i have a full M4 race exhaust system for sale...do you know anybody that requires this type of exhaust??...

the exhaust was changed due to accident damage but to be honest i could have kept the exhaust as there is only a very small scratch on the carbon oval can, and on the link pipe to the collector pipes..the new system from team jay'a racing is £550.00...i am looking for about £350-£400 for the full system...postage would also be extra...

i would think about sending international but would like to sell in the uk...

if you can help i would be gratful...look forward to hearing from you...

Email address : andy.southard@talk21.com

Please contact Andy (a regular contributor to this site) if you are interested, not myself....thanks.

Great site.

I Have had my unfaired SV since march and have enjoyed every minute until just recently. On visiting the scarborough bike week (great roads, company etc) my bike has developed an oil leek from the final drive shaft behind the front spocket. The oil level went down from the top of the site glass to the bottom in 500 miles. No big deal, but I have been waiting 3 weeks for my dealer to recieve the parts to put the bike right. Just like the good old day i.e. lots of new models no spares.

Have I got the only duff SV in existance. Everybody I have spoken to has said how reliable the SV has been so far.

Hopefully the bike will be repaired soon.

On the subject of race pipes for the SV here in the UK Scorpion do a titanium oval pipe looks the business but you need to cut the original to fit.

There have been several posts on the site (must be about a month ago or more) complaining of water and oil leak but I heard no more. If I remember correctly Amanda Brown (image in pics section) had a water leak....I think...  Let us know when you get it sorted and what was actually the problem.

Just looked in on your web page. It's marvellous to find people to waffle on about SV's with - I could go on for hours - what a bike!!!

We're good at waffle, you've come to the right place!

I've got a black SV650S had it since March, fully run in now, but hellish waiting to give it beans. I've fitted a double bubble screen this weekend, as the wind seemed to be pulling my lid up over a ton. It does seem to make a difference, especially as you can tuck behind it at faster speeds - but being a 5'7'' girlie I dont have as much trouble as you chaps!

You've fitted a double-bubble screen!! Where did you get that from? How much? Did you have to wait long? Clear or coloured? Questions, questions.... I need a slightly taller screen as, at 6', I am catching quite a bit of wind blast over 80mph, it makes motorway cruising wearing both with buffeting and noise. I've not seen double-bubble screens advertised anywhere yet.

My mate had a go on it - he rides a GSXR750 madly - goes through kneesliders like theres no tomorrow, I wanted to see how easy it would be to get your knee down on my bike - he takes it up the road, turns round hits the bend and boomp knee firmly placed on the tarmac - he loves it. Handles like a dream, sounds wonderful and looks the dogs.

I am hoping to fit a nice can soon, so I'll send some pics - I'll send some of the double bubble - I think it looks nicer than the standard one.

Yep, please send pics when you get them..

Greg from US's bike looks great. As do all the others - really like the look of the #33 yellow one.

Byeee.

UPDATE !!!!!

30/07/99 - Thanks Emma for the information......

I got the screen from M&P accessories in Peterborough, a guy in there called Colin got on in for me from I suppose Swansea.  I had been on to them for ages, because I wanted a screen and a top yoke cover, they couldn't get the yoke cover, and Colin investigated the screen for me - he phoned to say that they would be unable to get them, only to phone minutes later to say that they have got some and he was getting one in for me - this was on the Wed(ish) and by Sat it was in at Peterborough and fitted to my bike.

It cost £45 (standard sort of price from there) and wasn't too bad to fit, the only problem were those rubber retainers which kept popping through, but with a little assistance and a bit of a nudge it went on OK. I used a couple of purple anodised bolts in the bottom half - the other ones are slightly larger. It is a light smoke, so not the same as standard, but on the black one it looks rally nice - I'm sure it would look good on any of the other colours too.

We are getting ready for the Bulldog next weekend, so I hope that it will be nice (weather wise), the show is always tops. (fingers crossed...)

Hi Kevin, Just thought I would congratulate you on an excellent site. (thanks)

I took delivery of my black sv650s on 1st March after p/xing my imported CBR600. Excellent bike until I overcooked it on some mega bends and threw myself and said bike up the road and down a 20ft embankment ! Luckily being clad in full Dainese I walked away with a bruised hip and a dented pride.

Bike was pretty bad but after some good work by Alan Duffus M/Cs I will collect it on Friday. Am I the first person to bin an sv or not ? Keep up the good work.

We've had a few dropped SV's and I do recall that someone else managed to wreck their SV but I don't remember who or when - there's a posting for it somewhere in the archives.....you could well be the first UK rider I've heard of....are congratulations in order ??? ;- )

Try this at your own risk. This works in finnish Eurospec model, at least.

Tune your idle speed to 1500 rpm, this will rich a bit carburettor and as a result you get:

- improved acceleration
- faster revving
- lighter front wheel (wheeling becomes easyer)
- less time chain and valve noise
(keeps it tighter somehow)
- better starting ability
- less engine deceleration when closing throttle (bad for me, good for
someone else maybe)

So, locate your left hand fingers, look to left side and turn that black knob will you...You will be amazed !

If you are uncertain, do this before next service, they will make back to normal if necassary. But I am sure you do not want to do that.

Fuel consumption now 5.3 liters per 100 km.

UPDATE 29/07/99 from Vesa...

Some notes:

Tuning must be made when engine is normal hot. The knob is inside of the frame, on left hand side. No playing with CHOKE, as someone falsely understood.

This solution was found by official Suzuki service point technician, not me ! He drives SV650 himself too.

If you are uncertain about this,  remember that this "cure" is very easy restore back into original status.

No more riksy playing with jets and balancing after carburettor removal.

Happy to see that your website is growing day after day (nice "forum" section !).

I just want to say that TigCraft in U.K. is preparing a 750cc kit for the SV650. I think that's what Greg wanted to know.

UPDATE !!!!!

0208/99 - From Mike (msolis@syslabs.com)..

Unfortunately, it's not me either, I just have an M4 exhaust for the time being. I believe the person's name Bryan Norton is referring to is Michael Harris.

I have just bought the unfaired uk model, my last bike was the Honda Firestorm which was awesome and I rode it fast and furious. Unfortunately the sports riding position didnt do my neck much good (occasional trapped nerve) so it had to go.

Five months later and wow....the sv650 feels just like the firestorm, the torque is just tremendous, anyway the reason for my writing in is that before the Firestorm I had a 1200 bandit, I made a bracket extending out from the head stock and fitted two 5" chrome headlights 'a la' Triumph T509. Well that bracket fits the sv650 too so after tomorrow (my first 600 mile service) Im fitting it, it is sure to turn heads, as soon as it's done I'll email you the pics.

Oh congrats on a great web site.

Did anyone put soft saddlebags on their SVs? I put a pair of Roadmaster for about 10 rides and here's the results ( picture ). Any idea of something to protect the bike?

Yeah, I have (see About Me pictures - they are Oxford Touring bags). I use some webbing called Wonder Web in the UK. It was £10 for a large piece and I cut it to suit the contours of the back of the bike. I drap in over the bike, put the pillion seat on top of it to secure it and then tuck the side bits into the bunge cords rails under the back - works great and no scratching of paint.

PS...your URL was invalid..

just a note, one person has a 80.9 horsepower 700cc SV 650, it uses custom pistons from JE.(its not me unfortunately) I think it's Mike Solis.

M4(the exhaust guys) are working on a 744cc kit. RES supplies the pistons and sleeves, no machining of cases needed. They hope to get 90hp with aggresive cam timing and porting.Their intent is to have Michael Martin pilot the thing in AMA pro thunder class.

BTW I have endurance raced my SV for over 18 total hours, plus 5 weekends of sprint racing, and not a hiccup yet!

We race prepped a SV650 with M4 exhaust, 520 sprocket kit and Dynojet kit (Superstock legal) and fitted it with a sharkskinz upper and tail. Our first outing
during an endurance race in Texas World Speedway we were very surprised to get the SV650 up to 10300rpm with stock gearing (which would translate into
approx. 142mph). I know that the bike would even have enough power to pull a 16 tooth countershaft sprocket into the higher 9000 range.

Pretty impressive - I thought.  me too...

Great site. It's what convinced me to buy my new, blue SV650S that I picked up just half an hour ago. The ten minute ride back to the office just wasn't long enough. I didn't find any problems in shifting up through the gears although neutral was a bit shy. Mind you, anything is smooth and easy compaired to my Ducati Monster 600.

You may get  a few false neutrals but it clears up after 1st service so don't worry. Remember to scrub the tyres and brakes in before trying any hero blob scraping!

Love the looks, find the riding position comfortable but the exhaust note is a little civilized compaired to the Duke. Maybe I need an aftermarket can.......  you *know* you do....

I have a 1999 SV650S for sale here in Montana. It is red with 900 km on the meter.

Love the bike, but have too many. This bike is as new. Can deliver in the West and Northwest USA. Phone 406-252-2661n or mail Max Lenington, 1806 Rimrock Rd.,
Billings, Mt. 59102.

Email - Max@www.ystone.mt.gov

Contact Max directly please, not me...

Kevin the pics look great !! :-)

If anyone wants to know how I did the bike they can e-meil me with questions and I can send them full instructions .

If you are ever in the united states and want to ride some wicked curves come to east Tennessee and ride the famous "Dragons Tail" 318 curves in 11 miles. You
name it the Dragon has got it . Switch-back, cork screws chicanes and more. I met a man from Australia there last month he came to the US just to ride the Dragon and he was AMAZED. Also have a new road to rip the pavement on 50 miles of long sweepers in North Carolina at the Tennessee border .

Great job with the page and keep up the good work . (thanks)

PS did you ever find out about that big bore kit a 750 kit for the SV ? I would love to find out who makes it . Drag a knee for me .

No I didn't find out anymore information.....anyone enlighten us all???

UPDATE !!!!! See posting of 28/07/99 above...

I own blue sv650s with 2400klms on the clock and with normal riding, 3500 to around 7000 rpm i usually get at least 240 - 250 klms before the fuel light comes on, the best is 290klms and no fuel light.

Currently the bike has 260klms and the light is not on yet, however i guess it really depends on your riding style, and what the bike is used for ie. sports, touring, commuting or a bit of everthing.

I still keep up with the site everyday to see new updates and just wanted to report my fuel mileage.

Normally I get to 165 miles (265.5km) before the blinking light comes on, but recently on a long trip putting along behind some insanely slow Harley riding friends of mine, I got up to 185 miles (297.7km) before the light came on. I was pretty happy about that. I didn't wait for the light to come on solid but I know I could have been over 200
(321.9km) miles on one tank. Not bad.

On another note, my stock tire finally died at 3750 miles (6035km), but it was very much past illegal, the center was totally bald (shame on me, huh?!). To get to the point, I wanted something wider, so I bought a Dunlop 207 one size bigger at 170/60-17.

When it came in the mail, it was huge, I was worried about it fitting the wheel, but it was OK. The problem is (and I should have known), because the wheel is fairly narrow, when the tire was mounted, all the extra width was mostly lost due to having been pulled in to the width of the wheel. It is a little wider, but not enough to mean anything, plus the tire is taller, which slightly changed my gearing to where I don't want it. Verdict: not worth it.

In the spring, I'm going to pick up an M4 exhaust and a 47 tooth sprocket. It should be something of a rocket as far as acceleration then.

Everything else is cool (and still noisy)..

hi there here a sv650 owner from the Nethetlands who is waiting for his rear hugger i ordered in the U.K but can someone let me know what is the colorcode for the blue naked model i want to paint the hugger the same as the bike.

For someone who hate the original rear mud guard you can make without drilling or welding a aluminium plate who is flat and looks like that bike from that guy in france (Pascal??) and i removed the original flashing lights and mounted a pair from a caravan looks great.

Is there someone with the origanal digital clock i asked a few dealers and nobody can told me how it looks before a orderded. And i find a company in the Nethetlands who makes stiffer frontforks in a do it yourself set for 150 dollars you must wait for a week.

Let me know by e-mail (heij.de@wxs.nl) if you know more then me.

I just installed a dyno-jet kit on my sv650. The bike already had a M4 exhaust system. The mid-range is now really strong, it starts to lift the front off the gas when the mid-range kicks in (past 5000rpm). Top-end feels the same (past 8000rpm). The bike now has no lean spots. It pulls thru the whole rpm range.

I also installed a european Renthal Bar, Ultra-Low Model (1 inch lower than stock). The bike now drops in and out corners faster but is a bit more unstable in high speed turns (past 90mph). I had to modify the controls to accept the Renthal Bar, but other than that it went in easily.

I installed a Buell ligthing flyscreen about 2 months ago. It looks cool and bolts right on using Buell parts, but it does not provide much wind protection. Anyway love the bike. All my friends ride Blackbirds, zx900's, speed Triples, Ducati 900ss, R1's and they are getting sick and tired of the SV650 giving them hell in the twisties. The bike reminds me of a powerfull Supermotard (mine is the naked model).

Have finished converting my sv650x into a sv650s (faired) model, here's my advice for others.

All the fairing parts bolt right on. Need 4 small backets, 2 upper, 2 lower. On factory S models, the lower right rear bracket is part of the radiator overflow bottle bracket. To do the conversion, just get 2 of the lower left backets - they will work on either side, it will bolt on under the bottle bracket just fine. Turn signal are not interchangable between models.

Only 2 major problems that you will encounter.

To use the S instrument cluster, the bikes main wiring harness has to be changed - from headlight to taillight. X model uses a 1piece harness, S model uses 2 piece harness - it is a straightforward swap to do. The other problem is that the S model clip-ons will not work with the X model top triple clamp. The pinch bolts for the triple clamp interfere with the clip-ons rise. So you will have to change the top triple clamp as well. The good news is that the stock X bars may be retained if the levers are
slid slightly inward and rotated downwards, and the ends of the windshield are removed where they extend beyond the tips of the fairing in the rear.

Steve - where do you get the fairing from in the first place and have you got any pics of the conversion??

I just bought a windscreen from my local dealer in Illinois, USA for $75 US. It's a model "Deflector Screen DX" from National Cycle. Model number N2594 Clear Screen 7/8 (22mm)bars. It does not wiggle or block the tac like other models. It is also avail from nation internet & mag vendors a little cheeper.

I commute into work on the highways and it really makes a difference! I'm 6'4, so I get a little extra wind at face level on my full cover helmet which tickles my nose for some strange reason, but for normal height people, it should be fine. It's so cool to do 100 mph and tuck in behind the screen, no wind and the engine sound is amplified by the screen. For a min. I don't feel like 46 years old anymore! I never had any kind of screen on the other 4 bikes I've owned. I will send pics soon.

Otherwise, 1 month, 1,800 miles with no problems.

I have enjoyed your page for months now. I have an sv 650 99 blue . I live in Knoxville Tennessee in the south eastern united states. I have done some MAJOR modifications to by street legal bike I thought your visitors might like to see.

My e-mail is rider@icx.net is anyone wants to e-mail me . I also have a web site at http://user.icx.net/~rider I hope you like what I have done to the bike . I can provide some information to anyone who wants it . keep the shiny side up !!!

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I'd first like to say I love the site and I check the board everyday for nifty new stuff. But lets get down to business.....

Have you heard any news about the 2000 U.S. models? Price change? General Design changes? Anything......

Just got backfrom the races at Sears Point. Saw 4 sv650 racing. 2 canadian & 2 U.S.

U.S. 1 unmodified engine & muffler, Front forks-4 inch PVC Spacers extra fluid/Rear dialed all the way out.

U.S. 2 Rejetted 142# yosh exhaust & headers(wrapped), GSXR 600 front end (added 6# .Needed a lot of work to fit, spacer, new bottom race, new top triple clamp & a few more bits & pieces. Lindemann rear shock. This guy was fast, screamin fast!!

Can. 1 Rejetted with factory kit, M4 exhaust & headers. Lindemann front end & center steering stabilizer, Lindeman rear shock. (M4 headers look better than yosh, sound a little deeper & looser) (Yosh sounds great also)

Can. 2 M4 exhaust & headers no jetting .Racetech frontend -Racetech rear shock

For ease & cost effectiveness they seemed to agree on Racetech emulator kit &   springs would be the best way to go for street use.  Rear spring as needed (play with settins till best suited) Either exhaust system sounds great. seemed to agree that M4 has better power gains. They all waiting on uni & K&N to come out with new filters (soon)

Just completed 1400 mile road trip around Cali. bike held up well. It seems to be getting looser & maybe a bit faster. Removed several pieces from tail section ,looks much cleaner. Than M4 exhaust & jetting & less restrictive air filter when available. Front end sucks . From all info I have gathered I'm going to go with Racetech Kit

Any one else with info or would like to ride in bay area contact Me at Foodstyle2@aol.com

Congratulations on a great site. I've been an avid reader for the past couple of months and finally took delivery of my blue 650S 2 weeks ago. 1300 miles and a high level carbon M4 pipe later I'm delighted.

The high level pipe is a bit of a bore beacause you have to lose the rear foot peg but hey who wants to take a passenger anyway and it does look the dogs danglies.

Sounds absolutly brilliant too. Parked next to a 748 BP at the weekend and the SV is louder!!

Fantastic increase in torque and top end, 140mph so far (bottle went). You can get the pipe from Team Jays Racing 01543 277998 and if you order one quickly you'll get a free ticket for the WSB practice on 31 July at Brands Hatch (I've got mine already - see you there)

Keep up the good work

Hey Australian SV650 riders...what mileage are you getting? Ive got 1600km's on the clock and Im getting only 200km's between each 13 litre fillup. Thats around 15km/l or for US people, 35 m/g. I think that sucks!

Just for reference I've got 4000 miles on the clock (service tomorrow!) and am now returning at least 150 miles from full until warning light - that's about 13 litres. On a good run the figure goes up to 160-170 miles, around town drops to 130-140 miles. I think you should be returning more km per tank than 200.

UPDATE !!!!

21/07/99 Alan (alcoa@wmdata.com) isn't fairing to well either....

Apart from the way you drive i.e. thrashing the tits off the bike, if I'm riding quite gently and still only getting 200Km before the fuel starts to come on, what could be the problem ????? Or is this OK mileage ?????

Hello Again,

This is a bit of a follow up on my question regarding jetting, as well as a bit about this interesting noise we are all experiencing.

Recently, a strange noise could be heard coming from the front head of my bike. I stopped a local dealer (not the one I purchased from, a long story), and asked if they could check it out and let me know if this was something serious or not. Ollie checked it out for me, and told me it sounded fine, no problems. In talking, he mentioned
that the SV is simply a noisy bike. For whatever reason, these bikes just make noise. He also commented that the fuels here in New England are now being oxygenated, which leads to noise throughout the fuel system and engine. Is this possibly what many of us in the States are experiencing?

I also inquired about jetting. Ollie told me that many of the new bikes don't need and that it's a pain to do. Kawasaki is now encouraging the dealers to lean out their new bikes. Don't know if  this is true, but it's possible I guess.

Last up, I will be ordering and installing the Two Brothers Racing exhaust I mentioned in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully it will work.

Now, a question. Any new info on the fitting of a Buell screen/fairing to the ol' SV? I would really be interested in that. Has anyone thought about trying to fit the screen from a Triumph Speed Triple?

Still a great site. It's become a part of my nightly routine. Thanks so much.

Thank for the comments. The site will change quite a bit in the very near future. Steven, who provides techy support for me on this site, has installed and configured a message board system with tweo boards, one for General messaging and the other for Tuning and Tweaking. I will provide more information just as soon as it is 100% ready to go live. I think that the number of messages on this page will reduce as people post to the message board(s) and are able to get reply's. The biggest problem with the way www.sv650.org currently works is that so many questions are asked but so few are answered. Hopefully the message board will enable all of you to get more answers and will reduce my workload too! More about this soon.

I called Second-look today and asked about their tank skin for the SV.

The price is $96.95 dollars delivered. I'm not sure, but this seems quite high for basically a half tank bra even if it is color matched. The Targa tank bra was $34.99 delivered, but it came only in black.

Can anyone tell me if any of these european companies sell parts in the USA? Powerbronze and a couple of other places have some neat stuff for the SV, but they don't
seem  to have a way to email to ask. Twobros racing is supposed to be developing slip-on systems. They should be out by the end of the month. This was in response to a flood of email asking for something cheaper than their full systems.

See, people, email can work!

I just got back from a trck day at Pocono international raceway. The Sv650 was wonderfull at the track. I ran the stock suspension, stock brake pads and the stock Metzler Mz4's. My naked SV has a jet-kit and a M4 exhaust system.

I run in the Red group which is for fast road riders. I passed cbr's, fzr's, R1's, R6's, gsxr's etc... No "real sportbike" could keep up with the SV through the twisty sections of the track and only one CBR 900 and one CBR 750 passed me on the straights, only for the SV to pass them back on the brakes and pull away on the turns. If i got enough drive out of the turn leading into the straight I could pass 600's, and 750's fours. The brakes stood up to a lot of abuse (i am a very late braker) and never faded, but I think racing brake pads for the track would provide even better braking.

The Metzlers stood up very well to the abuse and I only got a few rear tire slides. I was getting my knee down in almost every turn and never had a scare. Again, some racier tires would equal better lap times, but with the Mz4 I was already scraping the track in every turn.

The only problem I had was Ground clearance. I grinded the footpegs to atoms (i had taken the hero blobs off) and both the rearbrake lever and   shift lever also hit the deck. Rearsets are a good idea for track days.

I used to race a Ducati 900ss on track days and I was Much faster in the SV. I could go into corners harder and come out on the power earlier. Great track bike, no wonder they are winning races all over the USA.

I look forward to reading your site every day to find out if anything new has been posted. I'm waiting for my bike to come in (blue SV unfaired). So it's some relief to be able to read about and see the pictures of everyone's bikes. The purpose of my e-mail is to relay some information.

I received a reply from Airtech http:\\www.motorcyclebodywork.com as to whether they will be making a fairing for the SV. As of right now they make a belly pan that's very similar to the pan on the TL at a cost of approximately $360 usd. Unfortunately they don't have a picture of it on the SV, so you have to look at the TL to get an idea of what it will look like. Hopefully I will have pictures up soon after I get mine.

Ride, Eat, Sleep.....Ride, Eat Sleep. I think you get the picture.

I live in the US and I read your little article on importing one from Canada and it kinda sounds like a hassle but I was in monterey for the world super bike races and saw three or four sv650s there and they where registered in california..

I recently went and test rode a ducati 750ss and has not really impressed I like the look and and evrything of the sv and think it would be a great bike to have.

The question that I have is do you think you could convert a US sv650 into a sv650s like just go out and buy the upper fairing, clip-ons and instrument cluster. Do you know where I could get the upper because that seems like the one thing I can't find. Getting clip-ons and a speedo would be easy and mirrors too.

If you have any knowledge and ideas on this please help me out if not I might just go the Canada route..

One more question I saw in the letter on how to import one you said 4700 (did I??) , is that what the bike cost? do you know what the total price was for everything to get the bike back to the states. I know sales tax would be different but everything else...

Or if you would happen to know someone selling an S model I would apprecaite it..

Rob - I live in the UK so have no experience whatsoever of importing, the best info I've seen so far is either listed in these pages (you may have to read the archives) or via the link at the top of the links section (http://userdata.acd.net/stratten/sv_import.html). If your questions are still not answered then hopefully the readers of this site can contribute and provide updated information....so, if that's you, please write in..

UPDATE !!!!!

20/07/99 From Mike (revvin907@yahoo.com)....

They are getting scarce up in Canada. I found mine for $5300 US around April or May, and jumped on it.

I would like to know if anyone knows how to disconnect the sidestand safety.(the bike cuts off when put in gear and the side stand is down).

I have to take the sidestand off when I go to track days but then, the bike cuts off when put in gear. Please if anyone knows how to defeat the safety, let me know.

1800 miles and all is well. Just thought I'd let you know that I've ordered a hugger from NWS (in the UK) (01992 501285). It's only just gone into production and there's a waiting list to clear (nothing new to an SV owner!) but I should have mine by the end of next week. They do them in carbon fibre or black or white grp.

Mine's black grp one. I'll let you know what it's like as soon as it arrives.

Do have any info on the blue SV with the beautiful bikini fairing? I couldn’t get through to the e-mail address (bassman.@wanadoo.fr) I’m in the market for a fairing for my blue SV and luckily ran across these photos. Best fairing I’ve seen so far.

Pascal....please get in touch, there's been a few requests for info on your bike. Could you post the details of where you got your kit on your web site? You were also wanted from a posting of the 13/07/99.

1)

I've ordered an aftermarket screen for my SVS : it should be 5cm higher than the original one with a deflector (sorry for my poor English...). It's made by ERMAX and I'll pay 520FF for it (ERMAX website should open soon at http://www.ermax.fr). I have to wait for a week before getting the screen. I hope it will be more efficient, I'll post my comments as soon as possible...

I've also heard about a "double bubble" screen available at SECDEM but I couldn't find it on the website (http://www.secdem.fr). I think it should have a better look but it should be less efficient... Who has mounted such a screen on its SVS ?

Miss Suzuk' has 5940km displayed on its little LCD screen. Ready for 2nd service : I'll bring it to my dealer at the end of July (they can't take it before).

2)

Please find below a message I've posted 2 weeks ago on R. Chapell list. The part about "SV noises" could be interesting for some visitors of your website.

Thank you very much for the time you spend to animate the site !

------------

Hi !

I'm a happy frenchie owner of a black SV650S. My dealer told me that the black one was quite difficult to get in the town where I live (Nantes, in France) : mine is the only one !... Is it the same all around the world ? (I know the answer for the U.S. ! hum...).

I bought Miss Suzuk' 5 months ago. 5500km displayed on the LCD mini-screen. I've heard all the noised you've talked about. Some have disappeared, some others not...
The cam-chain one seems to have disappeared after 4500 or 5000 km (but I still can hear it after a long run i.e. 200 km), of course my dealer has never heard it... I've talked to a (nice) girl who had the same noises (the bike, not her !) : she has phoned to Suzuki France and they don't want to accept the fact that they've got a problem with cam-chain on SV (in fact, they have the same trouble with the new GSX-R, and they have recalled all of them... I'm sure they will do the same with the SV...).

The "chunck" noise at the front is still there... As my dealer still don't hear it, I don't know what to do with it. Next week, I will bring them my SVS for 2nd service.
I'll talk about all of these noises.

Anyway, it's a wonderful bike, isn't it ? Hum ?... I've seen a lot of accessoiries for SV and SVS here in France. I'll try to post some images as soon as possible.

Bye.

What a great site. Have an SV650S in Ireland about 4 weeks and have covered about 2500 miles.

What a bike. Have had a few problems with using the wrong fuel, my fault.

What happens is if you use Super Plus Unleaded the fuel doesn't burn off completely and ends up in the sump. Hence the oil was over full causing a misfire. All sorted now.

Time for me to pass on some information

Accessories that are available and contact numbers.

Exhaust:- 3 types from ART on UK number 0115 985 4941. Some carbon bits available also.
Carbon bits and Screens:- MPS UK number 01392 455065.
Huggers and carbon belly pan :- Powerbronz UK number 01903783222.

All the above I have ordered from and first deliveries are due next week. Will keep you posted.

Dear sv650org fellas, about the givi fairing, the reason why I did not post the exact model of the fairing is simply that I don´t know!

I asked the guy in the shop for one, we tried different "universal" models , and we fitted this one. Sorry about that.

I also changed the "vibration-killers" (?? don´t know the word in english) (bars ends??) on the handle bar with lighter silver looking ones , and the bike is definitely more "alive" , and vibrating too (but I like it).

I´m looking for tips about a light tuning (I think a good pipe would do the job) that would give me little more torque and rpms , but not too loud and not requiring re-jetting. Anyone knows a good pipe like that?? (it should be available in Denmark or Italy for me to get it). (anyone got suggestions for these countries?)

Thanks

Congratulations for your site. The few web sites about SV's which are already existing permit us to keep in touch with other users and, in my opinion, it is very important.

Thanks very much.

I have a suggestion: so many people are asking for fairing & windshields for US models that it would be interesting to create a special section about this topic (or just a few words informing people that for this type of question, they should have a look to the archives), just because since 6 months, everything has been explained about that and all answers have to be repeated every time.

I would hope information about fairings and windshields would go into a FAQ section. I have not yet got this off the ground but have spoken to Rob (from http://chappell.ca/sv650) about sharing a FAQ list - sounds like a good idea so will try to make it happen.

I also wanted to give some more details to David - email from the 2nd of June - about the problems with rain and coughing engine. Welcome David, I have the same problem. I purchased my bike in the middle of February and the problem has still not been resolved by Suzuki (I'm in France and the dealers are aware of that but nothing seems to happen). Since February, I'm crossing my fingers when rain is coming and I never wash my bike because last time, I had problems.

Sounds like this could be the thin end of a rather large wedge.... :- (

A very popular magazine in France - Moto Journal - has bought a SV for a long period test and they have also the same problem. I can easily imagine that Suzuki will react to that. A lot of people are talking about carb-icing but I'm quite sure that the real problem is coming from an ignition part. I sent a message to Suzuki France and I'm waiting for the answer. I'll keep you informed.

Please do........

Anyway, summer is here and I hope that we won't have rain for a few months. So, let's go for a ride!...

Oh, what a great site you got here!

Nigel (posting of 09/07/99 below) asked about shared spareparts, and yes... some spareparts are shared with the 600 Bandit.

And how should I know? Yes I did what (I guess...) everybody is afraid of: I droped my bike just outside one of the biggest MC-Shops in Copenhagen and broke the clutch lever. The mechanics looked at it and said "hmmm. that looks like a Bandit..." and fixed it!

If anyone knows of any more parts that can be interchanged then please note them and send to me, it would be good to build up a listing of such parts but at the moment it's very sporadic and I don't have a good idea of what will, or will not, port over from a previous Suzuki model.

I am renting a SV650S during a visit to England. So that I bring the appropriate tank/tail bags and straps, I have a few questions:

Is the tank steel? Do magnetic tankbags of the 'non-flap, super magnet type' work well?

The tank is steel and I use a magnetic map folder successfully. The effectivness of the fixing will depend on the size of the bag as the tanl narrows towards the seat unit and the bank will have to bend and give a little to allow the magnets to fix flush against the tank. I have had no problems with lifting but, as I said, I was only using a light map holder.

What can I 'tie' onto in order to secure a tail bag on the passenger seat? From the pictures, it looks like there is a little bar on each side, sticking out below the bodywork, with a couple of protrusions (rings?), in addition to the passenger handle.

Yep, there are rails that can be used to fix straps/bungie cords to.

I also have the option of using a 'BMW' style tankbag that has a (detachable) loop that goes around the headstock and a single strap at the rear of the bag that is tied to the frame. My question is, is there a frame member running left-right at the rear of the tank that I can attach the strap to.

Not sure, I'll have to check...the seat butts up against the tank, the only please i can see to run a strap through is under the tank between the frame members.

Hi Fellow SV650s Owners,

Here's what can happen should you drop the SV. (Do I really want to hear this???......)

Indicator/Turn signal is pushed through the fairing, 90 u.k.pounds for new panel.
Clutch lever ball end brakes off, stuck back on using super-glue.

Availability of replacement very poor or even impossible in the U.K.at the present time .

Foot/Rear brake pedal which seems to be made out of recycled milk bottle tops and costs a whooping 49 u.k.pounds, bends. (should there be a decimal point between the 4 and the 9 Mr.Suzuki ?).

In addition ,do not ride over Kerbs as the wheel rims don't like it, and avoid parking on uneven ground with neutral selected as it doesn't take a lot for the side stand to fold up.

Questions:

1. What is the horrible noise when under load in the lower rev range ? sounds as if there were rocks rattling around in the fuel tank.

(maybe you have rocks in your fuel tank!   I don't hear this, perhaps I'm not listening hard enough?)

2. Why is there this pronounced wind buffering at around 110mph.

I have read other postings mentioning these, so does anyone know the answers?

P.S. thanks for the brilliant website and hope I haven't put any prospective purchaser off buying what is a fine machine. Not smiling so much now

I've had my Black SV650S for about two weeks now and its great. I can't wait until it is fully run in - it is hard to keep below 5000RPM!!

I have ordered a belly pan and Hugger from Powerbronze for my bike. I intend to use it through the winter and these (along with a front fenda extenda) should help to keep the muck off the bike.

Is that Powerbronze in the UK? How much did they cost Kevin???

Can anyone tell me how to contact Pascal as I would like to fit the rear underbody panel he has but I can't seem to get through on email.

PASCAL!! - you're wanted.....get in touch please....

Where can I get the M4 exhaust from in th UK.

Not sure. I thought I saw the address of who supplies it in the UK but I can't find it - anyone help? Andy (Downs) - didn't you have the address?

Great site by the way!!

Shucks....

UPDATE !!!!!

14/07/99 More from Kevin....thanks..

Yes, that is Powerbronze in the UK, here is their webaddress: www.powerbronze.co.uk

Both items are about £50 each and I went for the Carbon look which is extra. I chose Carbon (the same as the Fenda Extenda) as I don't believe that the different companies could exactly match the paint and the C/F look is about £10 to £15 more wheras colour matched is usually £45 more !!

I also want to fit one of the new type of "double bubble" screen as when riding, if I look down at the screen I look straight down the front of it and it seems to direct the wind straight at my face. The wind noise was loud so I now use earplugs - I probably should use them regardless. Has anyone fitted such a screen?

The bike is a good commuting tool, I do about 80 miles a day and currently get 65 mpg (running in!) although the bike is more fussy as to which gear it is in. My previous bike was a Triumph Daytona 900 which had loads of Torque but was expensive given my daily mileage.

Thanks very much for this. I too would seriously consider a different screen in an attempt to deflect wind slightly higher than it is now with the standard screen. There's always the chance I might make the situation worse but there's only one way to find out (or let someone else do it first!!).

If anyone else has fitted an aftermarket screen the the S model can you please write in and give us details?

Mike, (see posting 09/07/99 below) given your description of your current state of finances, I would hold off on the purchase of a new motorcycle for the time being. Since you are young, funds being limited due to school, and have a limited credit history (as seems to be the case as your inquiry to credit options suggests), you'll be paying a considerably more in terms of interest rates and and insurance as compared to someone who older and has built up a favorable credit history. It's very common for younger riders to have bike payments and insurance payments in equal amounts.

I'm not sure if you already own a bike, but although it wouldn't make a bad first bike, I don't believe it (or any new bike) would be the best choice for someone on a college budget. A better bet might be a used Ninja/EX 500 or GS500 in good condition, covered by liability insurance as opposed to the full coverage that nearly all vehicle loans require.   Then once you are done with school and have a good job, then you can afford to pick something up a bit nicer without straining your budget so much.

Kevin, one disclaimer or warning you may want to note is that all the opinions stated on the page are just that: opinions. Some people may come across a posting which would appear to be the solution to their problems, and incorrectly implement the solution when they go about trying it on their own. A simple "it is in your best interests to
consult an experienced mechanic before attempting anything suggested on this page" or something expressing the same idea would get the point across.

http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/6018 - Roads, Racing, and Rambling

Fair point, I assume that readers know this but I will make the point anyway......thanks.

I am seriously looking at the SV for my first bike. (Next year of course since they are so damn hard to find these days. :) I've looked at alot of pics and is it just me or does the section of the pipe right under the bike look rusty or starting to rust out?

The exhaust pip you mean? It's stainless steel as standard so shouldn't rust. They do discolour, mine's a sort of brown colours so maybe thats what you're seeing. As for the rest of the bike the main alloy frame will be OK but I'm not too sure about the other metal parts i.e. rear subframe and fairing mounting (not applicable to US!).

BTW> Excellent site! You should see if you can get it automated so you can cut your workload.

Steven (who hosts the web for me) is still looking at a message board to remove the need for email posting....

Hello All,
I wanted to thank you for the great site. After two years recovering from an accident, your site was very helpful in my search for info on a new bike. As a result of the information on this site, I picked up my SV about a month ago and couldn't be happier.

Now, onto the 'things to share' part of this message. Two Brothers Racing (twobros.com?) has recently released a exhaust system for the SV, as well as a stage one race kit. The kit includes clip-ons, damper, exhaust, and I believe jetting. The numbers on the exhaust appear to boost the power of the SV more than the M4 can
that has been written about on this page. Check it out. The prices  seems reasonable to boot.

Here are my two quesitons. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

1) I have never had a bike w/clip-ons (straight bars only.) Should the clip-ons attach above or below the tree?

2) When it comes to working on bikes, I had a crash course w/my old scoot (a '74 BMW). How difficult is it to install a jet kit? Especially on the SV? Is this something I can do (I am of average mechanical ability), or should I leave it up to the shoppe?

The bike is a blast. I've heard of a few racing in the area, box stock, and placing as high as 4th.

Thanks again for the great site. Ride well.

The GiVi fairing that I ordered arrived last Friday. I have added pictures and some comments about it to my web page (also pictures and sound of the Scorpion silencer that I had fitted on the same day). (and I've added your hompeage to the links section.)

http://www.robichaud.freeserve.co.uk

I've just listened to the Scorpion end can - such a difference over standard! Where did you buy it from Keith?

UPDATE !!!!! 16/07/99...thanks Keith....

I bought it from Dynomite Performance Motorcycles in Bournemouth (UK) (my home town), tel 01202 301201. One of their claims to fame is that their dyno is used by the Suzuki racing team, sponsored by Crescent Motorcycles (where I bought my SV from).

Hi All,

Here's an email that I got from Givi UK, I thought you might be
interested. I've not got one yet, so I can't say how well it
fits/looks.


> Subject:
> Re: Rack for Suzuki SV650?
> Date:
> Mon, 28 Jun 1999 09:48:03 +0100
> From:
> "GIVI Concessionaires Ltd." <givi@globalnet.co.uk>
> Organization:
> GIVI Concessionaires Ltd
> To:
> <ian@netgates.co.uk>, <ian.prideaux@amtrak.co.uk>
>
>
> Dear Ian,
>
> The rack for this bike is F519 £64.45 + Vat.
>
> Best regards
> GIVI UK
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Ian Prideaux <ian@netgates.co.uk>
> To: <givi@globalnet.co.uk>
> Sent: 25 June 1999 19:40
> Subject: Rack for Suzuki SV650?
>
>
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I've just bought a Suzuki SV650 (the unfaired one). Is there a rack
that
> > will allow me to fit one E34 as a top box?
> >
> > Ian Prideaux
> >

UPDATE !!!!!  19/07/99 from Ian...

As far as I know, all Give boxes have identical mountings. I think that your box is the same series as mine i.e. Monokey, so I think it should be the same mounting kit. I've got on on order, I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks very much Ian.

I m about to buy a Corbin seat for my SV650S. They just put one on their web site http://www.corbin.com/suzuki/sv650.html

Which material is the best?  I'm interested in the carbon fiber pattern leather one. Is it a good choice?

Or vinyl is better? Thanks!

If you want to see good pics of SV650S, check at http://members.xoom.com/sylvyn/thumbssv.htm for our bikes, my girlfriend and i .

Thanks for the information on the D&D exhaust.

Some things I have found out. Second Skin makes a tank and seat covers for the SV. You can check it out on their web page www.second-look.com.

I have read that the Buell flyscreens will fit the SV. I think you need to order the mounting kit for an M2, you can use either the X1or M2 screen. The X1 screen is about 14" high, the M2 is about 10" high.

Targa is also offering a tank bra, in black, to come out some time this month. I have been told that a lot of parts for the GSXR600, levers, pegs, etc, will fit on the SV.

Also, Tigcraft,a British company, I believe, is developing a 750cc kit.

I am new to the web, so if this next statement is inappropriate, snip it out and I apologize. Most of this information I found by going to www.sport-twin.com and clicking on the Sv mail list. Haven't done anything to my bike yet, except enjoy riding it.

Here are two more pics of our SV, taken in Quebec. I can t stop taking pics of those bikes :)

I'm about to change my seat for a Corbin, anyone can tell me if its worth it? Thanks!

Image 1

Image 2

First kudos to the page. Your work is excellent and much appreciated. I fell in love with the SV650 when I was fortunate enough to ride a friends back in May.   Ever since then I've been plotting and scheming to own one (and reading your page) and last saturday the eagle landed: I picked up my blue SV650 in Miami.

Coming across Aligator Alley in the rain on a new bike was not a lot of fun (I really never road my old '69 Bonneville in the wet) but it was worth the soaking.

I have two questions for collective:

1) Has anyone had a chance to do a side-by-side comparison of the U.S. and non ferring U.K. bikes? I love the no ferring look, but really wanted black. I wondered if it was possible to swap out three blue pieces for three black ones. I know I could have it painted for a lot less, I just wondered. (Or I could just shut up and enjoy the blue, which I really do). you just know what I'm going to say don't you........

2) Florida sees a lot of sand. Seems like it's always collecting in every nook and cranny. Other than keeping a good wax coat on everything is there any extra precaution I can take to avoid it's abbrasiveness?

PS. Steve, I wouldn't worry too much about the potential for taking a rock in the oil filter.

PSS. Santa Claus, please send me a blue aftermarket little front windbreaker I can mount above the headlight.

Hey- This site is awesome!

I have been looking at this incredible bike, as I have been at many others, for the past two years... hoping to be able to afford one.

Well, as it goes, I introduced this bike to my older brother(22) and he bought one. Myself, being a young college student(20), wanting better nothing else than to own one myself, am looking into options to purchasing one. I was wondering what the best options for that would be. My weekly salary right now is close to $125 after bills are taken out of the picture. Should I look into loans, or credit... I am not sure. I would love to know what others have done in the past to get their hands on their dream bikes.

Sincerely - Mike... dying to get one before the summer ends!

UPDATE !!!!   See posting on 13/07/99 above

Good Idea to move to frames!

I finally have the bike above 1000 miles, and am enjoying the little beast. Without the fairing its a little hard to crank the bike over 80 without taking a beating from the wind, but it did'nt stop me from getting pulled over by a state trooper! Also, a fellow on a Tl1000s blew by me on the highway doing about 110-115, and I was able to catch up to him in no time! when I caught up to him we were doing about 120! You guys with the Sv650s must have it easy!

Oh and it does great backfires too!

Keep up the good work. (I'm trying......)

Commenting on Jean-Lucs post on 05/07/99... Good job on the 3000km oil change I gunned my SV from the first oil change @ 800km so I acutally did my second oil/filter swap at 2000km... I'd like my engine a little looser (more powerfull) ?sacrificing some reliability in the long run? (paaahh. I don't believe it myself!!)

ANYWaYS! Get back on the subject... SYNTHETIC?! I wouldn't use fully synthetic so soon if I were you... give the engine a little more miles to brake itself in through... if you start using 100% synthetic your break-in theoretically will cease... (does that make sense I'm really tired right now?) When I did my first oil change I was advised to keep the oil STRICTLY petroleum based for 12000km ...

I found a happy medium and went with the "Golden Spectra" Synthetic/Petroleum based... AKA semi-synthetic.. petroleum based with some neat additives... I can feel the power slightly develop as I put on the miles... it also seems to REV-UP a lot quicker now...

.. well as LOOPY as that was that's my 0.00001 cents worth

First of all; great site. I check it everyday to see if anything interesting is mentioned..

5 of july, you had a posting regarding SV and wheelies..

This is how I do it:
There is 2 ways to get the front wheel airborn. The first is the easiest way, but it also puts a load on espicially the clutch..

1.
Do a hard accereleration in first gear (throttle full open). When the RPM's reaches 4-5000 RPM's, use the clutch for about 1/10 -2/10 of a second. The engine revs up to
7-8000 RPM's and then quickly release the clutch and keep the trottle on hard. This should do it... the front will lift, and if you keep the throttle on the bike will accelerate
with the front lifted..

But be carefull... to low speed and to many rev's will cause the front to rise high, and there is the risk of flipping it way past the balance point...(not good)
I supose this would work in second gear too, but I haven't tried yet..

2.
Do a hard accereleration in first gear with full throttle. At about 6-7000 RPM, quickly release the throttle. This will cause the front suspension to compress. When the front
suspension is max compressed, nail the throttle back to full open. If everything goes as planned, the front will lift.

I've not had that much off success with this method. I guess it's easier on the unfaired verion due to the slightly lower gear ratio. Also try it when the fuel is low.

I got my inspiration from :

http://www.apic.net/~bev/bikes.html#wheelies

Some general info:
I 've replaced the stock exhaustsystem with a Viper slip on carbon can. Nice V-twin sound...

No rejetting was needed, and in the dyno, the bike had 71 BHP on the rearwheel. (sounds good...any contact information)

Anyone knows of a chainguard/rear wheel mud guard for the SV ??

Regards from Denmark

I recently purchased a blue sv650s and was wondering if anyone knew where I could get a hugger and a belly pan for it? I saw one in one of the images on
the web page but dunno where they're from!

Hello to all SV650 owners out there.

I am running one as a long-term test bike for Motor Cycle News in Britain and I want feedback from as many owners as possible.

Feel free to e-mail me at andy.downes@ecm.emap.com with any thoughts on this great bike that has got everyone who has ridden it smiling.

I've fitted a full M4 race exhaust system and a Dynojet kit (Although the pipe gave an extra 10bhp without the kit). The pipe sounds amazing and the bike has been transformed into a much sharper tool.

A change of tyres was necessary as well - stickier Dunlop D207 front and rear have improved the bike hugely.

Anyway please feel free to get in contact and hopefully I will be featuring owners in a forthcoming issue of MCN as well as this website. does this mean I'll be famous!! :- )    

Andy Downes
Sports Reporter
Motor Cycle News
20-22 Station Road
Kettering
Northants
NN15 7HH

Tel: 01536 386721
Mob: 07788 726576
Fax: 01536 411750

Andy - did you get much response back from the last request a while back?  Also, how often do your comments regarding the SV feature in MCN, I check most weeks but haven't seen anything for a while, have I missed them?

Harley (harleysoltes@sprintmail.com) asked "Any chance you could find out what model GIVI fairing MATTEO used?".

I have a GIVI catalogue and I'm fairly sure that Matteo has an A600, which is a universal windshield and is not made for any particular model. I should find out soon because I've just ordered one! I'll let you know more about it when I get it, and I'll add some pictures to my web page too (http://www.robichaud.freeserve.co.uk).

I have just been to www.factorypro.com. They are showing a BMC filter for the SV650. This filter is supposed to a product of F1 engineering. Has anyone used this
type of filter and is it any good?? Still haven't heard anything from K&N.

Also

Just been to the Rifle Fairing page, www.rifle.com. They say their superbike fairing will fit the SV650. They have a picture of one on a red bike. It doesn't look too
bad, but the price is kind of high to me. Has anyone here ever had a Rifle fairing? Do you think they are worth the price?

Hi there,

I've been following the site now for a month or so - it's great! I currently own a VFR 750, and I'm thinking of changing it for a faired SV (my partner wants an unfaired one). Anyone made a similar swap? Any thoughts?

As to the noises people keep writing about, before the VFR I owned a Bandit 1200, and this too made a 'mystery chunk' if I went over certain bumps. At first I thought I'd run over a coke can, but when it happened again (and again, and again) I realised it was the bike. Never did figure out what it was. Maybe it's some common component that Suzuki use - possibly the rear shock? Mine sounded as if it came from the middle of the bike but reflected off the fairing so pinpointing it was a complete 'mare. Anyway, just thought I'd add this for what it's worth.

Congratulations again on a great site - one I'll be using a whole lot more if I make the switch...

Thanks very much for the comments. The "clunk" will be explained one day...I for one am not worrying about it.

Audio clip - mp3 format of SV650S

I t sounds a bit 'tinny' to me but see what you think...

I bought my SV in April and I really have enjoyed it. Mostly I am pleased, but I do have a couple of minor gripes. I have been riding for over 30 years, so I have quite a bit of experience. I'm also a pretty fast rider and that is where my complaints come in.

The fork and shock, more so the shock, are not up to really spirited romps in the twisties. I get alot of wallowing in the back and the fork will bottom out when pushed over hard on a not quite smooth road. Also the engine could use a little help from a good after market pipe and maybe even a jet kit.

Have you come across anyone offering this stuff yet? I would think with the popularity of the thing that there would be a few companies out there with go fast stuff for this bike. If anybody out there has come up with these items please let me know. I ride with people that are on F4s, GSX-Rs and F6s and I can hold my own pretty well on tight roads, but I know this thing could go A LOT faster with the right components

Now that the naked fairing bike is making a big come back with all manufactures. Do you think they''ll make the SV1000? They all ready have the SV650S and SV650. We need the TL1000 to have a brother also. I'm just guessing it would be called the SV1000. Right now I'm looking for a bike.

I really like the looks on the SV650 and I'm sure the V-twin sound is mean. But I want a bigger bike! It they made the SV1000 I'd be racing to the dealership to buy not even needing a test drive.

I live in Pittsburgh Pa. and the roads here are really terrible. I love the sv650 but the only thing that worries me is the oil filter location , I am afraid that a stone or
other debris will bounce up and puncture the filter. If you or anyone you know of has input on this I would greatly appreciate a response. As of now that is the
only thing keeping an SV out of my garage. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey all you SV owners. Hope you are as pleased with your bike as I am with mine. I purchased it about two months ago from a motorcycle dealership where I am employed (American version). An inexpensive SV with an employee discount-not bad.

My only problems with the bike are that in first gear between 1k and 2k rpm the bike bogs and then kicks in hard at 3k rpm. Is there a way to fix that without buying an after market jet kit?

How many miles have you covered? I don't rememeber this being a problem, the bike is hardly in that rev range any time at all.

My second problem is that I ride my SV to work on the highway. Although I love the look of the ferringless body, it makes highway riding a bit windy. I was wondering if there is an after market part, similar to that small piece of metal above the headlight on a Buell White Lightening, that could be added to my SV?

I don't know of one, if anyone else does please let me know.

Also, in the last issue of Motorcyclist magazine an SV graces the cover and is part of an article on the best buys of 99'.

The latest copy of Bike magazine here in the UK lists eight 'alternative' bikes, alternative to the normal 600cc plastic rockets. Included amongst cruisers, trailies and scooters is the SV650S. I'll post the highlihts of the brief review soon but basically it says that fun on a bike is proportional to the full throttle setting. On hyper and 4 cylinder sports bikes you hardly ever get to full throttle, on the SVS you can use it so much more. That coupled with the handling meant that they rated it very highly - oh, and it only costs about £4600 on the road - not bad.

G'Day,

I've attached a sketch of some of the the proposed mods to my bike, namely:

Image 1

I raised the fairing and bars about 25mm. It doesn't look too bad at all, but loses a little aggression! I had a bit of a closer look at the main fairing/ headlight subframe , and found that it would foul the ignition switch assembly if raised, so this subframe would need modification, which isn't so bad since it is a pretty scabby looking piece of crap anyway (it barely has any paint on it and is already starting to rust despite being ridden in dry weather only).

WHAT!! Oh dear, there's no hope that I'll make it through a British winter without rust then :- (      Why can't bike manufacturers make bikes that don't rust? Car makers can make cars that don't rust - well, not for a few years anyway.

I could make it so that it can be moved back to its original position. Rerouting the cables probably isn't as bad as I first thought, but the brake hose would definitely need replacing. I think custom made high-rise clip-on bars would be preferable to modifying the top yoke. I did another sketch raised 50mm, but it started to look a bit dorky.

High rise muffler. The muffler is pretty small in diameter (90mm) and fits between the passenger footpeg bracket and rear tyre, thanks to the brake caliper being beneath the swingarm. I don't really like the sharp dogleg in the pipe up to the muffler, but this is the legacy of using the stock header pipes. The passenger peg bracket already has a little guard cast into it to stop the missus melting her Doc Martens! Something that is a little risky is that I want to mount it on the standard exhaust mount, which will put a bit of load on the pipe where it welds onto the muffler, but reinforcement of the pipe should prevent any cracking.

Luggage rack. A bit of an eyesore, but if I need to carry something substantial, I can take the bike instead of the car! This would mount in place of the grab handle, and would require some lugs to be welded (tastefully) to the subframe.

After 2500km I have a few more comments:

The key can be a pain in the butt to get in the hole sometimes if you don't get it smack bang in the centre.  True, you have to get it just right otherwise it is annoying.

I can't stop myself doing wheelstands at every set of traffic lights - I'm going to get busted real soon.

My front end also has that famous "clonk" over kerbs, bumps,etc. Infamous??

The drivetrain seems a bit sloppy making smooth relaxed gearchanges a bit difficult. The narrow clutch take-up doesn't help here.

U-turns are still a bit scarey.

Hi my name is Greg Johnson and I live in Knoxville Tennessee. I have an SV650R.

The "R" is for the self made version of a full bodied bike. I used the SHARKSKINZ  body work and made headlamps for the bike to be street legal.

I have a question. I read the reply from mike about the big bore kit and pistons for the bike. Does he or you have any addresses or telephone # to contact these companys?

I also have an answer for TOMMY (see posting on 01/07/99) about the D&D exhaust. Yes they do make one, I have the first one and it sounds great. I will send some pictures of the street version of the SV650R as soon as i get them back from the developers. Thanks.

Picked up brand spanky shiny yellow SV650S at midday on Friday 2 July with plan to tour over weekend to help running in mileage. At 2.30pm, trying to leave house with a fairly heavily laiden bike I find nice considerate white Transit van driver has parked across drive entrance forcing me to push bike up and around extremely awkward camber and DOH! Lose balance and drop bike - result, severe damage to ego and pride and snapped end off brake lever.

Crushing blow!! I am cosequently looking for a replacement to avoid the thirty to forty quid OE part but no one is listing patterns at the moment.

Does anyone know if this lever is unique to the SV (which seemes doubtful to me) or is it shared with another bike which is old enough for a pattern listing? And by the way, have covered nearly 1200 miles in the last week, Cornwall, South of England and South Wales. 1st service, running in etc. all out of the way, and its
behaved perfectly and felt totally comfortable throughout - can't recommend this bike enough for comfortable mile munching and serious fun.

If you can help Nigel out please do so to get him back on the road......his email address is above....let me know too please..

UPDATE !!!! See posting of 14/07/99 above

I'm a tall lanky 6'4" bloke and like the sound of this new SV650S but am   concerned about wind protection for someone of my height. Anyone give insights as to how it would go on the Glasgow to Ullapool run, the A9 and blast past rolling road blocks for someone of my dimensions (16 stone = 220lbs)?

Any info on this would be nice as I'm thinking of getting one of these wee bikes to commute in Glasgow as well as run 500 miles round trip to Ullapool at weekends. Hope to hear form someone who can help.

I'm 15 stone, 6'  and ride the S model. At the weekend I entered the National Rally and completed 550 miles in under 24 hours.   I find the size of the bike to be a little on the small side but it's not enough for me to complain about and I doubt if I'd change the SVS if I could, it's the size to power ratio that makes the bike special. At 6' 4" you might just find it small enough to be a problem, especially if you're going to rack up the miles rather than use it as a weekend fun-bike. Take a test ride first, it's essential in your case.

PS...there was talk of the seat being uncomfortable...I thought so too to begin with but I must have got used to it now because last weekend it gave me no problems at all. The only aches were my wrists, my left especially from using the clutch a lot.

I have just purchased a new SV650, and look forward to riding it when It finally arrives. It has been an absolute nightmare getting hold of one. You can get every colour
except blue.

I must first say that I was not impressed with the styling of the fairing but after spending a lot of time looking at pictures and images of the bike I have now getting used to the look. Can you help me on two accounts that I have listed here

1. Do suzuki intend to bring out a full faing for the SV 650 or are there any third party companies that do the full faired kit.

No, Suzuki has not, as yet, made a fairing of any kind available and I only know of Sharkskinz (link on this site available) that do full fairings but they are for racers and lack the bits necessary for raod use. Give them a call and let us know if there has been an update to this.

2. If so is it worth buying the half faired bike or is it better to buy the non-faired bike and wait for a manufacturer somewhere to bring out a full fairng

Depends on what you really want...you might be a long time waiting for a full fairing kit, on the other hand you may not be able to get hold of the S model anyway.

Hello all. I envy you - every one of you. Certainly the ones who are raving about their new bikes, and even the ones who are writing in with complaints or problems. You see, I am bikeless (sob,moan). I have to wait through an entire poopy New York (upstate) winter before I can buy my 650! But I am assured that I am first on "The List" at my local shop. When do the 2000's come out anyway? January?

Meanwhile, I sit here and soak up knowledge from your correspondences that will hopefully help me out somehow, next year. This is a great page. Thanks - to whoever started it.   (ummmm.....me actually.....)

One question: Which color looks the best??? I'm undecided at present time.

I'll see you on the road next year! Till then I'll be in my f#%kin car!

Well, I thought yellow looked best then I saw, and bought, the red. Blue looks good too. Black is not bad. Put it like this, it doesn't really matter....just ride one.

Here s a pic of my girlfriend Anick on her SV, i have a yellow one...i ll have some other very good pictures in a few days. Keep the good
work! http://members.xoom.com/sylvyn

Image 1

Your site is looking better now its in frames, i changed my site (http://www.btinternet.com/~andy.southard) about 3 weeks ago to frame and it makes such a difference.

Thanks for that, I think it does look better too..

A posting on the 05/07/99 from Josh, his bike fell over and damaged a few bits..

I myself have a SV650s and was shunted from behind, i was thrown off and the bike fell onto the right side...the brake lever broke as well as the rear brake lever..the indicator went straight through the faring, the right hand mirror fell off, worst of all my new M4 exhaust system was a write off...i could have cried!!!! (only joking)..the exhaust had only been fitted for about a week, i spent £550 on the system..never mind these things are sent to try us...

I have taken the bike to my local bike garage and the cost to repair will be around £1000 +, they have managed to arrange a new M4 exhaust as well so not all is lost..just  thought i would let you know how much it would possible cost if you did drop your bike, so please be careful..

Hope you get it sorted soon, let us know how it goes (and how much it cost in the end)....

Hi, Kev it's me again, Nick from Holland, how is everything going?
Here it's just about perfect, great weather and with the holiday's comin up lot's o time to ride.
Great to see that you placed the pic i sended you couple o weeks ago. Well another pic of it but now the final product with me wearing it, please  check out the results.

Well with my bike everything is just great and on the 26 of june i went to the TT in Assen (Holland) to see the Grand Prix of the 125, 250 and 500 cc motorcycles.
Man, was this awesome, cose i believe that all bikers in Holland went to this event and with thousands of enthousiastic motorcyclists on the Dutch roads you get such a great   feeling. I think i get the hang of it and am know thinkin of getting me a circuit training cose the SV may not be the fastest bike around but definetly one of the best streering bikes.

I resently read a article about bikes on a racetrack driven by real racedrivers and compared to a Hayabusa, Ducati 996, Aprilla RSV, Yamaha R1 and R6, a Honda CBR 600,  and many other bikes the SV was kind of favorit to these guys, cose it's cheap, quite fast and the handling is just awesome. The lap times weren't even that bad compared to much more powerfull and much more expensive machines.

This really kicks my EGO and makes me really happy owning a Halvabusa. Well your site is growing and growing and i hope i can make this way a usefull contribution.
Go Fast, but safe............Nick

Image 1

Has anybody else noticed that if you look at at a SV650S from the front but upsidedown the fairing looks like an alien face!!

Brilliant site.

Funny you should say that......no I haven't!!

I have also experienced the same sound "chuck" from the fairing/fork when passing a manhole cover or corrugated road. I have not had the time to investigate this further, but I think it is rather hard to find out where the sound is coming from.

As the SV is my first bike I do not have a lot of experience in solving these "problems" and would also like an experienced driver to give us his opinion.

UPDATE !!!!! from Maarten (maarten@hekkelman.com)....

re the sound steven mathers hears when riding over bumps. I had that too with my SV650S. My dealers didn't hear anything too, but it was definitively there.
After long thinking and trying I believe I found the cause. I think it is a cable (brake I believe) that hits the plastic fairing when riding over bumps at some speeds. It is a very plastic like sound and does indeed sound alarmingly loud.

Nothing serious I'd guess.

And yes, the gear lever could use some redesign. I broke mine too but repaired it by drilling a hole in the lever and bolting a screw on it.

I sold my SV after two months and 6500 km's since I found it too small. I traded it for an AfricaTwin but I regret this now and am planning to switch to a SV again. How I miss the superb handling and agressive engine of this little monster.

I'm curious what the 2000 models will look like. From what I've heard there might be some minor changes.

I just got my '99 sv650 home, does anyone have an oil they recomend or anything else I should do to ensure the longevity of the engine? Also, I am interested in a small front windscreen/fairing to go above the headlight. Any recomendations?

UPDATE !!!!!

08/07/99 Thanks Ana (acduarte21@hotmail.com) for this update, the URL to rifle has been added to links....

Re: the post "05/07/99 Johnathon (ellinger.17@osu.edu) asks a few  questions......"

On the oil question, I really do not have any direct experience but have heard people swear by Mobil-1 oil. May want to ask around at some of your local shops and see what they suggest.

On the fairing/windshield question, check out Rifle at www.rifle.com; they have a very attractive fairing that fits the naked SV650, runs about  $250-$350 USD depending on options like tinted shield, color match to your bike, and height of windscreen. I, too, have been looking for something to  make my bike a little more aerodynamic without ruining the good "naked" looks. I have heard great things about Rifle, and they are the only company  I have found in my (web) research thus far that even carries any fairings for the SV650. I even asked at my dealer last week and they had no idea if Suzuki was even thinking about coming out with one..!

Good luck, and if you find out any more info, pass it along!

You happen to know when suzuki will come out with the 2000 model SV650. Every dealer in Northern California is out of the 1999.

I finally had a photo taken with my new SV.

look at http://www.bgarmory.com/sv650ab1.jpg

See ya.

Just to be on the safe side, I decided to change the engine oil at 3000 kms.

I used Mobil1 5W50 (100% synthetic), and the engine seems to be running more smoothly (less noise at idle, when shifting into 1st gear, ...) and a tiny bit more powerful.
But maybe it is a psychological effect :-)

Happy riding!

My red US version tipped over in the parking lot! Aaagh!

Word of warning-- don't leave your bike in neutral when parked. The good news is that it sustained very little damage: only the mirror, turn signal and end of the left handlebar scraped, and the ball tip of the clutch lever broke off. No damage whatsoever to the tank, frame or anything to the rear of the handlebars.

But... the clutch switch that tells the starter that the clutch is pulled in (safety feature) didn't work, so the bike wouldn't start, eventhough the clutch itself was fine. After 24 hours of being stranded 200 miles from home, a Suzuki dealer fixed this by disconnecting the electric wire connector attached to the clutch and shoving a bent paper clip connecting the two holes in the end that leads to the starter. This fooled the starter into thinking the clutch switch was on, allowing the bike to start.

So kudos to Suzuki for good fall-protection design. And if you're ever in this same situation, give the paper clip method a shot. Just be careful and make sure to have the
ignition OFF when trying it!

UPDATE !!!!!! from Josh 19/07/99....

Just some info for reference regarding ordering parts for repair.

The clutch switch and clutch lever ordered to repair damage from my parking lot tip-over (see above) took the dealership 2 weeks to get (U.S. dealer, U.S. version of the SV650).

Sorry to hear those elsewhere are having so much trouble getting parts. Can dealers outside the U.S. get parts (those that can be swapped between the SV650 and SV650s) from here, or is that illegal/inefficient/taxed up the wazoo?

Maybe those who are waiting 3 months for a clutch lever might want to inquire about that option.

Autoglym make a product called intensive tar remover which makes light work of removing the stickers with no damage to paintwork. it can also be used to remove
dead flies.

My local dealer, Frettons of Leamington have a photo of a faired SV650 with an ART exhaust system which goes behind the pillion footpegs with a high end can.
Looks great!

Can I replace the cog with the unfaired version without replacing the chain which has only done 600 miles.

For a wheelie novice, what is the best way to get the front wheel in the air? It doesn't seem to need much encouragement.

One thing I'm not is a wheelie expert....any wheelie experts out there?

Here's a pic from Holland. This is just before I replaced the original exhaust by a Laser Oval Carbon. If you could hear this now: it's just great!!!

Later more...

Image 1

hello, if you want to see a french tuning do to my personal web page :

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/lacontrebasseinternee/

salut !!

The page is in French but check out the radical fairing!! Pascal....how did you do that?

Here is some preformance data from a test in the BIKE-magazine. The test is a comparison between Suzuki SV650S and Ducati 750SS. The SV thrashes the Ducati (of course :-)) on all points except suspention (figures...).

Accelleration:
0-100 km/h: 3.6/57 m
0-150 km/h: 7.7/201 m
0-200 km/h: 21.8/916 m
0-400 meters: 12.1/177 km/h
0-1000 meters: 23.3/202 km/h

In sixth gear:
60-100 km/h: 4.6/102 m
60-140 km/h: 10.0/283 m
60-160 km/h: 13.3/413 m

Topspeed: 218 km/h (220 indicated)

Power: 74hp/9720rpm (measured)
Torque: 64 nm/7250rpm

I could also tell you the price in Norway: 109.000 NOK. Thats about $14.500 ( :-0 ), half of it is taxes to the state.

Didn't get it back Friday (SV650 ). Talked with them (Graves Motorsports) several times during the day concerning what was going on.
They kept me up to date and around 4 after several dyno runs found there was a 5hp increase in the midrange but nothing on top. He went back to it and tried lifting the airbox. then there was a noticeable gain throughout the entire rpm range.

So the engine is airbox limited! Said the airbox is about the size of a milk jug. He stated there was a way to increase flow through the filter by drilling holes in the filter element (but not in the filter media) for some reason the filter cartridge itself is constricting the flow.

the mechanics were very helpful in explaining this to me. I asked how much all this fiddling was going to cost. Just the flat rate not per hour but just one flat rate. Since it is the first SV they've done they are taking longer than will take for the next SV. To quote concerning their flat rate "Sometimes  we win sometimes we lose"

I really don't understand Yosh attitude towards the consumer, they release a exhaust without jets, without a different filter or different airbox and then they say all these itemes are two or three weeeks away. Total BS. I was told that back at the end of may.

So Graves has been very good, will have them do other work to the SV. Will probably go back after KN releases a filter for it.

05/07/99 UPDATE !!!!!!!

WOw is it loud. Might have to find a new solution to a small problem. Very Loud, no longer is the wind the dominant sound heard in my helmet.

Big improvement in midrange HP with a little on top. Much better response on part throttle. Sound is great when using part throttle, full throttle is just obscene!

Will send a jpg of the dynograph of before and after. (please do)

Any chance you could find out what model GIVI fairing MATTEO used? I know he does not want to receive emails at work. GIVI does not recommend any of their current fairings as a perfect fit.

Matteo - can you tell us please?

UPDATE !!!!!  See posting of 14/07/99 above for more info..

First a congrats to Suzuki for designing the 650S so that the hard bits cover the soft bits when you drop the bike. The fairing doesnt touch down at all..only the handlebar weight, sidestand, and rear footpegs hit the ground...oh yeah, and the gear lever foot-bit breaks off.

How do I know?!?...because some unmentionable left an arc of fuel sprayed from their obviously left-open fuel cap onto the road at a 90' corner. I must have been going about 5kph, just started from a red light around the corner and the front wheel just slipped away like it was on soap. ON A 2 DAY OLD BIKE ... ARGH!!!

anyway...I really need help with something...please reply soonest to this one. My bike is making an alarming 'CHUCK!!' sound from the fork/fairing area whenever I travel over a recessed bit of road like a manhole cover or when I slowly drive down off a curb, or travel over  corrugated sections of road.

This is accompanied by an alarming sharp vibration like two things whacking together.

My dealer went for a test ride when I explained it to him and he said it seems OK but he 'couldnt find many bumps' ?!?!? to test it on. He then explained it away by the floating disk rotors, which move a bit.

I swapped bikes for a test ride with a friend who has a Sprint ST (floating rotors) and his bike did not behave the same way, and he agreed that my bike seemed to have something wrong with it.

Does anyone elses 650S do the same thing in these conditions? I wouldnt think so or I would have seen other people complaining about it, I think.

Can anyone with more experience in these matters diagnose the problem? Its not the head stem bearings, because the dealer checked those when I complained. Not enough fork oil perhaps? I dont know. help!

If I rock the bike back and forth while holding the front brake on I hear the floating disks...I guess this is different? Anyone help out?

Here again from Nick from Holland

everything is going well, and the SV roars like a tiger.

Well i've attached an image i've sended before, but it's now in Highres (200 dpi)    CLICK HERE TO VIEW (325k)

Well why send it again? Let me explain. I've made myself a incredible great T-shirt with the Halvabusa on it and is this cool or what, and cose i thought other SV lovers would like to print there own i send you the modified pic of it, and it's now great for a brisk and sharp print, everyone with a inkjetprinter and special transfersheets (specially for fabricks) could make there own (remind that you mirror the pic) or else it says asubavlah.

Well hope you like it and that the pic is not to big for publishing

Nope, not too big at all.

Image 1

This wasn't difficult to do, turn signals tuck in nicely when mounted to box that's part of the subfender.

Image 2

Am sending you a few pics of the Maier Mfg windscreen on my SV, also my homegrown fender elimination done with a Dremel tool and some scrap aluminum sheet.
The license plate doesn't get enough light from the taillight, will add a dedicated license plate light (sourced from an EX 250 Ninja). Sorry I've got to send these as 3
different e-mails, I'm not too good at this digital stuff..

Image 3

Thanks very much Bill.

Re:
>24/06/99 A family question here from Mark (zensur@ntr.net)...
>When are the bikes going to become available in California ?

Mark, it may be too late for you to get one in Calif. as the local dealers are almost sold out and there are no more to come until next year. Total
allotment per dealer was supposed to be 6 bikes. I've had mine for almost 3 months and there are a couple of 4 month old ones around. I've got 7500
miles on mine and I love it as much today as on day one!

> I havent even managed to see one yet !
With as few per dealer available there won't be a glut of them running around [something I like<G>].


>Are they planning to import the SV650s for the Y2k model year ?

There are rumors they might but from what I've heard from the dealers it's a no-no.

Chris and everyone else...

I've got my new bike now. Running it in is so FRUSRATING!!!

Anyway...raising the bars. I guess there looks to be about 2.5cm you could raise the bars up. You could also bring the bars back towards the rider a little...would give any extra clearance from the fairing, but would reduce the reach to the bars which would have a similar effect. There is a company called heli-bars which does replacement bars ... they would be the best bet for this.

Has anybody raised the bars on a previous bike. Is 2cm up and 2cm back going to have a significant effect on rider posture? Its hard to tell.

Hi,all. I am the proud owner of a new (well, about a month), blue Sv650.

Around my area, (Atlanta) the red ones seem to sell immediately. I think the blue looks great, but wopuld really like a black one. There are no modifications yet, though I would like to find a fender eliminator kit and a hugger for the rear wheel. I've noticed that most people talk about Two Brothers and M4 exhausts, (I've heard Tony's .wav file, the bike sounds awesome!!). I'm thinking much later of a full exhaust, (don't really want to cut and weld).

Does anyone know if D&D make any exhausts for the Super Vee??

UPDATE !!!!!   See posting from 09/07/99 above.

I heard Arrow does, but they are very expensive,(so I've been told). Also I would like to hear about raising the bars a little, I have the tubular ones, and I'm getting to the age that they could be a little higher. All in all, I really love the bike. It's light,flickable and a lot more powerful than i thought it would be.

One more thing, I read somewhere about a 700cc kit that required only boring and pistons. If I can find it again I will post it.

UPDATE !!!!!  Thanks Tommy.

This is the email at sv650@lists.best.com about the 700cc kit. Hope it helps someone.

----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Harris
To: sv650@lists.best.com
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 1999 6:14 PM
Subject: SV 700 Dyno Results

I just returned from a dyno session with my now 700cc SV. And the numbers are; 80.6 hp and 49 lbs. of torque. The peak numbers are not that impressive but the area
under the curve is pretty amazing. It makes over 45 lbs. of torque from 4500 to 9500 rpm, with no dips whatsoever in the 5 000 to 6000 range that you see on most SV
dyno sheets. The limiting factor now seems to be the stock cams simply will not let it breath. I think that with some cams and 41mm FCR’s 90+ should be no problem.

Achieving 700cc’s requires only a bore job. The stock liners are quite thick, and with the amount of aluminum around them 750cc’s with a set of sleeves should be a
piece of cake. JE has the valve and chamber dimensions to build pistons now. Be aware that the stock pistons are dished and running 84mm flat tops with the stock
chambers gives mondo compression. As delivered from JE they were 40 grams heavier than the very light stock pistons. I sent them to the piston lightening gurus and
they came back the same weight as the stockers.

Another great product is the Falicon adjustable cam sprockets. I sent them my cams and a head to make the prototypes. They machine an adapter that presses onto the
cams and sprockets that bolt to the adapters. Right now I have the intake cams at the stock settings and the exhausts 3 degrees advanced.

Mike Harris

Anyone order the shop manual yet? I need to know how to change the rear brake pedal, which I have scraped off already. Of course, I could just use the remaining stalk!
But why risk it.

I've not seen anything in the UK as yet....same old story....it'll take a while before this sort of stuff filters through.