Further to Hughes' request on low rate race exhaust systems in schengen, as the tall Charles used to say on BBC... Les français parlent aux français.
I have the same problem / requirements and found out that the Micron full system was a lot cheaper in UK than here in France. I had prices from Suzuki dealer in London / Hamelton of £310 for the oval alloy and  £425 for the carbon fiber or crown plated. Problem (for me) is that the micron full system is *very* noisy, a true racing system. I'm looking for an intermediate sound between the stock 87db and the 95db usually encountered with racing systems. Here our policemen's ears are becoming sensitives and my neighboor's are also.

Can micron user confirm the "volume" and others comments ?

By the way Kevin, another reference : Suzuki dealers do not sell albatros, they can only be found in english theaters. (when did I mention anything about albatros..thought you only found them at sea??)

I am working toward my initial service on my new SV....so far I have heard the clunking in the forks (not loud, just an irritation sometimes), the noisy cam chain tensioner, and a lot of high school kids and guys on CBR's and ZX's staring and saying "nice bike man"! 

Is the cam chain thing a Suzuki thing? (yes) My GS550 ES and GS700ES both made the same chain noise.....you might be amused by the story coming up. I pulled the valve cover off my 550 and pulled out the tensioner from the head casting to check out the chain tension and tensioner function. The chain had some stretch but the tensioner was fully functional. I had a major brain fade, and with the tensioner out, hit the starter. In one half of a revolution of the crank, one cam stayed in one spot, the other spun wildly, and the chain itself bounced off the top frame spar when the slack all ran out. Whoops! (you could say that).

Without the book, I called one of my buddies who works at a Suzuki/Honda/Ducati shop in the parts and service department. He looked up the cam timing for me, I reset the crank to TDC, turned the cams until all the valves where in sync with the crank, and reinstalled the tensioner. Fired right up, still noisy. I had never been into a four stroke bike before, only two strokes. One big sigh of relief from me and a 6 pack for my friend when I saw him next!

I hope your web visitors found that funny (at your expense..yes!)...I didn't until it was over!!! Anyway, I have a question for my fellow SV fans. 

I really need a fairing for my SV, and I found an outfit in the UK called Powerbronze that can ship me one called a Cobra. I like the looks according to the pictures on the web site they have. Can anyone post some input on the Powerbronze stuff, support, ease of installation, quality, maybe even if the Cobra fairing is as cool as it looks? (there were comments here)

Anyone ever have them ship overseas before? (have a word with Colin who posted here) Is the exchange rate as bad as it looks? I plan on doing a lot of commuting and this fairing looks a little higher than the SV-S fairing, which might be good. Thanks to all, and please everyone be safe and enjoy the ride out. Here's hoping for good weather! 

Just a bit of feedback about Mark Turner's service. (Ref. posting on 05/04/2000).

I e-mailed Mark on the evening of the 19th to order some Xenon headlight bulbs, got an e-mail on Saturday to say they were on their way and they arrived on Monday. The bulbs and cheque must have crossed in the post. They arrived well packed, by recorded delivery, and I'm more than happy with the speed and savings. (thanks very much for that, I don't mind advertising anyone's services on these pages as long as they're good and you guys are happy with them - I'm pleased that for you Marc's service was spot-on.....well done Marc, keep it up!)

I've just been into my local dealer's and ordered some goodies (yoke cover, key fob and t-shirt). I was interested in the gel seat that Suzuki do, and wondered if it was worth buying?

Would you mind asking if any of the other owners have bought a gel seat? If so, what make and price? I often tour on my bike, and being a bit of a lard-bot it does get sore after a while!! (lard-bot? Is that a technical term or just something I've got as well?! Anyway, take a look here or download each archive page and search for the "gel" string.)

Hi guys, what's up today? I just found this site...and I'm not going to leave it!!! I have a yellow '99 SVS, original as it was born...not for a long time, now!! I would like to post a question (I don't know if is the right place, since is the first time here)

Anyway, do anyone had some problem with the gear? I have some problem with the 2nd/3rd gears, sometimes doesn't switch correctly and get back to the lower ones. This is very disappointing me, while I'm running a bit fast...

For the all rest the bike is perfect. I'm only going to change the exhaust pipe...maybe! Here in Italy the law are so stupid that we can do very small things! Thank to whom would like to share his experience with me!!! 

Image 1

I've not had luck thru Suzuki America or a UK contact on getting the framemount fairing for my SV. Any ideas? Surely someone sells them as replacements for damaged items?

If not the frame mount, has anyone had luck with a National Cycle or similar acrylic shield? The small bikini fairings thru Targa or Suzuki are not sufficient for my needs / wants.

I'm looking for a used SV650 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dealers laugh at me. I can't even find a new one at MSRP. I'm short on cash, so I'd take one with cosmetic damage. I want to paint it silver anyway. (Former AMA Superbike racer #289)

Good effort on Roger's part for putting all that work into route planning etc. for the rideout. Both you and Kevin are too modest. (oh no we're not....)

I'll be coming up from Bristol that morning and thought any likeminded riders from South Wales or the South West might feel like meeting up en route. I thought perhaps meet at the northbound Strensham services on the M5 (just North of the junction with the M50) or does anyone have any other suggestions. 

Why not drop me a line if you want to meet and ride up as a group. If we were to met at Strensham then leaving at around 10.30 am would seem about right to me. 

I've just made the jump from SV650S to TL1000R and I thought some of your readers might be interested in my initial thoughts (never mind them - I am.. ;- )  ). Its early days yet (only got 50 miles on the TL so far - picked it up yesterday), but clearly the most identifiable difference is the handling. Not that the TL handles badly - it seems very stable, but you do need to be totally committed to cornering and physically make the TL turn, unlike the SV, which turns in very easily without much effort from the rider. 

Engine is a different kettle of fish altogether - very smooth, very torquey (from even lower down the rev range than the SV) and very powerful, but more manageable than you might think. Weight is a good 30kg more than the SV, but so far only noticeable at low speed or when you're wheeling the bike back into the garage. I suspect this might change when I begin trying to throw it about more.... 

If you're interested, I'll put together a more detailed comparison after a few more weeks on the bike (yes please, I'd like to read it - I do like the TLR and TLS a lot but running costs and daily commuting use always seemed a bit of a concern to me...). Still planning to turn up for the May ride out too, if you'll have me(!) (seeing as you did have an SV we'll let you...)

First, what a great site ! Hope Suzuki UK will offer your next bike (SV?) for your "collaboration" to the SV's commercial success ! (I hope so too but I've more chance of seeing a flying pig...) I bought my bike according to what I read on your forum. Maybe you have a bit of info for me :

For some noisy reasons, I want to fit a race exhaust to my SV and this would only be a full system (not a slip on). My preferred choices would be (in that order) Micron, Yosh or BOS but I would accept any other quality brand...

Does anybody knows of a dealer that would sell online and ship to France ? So far, manufacturers re-directed me to their French resellers who never sell directly but only to local dealers with extremely high prices  (Micron = 4280 FRF = 389 GBP !!!) . This is why I am looking for such a dealer in Europe, preferably in the Schengen area (tax reasons). (nudge, nudge, wink ,wink...say no more....)

This is in response to the K&N Filter. In short, don't get your hopes up. I've been e-mailing and calling for almost a year now, and I keep getting the same response: it'll be ready in a month or two. Thought I'd share with everyone. (see more K&N news here).

I also recently contacted a couple of manufacturers regarding fender eliminator kits. Competition Werkes is schedule to release their kit any day now, at a cost of about $150. Tailocker is planning on one in the future, no specific date or cost (this one might be worth waiting for, as it will increase the cargo area.) For those of you who can't wait, eurobike.com (Matt - has this link got anything to do with motorbikes?) has a great tailpiece assembly that eliminates the fender and is painted to match the stock body colours of the SV (it looks very similar to the item offered by Pyramid Plastics in Europe.) Thought I'd write in and share some of my info. (thanks, that's what the site is for...)

Surfing across the web I came across your page and being an sv650s owner myself was immediately interested. After driving an GSX 600F for seven years it was time to move on, prefereably a V-twin but a Ducati is too expensive, a firestorm too and a TL1000 a bit too much. Suzuki solved the problem by releasing the sv650s.

Because the sound of the standard exhaust pipe was a bit disappointing my yellow 2000 model is equipped with a oval laser carbon racing exhaust. Also the standard front fork springs have been modified with stiffer WP´s. By chance both are Dutch products.

In fact the sv is so popular in Holland that it is sold out for this season. 

On the 17th of July, I am going to try my SV on the circuit of Zolder in Belgium. I´m curious how the behaviour will be under such circumstances (burn some rubber?) (let us know what you think).

Well after waiting for several companies to come through with their promises to produce a lower for the SVS I decided to go with the best looking one in the TCP offering through Tech-Line. I dealt with Erik there and he's a great help, putting up with me and my ex-bank (after the incompetence shown doing a wire transfer) as we tried to get the funds to him. Correspondence was top-notch and quick. The box showed up here in Canada in 5 business days and was very well packaged. The fairing went on in about 2 hours easily with the good instructions provided. All-in-all I'm VERY happy and can't get the grin off my face as I accept the compliments on the looks of the bike.

On the note of the lean surge everyone is experiencing, I had the carb mixtures turned up a bit and which has smoothed the bike right out with no side effect other then to do the occasional "pop" from the tail pipe as I blip the throttle without a load on the engine.

Next I plan to tint the windscreen and get some sort of tank protection (not sure what yet) and trim the rear fender up. New tires are not far off and I'm looking at BT56SS's or BT010/020's, anyone have any thoughts for life and grip here? A dual pipe may follow down the road if I win a small lottery.

GREAT site Kevin, I've gained a lot of knowledge here and made a good decision buying this bike because of it. Thanks. 

Image 1      Image 2

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

Trying to import a Canadian version of the SV650S into the states... and I need to find a Speedometer (MPH) that will satisfy customs. Can someone point me to a place where I can find the kit. Suzuki dealers seem baffled here in Minnesota. Thanks.

I've recently had recurring electrical problems with my SVS,which has now got 4k miles. 

The symptoms were the 15A fuse related to the instruments, indicator and rear lights kept blowing. After several time consuming visits to the dealer the problem was found to be the side stand cut out switch having a short. The whole unit has now been replaced, and I'm hoping the problem has been solved. May be one to watch for other SV owners.

I have now completed the route maps and directions. (this information also copied to the ride-out page).

You should get:-

Maps 1,2 and 3 show the overall route with out and back in different colours (I couldn't get it all on one map and look clear enough to follow). Maps 4,5,6 and 7 are enlarged sections of the route where there is a fairly major change in direction, hopefully to make it easier to follow without getting lost. Map 7 shows Stratford town centre which can be a bit confusing, but follow any sv650 and you should get there!

Download the maps, there are two version available, both show the same information but one is smaller to download:

In answer to your question,... Yes I will be coming on the 14th and look forward to meeting you. The work I've done on the route is nothing to what you must put in to make the web site so useful and popular. I think it is me that should be shaking your hand!

See you on the 14th.

The directions shown below are also available to download in rich text (rtf) format (download here).

Suzuki SV650 Rideout Route Instructions – Sunday 14th May 2000

• Leave Motorcycle Museum and enter roundabout. Take the 5th exit, signposted COVENTRY A45.
• Join the A45 from the slip road. After approx. ½ mile, leave the A45 signposted BROWNHILLS and LEAMINGTON.
• At the roundabout go Right, 3rd exit, signposted LEAMINGTON A452 and WARWICK onto dual carriageway. 
• At roundabout go straight on, 3rd exit, signposted LEAMINGTON A452 and BALSALL COMMON 3 miles. 
• Continue on good dual carriageway and Enter Balsall Common, at roundabout turn Right, 2nd exit, signposted LEAMINGTON, KENILWORTH, WARWICK A452. 
• Go straight over at the next two roundabouts, 2nd exits. 
• Past the White Horse pub on the left and at cross roads with traffic lights, turn RIGHT signposted KNOWLE B4101. Approx. 6 miles from start. This is a nice twisty B road with plenty of technical bends. 
• Keep following signs to KNOWLE and on entry to village take a left fork signposted CHADWICK END and DORRIDGE. 
• At next junction, with main road, turn left and immediately right, signposted HOCKLEY HEATH B4101 3 miles. 
• At next roundabout, straight on, 2nd exit, still signposted B4101. 
• Through Dorridge village under railway bridge. Petrol station on right – 13 miles. 
• Railway pub on left just before a sharp right hand bend. 
• Follow B4101 to Hockley Heath at next right hand bend. 
• In Hockley Heath, turn LEFT onto A3400 signposted HENLEY and STRATFORD. 
• Petrol station on left after 14-15 miles. 
• Old Royal Oak pub on left. 
• At next double roundabout, straight on at both, 1st exit, signposted HENLEY IN ARDEN A3400. 
• Little Chef on left for anyone peckish, 16–17 miles, and then Bird in Hand pub. 
• Enter Henley in Arden village and continue straight through on A3400 out the other side through set of traffic lights on crossroads.
• Follow signs to STRATFORD A3400. 
• BP petrol station on left, 20-21 miles. 
• Pass junction to Mary Arden’s house on right (for any historical interest!) Dun Cow pub on left, about 24 miles, and shortly after Elf petrol station. 
• At next roundabout, straight on, 2nd exit, signposted STRATFORD A3400. You can go to Anne Hathaway’s cottage if you turn right! 
• Enter Stratford Upon Avon. 
• Tesco on left for petrol, 26 miles, and Burger King on small roundabout, straight on, 2nd exit, signposted THROUGH TRAFFIC. 
• Follow signs to Town Centre, A3400, straight on at the next junction. 
  
• You are now entering Stratford and at next small roundabout, go straight on to a junction with the one-way system. To go into the Town Centre, keep right. To continue on route, keep left.

• To go into Town Centre for the bike meet (free parking on the road), and sit by the river for your sandwiches, keep to the right, and take the right hand lane on the one-way system and follow signs for ROYAL SHAKESPEAR THEATRE. You should be able to see from here.
  
  
• To leave Stratford, take the A439 signposted WARWICK and COVENTRY.
• This is a good A road out of Stratford. (Look out for the grass rabbits on the right hand side!) 
• Keep following signs to WARWICK A439, and at next roundabout, go right, 2nd exit, signposted WARWICK A46, also BANBURY and BIRMINGHAM. Good, fast dual carriageway. About 32 miles from start. 
• At the next roundabout, junction with the M40, take the 2nd exit, signposted COVENTRY A46 and M69. Services with Little Chef on this road and a BP petrol station at approx. 35 miles. 
• Just after the services, take the slip road left signposted WARWICK and SOLIHULL A4177, and at roundabout take 1st left, SOLIHULL A4177. 
• Shell petrol station on left at approx. 40 miles. 
• At next roundabout, straight on to SOLIHULL A4177, 1st exit. 
• Past the Waterman pub on left hand side which is a popular bikers meeting point on Wednesday evenings in the summer. 
• At next roundabout go Right, 3rd exit, signposted STONEBRIDGE A4177 also M42 & M6. A good A road. 
• Road bears to left, BROWNHILLS A452 also NEC BIRMINGHAM and BALSALL COMMON, with Q8 petrol station on bend. 
• Enter Balsall Common and you are back where the outgoing route turned to Knowle. 
• Keep going straight on the A452 following signs to NEC and BIRMINGHAM, straight over the next two roundabouts, 2nd exits. 
• At the next roundabout, turn left, 1st exit, signposted BIRMINGHAM A45, M42, M6, Fina petrol station on the left, approx. 45 miles. 
• On dual carriageway A452 and straight on at next roundabout, 2nd exit, signposted BROWNHILLS and MOTORWAY M6. 
• At next roundabout go Left, 1st exit, signposted BIRMINGHAM A45. 
• Join the A45 and follow signs to Motorcycle Museum and after approx. ½ mile take slip road off the A45 onto island where we started. 
• Motorcycle Museum entrance is 1st exit on roundabout.

Total route is about 50 miles, and I hope you enjoyed yourself. 

The rideout date is drawing near and in an attempt to group some "southern" SV riders together for the ride up to Birmingham, if anyone is interested in meeting up, please email me on paganini_n@hotmail.com so that arrangements can be made for a suitable meeting place to be fixed up. I by chance rode with another local SV rider about two weeks ago and it felt goooood - just imagine a convoy of SV650s. (how many of you are coming?!!! I thought about 20-30 in total....I could be wrong..)

PS - I hope Kevin's picked a sunny day!!!!!!!!!!!! (me too..)

PPS - I live in Farnham, Surrey. (I live in Oswestry, Shropshire)

I read somewhere (may have been this site!),that someone had a problem with the gearbox jumping to a false neutral under load. I have also had this problem now on two occasions, and on one occasion it then jumped into the gear below, which was a little naughty. The last time it happened, last night,I was overtaking a lorry, opened the throttle, got half way past the lorry and it jumped to neutral. It goes back into gear with no problem, but why does it do it? (I assume your chain is adjusted correctly and well lubed?) Anybody got any ideas? Has anyone been to a dealer about it? Has Suzuki UK been notified? (Suzuki UK only ever got notified of anything via their dealership so unless the dealers have done it then the answer is 'no' - and they'll probably just blame lack of routine maintenance anyway!)

I would like to get as much information as possible before I go to my dealer as evidence may force them to do something. Any help appreciated.

I found two sv650s for sale on www.buysell.com They're in Vancouver B.C. canada. So all u state side people who are interested on a S version is in luck. Check it out!

U.S. SV 650 WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH THE EURO STYLE FAIRING IN 2001, IN ADDITION IT IS SAID THE TL1000S WILL BE REVAMPED AND NAMED THE SV1000. THE TL1000R WILL GO ON A DIET AND UNDERGO AN INCREASE IN POWER FOR THE 2001 'S

Would you put a link to my (S)V-site on your SV650.org? (done.)

The URL is: http://vclub.dk

The description is: Danish/Scandinavian community for owners and/or lovers of (S)V-bikes and bike-interested people in general.

At first I Would like to tell you that you really got a great site on the net and that I had a lot of E-mails from SV riders.

This is a contribute of me to you all. I have some Pictures fro my SV650S that I changed to a fully feared one and I boosted it up with a Full exhaust system from BOS. It gives you a same power at 4000 revs that you have normally at 7000 revs (but not much after that then?  what's the bhp at the crank/wheel?), and it sounds like the standard exhaust, but once you are driving it, you will see that people who are a few hundred meters away that they will turn their heads and look at you when you fly by.

The only thing that you have to do is to change the carbs, they are to poor, the spark plugs get to hot.

Image 1

My SVS has 4k miles up now,I love its looks, and I think it handles pretty well,but Its all ruined by the problems I'm having.
The bike has been in to the dealer three times for recurring electrical problems (fuses blowing). The rear brake calliper pins have already seized.The engine constantly misfires,and the camchain is very noisy, even though the tension is ok!

I cannot begin to think what its going to be like at 10k, are these problems common ones? and if so how have other people sorted them? 

The engines are noisy, don't worry about that if the tension is OK. Fuses blowing all time indicate a more serious problem and I've had no reports of seized brake calipers. Misfires may be due to water in the fuel or dodgy spark plug (usually front). Get the bike back to the dealer. This many problems this early is not acceptable and no one else has reported problems like yours. 

Update shown on 25/04/00...

I've finally done it - gone and done up my red Y2K model SVS (Elmo). It now has a full Yoshi race headers with street muffler, Dynojet kit, steel braided brake hoses. I have not been able to dyno it yet but believe I have a 10 bhp improvement. I've regularly hit 225 km/h (139 mph) on flat stretches of highway and seen 230 (142 mph) once. The last 10 km/h takes a
while but it gets to 210 km/h (130 mph) very quickly. 

The flat spot at 5000 rpm is all but gone and she'll pull cleanly from 3000 rpm. The engine now starts on first spin without any choke even after sitting for 2 weeks (previously required full choke and at least 3 secs of cranking). 

Yoshi system is pretty loud but she sounds great especially when I shut the throttle from 8000 rpm. Brake hoses are highly recommended - much better feel at the lever. Suspension wise - all I did was replace the fork oil with 15 wt. Not more nasty knocking noises and much firmer. It still tracks very well on bumpy curves. Slow speed ride is a bit harsh that's all. I've also fitted a Scottoiler and an MPS hugger. Now waiting for the K&N filter to arrive.

Question I have is this - the stock front MEZ4s are 120/60. Has anyone tried a 120/70. Does the higher profile have any effect (good or bad)  on the handling? I was looking at either MEZ3s, Dragon Evos or BT56s. 

Just thought I'd send an update from last week's happy e-mail. It's been a week now and I've done 350 miles, took the bike to Arrochar following the rode beside the shore of Loch Long (commonly known as the washboard, the road, not the Loch). Had a few "bike off ground" moments on the bumpy bits which was fun. Then followed the road around Loch Lomond to get home which was pretty, but pretty uneventful. Anyway, I've bored everyone else with my pics, so you're not escaping.

P.S. The Loch Lomondside area is well worth a trip. (I know....one day...one day...)

Image 1       Image 2      Image 3

I have some updated news about the K&N filter for the SV. Here is a copy of the email I was sent from Nathan at K&N:

From: "Hughes, Nathan" <NathanH@knfilters.com>
To: "'johncall@hotmail.com'" <johncall@hotmail.com> Save Address
Subject: RE: air filter availible?

This stock replacement K&N filter is currently being developed for your application. A release date has not been set but we hope to have this filter available by the Summer-Fall of 2000. If you want us to, we can keep your address on file and e-mail you a release notification when this filter is available. Let us know. Thank you.

I hope this helps out those who are waiting for a K&N for their bike!

(John's URL: http://www.geocities.com/catpoopman/Johns_bike.html)

I took delivery of my 2000 SV last weekend and am thoroughly impressed with it (will try to attach pics....only 22 miles on it account snowstorm the weekend I picked it up). This website had a lot to do with my choice of bike, and I am gratified to see that so many of you are right about what a great bike this is.....especially at the price, it is the wolf in the fold of bikes marketed to beginners!

Before this, I rode an '83 GS550ES (rough but I thought it was OK at the time) then an '85 GS700ES (a little rough but mechanically solid, a great all around bike and very strong running). I have to say that I really miss having that fairing in front of me when I leave town. I am still looking for someone that may be willing to sell me the fairing, and related lights, brackets, dash, clip ons, etc from an SVS model. If anyone is taking this stuff off to race or maybe crashed (God forbid) and can salvage the parts, please contact me or steer me in the right direction? Red would be ideal but I will go with ANY color as long as I can get the parts I need. ANY info will be much appreciated!!

Again, thanks and what a great and informative website.

Image 1      Image 2

Just a quick note for anyone looking for a proper Suzuki SV fender extender - MPS mail order do one for 13.99UKP and for those of you in the US, they will send it to you for 12.05UKP postage via Parcel Force. I've done the calculations and this equates to $25.43 at current exchange rates.

The only trouble is, I think there's a problem connecting to the website for MPS (www.thefastone.co.uk) from America, but the phone number in the UK is: 01626 835835. I think this number is open 24hours a day 7 days a week, but not sure if that is manned all that time or if an answer machine kicks in out of office hours.

I can get more info from MPS for any American SV owners as to whether the website can take orders from abroad if anyone is interested.

These are some pics of my new sv650s. This bike is fantastic and it's comfortable. I made 300 Km in 10 days because the weather is very bad but I'm waiting
for Summer !!!

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

Image 1      Image 2      Image 3

You guys want a TRX850, you do...     :-)

I'm sure Jon that if we had wanted to buy a *parallel twin* then we would have, instead we bought a 'proper' v-twin  ;- )

At $75 US they seem a bit pricey, but Yoshimura has the BMC filters that Max in S. Africa asked about. Also, someone in Boston (ever ride rt. 57 in W. Mass?) asked about painting wheels. 

It's been my experience that painting is superior to powder coating (if you ride a lot of miles and/or change tires often) due to the inevitable chips and other wear that wheels are susceptible to. When they do get damaged you're not worried about a large expenditure and it's far easier to touch up regular paint and have it match. PLUS you can change color at will! 

Usually just a thorough cleaning, knock the gloss off the stock paint with a 3M pad, a good primer and the finish coat of your choice and "Bob's yer auntie!" ......er ......."drop yer knickers!".......no, that's not right either. Ahhh, let the Brit's tell you. It's their site anyway! ;>    ("Bob's yer uncle" is what you're actually after but I prefer "drop yer knickers"....unless you say it to someone called Bob....I'm confused....)

Just wanted to share this pic of my son proud of his dad's two week old SV650SX 2000. I'm from England but moved to Canada twelve years ago. Enjoy your site thank you. (I will...thank you)

Image 1

I've been to the Motorcycle Museum for the last couple of weekends working on the route for the rideout in May. They have various fairs on Sundays and the car park gets chocka-block. I enquired about the 14th May, and there is a stamp & coin fair, and a glassware fair, so be prepared to let everyone know that space is likely to be pretty limited! (but if you're into stamps as well what more could you want? We'll try to find a quiet corner...I've not been there before so don't know how big the car park is..)

Also, it is the world superbikes, and "Foggy mania" at Donnington Park on the same day, so people traveling South on the M6, beware! (oh...can I pick them or what!! watch out for the police, there *will* be more about just waiting to pull you over...)

Having tried a number of routes, I decided to take the trip down to Stratford upon Avon. It is about a 50 mile round trip on some good and varied roads, it's relatively easy to describe (very important for me), and apart from being very historic, is the home of a very popular bike meet every Sunday. If timed right, and the weather is nice, those interested can eat their sandwiches sat by the side of the river in the shadow of the Royal Shakespear Theatre. (almost civilized!) If anyone doesn't want to stop in Stratford, the route is easily followed without going into the town centre. The instructions and maps will describe all.

How does that sound? (that sounds great, thanks for all your help, find me at the meet and I'll shake your hand! - that's if you can battle your way through the hoards of people with bags of glass, stamps and coins...)

Here's the details.....

SV650SY for sale. Purchased new September 1st 99 (V reg). Red, Excellent condition, 3,600 miles. Recently fitted Bridgestone BT56SS tyres (about 500 miles only), MHP end can (plus link pipe to re-fit original), seat cowl (Pyramid Plastics), £3650 ono. Will happily throw in original MEz 4s, too....

reply to andrew.smith@motivepr.co.uk, or call 07887 800867.

In reply to JJ´s question we can inform the following..

Having an online-shop with specialty in exhausts, and being the owner off a 99 model SV650S it came on naturally to se what a simple "tune up" could do to the bike. As other contributors already have told, the SV has a very lean jetting from stock. It also has a very restricted exhaust system, and therefore adding a good jet kit. f.x. a dyno- jetkit, and a better, less restricted exhaust system will result in a very good improvement in power on this particular bike.

We mounted a ART race slip on silencer in combination with the jet kit and a modified air filter element, which gave a dyno readout of 81 crankshaft hp`s!! ( stock is 70 i believe). The bike now pulls from 0 -100 km/h around 3 seconds flat, making it as fast as a Yamaha R6 in acc. It tops around 225 on the tachy. Most important is the improvement in torque, now 70 Nm, 2 more than the R6.

On the SV it is primarily the silencer that is the problem, so a full system wouldn´t make that big a difference, though some off course.

Feel free to see the ART exhausts on our web site www.mcdele.dk where there´s a video clip showing ART mounted on my own SV. The site is in Danish ;-)

For you do-it-yourself'ers try looking at this site : www.jps.net/twgaines/re-jet/index.html It explains some of the problems that may rise, doing a "jet job".

Bets regards to all and a cheers to our main man - Kevin, wonderfull work!

I am hoping that someone here will be able to help me locate a few components that, for me, seem to be quite difficult to locate. Specifically, I am looking for EXCELLENT quality rear hugger and a front fender extension. I am almost sure that Suzuki does not makes these as OEM parts, so I am turning to the aftermarket for help.

Any suggestions? More specifically, any suggestions for sourcing one in the States (Washington?)

Here's some pix of my SV. Extras are Scorpion oval race can (sounds nice and fruity), Pyramid Plastics solo seat cowl (not too happy with it as there's quite a gap all the way round), Pyramid Plastics undertray and Powerbronze Aeroflow screen.

Will be adding a Powerbronze hugger and fenda extenda soon.

Love the site - see you all on the 14th in Brum.

Image 1           Image 3      Image 4        Image 5

i have an American SV and i would like a fairing for it. Is there anyone in Canada or Northern America who wants to race and is getting another fairing to race with that will sell me the half fairing. Red is preferred, but yellow will work also. I also need a red plastic left side tail piece.  Can anyone help? 

Is there someone there can tell me what the makes. Speed are in km/h, and how many horse power the Suzuki SV650 got. And please tell me if there is any kind of trouble to take care of. (The standard SV has ~69/70bhp at the crank, top speed is about 125-130mph for the faired SVS - I'm sure someone will drop you an email of what that equates to in kph...)

In reply to the question on the web I'll try to give some information concerning carburetor tuning kits. The only brand of kit for the SV650 is the dynojet kit. For a 
powergraph check this page: PS. don't believe everything you see http://www.dynojet.com/motorcycle/index.html

I had a kit stage one fitted on my sv. Here are the cold facts: 

Peak power +1.5 HP, Gasreaction +40% (from 40 to 56 HP in second gear) and an extra power spike at 5.000 rpm and 9.000rpm. These figures are from open exhaust to open exhaust with dynojet kit. The gas consumption didn't rise. Max power is now at 68 rear wheel hp, that is equal to 77 engine hp.

The main gain is the increased gas reaction. for emission reasons the gasreaction is kept pretty slow so the emission values are within the legal limits. With a kit you can undo this and gain the full potential of the bike.

The Kit is very easy to install so you don't have to go to a mechanic like I did. The manual tells the exact configuration for various circumstances.

I`ve just found the web site for the exhaust (www.speedpro.de)

Also people keep asking for jetting info, see www.factorypro.com & http://www.factorypro.com/Prod_Pages/prods36.html - SV650 products but loads of stuff on the site as a whole (as per Karls posting below)

Also on the same theme.....

17/04/2000 - BMC AIR FILTERS (tomctx@email.msn.com )

www.factorypro.com in the states lists BMC filters. Don't know if they ship overseas.

Over the past year I have seen photo graphs and heard various commentary on many aftermarket products for the SV thanks to Kevin's site. 

I pose the following question to the group " Who makes the best rear hugger fender for the SV?" I'm looking for quality, both in construction and finish, with a secondary consideration on cost. (US dollars please if you could! :) ) In other words - who supplies the most bang for the buck as far as rear huggers are concerned.

In addition, I ask the same question for the stock fender eliminator kits. ( Also know as an undertail conversion kit, or trick kit.)

I thank everyone in advance for their input.

On another note - anyone notice that if the stock grab rail is not removed right away it marks the finish on the side cowlings? I contemplated eliminating the rear grab rail and going with a rear seat cowl, but when I removed the grab rail noticed two marks where the rail touches the side cowlings. The marks are not through the paint, but have dulled the clear coat and can not be polished. As this does not look attractive, I have optioned to keep the grab rail and rear seat as stock. I recall talking with Mark at the Pittsburgh sportbike club meeting last month and the same thing happened on his blue SV. 

There seems to be alot of people wanting to know about jet kits, the best I know of come from a company called Factory Pro in the States. Their Kit is far better than Dynojet kits. The address is www.factorypro.com and the U.K distrubuter is Straightline Racing their phone number is: (0155) 381 1855 or (0155) 381-1866 one is fax number I am not sure which. I Have just ordered the CRB-S36-2.0-APK Kit which should be with me next week some time, and I have just noticed there is an even better kit now the CRB-S36-3.7-AFK. Looks like I will have to try and change my order. I hope this helps. I have included the two pages from www.factory.pro one is the products they do for the SV650 and the other is thier Distributors around the world, as I noticed there was a guy in south Africa who wants the BMC air filter which they supply.

On another note I have hade the Renegade Twin I level exhaust fitted to my bike and It is really good I am getting 78bhp at the crank and I even had it jetted yet. (is that haven't had it jetted yet?) Also had Tigcraft rear sets fitted and the pegs scraping is no longer a problem.

http://www.factorypro.com/Prod_Pages/prods36.html - SV650 products but loads of stuff on the site as a whole

Bikelinks - huge list of useful links : http://www.dropbears.com/bikelinks/tech.htm

is there a jet kit that will give me a substantial amount of horsepower with a full exhaust system? What are some good setups (exhaust and jet kits) for maximum gains?

These questions are asked over and over again....if someone wants to put together an answer with links and a decent amount of information I'll add it to the FAQ section...any offers??? 

Just to say thanks for the great info. Finally took the plunge based (mostly) on the info from here and picked up my yellow SVS on Tuesday. I had a little trepidation as to whether it would be as good as you all said, but not any more.....it's absolutely brilliant, even at less than 5000 rpm :(

take a look at this new system being offered,from cobra of germany. 

it looks good and the price for the full system is cheap at £272+£12 postage

i`ve talk to the supplier who said it is good quality, with stainless down pipes and connect pipes with a choice of 3 cans. the price quoted is for the stainless oval road / race.

if anyone has seen this system and has any comments before i buy i would be grateful. the uk dealer is (Exactrep) tel. +44 (0)247 644 2054

Image 1      Image 2

I believe mine was one of the e-mails lost. It's amazing that these things don't happen more with how popular this site has become. It just gets better all the time.

Well, Spring came to Boston early this year, and I've been out for at least two months now. The bike gets looks everywhere I go, from riders and non-riders alike. 

So far, I've replaced the stock bars with TBR Titanium clip-ons, replaced the stock front springs with Progressives, a Factory jet kit w/titanium needles, a full TBR racing 
exhaust, a Targa rear seat cowl. I'm waiting for a fender eliminator, which is about two weeks away. The bike looks almost better than the faired versions the rest of the world gets. Performance is up to. A week ago I took a ZX-7R to task through some twisties. If I can ever figure out how to use a scanner, I'll send in a pic or two. 

Now, for the question. I've asked this before, and received nothing in response. (what? never.....!) 

So, here goes again: has anyone painted their wheels? What kind of paint would you suggest? Spray or brush? If anyone has done this, how did it come out? Also, I'm planning on getting the bike painted (gunmetal). Any suggestions on accomplishing that? any problems?

Any and all information would be appreciated.

i was just reading your site (impressive) and came across this in the FAQ section. :
Are both models available in the USA? 

"No. Only the SV is available. There are no known plans to release the SVS into the USA in 2000 either. I do not know the genuine reason why the SVS is not offered for sale, if you do please let me know." (I'll update the wording...)

well they dont plan on releasing it in the US because it would/will be in direct competition with their own bandit 600. so they release just the unfaired version as a starter bike for new riders. (but they sell the bandit 600 in the UK too but still release both SV versions....the SV is in a different market to the Bandit and it would strengthen their product line rather than move sales sideways...we've said all this before but nothing changes....) i'm picky and really want an SV650S (and i need one in yellow) so i'm going to buy one from canada. i've written you a couple months ago and you pointed me in the right direction for instructions on importing the S. (thanks again)

I noted David's email with a certain amount of glee as I'm considering fitting a can to my trusty SV and it looks like Scorpion are going to get my hard earned cash. I'd just like to ask David, did the can come with comprehensive fitting instructions?

I also understand that Scorpion cans come with a pipe that enables the original can to be refitted (which has to be sensible in the light of David's email). Can you answer David?

Here are some more scenic shots of my SV for your images section. I think the backgrounds are better than my garage wall. My Corbin seat and Givi case are making the commute and touring much more comfortable. 

Thanks to everyone for responding to my earlier postings and to Kevin for his time on the most informative SV sight around.

Image 1    Image 2     Image 3      Image 4   Image 5

Wanted:  SV650S in any colour, preferably around central Scotland but may travel further for right bike. Cash waiting! Contact via email - c_j_grant@hotmail.com

Almost all Motorbike with cable chokes get sticky, hard and eventually snap (rust). This is especially true if your riding in Winter's lovely weather.

I have even had my cable throttle stick half open when ridding in -2 degrees celcius (water in the cable must have turn to ice). drive all the way home balancing my open throttle with my clutch. (ice melted the next day and the problem went away).

Water will get in anywhere, even housed cables. I've never owned any wet weather gear that keeps me 100% dry and I have never seen a handle bar housing that stay dry either. Bike are made to run in wet weather a lot better than an exposed car motor would, but you have to maintain them.

So the answer to your problem is to lube your cables, Choke, throttle and clutch, if your riding in the crapper weather. I use CRC-5.56 to clean them out, then apply Chain, Chainsaw or Cable lube (pretty much whatever I can find in the garage) the next day (give it a day to get the 5.56 or WD40 out). Note: new bike owner won't have to worry about this for a few months as the cables are (should be) lubed in the factory.

Some asked a question about black boxes a while back. I don't think that any of the follow-up posts really answered the question that was posed. (true...they didn't)

Going from memory, the poster referred to the magazine article about the Aprilia. I believe the one that he was referring to was about the RSV1000 Mille. In this article the writer stated that they believed the Mille comes with 2 distinctly programmed EFI maps, and that by cutting a certain wire on the EFI unit (black box) you can switch the EFI to a more agressive map.

I don't remember the magazine, but it was a comparison between the Aprilia and the Ducati 996. They also pointed out that it looked like Ducati had altered thier EFI unit, as a sticker on it that said it should not be removed or tampered with, had been broken.

With my limited knowledge of the SV I would guess that this is not possible on this bike as it does use fuel injection.

On another subject, as our friends from the UK are organizing a ride out, I would like to know if anyone is interested in getting together at the US round of the WSC at Laguna Seca on July 8th and 9th. I'll be riding out there from Phoenix on my SVS and it would be great if we could get something going.

I'm in Canada waiting for my new yellow SV650S to arrive. It's a week late now and may be another week! Such torture!! Every second day I'm out buying gadgets to personalize my bike. 

One modification I'd like to do early on is a new performance exhaust. What can anyone tell me about high and low mounted cans? Which is preferable? (low if you want to carry luggage, high if you want it to look good - I'm pretty sure actual performance is not affected either way).

I am looking for aftermarket(?) paint for a red 99 SVX. I tried emailing colorrite, and they claim to not have it. Has anyone else had any luck out there??? 

I'm wanting to purchase a BMC air filter for my SV. My local supplier's in Cape Town, South Africa seem unable to help. Is there a web site out there where I can purchase it direct. (I don't have one...if anyone else does send URL and I'll post).

Here are some pix of me and my motor-pals. They are brothers, and we go out riding together often (along with some other guys, owning a Yamaha SZR660 (1 cyl.!), GSX-R600, Triumph Trophy 1200, Duc Paso 900, etc.)

The guy in my pics I sent earlier, SOLD (???) his SV for a K........ Drifter 800 (HD-type of bike). Can you imagine....? (no..)

Due to a constant lack of money, I will not be able to make it to England for the (May) ride-out, but hope everyone that will has a splendid time up there.....(we'll try)

The image of three SV's

Iıd like to turn my SVX handlebars more like clip-ons, as after riding my brotherıs SVS I was hooked by the cornering confidence these give. I know that someone already did this by turning down the stock bars and adjusting the brake handle etc., to face up front appropriately. Is this Ok. I donıt like the idea of using the SVS clip ons as then the clocks and key housing wonıt fit nicely. 

Please Help. Maybe there is someone out there who produces replacement bars?

In light of more recent contributions showing SV's in various picturesque surroundings I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents and send 2 pics of the little darling parked on the 'other' side of Cape Town's Table Bay overlooking the mountain. 

These pictures were taken on the street that I live about 3kms from home so as you can imagine the worry of corrosion in this sea-air environment is ever-present. Upon my dealer's recommendation I wash it every few days with a fine spray of fresh water, then dry off and coat the entire machine (except the tyres of course) with a muti-purpose anti-static aerosol polish, the kind you use on household surfaces. It is sweet-smelling and the blend of waxes and such allows road grime and insects to be easily wiped off and the anti-static keeps it reasonably dust-free which helps ward off corrosion since we know that dust traps moisture doesn't it?

On another note I enjoyed my first track day last week at our local racecourse. Someone asked if the sv650 is suitable for novice riders and I would definitely say yes since I myself was nursing a 100cc scooter around a few months ago and the sv is my first 'big bike'. The nice thing about the sv is that it doesn't overwhelm an inexperienced rider and as one grows more confident, you are able to really explore the potential of the bike more - as demonstrated by a more experienced rider I know who was easily matching the R6s and F4s on the day in terms of lap times if not straight line speed.

Thanks for keeping up the site & everyone take care out there...

Image 1     Image 2

Thanks all for the postings and private mail responses. Just FYI, I did use 100% pure isopropyl, not general store rubbing alcohol, in the tank, so I can't comment on effects of the latter. It was processed through very quickly, followed by several tanks of regular gas in just one weekend, so it wasn't in contact with seals or hoses for any length of time. 

I must agree with Lee that I don't think water entered my tank via the feared kinked drain hose problem. I know my drain runs freely, the bike is garaged when not in use, I hadn't ridden in any significant rain for several tank fillings before my incident, and I have always ended each riding day by filling the tank to the top. I'm convinced I just pumped shoddy gas containing water into the tank. While it may be comforting to have one specific demon to point to as THE CAUSE of the problem, there are many 
potential sources of water in fuel. 

I have no experience with other motorcycles - is the SV engine just very sensitive to a small amount of water, or is this a common problem among other types of bikes, too? (not sure....anyone comment?)

I was one of the emails you lost: sorry that happened to you! (no....sorry it happened to you all...)

Please don't compare yourself to any other "dot com" sites: www.SV650.org is a wonderful resource, and has proven to be far more interesting & valuable to me as an SV owner than any other moto-related site I've seen in the past year. Keep up the wonderful work! (thanks very much and sorry about the loss of service yesterday...cause unknown as yet..)

Also, I'm interested in dissecting the stock shock from an SV, but as I *need* mine, I was wondering if anyone who's replaced their stock unit with an aftermarket job but still had the original taking up space  would give it to me? I'll happily pay for shipping, but as the unit is to be sacrificed, I don't really want to pay for one if I can avoid it.
Naturally, a shagged out unit will be fine: I'm just curious about the assembly of the internals.

Bugger me!I (I'd rather not if you don't mind...) just fitted a scorpion end can on my SV and I have to say, it freaked me out how loud it sounded! Being a law abiding citizen, commuting to London, I thought I'd get pulled for sure and found myself trying to ride the bike quitely!, don't ask me how but i tried. Didn't work though. Maybe I was just being a fanny and now I've got used to it, it sounds  fan-bloody-tastic, big & boomy, and I'm not looking over my shoulder all the time. 

It was scary using an angle grinder to cut the stock can off, easy does it!

Maybe the road version is quiter but better sounding than the stock pipe and not so raucous, but I shall stick to the race version and see how it goes. Still, everyone who's a biker I know has said don't worry about it, as long as you don't go past a police car on your back wheel, you'll more than likely to be fine, so there you go.

Good news. The corroding fork saga has a happy ending - Suzuki have agreed to replace both forks legs. Just waiting for the parts to arrive... I recommend anyone else with the same problem to talk to their dealer about it.

Bad news. The engine is loosing coolant from (I think) the water pump cover - and it's been jumping out of gear under load at speed - 3 times in one day at around 8000rpm in top....! Warranty claim #3 and #4? Anyone else got any similar problems?

Just some thoughts on the new tyres i put on.

After 5000 miles and a few scares i got fed up with the mez4s that came with the bike i decided to get some BT56R`s on there ( thanks to GT motorcycles for getting that sorted) and here are my initial impressions:

1: I had forgotten how slippery new tyres are!!
2: They seem to have a much sharper profile on them, the bike seems to turn if you just look at the bars
3: They warm up a hell of a lot quicker. i only have a short journey to work at the moment ( 10 miles) and the mez4s would feel cold when i got in, the bt56s feel warm to the touch

Im out tomorrow to scrub them in properly so ill let you know how i get on.

My brother-in-law, who has recently put some Leo Vinci carbon fibre silencers on his TL1000R, pointed out this web page to me. It shows a picture of the exhaust system that they are developing for the SV650. It looks quite smart:

http://www.indigosports.com/LeoVinci%20-%20Suzuki%20Slip-On%20and%20Full%20Systems.html

The silencers on his TL1000R are high quality and they make a lovely, very deep tone rumble, so I'd expect the SV system to be good too when it becomes available.

(My brother-in-law has some photos of his bike fitted with the Leo Vincis on his web page at http://freespace.virgin.net/mb.randall.)

Since most bikes have nice images with beautiful women on it (like Yamaha, Ducati, etc.) I thought, why can´t i find any of the SV, well what the heck!!, i make my own.
So here´s an image of my SV with my wife in front. (just kidding ;-)

It is the image of my bike but i edited a beautiful women in front. Hope you like it. (yes, yes..)

Still looking for a great mono seatcover, and really need to do something about that frontfork, I am just not out there yet (Thicker oil, springs, Gold Valve) i just can´t decide. The needle shimming is the first thing to do.

Another of Nick's quality images

first of all great sight keep up the good work....(and don't loose any more emails.....)

now.. im a proud owner of a blue 99 sv and im still loving it, so much so im leaving the missus at home and going over to germany for a spin around the nurbugring and was wondering if anyone has been before and i need to know if i need full leathers and what the decibel restrictions are on the track?..

I've just put on an oval scorpion end can and its great..and loud and don't wont to be kicked out of the place. With the scorpion can i had a bmc filter and jet kit put on and the bike is even better.. its got a nice gain in torque and bhp and even better a great sounding bike..its loud but well worth it, cars can hear me now..the neighbours just dont share my joy as much! I'll try and send some pics soon.. (did you fit the can? let us know if you did and how you did it...)

thanks for any help, i'll see you at the ride out

p.s the bmc filter is available in the uk from straightline racing, sorry dont have the number in front of me but they advertise in MCN for sure.

Great site. I close on my red 2000 SV this Saturday...Hooray! 

Can anyone tell me if the water drain hose issue is fixed on the 2000 bike? (don't think so..) Also, if someone could email me with the VIN numbers of bikes affected by the recall, I would really dig it (for my own piece of mind). (best check with dealer if no letter arrives...)

Anyhoo, regarding putting alcohol in your gas to deal with water....it's just like putting Heet in your car in the wintertime. In very small doses it shouldn't really harm your bike, HOWEVER, alcohol DOES dry out many rubber compounds, and repeated use will slowly cause deterioration and eventual failure of various o-rings, seals, and gaskets. While this takes a LONG time, also remember that the alcohol will continue to attract moisture as long as it is in the tank, and may make the problem worse if you don't burn it off in a timely fashion. 

A much better solution (other than in an emergency when you are stranded) is also the same as what you should be doing in your car in winter to avoid problems....fix the water leakage issue, and fill up with fresh gas when low instead of always running around (and sitting in the garage or driveway) with a habitually low fuel level. Of course, to keep the fuel fresh, you have to ride a lot!!! ;) (for your info unleaded petrol in the UK is now 81p a litre!!!!!)

Any one out there take the fairing, lights, and hardware off their "S" model to go racing and want to ditch them? 

Also on the subject this from Lee (leemaddox@altavista.net)...

In response to the message you posted from KSquareHAS@aol.com, I would like to caution riders about using rubbing alcohol in their fuel tanks. Rubbing alcohol is not usually, if ever, pure isopropyl alcohol; the one in my medicine cabinet is only 70% and I have no idea what the rest of it is. This might be the reason that he had the problems he did. Instead, use gasoline/petrol antifreeze with isopropyl alcohol (not methanol) as it is a product designed specifically for removing water from fuel. And remember that the containers are usually sold for treating a full automobile tank, so use just a portion of the container (e.g. 1/4 ).

There are several ways that fuel can pick up water (the least probable being a pinched overflow tube), and I use this product in small amounts on a regular basis in my cars and motorcycles as a preventative measure. 

For more information, refer to the message I sent that is posted on 29 March 2000 to this site. 

I'm fairly sure the paint on the Suzukis is a three step process. Color coat, pearl coat, clear coat. Suzuki recommends a place called Color-Rite Distributing (800)736-7980 http://www.color-rite.com/ . The Color-rite page doesn't list yellow for the SVs but it does for the LS650 savage. It's Y9F-Pearl Canyon Yellow. I think it has more orange in it than the TL. It is gorgeous. My dealer said they're ok for small stuff, but recommended a paint shop for larger projects (like a whole bike) Color-Rite can get  expensive.

The paint shop that sells automotive paint can scan the color if you have a sample (it sounds like you knew that) and match it. The paint shop can also mix a single step paint that comes very close to the original multi-step color. It won't have the depth of the original, but it's easier for the average guy. They can even put it in spray cans. Or you can check the paint chip books at a shop and you might be able to find something close. If I can, I'll get mine scanned and send you the numbers (it spits out a
formula). Do you plan to use a single or multi step process? (it changes the formula). The easy way would be to buy a painted hugger or undertail if you have plans for either in the future.

How's that for way too much information? (good...ta.)

http://www.btinternet.com/~john.tapley/gsx/gsx.htm

If you're interested please contact John via his UK web page...thanks.

Great site, I' ve been keeping an eye on your site since I got my SV a few months ago.Excellent by the way. (ta.) 

I am racing that SV in CCS Florida and would really like to have my bike a different color than every single other SV's (which are blue). I love that yellow and would appreciate if anyone could give me the formula for that color (in some brand that is available in the u.s. of course). I just hate to have to buy a yellow fender from Canada just to get the color. I am pretty sure someone already crashed a yellow bike that needed repainting.Hope to hear from you.

The yellow code is Y9F as discussed in the Feb archive. Don't know of US brands...sorry. Anyone else help?

I've been commuting on my SV all winter in Seattle, whenever the weather was close to reasonable. I've seen water in pretty much all it's available forms - rain, mist, fog, snow, ice, frost, freezing fog, etc. I felt left out of the club, having experienced none of the water-in-the-fuel problems through 4500 miles. Two weeks ago, however, when I was nearly at work it felt like my motor just didn't want to go. All the usual symptoms chronicled on your site began suddenly and severely. I was really wondering if I was  going to make it home at the end of the day.

An excellent technician at work suggested I add some isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to the fuel. This was about a week before a letter was posted in your site about the same thing. In his automotive mechanic days, it was common to use alcohol to aid in breaking up water in the fuel, and it also helped clean injectors. I had a nearly full tank, so I added 2 ounces of pure alcohol, and phoned the dealer to expect the bike if I made it home. 

When I started the bike, it sounded terrible, like it was only running on one cylinder. During the 40 mile trip home, it gradually got better until things were nearly back to normal when I pulled in to the dealer. He kept the bike for a week for the 4000 mile routine service, and couldn't find any problem.

I picked the bike up, which at that point still had that tank of questionable fuel/alcohol mix. Performance during hard acceleration was still a bit "notchy" I thought. I topped up the tank with new fuel, and now I've gone through about 5 more tanks of good fuel and dry weather and the bike is back to it's like-new performance. (I know I should have drained the fuel, but I wanted to see if this would work.) I'm not necessarily suggesting this is a good routine thing, as I don't know what long term mischief the alcohol may do to the engine. But it sure did get me home and appeared to take care of the problem easily and at little cost.

Any of you motorheads out there with knowledge and experience know of a downside of this procedure? 

Alright here is the deal. I think I am in love witht he SV650 but the styling on the US version (I live in the US) leaves something to be desired. I like the bike and all but the European and Canadian version is awesome. I was wondering if you knew of anywhere or anyway that it would be possible to get the half-faired version into the US. I have seen the aftermarket fairings for the US version and I am not impressed. I think it is the round headlight. Anything you can tell me about this situation will be greatly appreciated. Even any suzuki dealerships in your area that have email addresses would be great. 

Try the Importing links in the Links section...it's all I have...

After seeing the pictures of Emma's SVS I realized that my bike really should have that very cool rear seat cover! So where could I find it?

Emma - where can he find it please?

Thought I'd send you a piccie of me and my beloved yellow SV. I've had it 6 months now and am still in love with it ! 

I fitted a carbon fibre hugger and Suzuki fender extender earlier this year. I commute everyday to work on it as well as enjoying a blast round the country lanes at weekends when the sun's out. Unfortunately I haven't got a photo of me in my new black,  grey and yellow leathers yet - which just happen to look good with the 
yellow bike ! (get one...get one!!)

Great website - thanks for all your hard work at maintaining it - it must take up most of your life ! what life?? ;- )

Image 1

Just a quick note on spares , I have not had time to investigate much as yet but can offer the following (postage would be extra)...

Mk 7 scottoiler universal kit £55.00
NGK plug CR8E £ 3.50
R472 halogen H4 bulb £ 2.00
R872 xenon version of H4 £ 3.50 ( same wattage / drain on system as standars H4 but 30% brighter due to xenon filled bulb )
R672 blue version of H4 £3.50 ( not reccomended as they have a very short life )
420/1041 Progressive rear shock £ 285.00 ( Gas filled mono shock with progressive spring adjustable via threaded lock rings, automatic compensated 
compression damping with 5 way adjustable rebound damping , stateside quote 4/6 weeks lead time. Body of shock is anodised alloy).

HF138 Oil filter £ 4.50. HIFLO FILTRO
FA229 Pads left hand £ 12.50 EBC kevlar
FA231 Pads right hand £ 12.50. EBC kevlar
FA229hh Pads left hand £ 15.50 EBC sintered metal
FA231hh Pads right hand £ 15.50 EBC sintered metal
FA63 Rear pads £ 11.00 EBC kevlar
FA63hh Rear pads £ 12.50 EBC sintered metal
MD3003ls Front disc left £100.00 EBC
MD3003rs Front disc right £100.00 EBC
CK3377 Clutch kit £ 27.50 EBC plates OE spec
CKS69 Clutch springs £ 6.50 EBC
520-15t Front sprocket £ 6.50 JT Sprocket ( 15 tooth)
520-14t Front sprocket £ 6.50 JT Sprocket ( 14 tooth)
807-44 Rear srpocket £ 13.00 JT Sprocket ( 44 tooth)
807-45 Rear sprocket £ 13.00 JT Sprocket ( 45 tooth)
525V-110 Rear chain £47.50 Standard rear chain ( 110 links)
525VM110 Rear chain £ 71.00 "O" Ring rear chain ( 110 links)
525V108 Rear chain £46.50 Standard rear chain ( 108 links )
525 VM Rear chain £ 70.00 "O" ring rear chain.

These prices represent approx 30% discount from EBC retail list and 40% discount on the filters . If the owners are interested I would be prepared to hold a small stock of the more popular items E.G. Plugs , Filters , and Pads.

If you could supply me with the oil specs I will contact Morris Lubricants and quote their prices . Also I have been in touch with EBC ref brakes pads /discs and clutch components . If anyone can give me a number for the oil filter I will try to find a source. (If anyone can send this information to MArc I'd appreciate it).

Hope this is of help to some of the SV ers out there (hope so.....can anyone who uses Marc service please let us know how you get on i.e. service / time taken etc...thanks.)

Suzukis were very keen on having a digital gear position indicator in the dash in past years. You may have noticed this on the GSX when you rode it. The input comes from the sensor (switch that Mike refers to). Obviously  the SV doesn't have the gear indicator on the dash, I can't say I've missed it though. Perhaps mike is looking to deep. 

Peter from New Zealand here, Great site I visit very often since I found it, Keep up the good work.

I am the proud owner of a silver SV650s. I haven't seen any other silver ones on your site so I thought I would drop you a line with a photo. In three months I have done 7000km and that is just fun riding I dont commute on it. So as you can see I really enjoy riding it. 

New things I have found from on the 2000 model, different head light, and mine is speed limited to 183km true. I use a bike computer for a speedo, max, average,
distance. Its not a power restrict just speed. Has anybody else come across this ??

I would like to change the front fork as I find them a little soft, and I would like a sticker front tyre. Why I say this as at times I have lost confidence in the front with the behavior it has shown. I dont no weather its a combination of tire / fork or riding style that gives this result. When riding fairly hard (For me) in 120-130 km corners the front feels like it about to slide away from me, just dips me into the corner more and causes the sphincter to grip tight to the seat, then the reverse happens and it feels like its about to throw me over the side. This also happens in slower corners as well. This is unsettling and saps your confidence. I have tried different tire pressures and check them often, on the rides I go there is a far amount of stopping and starting, Perhaps the front tyre isn't warm enough yet, I dont really know.

So I would like to put on a sticker front tyre that warms up quickly Any suggestions... ?? and see if that makes a difference, Then the next step is to install racetech springs and gold valves on the front forks. Any thought or advise would be appreciated.

Image 1      Image 2      Image 3 

Many thanks to Brett for his detailed guide on shimming the carburator jets. I would like ot add three things:

1 It isn't necessary to remove the carbs to do the shim adjustment. For the rear carb, all that is necessary is to lift up the gas tank, and all that entails (remove seat, etc.) I was also able to access the front carb by draining the anti-freeze, removing the horn, disconnecting the left side radiator hose, remove the three radiator mounting bolts, and move the radiator off to the right side of the bike. 

Once you have access, it is just a matter of the two phillips screws that hold each diaphram cover, and then simply remove the diaphram/piston/jet assembly. I used Brett's solution of a phillips bit and small 1/4" box wrench for the front cover, but I know that there is a small offset phillips rachet available (I know because my Dad's toolbox has one).

2 Be EXTREMELY careful when removing (and more importantly re-installing) the jet needle holder. The holder has an O-ring that is held in place in the piston valve by four small "tines" that are molded into the plastic piston valve. I broke two off when not paying attention during re-installation (replacement cost-$55 U.S. from Suzuki).

3 Because I left the carbs on the bike, re-installation is a bit more interesting. The slide assembly goes in fine, but re-assembling the diaphram cover and very long spring was a challenge. My solution was to create a "spring guide" out of a small piece of cardboard, with a slit cut into it. The cardboard kept the middle of the spring (retained in the slit) from moving around too much during re-assembly. Once the cover was fully in place, just slide the cardboard out and re-mount the two retaining screws on the diaphram cover.

This is my first modification to the bike and I was surprised how that little "low spot" below 6000 RPM is just gone. In addition to commuting into Downtown Boston on every sunny day, I have done a bit of track time and am desparate for more. Race-tech cartridge emulators and front springs are on their way. It is time for tires (5k miles, but newish tires are required at the track). I am leaning towards the Dunlop 207's but does anybody have experience comparing the 207's with Pirelli Dragon or the Bridgestone Battlax? And as for "scrubbing in" new tires on the sides, can I rub them with a bit of sandpaper or something to take off the slippery surface? (if you can help Timothy you know what to do....)

I've been checking in every week or so for almost a yeat now, and the info is a godsend. Great site Kevin! (it pleases me that you make use of it...I watch the hit counter rise each week and wonder if the site is mine (and Steven's who supports the server don't forget....!). I took a look at Robs svrider.com site the other day and it's so much better looking than mine but if I tried to match graphics like that I'd never have time to post anything. I best not look too often or I'll get an inferiority complex...)

I may be totally off the track here, but I made a possible connection between your query to Kevin's SV web and a letter to a local (Australian) magazine. Is the Aprilia you refer to the RS250 model? If so, this model uses (with mods) the motor and gearbox from Suzuki's RGV250. I'll basically repeat the Question and Answer here to avoid any misinterpretation on my part.

Q: (RGV250) Down by the front sprocket there is a shaft position switch which changes when you change gear. What exactly does this position switch do?  I've been told that the switch is only there for turning on the neutral light, but this doesn't explain the other six positions on the switch. It also doesn't explain why this switch is wired to the powervalve controller. The blue wire is connected through to the control box but the green wire leads nowhere. (continues but not relevant)

A: What the switch does is tell the control box what gear you're in so that it can adjust the timing (and the powervalve) accordingly. Timing is slightly retarded in the lowest three gears to make the engine less peaky. It reduces power but makes the engine more flexible. If you disconnect the blue wire you will get advance in all gears which may give you a slight edge in acceleration in the first three gears.

As I've suggested, your query may be totally unrelated to the above, but with any luck it may be of some assistance.  

Hi, I saw your posting on www.sv650.org and I have a few comments...

First, I am 6'3" and I have no trouble fitting on the bike (well, a little, if I want my legs to fit in the grove in the fuel tank I need to move my toes to the back of the pegs but I'm planning on getting a new  set of pegs soon anyway) Also, the sv650 was my first bike and it makes an excellent first bike. It's happy to scoot around in the lower RPMs. 

As you get more experience, it's able to pull hard in the higher RPMs in any gear. My advice to you would be to get yourself an sv and follow the break in procedure to the letter. This will help you keep your  discipline and keep the RPMs low while learning to ride and, as your skill improves, the bike will certainly keep up with your demands as you get more experience.

I've had the same as many owners "Sticky Coke". Is this repairable under warranty? 

I was interested in the claim that it was due to the design of the bike, resting on a side stand. Also someone made a point about water running down the Choke cable.

In hindsight the cable would operate better if it were greased, on inspection the cable seems poorly lubricated and appears to be quite dry with a white chalky build up near the carb.

I have kept the bike clean and covered yet there's still Sticky Choke, my main concern is if it will be covered under warranty. (not sure but there's only one way to find out Andrew....if you try let us know how you get on...)

I´m a Dane who have been looking forward to send you some pic´s of my bike...Laverda-orange, Signal-white & a black label home-painted on damaged (and repaired) parts (found for 50£ each) (orginal.-parts stored in boxes back home). 

BellyPan & Hugger from Pyramid Plastics (110£ for both). Givi E360-set for touring (500£). Mudguardextender from MPS for next to nothing. Scottoiler (80£). Ohlins front fork springs from Kroon´s Import in Holland (100£) (good). turn-lights are not original. (25£). Scorpion slip-on can (240£) (good). Plans for future: Ohlins rear-shock (500£), Double Bubble Screen, K&N-filter & Dynojet-kit (60£+90£), a Seat cowl and then mayby some Dainese-leather...

Hope you like my bike, I do...see you out there. (yeah...I do too)

Image 1      Image 2       Image 3

Please put this mail with pix´s on Your SV650.org site Kevin (I love you...helps?)  Frank, if you were a female saying that it would help a lot, in your case it doesn't help at all...quite the opposite in fact! ;- )   Right, any females want me to post their pics???????

Here is another cool 2000 SV650.

Daryl Carlson (daryl@fleetmaintenanceinc.com) of Minnesota USA owns and did this one.

Lockhart solo tail. Eurobike fender/trunk kit. Ducati turn signals. Bar end mirror. M4 Carbon High pipe.

Image 1      Image 2

Just got a Remus oval alloy slip-on. Looks good. Sounds good. Loud and grumbly but not harsh. I was a bit disappointed in that I wanted it to be louder still - like hey, theres a motorcycle in your blind-spot loud, but it isn't that loud in peak-hour traffic. Lucky for the neighbours I guess. Still, it puts a smile on my face. 

One other thing is that it isnt quite parallel with the bike - the end of the canister is about 3 cms further away from the bike that the front of it. I think it has removed the dip in the mid range because the bike doesnt seem to "lug" as much around 3-4K if I am in the wrong gear, and I dont notice that 6-7.5K rush as much, the acceleration from 5K to 8 seems smoother. But its hard to tell on  overall performance, because the bike was tuned and carbs were re-synched at the same time, so of course its running better anyways. No re-jetting or carb-fiddling was neccesary. Cost australian, $720 fitted.

I am writing to let you know that imotorcyclestore.com has just offered a special price of $399.95 (enter special keyword SVOWNER) for the full Vance & Hines system for simply stopping by svrider, sv650.org (where's that then??) or my site! 

Just place your order, use p/n 2200-32513 enter the special price and in the comment section enter the special keyword. Its an easy way to save an extra $15 off their regular price with no strings attached.

I love my system and thrilled did not have to rejet or shim the needles (though I may down the road). Thanks and keep posting all your ideas and comments I love reading them.

Like everyone else I would like to let you know that you have a great site. I just picked up my '00 blue sv (no fairing of course as I live in California- the Canadians and Europeans get all the nice bikes!). I have owned a few other bikes but stopped riding for almost 18 months after I bought my last car (it was just sooo convenient after having nothing but a bike for 5 years!) 

As I was gearing up for my ride home the crazy thought that I had somehow forgotten how to ride hit me! I thought what if I have forgotten all of the little details that make a rider "good". This was all needless of course as it seemed to only take about 30 seconds for me to feel at home on the sv. With only ten miles on the clock I can say with confidence that everything written about the sv is true!! 

Great sound, potentially great power (still breaking it in) and a very handsome appearance (even naked) go out and buy this bike right now!

Tanks again for a great site. (thanks) Suzuki should definitely give you some commissions!