you can see is bad then you sould have a look at the bits you cannot (do I have to?) - check out the wheel spindles next time you change tyres - the standard amount of grease that gets put on these is laughable (I'll have to strip the rear shock linkages and head bearing at some point as these are bound to be the same). Every Suzuki I have owned has corroded in the same places so I guess they don't listen to riders after all (but I think we had figured that out anyway).

The only additional place mine has rusted, is on the rear brake tourque arm where the rear clamp meats the caliper. I had the first replaced under warranty and will have to do the same with this one so it may be worth having a look to see if yours is doing the same.

Oh yes, the paint on the bar end weights has also worn away!  The quality of finish may not be up to much (if you ride all year) but Suzuki certainly make blinding bikes!

Have a good one and try to keep the bike the right way up! (thanks Jock...)

22/12/99 Technical manual for the SV...this from Monica (mps@vol.net.mt)...

I¹d like to purchase an SV650 technical manual such as HANES or similar. Did any of you guys buy something of the sort ? Where and how much ? I¹ll be in London next week for the holidays, so if there¹s a shop there tell me about it. By the way thanks to all who gave their advice regarding my oil leak from the clutch seal, although I¹m hesitant to strip down anything from the engine without any documentation.

See posting in October regarding this matter - suggested contact in UK was Robinsons Foundry Ltd. of Canterbury, Kent. Part No.99500-36090-01E cost 33UKP.

20/12/99 OIL LEAK - Monica (mps@vol.net.mt) is looking for some words of advice....

Please help!
My SV has developed a small oil leak which after inspection was found to be from the clutch operating shaft located on the lower part of the engine (this is covered by a black plastic cover).

Is this remedied only by a replacement oil seal or can it be fixed by some other means. It only leaks a drop or two after the engine has warmed up, otherwise OK. (I think we had a posting like this before and it was the seal just being nicked slightly, the seal and surface didn't meet flush and the small oil leak resulted)

If possible e-mail me directly.

20/12/99 HEAD BEARINGS  - Ian's (ianb@psgfreight.demon.co.uk)   were loose.....thanks for the posting...

Kevin, you show great dedication to the marque with this site. (sad I know...)
Anyway, being a really sad muppet,  (two sad people....oh dear...) I have downloaded all the archive info that you have posted, and am currently trawing my way through it. (you are sad!) Good to see the re-occurring problems with cam chain tensioner, and filler cap, I've made a note to bear this in mind.

On the subject of problems, I bought my SVS brand new on 1st June, and after the running in period, also has a knocking on the front end of the bike. This started quietly, but gradually got worse. This was accompanied by a wobble on anything other than a smooth surface at speeds of over 85 miles per hour sometimes resulting in the whole bike slapping. It gradually got worse, and despite speaking to MCN and Superbike, it seemed mine was the only one affected that they had heard of, and found it unbelievable. Being that from new I had specified gearing from the un-faired SV (having been lucky enough to ride the bikes back-to-back at the start of May) and also had Pirelli Dragon Corsas fitted (guess who wasn't using the bike for commuting) (ummm...dunno...I give up....) I was worried that I had upset the bike. I inspected everything, by eye or feel, including the head bearings, finding no slack in either the top or bottom race with the front wheel hard against a wall, but not wanting to actually use spanners on a bike under warranty, I finally  end up taking the bike back to the dealers, and the bearings were found to be loose.

I know that they were not loose at first (hero blob down in 286 miles) so they seem to have bedded in oveer the first 6-800 miles. Could it be that the bearings on other bikes are having to bed in, or that the torque value is very critical. Certainly worth looking at, rather than getting GSXR or Bandit forks to stop the knocking noise.

P.S. I will be going to the Ally Pally show in Jan, but unsure of what day as yet. I would be pleased to hear from others who are going. Also, very interested in the meet in spring/summer 2000.

20/12/99 Touch up paint...thanks John (john.starns@framestore.co.uk).....Oliver...get back in touch with your dealer...

In response to Oliver's message regarding Touch up paint, Suzuki produce a touch up stick for the Sv. If you took one of these to a decent paint factors, I'm sure they could mix you an aerosol.

Regards, (and Happy Christmas to all)

20/12/99 Dave had rather a lot of tread left on his rear tyre....Ian (Ian.Strong@cmgplc.com) wonders how....

Im just wondering how dave still has 2mm of tread left on his rear tyre after 7300miles, i havent got that much left after 4000 and im hardly a mad rider!! (my thoughts exactly, I only got 5000...Dave, impart your secret to us please...)

20/12/99 In relation to Leifs posting on the 15th, here's Tommy's (tomctx@email.msn.com) comments on many things...

Briggs and Stratton in the U.S. would mean lawnmower engine to most people.(my Dad has a concrete mixed with said engine so that's where the association comes from) One of the chain manufacturers (RK or Tsubaki, I can't remember) recommends WD40 for their chains. We just had this discussion on one of my news groups and it went on for days. There seem to be as many opinions as people. I like the Yoshimura "can" on Kerry Driskell's bike also, but in alloy. This may be heresy, but I don't like the look of carbon fiber. I know it's light, strong, heat resistant, and if I were racing I would use it. I just think alloy or titanium looks better.

One more thing, Micron now makes a full system for the SV, more decisions. Try www.bikenet.com/products/micron.shtml for the overview.

Thanks for letting me ramble and enjoy the holidays. (no problem...you too...)

20/12/99 Will you be touring in Newzealand? If so drop Phil (pnj@commarc.co.nz) a line...

I am a regular voyer of your site and would like to offer my congrats for the 1 year birthday and I certainly appreciate the amount of work that has gone into the site. In this day and age of corporate greed its cool to see free exchange of ideas. thanks...that'll be £10 please..... ;- )

I live in the South Island of New Zealand (Christchurch) which is incredible motorcyling country (you need to see to believe - although I am perhaps a little biased :-) ). I am also a proud owner of a year old SV650s as well as a 99 spec BMW F650. The two bikes add up to cost of a Ducati, Triumph or BM and they give the best of both worlds. I use the BM for touring, commuting and the odd back road excursion and I race the SV in our local formula 2.  Unfortuantely the cut off for Formula 3 (that puts me up against 400cc fours and TZ125's) is 600cc for a twin. Formula 2 pits me against 600cc fours and 750cc twins so it is hard work taking down a ZXR 600 down the front straight :-)

Anyway, If anyone here is thinking of touring NZ and would like some information or wants to meet a friendly face in Christchurch please feel free to frop me a line. The e-mail is pnj@commarc.co.nz (no spam please).

Regards and keep up the good work.

20/12/99 Front forks and MPS hugger question from Edmund (igslegal@pacific.net.sg) in Singapore...

Just done my 800km service. Wahoo 8,500 rpms sure feels good. Front wheel starts to pick up in 1st and 2nd at those revs. I added 50ml of 20 wt fork oil to each fork leg. So much better - I can't bottom out the forks on the sleeping policemen now. Feels better in the curves too. Did the factory skimp on fork oil or what. Just fitted a Scotoiler as well. Mucks up the silver swingarm a bit doesn't it - and I've set it at minimum flow too. Someone told me the Scotoil lube is actually 20 wt fork oil - any truth
to this.

One question on Huggers. Is the MPS Hugger the same as a Powerbronze hugger. I noted that Doug had problems fitting it whereas John had a breeze. Before I commit my hard earned dosh, can someone make me a recommendation. Thanks.

20/12/99 Pyramid Plastics supplying problems - no name (akhartley@rac.co.uk) to this email but it doesn't sound too good...

Like many people, I visited the NEC show in order to buy some "trick" bits for my SVs, I attended the stands of all the usual suspects and decided that, in my opinion, Pyramid Plastics stuff looked the best. I ordered the " full monty" , belly pan, screen,seat cowl, headlamp protectors, hugger, fender extender even the top yoke protector ! approx  £400.00 in total. I was told that some kit would be shipped the next day and the rest approximately 1 week later..this has not happened !!!!

I waited 1 month and then after many calls received screen, headlamp protectors and top yoke protector. I have rung up again today and been told that the seat cowl and belly pan have not yet been manufactured !!!! I can expect them by the end of Jan !!!!.

Whilst I appreciate that salesmen will do anything for a sale, I do feel that, I have been well and truly shafted, if I had known about the 3 month wait I may well have bought kit from other suppliers, I certainly wouldnt have stumped up the payment 3 months before thay started manufacturing !!

I hope they are at the Manchester show in Jan 8/9 , it will be nice to see some representatives face to face...... :-) (let us know how you get on...)

Unhappily realising that the biking fraternity/business is as chock full of tossers as the rest of life !!

Rant ends - great site, thanks for supplying the soapbox (thanks for ranting)

20/12/99 A dropped SV....here's Martyns (martyn@thinktank.freeserve.co.uk) tale...

Oh well, three weeks and I've manage to have a 0 mph fall! I got onto my bike on the drive, and put my right foot down to flick up the sidestand. As I lifted my left foot, my right foot slid away, and down I went! Result? One snapped brake lever, and a cracked fairing where the indicator had touched down. It's going to be expensive! Did I read somewhere that the lever is the same part as the Hayabusa? And should I wait until Airtech(I think), do the full fairing for the road? I know that I have no chance of getting a fairing from a breakers. I may try Partsearch again. They were pretty good for stuff for my other bikes. Apart from one of the breakers I attempted to buy a re/rec from(North London Salvage), cashed my cheque and have not sent the part! They say they have, but the Royal Mail have no record of it being sent. A cowboy outfit if ever there was one. So don't buy from there!

Anyway, 1500 miles, and things are going well!

Any ideas for a summer rideout? Start arguing now! (Good point, see below...)

20/12/99 Winter takes it's toll - these are pictures of my SVS after one week of cold, ice and worst of all, road salt...

At least now the parts are tarnished they won't get much worse and if I want to ride all year round then it's the price I pay. I do wonder however why car manufacturers seem to be able to produce parts that are exposed to the elements which don't corrode at the same rates as bike parts...differences in design/developement budgets I guess.

Front brake hose clip      Rear wheel nut right side        Rear wheel nut left side        Starter motor   

I wash the bike down with water when I get home at night whenever I can but it's not always possible and I suspect most of the damage is done by the morning road salt while the bike stands at work all day :-(      Snow is forcast for night/tomorrow.......roll on the spring!      Kevin.

As suggested above by Martyn perhaps now is a good time to start thinking about what we're going to do, when and where. So while you're either eating and drinking too much over the feastive period or working (and earning BIG bucks over the Y2K date change) have a think and let me know what you'd like to see happen.

Some points to consider. I know it sounds a bit petty but I just want to make sure everyone knows that it will be an informal meet and that I will not be held responsible for anything that may happen (apart from you enjoying yourselves!) in relation to accidents (you and/or your bike), injurys, theft etc, etc.....you know what I mean......

The meeting will not be held under the administration or auspices of any club or organisation and, as such, there will be no insurance for the meeting.

My initial thoughts are to meet in a public place, central to most people who say they will attend in the UK, and go for a ride out, stop for a drink/bite to eat - informal with little planning. A suggestion to hire a private airfield was made a while ago and whilst this sounds good I am a little concerned about the combination of wide open flat tarmaced spaces and over enthusiastic use of the right hand (looking at it from an organisers point of view you understand!). Am I worrying too much? Must get a beer...

So....any ideas on places, dates etc? Send them in...

19/12/99 727CC TUNING KIT - Peter (pit_strull@yahoo.com) sends in this information....thanks..

Serwas to all SV650 Riders out there,

this is a message to Santa Clause.
We wish us a 727 ccm Kit & an Arrow Exhaust System & Dynojetkit. So our SV will have 100 HP.

The 727 ccm Kit is available at:
Großewächter (Grossewaechter) (Germany)
Address: Soar 25, 32139 Spenge
Telefon: 05225 859256
url: ?

Click for image

Infos 'bout the Arrow Exhaust System:
www.arrow.it; www.takeparts.com
The dynojetket is especially designed for the arrow exhaust system.

Now Santa Clause knows where to get this stuff, we hope the best.

happy x-mas from cold and rainy Vienna

19/12/99 Racing parts in USA...

pls add our link to your page   http://www.brgracing.com     we have a lot of sv parts!  (OK....done.)

19/12/99 A new bike but a bad back....not a good combination......This from Jay (jhicks@gnc.net)...

Like your web site a lot! I surf to it often to read the latest comments about the SV and get technical info. Your hard work is appreciated!

As a returning rider (not owned a bike for 17 years) I basically bought the first bike I looked at without researching it 2 1/2 years ago. I bought a Suzuki Intruder 800. To make a long story short, I found out I did not like the way the bike handled. I had always had street bikes before (ie: Suzuki GT380, etc). So I was on a mission to replace the Intruder with a modern street bike. I met someone who owned a SV650 and after talking to him I checked into it.

Well here I sit with my brandy new Y2K Red SV650. I personally love the way it handles. I agree the suspension could be a lttle better. But after riding a cruiser, this is an absolute grin fest!!!!

Unfortunately, while trying to lift a box out of a shopping cart today, I collapsed to the ground in pain. My lower back gave out. It took about 15 minutes to get in the van. When I got home, I tryed to walk, but fell to the ground and had to crawl to the house in the rain. I needed help to get in the house.

Man, this day has been hell. If I stll am this way come Monday, its to the doctor! What really bites is Christmas break is coming up and I planned on racking up some more miles on my SV. I only have about 220 miles on it!!!!

This is a absolutely a world class machine.

By the way, the steam coming off the radiator during rain is not big deal. When I would wash the Intruder I would start it up after drying it off so I could take it for a run. All components that get hot cause any excess water to vaporize and rise off the bike.

Got to go and show the SV to my nephew who is home from the Army.

19/12/99 This is from Len (QSIMDO@snet.net) in relation to...

Harley's quest for the clip on's and top clamp may be accomplished right at the dealer as my dealer has all the part numbers in their micro-fiche and claim that indicates they should be able get the "world" parts.  I've not tested their claim so can't confirm the results.

Going the other direction, an advertisement in Roadracing World's latest classified is offering" brand new, zero mile parts from a year 2000 SV" to include; "wheels with rotors, tires, master cylinders,, hand controls, all lights, tail unit with seat, fork with triples,rear shock & exhaust system, all for $1500 (US) or best offer." (916)804-6361 (California) (I'd love to see that project when it's finished!)  Perhaps someone with a world bike wants to sit up a bit!

I'm just passing on the info and making no endorsement so no flames please if it doesn't work out! ;)  Happy Holidays to all!

19/12/99 No name (jattadia@infinet.net) but a problem a lot of us would like to be able to have!

Unfortunately , I have been switching bikes like crazy....6 bikes last 4 summers. I'll try and keep it short. One of the reasons I switched bikes so often is because I generally don't fit sportbikes too well ( only 5' 4") and keep going back to silly big fat cruisers with low seat heights. The bikes I truly lust for are the small Japanese race replicaslike nsr 250's and rvf400's...can't purchase in Canada.

I did like the Ducati 750 monster and have ridden it ...like upright seating position and looks ...am worried about stiff clutch....driveline lash and possible unreliability. I did buy and owned a cbr 600 f3 ...too fast too top heavy inline 4 fell off a couple of times.

I bought a bright yellow sv650s last year in canada and absolutely loved it . I didn't particularly like the clip on bars ...but everything else was great. Here's my problem ...I sold it on one of my silly I want to try a cruiser bike again...bought a Honda shadow 750. I regretted ever since. By the time I decided to go back to a sport bike all the suzuki's were sold out.

This may seem silly since some of my friends have told me you can't go and buy the same bike again.....don't really know what I should buy....I also owned a cb1 400 honda...loved that too. My choices for the year 2000 if my wife doesn't divorce me are...Sv650s...ducati Monster Dark 750 or maybe a honda cbr f4......any advice...... (try to know what you want first, get some test rides before you buy or even try to hire the bike of your choice for an extended period....)

19/12/99 If you can help Viktor (viktord@odi.com) with fairing information please do...

I just got a new SV650 and I need to put something on it (without turning it into project itself) so I don't get beaten on the freeway for those 40 miles of comuting.
Anybody with experience with Rifle's "Superbike" fearing? Is it good, bad, fit and so on. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

P.S.: great site, keep up the excelent job!!

19/12/99 Alvin (Motoalv@aol.com) plus car = accident...

This is Alvin again-with the blue 99 SV-650 again. Found out 2 nights ago that the automobile is my true enemy and that riding gear saves lives. Young fellow in a Red Ford Probe apparently didn't see me. I was sporting the Teknic Road Rage Full leather suit, AlpineStar boots, Firstgear Gloves and a Shoei RF-800 skull protector. I pulled into a gas station when out of the blue I see a red car coming at me on the left. I hit my brakes then tried to  accelerate out of the way but it was too late. I thought the car would stop but it plowed right into my left side.

The first thing I remember was the incredible amount of force placed on my left foot when the cars license plate  up front hit me and left red marks on my black AlpineStar boots. The force  bent my boot guard on the bike, and it crashed down on the right side. Some fellows picked my bike up because when I tried to It felt like all the
bones  in my foot were broken.

Tank hit the ground as ALWAYS, the radiator ? got busted up, exhaust and the rest were pieces of everything else. Well we figured out it was his fault but it was on private property (gas station) so no accident report (Ill try to get hit in the street next time). He didnt have insurance but luckily I did-so now my bikes getting redone at the
shop now.

New changes you say?--going back to the lovely Yoshimura RS-3 race system--only the best, and I had enough money left over to get an Arai helmet--what a gorgeous thing! Estimate ran 4000 US dollars-my insurance sent  a guy over to salvage my bike but luckily the owner of the shop saved my poor little SV-whew! Book value for 99 SV is 4700.

Well...Ill still never stop riding even after getting hit by a car, and I urge people to wear leathers because it really did save me a LOT of skin and when I went to the
doctor and had an X-ray of my foot to see if it was broken, we found out it was'nt--it was just the impact which swelled it up-a crush injury-could it have been the
boots which saved my foot? I say so.

Happy riding to everyone and be careful out there. Sucks getting hit by a car-If it was a truck I would not be here today.

19/12/99 The winter at work...Merry Christmas to you Jock (jock.addison@dial.pipex.com)...

I ride my bike to work every day and even when covered in frost it starts OK on full choke (it then stops after about 2 seconds but starts on the button again), after about 30 seconds (lid on and gloves done up) I can knock off the choke and it is fine. No stalls, no lumpiness or other messing about. My machine doesn't seem to suffer from surging etc. thats been associated with a weak mid-range so perhaps my float height is a bit higher than yours?

I did a 180 mile trip yesterday after chipping the ice off the bike and it ran fine (the new gloves worked - I still had fingers at the end of it - not the normal blue icicles belonging to someone else that I normally get!). The bike got absolutely filthy (washing off the salt at 10pm - guess I will have to treat myself to a hugger + extender for Christmas, beats another pair of socks every time) (in one week of really cold weather, ice and road salt my bike has suffered - several bits have been tarnished - i'll post a couple of images in the week)

Congratulations on the sites birthday - you have done an excellent job! (thanks for your input from the start, much appeciated...)

19/12/99 Advice on hugger fitting required...please help Roger (r.w.blandford@bham.ac.uk)...

I visited your site for several weeks as a would-be sv650s owner, and found it extremely useful and well designed. It's a pity not all owners of bikes have such enthusiasts willing to do similar work.

Two weeks ago I picked up a new 2000 model sv650s in the new blue, and the weather has been crap ever since.

I have fitted the pyramid plastics fenda extenda, as per the excellent instructions posted on your site, and also want to fit a hugger as soon as possible to eliminate some of the crud from winter riding, as I use my bike whenever I can for my 50 mile round trip to and from work (all weathers except snow and frost).

I would be grateful for any experiences of other owners as to the quality and ease of fitting of the pyramid plastics and powerbronze alternatives.

I hope you continue to be a sv650s owner for a long time so we can continue to take advantage of such s good source of valuable information.

19/12/99 REAR BRAKE - too touchy? This from Leon (Lrsuzuki@aol.com)...

For anybody out there that thinks the rear brake is a little too touchy. Here is a fix unhook the brake lever from the master cyl. Then take a round file  and elongate the hole a little for a little more play in the lever. Take a little out at a time till you get it like you want. Oh then check you brake light you might have to adjust the switch.

19/12/99 SV parts...contact below...

I am sending more Pic's, only in jpg's. See Barry's previous post    See engine part images...  Image 1    Image 2   Image 3     Image 4    Image 5

SEEVERS Racing Development Co.
Ph.661-266-3779 USA.
Fax. 661-265-8122
srd@earthlink.net

19/12/99 Who needs a faired SV???? Thanks Mike (Mike.Victor@swpc.siemens.com) for this, so obvious....

SV tip of the day

To keep the cold wind off (on unfaired bikes) just put the front end in the air. It blocks most of the wind that way! And you don't have to mount a pesky windscreen.

17/12/99 EXHAUST QUESTIONS - These from Brett (bretbeau@westol.com)...can you help?

Question 1: What is the best aftermarket exhaust to get for the SV? I know the M4 is popular, but wondered if anyone knew which one gave the best performance.

Question 2: With an M4 exhaust, if you just bolt it on and don't do anything with the carbs, what happens? Does it lean out? Any surges or backfire on closing the throttle? Any risk of messing up the engine?

Question 3: I remember someone talking about a modification to the stock jetting that, along with the M4 produced the best performance with that pipe - anyone remember what the exact procedure was?

I'm seriously thinking about going with a new pipe in June and have had problems with pipe and jet jobs before. ( Had a 96' 600 katana that ran balls out on top end wide open, but would sputter when tooling around below 35mph depending on the weather, mood, astrological alignment, etc.... had it tweaked back and forth and when I sold it, it still ran rich - excessive carbon dust in the exhaust tip.) I don't want to do it if it's going to be problematic.

Any information would be most helpful, especially on the stock modification. My dealer said he would do it if I told him exactly what was involved.

I know that information for all exhuast systems should be stored in a new section of sv650.org.....I'll see if I can do it in the New Year..

17/12/99 TOUCH UP PAINT CODES - Oliver (kpm.music@virgin.net) needs to know if official touch-ups are available in UK yet...

Partly thanks to your excellent site, I bought a naked blue SV in October - a vast improvement from my old MZ125!! Unfortunately, I managed to scratch a line down the rear bodywork whilst trying to get into a very full motorcycle parking bay (they're often thin on the ground here in London). I've sanded it down and primed it so it shouldn't rust, but I can't get hold of the touch-up paint. My local dealer said that Suzuki haven't imported any yet.

Apologies if this has been covered before, but does anyone know where to get hold of either geniune paint or an equivalent that won't stick out like a sore thumb?

I'd like any information on all the colours if possible...

17/12/99 Free offer?? Brett (bretbeau@westol.com) sends this...I suspect that the offer may be limited to just one or two.....maybe...

I've been trying to find a dealer that has a catalog with part numbers to rebuild the somewhat disappointing front forks on the worlds coolest bike. I was sending out emails to companies on the web to see if they have upgrades for the SV, and this guy wrote back with this proposal:

----------------
At this time we do not have a kit for the front, however, if you are willing to do a little R&D, we will send you a free fork spring kit. What we need is overall spring length, wire diameter of spring, how many coils the spring has, the outside diameter of the spring, and how long the preload spacer is if any. If you have any questions, contact Ned at 818.701.1010

Thanks-Dave
-----------------

Can anyone out there supply this information? Here is the email address for those interested in becoming "rocket scientists":

WORKSSHOCKS@aol.com

If anyone has this information, could you please post it on the site so that other interested owners can try them out. ( Possibly even myself)

17/12/99 Can you help Harley (xXGODXx@collegeclub.com)..?
  

Hi, first let me thank you for posting this page. All the info on this page has walked me through the first 3 months motorcycle ownership quite nicely.

Anyway, since i bought my blue SV back in Sept. I've been on a quest to add a fairing. Well, thanks to a posting on your page I found a company making a replica S-model fairing and I need to acquire a pair of clip-on bars and a top triple clamp. I spoke with my local custom shop and said that it may be easier to contact UK or euro dealer and see about shipping over seas. Even if it's not cheaper, compatibility problems would be few and far between. (try some of the UK links, otherwise hopefully someone might email you with information...)

At any rate I was wondering if there are any dealers willing to do any overseas deal and if so what prices would look like (U.S.$ please).

Update here...

15/12/99 Not a good way to start todays postings.....sorry to hear about your misfortune goran (dag@fast.net.au)...

just like to inform you all that that my sv650 is no more as a lunatic in a Toyota decided that red lights are not there for any particular purpose T-boned me and my bike.

I'm still around but will not be walking for a while as my ankle broken in 2 places and after 8 pins and a plate my leg is very sore.

only problem I have is convincing my wife to let me ride again once I get better (any suggestions Please)

thanks for listening and keep on riding

15/12/99 Leif (leif.johansson@mbox310.swipnet.se) thinks the sounds like a concrete mixer.....not heard that one before...

Hallo I'm an Sv 650 s owner from Sweden.I bought the bike in september, this is the most interresting bike i have been riding in my life. I have to replace the exhaust it sounded like a Briggs and Stratton.

15/12/99 It's that man with the same initials as the SV again...hello Steve (svaid@ITIM.com)..

Some xmas cheer (a pretty rank effort) (is pretty rank the same as very bad??) and a winter question :

Christmas is coming,
The goose is getting fat,
How will my SV react to all that ?
I have it sprayed with WD-40,
I've heard waxoyl will do,
But the cans don't sound rorty,
what do you do ?

Seriously though - still riding everyday to work (25 miles), went down to the bilke this morning and I had ice all over the bike cover. SV started first time on half choke, but repeatedly stalled at traffic lights for the first three mile on a quarter choke every time I dipped the clutch in first or idled in neutral. Kept gassing it - but turning the choke up had the bike running on. After about five miles had no probs. Any ideas on winter adjustment or starting / idling for the SV in cold temps ? Much appreciated - aim to keep riding as long as possible or until my thermals wear out. (I'm riding everyday at the moment and find my bike stalls unless i give it enough choke when it's idling at junctions....open road riding is fine without the choke. The bike if fully warm after about 3 miles and no choke is required at all).

Have a top xmas / new year.

15/12/99 Thanks to Carlos (ccarrerag@yahoo.es) in nice warm Spain...

First of all, congratulations, for the amount of information regarding our "SV passion"

I've recently buy a SV650S blue Y2K. I'm only at 600 Km, but the bike promises a lot, it handles well, it's fast through corners, and it sounds good (probably too low). the only problem I found is the front fork (it's not very rigid, isn't it?) (ummmm....no. See numerous postings in this web saying the same.)

I'm very impressived about the amount of motorcycling fans in the UK considering the weather of The Islands, well done guys!! (thanks...we need it!)

Do you know where to find a double bubble screen? (in Spain?....no.   In UK try MPS or M&P, both listed in the links section)

I don't usually post people's email signatures but Carlos has one that makes me realise how few racers we produce in the UK.....I'm now waiting for an Italian signature that's even longer!

Carlos Carrera
Barcelona
Spain. The country of Criville, Checa, Gibernau, Alzamora, Borja, De Gea, Xaus, Riba, Lavilla, etc...

15/12/99 No problems with Powerbronze hugger....this from John (john.starns@framestore.co.uk)...

I just wanted to stick up for Powerbronze and say that I had absolutely no problems installing the Hugger I bought from them. It took about 15 minutes to fit and is great!

15/12/99 There's no name (caussinp@club-internet.fr) with these two images but they are from France....

Le bonjour de la Bretagne !!            Image 1      Image 2

15/12/99 Des (des105@canada.com) updates us again...thanks very much...

In answer to Kent Riches' of Air-Tech, the 3 cowls he's talking about are from Pyramid Plastics in the UK. http://www.pyramid-plastics.co.uk/

On a sad note, I awoke this morning to find about 6 cm of the white stuff on the ground indicating it's probably all be over for another year.  Now I've got to pull parts off to try to find a squeak under the fairing around the headlights and see what can be done about the fuel drain hose. Ironically I've never had a problem as it's stored indoors but when I went to first test ride it in August (it was used) we couldn't get the bike to stay running due to... you guessed it, water in the fuel.

15/12/99 A year in the life of Dave (jbs.applejuice@virgin.net)....glad you made it in one piece!

My SV's nearly a year old! and I'm still very happy with it. Apart from a few niggles. I'm the chap who nearly crashed because of (powerloss type thing) water in the fuel tank!

I dropped the bike the 1st week i had it by reversing out of the garage, trying to navigate round my wifes car with a 32 point turn. The car was to close to the garage, the gap was to small and gravity got the better of this inexperienced 1st time biker (i know they teach you how to manouver a bike on your direct access, hindsight and all that!) now i reverse whilst sitting on the bike! The bike went, I could'nt let go of my new bike, so I went to, arse over tit. 1 cracked fairing, 1 broken brake lever, I'm just glad
no one saw it, it must have looked really crap!

I fitted an MPS hugger and had the same problem as doug, though i didn't cut out a space, i just used mole grips and bent the brake hose plate so it's flush to the hugger plate. Still took me an hour to fit!

I've had 2 punctures in as many months, how the f**k does a 4" masonry nail stand upright and puncture the back tyre? £30 approx. to fix each time by Hans (nice chap) at SOS tyres near brands hatch (01474 873323). I've done 7,300 and ive still got 2mm to go on the original back metzler, not bad really, though it's really squared off.

Nearly time to change, (what bridgestones have you got? is it bt57's) as the metzlers are a bit twitchy and do not inspire confidence. (BT 56's....)

Also, last thing, the right fork stantion, where it meets the steering brace at the top has shifted up, it's only raised by 2mm but it's enough under heavy braking (see 'old ladies'!) to pull to the left, please check yours, and under slow progressive braking i get a juddering feeling coming through to the bars! I took the bike to a suzuki dealers but they can't find whats wrong so i'll book my 8,000 mile service early and let you know what the problem is.

Any way, there you go, apart from old ladies stepping out in front of me, white van man jumping red lights and idiot car drivers turning right without indicating, my trials and tribulations over the last year on my lovely SV have been excellent.

Seasons greetings to one and all and keep em' peeled! (and to you......anyone with anymore "this was my SV biking year" please write in...)

15/12/99 Chain oiling info from Phil (Phil.Davis@international.mclaren.co.uk)...thanks

I,ve just read some stuff on the site about oiling chains and thought i'd stick my thoughts in.

I've been riding for 20 years now and modern chains, ie 'o' ring, do retain the manufacturers lube for a while, but will eventually seep out due to wear and centrifugal pressure.

My recommendations are to NOT use WD-40, as it has a property that causes Rubber based nitrile to swell, eg 'o' rings, fork seals, brake caliper seals etc. If you need to lube use Duck oil, a far better product all round and  probably cheaper too. This does not swell rubber.

I use a Mobil waterproof grease (blue coloured) applied with a 1/2 " paintbrush applied to the inside of the bottom run of the chain. This is the forced into the chain sprocket interface area and stops metallic sprocket wear caused by the chain rollers. WD-40 won't do this as it has no extreme pressure properties. Wd-40 also washes old oil away due to its petroleum base, therefore accelerating wear.

I have only adjusted my chain twice in small amounts, once, at 500 miles and again at 3000 miles in 5000 miles of hard riding.

Keep up the good work

15/12/99 Can you help Tommy (tomctx@email.msn.com)....please do if you can...

I am trying to decide about an exhaust system for my SV. One of the products is G-Force, who make a 3/4 system. There seem to be plenty of U.K. people on this mailing list (this was copied to the SV mailing list i guess...any response from there?) and I was wondering if anyone has had in dealing with the G-Force brand of any kind? Noise , reliability, ease of fitment, that sort of thing.

Any help would be appreciated.

15/12/99 Fly screen images from Kerry (kcmdrisk@email.msn.com)...

Here are a few pictures of the Triumph fly screen on my SV. Please post if you like.  (I do like your can!!) ...... Image 1  Image 2    Image 3     Image 4

I've been reading your site since i got my blue SV650 in june 1999. I've ridden 4000 km until i put it away for the winter 1.nov.

I've had no problems with the bike except once when i forgot to remove the disclock before takeoff :-(     But im happy to say that the only damage was a broken brake lever.(the ball at the end broke off and I've decided to live with it since a new costs approx. 50£).   I've bought a Laser carbon slip on wich costs approx.340£ here in
Denmark, and i just love the sound of it. It comes with a db-killer witch is just a short pipe thats installed through the end of the can in less than a minute, quite nice if you want to make a little less noise for some reason.

The S version have just been tested in a independent Danish MC magazine.It's a members magazine for a MC-club (MCTC) with 23.000 members and it´s usually
trustworthy. They love the bike and have nothing bad to say except for riding comfort for people over 180 cm. Here's an extract of their measurements:

Topspeed: 212 km/h

All figures in kph.

First of all, let me apologise for upsetting all of the other sv owners! (you didn't....I was just having a bad day...) I didn't mean to knock the sv, I was just trying to explain how I felt getting on that bloody rocket! I like twins (especially the identical ones who were in Neighbours about 6 years ago), even though this is the first v twin I've owned.

If we go back to the beginning, the bikes that I have owned have been a Honda H100s, Honda 250 Superdream, Yamaha rd 250DX and then the Honda VFR400 NC24. Everytime I have bought a new bike, it has immediately felt like a step up from the last one, but I have fond memories of the previous one. In fact I can't wait until I can find
the key for my VFR, as I want to take it out for a spin!

I went to Newport (South Wales) on my Sv on Friday afternoon, and it was raining for the duration. That took about 3 1/2 hours, mainly because it was dark by the time I got halfway there. Coming back on the Saturday morning, it was still raining cats and dogs, but I made it home in under three hours. Not bad time considering. I did 330 miles all in (I live in Liverpool), and I have got 1200 miles on my bike. Not bad for three weeks riding! I now feel that I have bonded with my bike (Joanne, as opposed to Jane, my Honda), and even on the original tyres, I can hustle it down those A and B roads between Hereford and Newport.

I plan to use my bike through the winter to commute to work (50 miles per day), so I will let you know how the finish stands up! So can you let Leon know that it isn't just the residents of Florida who ride all year 'round! 

And before I go (I feel I've rambled enough) can you let Alvin know that when I got my NC24, it had a rear tyre that was bigger than the standard one. The dealer who fitted the new one told me that there is no problem with it, but the designers spend millions developing the bike to work with a certain combination of rim and tyre size. And then somebody comes along and cocks it all up by throwing a tractor tyre on it! All you will manage to improve is the amount of money that you will spend on tyres!

Anyway, apologies again for making people think that I prefer the ZX6. It was great, but I couldn't ride like that all the time! I'd either have no licence, or no life left! There is no way that I could ride that bike to the same levels that I ride my SV. Keep up the great site, and is now the time to begin to sort out the sv650 page summer ride out? (too right! See you there...where ever that is..)

Wanted SV650S, Yellow or light blue prefered, excellent shape, low milage

email: Raph at rafal@home.com [I am in Canada]

For all those in the States wishing they had an SVS, Airtech-Streamlining is now making uppers that can be seen at :

http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/suzuz/suz2000sv650.htm

As for cost, I'm not sure.

For all those (me included) that are looking for a full fairing or lower Airtech is also working on that. They say on their site that it'll be out by Thanksgiving but I called them today and they're behind but hope to have it very early in the new year. Just another option to keep in mind with the Tech-Line lower.

And then this email from Kent Riches (tech@airtech-streamlining.com) CEO of Air Tech...

Kevin, Love your pages I will have some cool bodywork for your readers soon (on the above URL??). I was wondering, who makes the three solo seat cowls pictured next
to the Targa cowls (here)? Could 'ya let me know? (not sure about who makes them...anyone know please let us know!)

Update - see here.

Hooray! I,ve just received my black Plastic hugger (yes Plastic who needs Carbon Fiber alright I'm just a tight sod really), from Powerbronze , I thought i'll just nip downstairs to the Garage and stick it on, (Oh god i'll use the bolts privided if it makes you happy) It will only take ten minites to fit Ha! One hour later and it was almost done,

The right hand additional Bracket which fits over the hole for the rear brake pipe clamp and is then secured by the clamp itself , Doe's not have enough clearance to allow the clamp to sit at the correct angle and for the bolt to connect to the thread, you have to make a cut out in the steel 1.5" long by 0.5" deep to make it fit, By using Imperial sizes you can tell I'm a BORN AGAIN .

I fitted a Scorpion Can in less time! now she sounds like a V-Twin what a Grrrrrrowl and from a safety aspect drivers actually look in their mirrors now !

Have a Great Christmas and a Happy and safe new year to you all. (and you...)

I wanted the SV650 as soon as I saw it. It just looked so right. How do I persuade the wife that my life would be enhanced by this new toy. Luckily I've been driving around on a an F plate GSX750ESG for the last 8 years, so she can't grumble that I'm always swapping bikes. A deal was struck, I could have my new bike in Spring 2000.

I'm a fussy sod and I wanted a Blue S model, The 2000 model for me was spoilt by the graphite wheels. So the next plan was to get a very low mileage '99 model in the new year. It was suggested to me by Kev, who runs this site, that I could be in for a long wait. Not so! I looked at the MSN online classfied ad's, and there was my new bike sitting in the next county. So spring is here earlier than planned and I have my new bike. Best xmas pressie I've had for years.

I picked up the bike on the worst day for weather. I got blown all over A49/A556. First it was raining and then sunshine. The sun was right on the horizon and hence in my eye for most of the journey. So rode home all over the road, half blind and had my arms pulled off by the wind. I'm still smilling though

First impressions. I've been riding a dinosaur for the last eight years, I knew that. Nearly everything has been altered in some way. I now enjoy radial tyres, floating discs on 4 pot calipers, aluminium trellis frame, nice switchgear, plastic engine covers, adjustable levers etc. etc. As for riding, it feels great, loads of torque, plenty of grip. The weathers awful at the moment, so its a bit like taking a new boat out into a storm. I'm hoping that's going to be as much fun as my old 350YPVS.

The GSX is going to get some spit and shine and should be up for sale in a couple of months.

I'm looking forward to some decent weather and a few blasts out and about...

Would you happen to know how many SVs were sold each year in Canada? how many in B.C> alone? (no idea at all..sorry)

also....

Please give me advice on buying an SV650S [yellow]

I cannot find any used ones, and when i do, I get bumf*$!^d by the dealers. I'm very inexperienced for this will be my first buy..

Firstly, thanks for maintaining a great site, it must take up a lot of your spare time, and I'm sure I speak for all your visitors when I say your efforts are much appreciated. (thank you for that..)

However I feel that your reaction to the favourable comments about other bikes, is a little parochial. I own a black Y2K SVs and I am extremely happy with it, like you I appreciate twins more than fours and for the money there has not been a bike to touch it. However you only have to look through your archives and you will realise that (like all bikes) it aint perfect. (agreed)  Most people seem to acknowledge that one area of weakness in the SV is the front end handling/lack of twiddlability and the Laverda seems to go part way to addressing this (agreed).

In your archives you can find many postings detailing how people improved the front end by fitting new forks etc and from your reaction you seem to approve of their
efforts, and or feedback (agreed). Yet you seem to raise an eyebrow at someone for considering a bike that could address this problem from manufacture and yet still has the SVs' cracking engine (I questioned some of the points made). I appreciate that this site is dedicated to the SV (oh yes...), but I for one would value comparisons from owners that have tried/bought other bikes and can offer a weighted, considered judgement (me too...and you said it...."tried/bought"...the Lnyx mentioned hadn't been ridden, tried or bought and we were speculating).

I love my SV and for the moment it fulfills all my biking needs, however I think the Laverda also looks like a great little package and is reasonably priced (I thought we didn't know what the price was fixed at?).

If the SV's represents your biking nirvana (for now it does until my needs change) then good luck to you and I think you have made a great choice, indeed the SV would make it into my "lottery garage". However there are other bikes I would love to own (Mille SP, TL1000s, VTR SP to name but 3) and to help me make these choices I would value the opinion of SV owners that have any experience of these bikes (I agree to a point but these bikes are in a different league both financially and specification wise). I would also love to read these comparisons on your website (you send them, I'll post them...) !!

Keep up the good work, and thanks again (no....thank you.).

In response to buganna@hotmail.com's email about how fantastic and reliable the Laverda Lynx is going to be:

Yes, the Lynx engine will be reliable (for obvious reasons) but in my experience of Italian bikes (commuting almost 30,000 miles per year in all weathers) the engine will be the least of your worries. Electrics and mechanicals are very much the achilles heel in my opinion.

The Ducati engine on my Cagiva Elefant was very reliable (although it didn't resist the ravages of an British winter very well, but then again, will the SV? (probably not!)) but I had several electrical problems that made me lose faith in its' reliablity.

My Moto Guzzi California was even less reliable and though I loved both bikes for their 'Italian panache' (!) they both had to go and quick!

And don't get me started on how poor the spares back up is for Italian bikes. I waited 5 months (I thought 5 weeks was bad for a cam tensioner) for some cosmetic parts for the California, and they hadn't arrived by the time I sold it back to the importers! The spares service is bloody awful for Italian bikes and it's almost impossible to find out when your spares are likely to arrive. Woe betide anyone who is unfortunate enough to break down just before the entire factory closes down for the whole of August!

So potential Laverda Lynx owner, buy your dream bike (when it eventually reaches the dealers) and remember me, I'll be the one on the blue SVS in the fast lane while you are waiting patiently on the hard shoulder for the break down truck to arrive!

This is Emma again, I wrote some time ago. I now have my high level Micron exhaust system fitted (lovely carbon oval can). It sounds bloomin marvellous!!

The technical guy at Micron reckoned it added about 10bhp in the mid range and some extra on top - just with the exhaust, but should add some extra with a Dynojet kit - I haven't got this fitted though. (how much to buy? are they available now?   I heard they had all sold out..)

An added bonus is that you don't need to remove the rear foot pegs.

I have got an under tray and seat cowl (on order) from Pyramid, so when these are all fitted, I will get you those piccies I promised! (yes please...)

Keep it up, (I try Emma....I try...)

Perhaps Martyn won't feel so much difference between the bikes once he has run-in the SV. If they had lent him a run-in SV he might of enjoyed that too! Top speed and acceleration will never be as good on an SV as it is on the Kwak (well perhaps with jetting, big bore kit, pipe etc. [anyone bunged on a nitrous kit???]) but the SV is such an excellent bike in standard form you don't notice most of the time (except when trying to catch a blade!) and you can certainly hold some high corner speeds. I think Martyn should run the bike in and change the tyres to something sticky and then compare it to the Kwack.

The Pirelli tyre wear info I was passing on is now out the window as I punctured the rear so will have to fit a new one. Best guess would have been about 3K before it needed changing (done 2 and a bit) but I get on with them really well. The front end feels very secure, even in the wet, so the replacement will be another Pirelli.

Hope we don't have another 'knock the SV' day - this is an excellent bike and bloody good value.

Tell Steve to get his bike fixed ASAP (it's runs OK, just a mangled bolt) - you must have loads of laughs going under or around him at every bend (hey, what are friends for!). At least a GS makes plenty of sparks as it drags its undercarriage everywhere! (well....ummm....urrrrr.....not exactly, the GS goes well and takes corners like you wouldn't believe.....and I take corners like you wouldn't believe so it doesn't help!)

You posted my last mail three/four months ago when I was contemplating which bike to buy, and I'd like to thank those of you who sent me replies directly. These made my mind up to get a 650s, which I bought nearly new. I've done about 1500 miles and I am totally smitten by the bike. Just a few questions though.

1. The bike came with a full M4 high level system which is the dogs dangly bits (i.e. pretty damn good) but in order to fit this the previous owner removed the rear pegs and fitted a pressed plate exhaust bracket. Does anyone know of aftermarket bracket or alternatives which retain the rear pegs whilst securely fixing the can?

2. I know you've had previous postings on this subject but can anyone give me the rundown on lower fairings for the 's'? I have spoken to techline in Holland who do the rocket pack, but this is £220.00 ish and I would really like to see one before I buy. Is there a good quality product available in the UK (or Europe) and if so how much, and who is the manufacturer / distributor?

P.S. the site is excellent - keep up the great work!!

Excellent Site! I have been surfing here for almost a year now. Bought my 650X in July. I was wondering, has anybody done the conversion from a 650X (unfaired)
to 650S? If so, do you have a list of all the parts necessary. As I live in the U.S. (Boston), I assume that I won't be able to purchase the parts from my local dealer and I will have to mail order from a Canadian dealer. Any helpful hints would be much appreciated.

On the other hand, are the after-market products just as good? or better?

Also, my service manual says that I am supposed to "clean the chain in kerosene" before re-oiling it. It seems to me a pain to remove the chain just to clean it before I re-oil it. Am I missing something? Does everybody else do the "kerosene cleaning" thing? (i use kerosene to wipe the chain over but i don't take it off, just move the bike forward a bit to get at the hidden parts of the chain.....or buy a Scottoiler as Jock suggests..)

Here are few photos I took of my bike today. I'm sending them to a few friends in far away places, thought you might like them too. I know its just a standard machine, but nevertheless, she's a damn fine bit.

Image 1       Image 2       Image 3        Image 4        Image 5       Image 6    Image 7 

I am sending you some pic's of my Race parts for SV650 Suzuki.  Click for image.

What's that funny thing going to the back wheel? not a mucky old chain is it?

And this from a bloke who bought a C90 to commute on and gave up after a few measly attempts (if that!). He's looking for a buyer but so far only my granny has expressed an interest.

I'm also tempted to level the numerous 'slipper' jokes at him but to be honest his GS1100 is impressive and I value his navigation skills (we did the National Rally this year for the first time - I'd recommend it to anyone to try) so I'll lay off! Got that broken bolt out of the gearbox yet Steve? ;- )

I took my Sv into Carnell for it's first service(560 mile in seven days isn't bad!). I had ordered a courtesy bike for the day, but their usual one wasn't taxed. So they gave me a T reg, 1800 mile Kawasaki ZX 6R for the day! Totally and utterly out of this world! It felt totally amazing, but still totally rideable. I've only been riding for about four years, but this was easily the fastest thing that I had ever ridden. I managed to get 140 out of it on the M57, and there was still loads of power left in reserve. Why did they have to give me such a beast? It felt terrible going back to my Suzuki! (oh dear....you're not going to be too happy then...4's don't do it for me but if they do for you then I can see the attraction...the ZX6 is a class sports bike...each to his own..)

Never mind, one day..... (when you flog the SV drop me an email and i'll post it!)

nice site......good info all round... (something good then...)

I used to own a SV (naked) but sold it weeks later to a friend, as living in London, I found the pot holes etc to rough for the budget suspension...

anyway - Im now interested in the Laverda LYNX - uses SV engine and is a  naked bike....seems very well specified - Marchesini Wheels, PAOLI 50mm Forks, PAOLI rear shock, hybrid trellis/spar frame, Brembo 4 pot goldseries brakes (rebadged Laverda), dual output silencer...

Could this be the bike to get ? (yeah, if you want one) its far far better specified than Suzukis SV, has Italian flair (does this mean unreliable then?), wonderful looks (but not half as good as an S model SV IMHO), quality kit, and SV engine - so Italian panache with JAP reliability....to be priced at 4,500 £'s - who will buy the Suzuki ? (everyone who doesn't trust Italian machinery or electrics.....and i bet they won't be £4500 when they are in the showrooms. It might have better spec suspension but this does not gaurantee a complete package like the SV is. Is it heavier too?)

can't wait to test one out ...(let us know more when/if you do...good luck)

Sorry about the Swona site (www.swona.dabsol.co.uk) being out of action. This was at the request of Swona. The reason being I'm doing a major revamp to include prices and more pictures/sounds. Also, the URL is about to change. I've registered www.swona-gp.co.uk and I will let you all know when it's up. In the mean time, you can get Swona on 01968 678 687 (not sure what that is outside the UK!). Please be sure and mention the website if you've seen it, especially if you liked it :-)

While I remember, John (mysticmak@tinyonline.co.uk) finally got his bike back on Saturday after 5 weeks in the Suzuki dealer (Alvins, Edinburgh) getting the Cam Chain Tensioner replaced. Maybe they got some spare ones in stock!! (bloody hell! perhaps i should remove those Suzuki phone numbers? Nah...)

Brett, I seen a GSXR upside down front end on a SV and was told that all that was needed was to take out the exsisting bearing races and put in the GSXR ones an the front end will bolt right on. This would mean you need the GSXR wheel, brakes, etc...

I put Race-Tech springs and emulator valves and it worked wonders. Still needs some fine tuning for the track but otherwise it works great.

The main reason for using a Scottoiler on a sealed chain is to keep the seals wet. In the crap weather we have over here it takes about five minutes of rain to wash out the WD40 from the seals. When the rain stops and it dries out the seals then heat up. Some of the hot seals will let the 'sealed' lubricant leak out slightly until it lubricates them and this slowly empties out the resivoir on the link. Other seals get hot and start to crack (also happens if you use the wrong type of oil) and then fall off after a few thousand miles.

In Summer I have the oiler turned right down and get very little on the back wheel, In winter I turn it up but the water flying about keeps the back wheel fairly clean. (Oil is also a lot simpler to wash off than some of the sticky sprays you get). If you ride only in the dry, you live outside the UK, or just love cleaning and oiling chains then the Scottoiler may not be your type of thing.

This is the second one I have had and I will fit one to whatever bike I own from now on (unless perhaps it is a track day special or never sees the rain.) On my previous bike (GSXR1100) I would get through a chain & sprocket (sealed DID) set in about 10K (regular maintenance + after wet ride clean & grease), with the oiler fitted the last one had done 25K and had loads of life left in it (with adjustment once in a while).

The steaming thing on the faired bikes is just the road crap drying out - nothing to worry about.

I also had the problem of a loose mirror - found it was a sheared bolt - errr guess I should stop twatting car mirrors when filtering through traffic. It was the SVs fault - it forces me to ride like an idiot!!!!!

This bike is 'kin excellent !

How are you getting on with the H4 lamps in your bike Kev? Is the battery keeping OK? (I will have to do this mod as the standard ones are a bit dim) (no problems, batteries fine and the improvement is well worth it)

I have the Y2K model of the SVS, and I can only say that it is a pretty damn fine machine (yes! someone loves it then!). I have only owned it for 3 weeks now, but I've racked up 1700 miles. (I play a bit) There are only 2 problems I've had with my bike

a) the loose left hand mirror (trivial-will fix it eventually)

b) the noise in the front forks, that's it.

I've not noticed any other problems, I've had the tank and seat and other things off the bike (gotta have a look), no ki