This site was created in Dec 1998 to provide an unofficial source of information, comments and findings from actual, and potential, owners. 

Note: Exhaust, Tyre, For Sale and Fairing questions and comments will no longer be cross posted in the 'Current Data' page so check out the other sections too.  

CURRENT POSTINGS  FOR  JUNE  2000 

To all those outside the European Union interested in the Renegade products please remove 17.5% from the prices as this is UK tax.

Also as a discount to all the readers of this site, Renegade will pay for the postage of your system to you, particularly the ones wanting twins, and will contribute £5 towards Kevin's charity (MENCAP) for each order (single can) £10 (twin cans). 

Thanks. Renegade@dial.pipex.com

I am getting problems with vibration (ha ha!) through the handlebars. I am not used to a V-twin, but my hands go to sleep real quickly leaving my left hand aching. Just wondered if anyone else had the same problem and has overcome it? I did buy some foam grips, but am reluctant to put them on as they look so naff. any offers of help?

Also, reading the insurance bit, I thought Bennetts were OK, until the way in which they treated my mate. He got knocked off by an uninsured driver, and while its going through the system, it appears on his file as a fault claim, this coupled with a previous accident means that his premium has gone sky high and most places wont even insure him now. His renewal was up on Monday, and even though Bennetts k new what was going on (i.e. an accident that wasn't his fault) they flatly refused to insure him - or even offer any help, he had been with them for about 3 years and had 15 years riding experience.

They are all thieving bar stewards - He now has to reduce to 3rd party and garage it at a friends house as he hasn't got a garage. don't you just love 'em.....

I've been admiring from afar for months and thought it was about time I contributed......Great site, I may end up with a brown tongue, but your site is without doubt
the best bike site I've seen on the web and I surfed quite a few, clear, uncluttered and well organised, where do you get the time....? I don't!

First on the subject of fairings, Russell 13/06/00, stated that the official fairing price or £209 excludes VAT, unfortunately, it looks like he's been taken for a ride by his local dealer (pun intended), the official accessories catalogue and my recent invoice confirm it includes VAT.

Also on the subject of knocking front suspension, I have found that most of my noise comes from the pad free play. If I apply gentle pressure to the front brake over a hump, I don't get any knocking. Something that does not happen on my bikes with opposed piston brakes!

Finally, if anyone is reading this site wondering whether to buy an SV or not, I've been riding almost every day for two decades in all weather, on all sorts of bikes, trial, sports, tourers, hyper-sports. Never have I got on a bike that felt so natural, confidence inspiring and easy to throw around corners, yes even on the standard tyres, than the SV. The only reason I could think to put you off of one is because, I think they are going to be so popular......to all those ex SV riders out there, who sold your SV 
before 1000 miles on the clock..........the best is still to come!

It's (Arrive Late at Motorcycle Museum on SVRideout day) James here again :)

Hope your keeping well ?  have been ill but fine now thanks..

Just thought you might like to add 'http://www.akrapovic.com/' to your Links section as Akrapovic have a V-E-R-Y nice sounding exhaust for the SV out. A friend of mine (who is the reason we arrived late at the rideout !) recently bought a Titanium Oval Akrapovic for his SV650s.

If you would like to check out the photo's then feel free to peruse my 'crap' site. www.sv650s.co.uk and look at 'Friends Bike's' Section. check your images, they didn't show up for me...maybe it's my end??.

I am trying to get some sounds together. I have Micron, Stock, Scorpion sounds, but am looking for any others. If you could oblige I would be grateful ? If you can help James then drop him an email please...

Please note the following:

1) Renegade does not run on their Dyno on any SV to 11000rpm but 10200rpm. Maximum power is at 8500rpm so this would be useless.
2) If the gentleman lets us know the original owner we can confirm if the bike had a Dyno run and if it was jetted.
3) It is not usual for Renegade to do Dyno runs on bikes that are still in their running-in period unless we are not told, and as far as we know, it only happened to one SV? and she was not jetted. Also I think the owner has not sold his bike.

If there is a fault with the SV please consider all possibilities before assuming that the exhausts could be the problem. Also, I expect you had a good deal on your used bike as you bought it with about £600 pounds worth of twin system fitted, maybe the seller did not realise that he/she could transfer the exhausts to another bike.

Thanks. Renegade@dial.pipex.com

I have just bought a second hand sv650s. Its w reg and has 703 miles. I noticed the day after I bought it that the water (coolant) level was out of sight!!!

I filled it (1/2 a pint) as the owners manual explained and have been out on it since. I have just put another 600ml in it to get it in the middle of the markers. Is this just the system settling down or have I bought a dog?  Is it running OK? Can you se any leaks?

Would the fact that it has renegade exhausts fitted and its been on the dyno machine be the cause as they take it up 11000rpm when it should only go to 8000rpm till 1000 miles are on the clock??  I wouldn't have thought so...there is an official running-in schedule but taking the bike to max revs during the run in, while not advisable if you can help it, shouldn't cause a problem. Some people don't run in bikes at all...they should expect no problems early on, just later in the bikes life (when they've probably sold it anyway..) Again, does the bike run OK?

It has had its 500 mile service at motorcycle city..

Is this a common fault? not sure it's a fault yet...anyone else care to comment??

Is my warranty invalid because of the exhausts? no, unless the exhausts are the *direct* cause of the problem you are trying to get fixed under warranty (same with any 'add-on' product not just exhausts...)

PS great site.....gona spend all my spare time here gettin information. 

In response to Des's question re. which pipes are on the SV in Atchoum's pictures, it looks suspiciously like a Remus can. I went around the Alexandra Palace show earlier this year looking at exhausts and Remus were just in the process of bringing out a load of pipes for the SV. Their range seems to be quite extensive, but I have no other information such as noise volume, power gains etc.

One other point of interest; the August edition of Superbike magazine reviews the naked SV against the Fazer, the faired Hornet, the naked Bandit and the Ducati Monster 600. Guess which one wins? Yup, the SV! The final choice was between the SV and the Fazer, and the SV won because it was fun! I'll second that ... nice one..

I was amazed to read Dave's e-mail with regard to electrical problems, and feel I might be able to add more.

I have done 11000 miles on my SVS (not yet a year old), and had no problems to speak of except getting the needles reshimmed under warranty, then literally the bike starts to cut out for no reason. Well its been back to my dealer, who is brilliant when it comes to helping out, he immediately took the bike in and gave me a loan bike no
questions asked even though he couldn't look at it for a week.

What did he find? well the loom had chaffed away against the frame and was shorting out.

With regard to Suzuki UK that's just typical of them to deny the problem, I think Suzuki Japan should sack them. The only down side to this story is my dealer lent me a Hayabusa now my SVS feels like a 125, its still more fun through the twisties though.  I've checked my bike and I can see how the bolt holding the seat on (left hand side) could rub away at the wiring loom that passes behind the bolt. Make sure, as stated before, that the cable tie is tight and pulls the wiring away from from the bolt.

In re: to Atchoum (nain_atchoum@yahoo.fr) posting of 20/06/00, what pipes are in that pic?!   Atchoum...care to let us know?

Here are a few pictures of my SVS, and a few graphs from when I got it dyno'd.

On the comparison graph, the comparison was between the Akrapovic titanium can/stainless pipes with and without re-jetting. Although you do not need to re-jet with this system, I would fully recommend it! Steve Hammond at Motrac Racing (www.motrac.demon.co.uk), has worked for both SBK and 500 GP teams, and I couldn't recommend him highly enough. Excellent service, and really knows what he is doing. It looks like quite a gain! It feels a hell of a lot better! And the sound! I will post some sound files as soon as is technically possible!

Image 1      Image 2     Image 3    Single Graph      Comparison Graph      Torque graph

PS...Martyn, I can't post your MCN images due to copyright laws but thanks for sending them, I missed all that article..

I buy this radiator cover in France, but i don't know, if you can to buy this by net.

But you can see the web site "Poly26.com" (French bodywork site with modified SV shown...also click on Suzuki and another image is shown) this is a polyestère store in france. 

Image 1     Image 2      Image 3

I know you're a busy man but I'm desperate to locate an owner (or stockist) of a particular belly pan. It looks very much like one that is featured in catalogue 5 of the images section (4th row down, 1st picture). Do you have the email address of the contributor? No I don't.

If you are the person who sent the image to me please get in touch with John or myself...thanks..

I have the faired variety of the SV and had the great pleasure in scrapping my right peg and (not so pleasurable) bending the brake lever. This was accomplished on
Standard Metzlers believe it or not. This was performed w/e just gone - about the hottest day so far this year.

To be honest it was the first time i'd "really gone for it". After reading the article on "knee down action" in July's Bike I hit a stretch of road near my house that is quiet from traffic/Police and has numerous  glorious roundabout (Link road from Crayford in Kent to the Dartford Crossing - Known as University way). The first time my knee scraped down I swiftly left the round about to inspect my trophy scuffing. To my horror it looked like someone had simply run a finger nail down the wolf shadow sliders.
Mmmmmmmmm. 1 Hour later a I was sporting half worn Sliders and a grin that was well concealed under my black visor.

A grandad who wittnessed the event was far less impressed - Head shacking and muttering to his canine companion. After my "knee down" antics I inspected the tyre. The rear right side is ruffed up real bad past the out tread. The front tyre scared the shit out of me though - It was ruffed up to the edge of the tyre. Looking back
leaning the machine that far was probably fuckin' stupid - Inch's from  a juicy slide out. Well at least I know was "knee down" feels like and most colleges at work were suitably impressed with the Sliders sporting  serious wear. 

I've no plans to "knee down" or even lean that much in normal riding - The only reason I took it that far was bloody hot roads and a road that was checked for no diesal spills or other shit. Checks that can't reliably be done when caning it round open roads.

Just thought I'd let you know about my little holiday at the TT races. OH, COOL, sooooooo COOL. How much petrol did I use??? I don't think I want to know, but I filled up every day, at least once. Need a new back tyre now, had it 2 months, but it was well worth it. I had the back tyre spin up once when I ground the right footpeg around gooseneck hairpin just after Ramsey, but it was ok, I just rolled off the gas a bit, adjusted my weight, and it gripped and popped me up, perfectly. 

The front had a little drift once or twice, but nothing scary. I got D207's BTW. I had my knee scratching along at 95+Mph around the Veranda left hander, oh so sweet. All I can say is if you haven't been, you gotta go. I learned so much about my riding while over there. The mountain section is 10 Miles of perfect tarmac, which no speed
limits, no manhole covers, no cateyes, and on Mad Sunday, it all ONE WAY (but too much traffic) I was there for a few days before it started too, and got the track to myself most of the time before everyone else came  over. By the end I had learned the track pretty well, and then the real fun hit, I knew where all the corners went and how quick I could go round them. TOP ONE. Some of the bigger bikes kept getting in my way on the corners, going too slow. Anyway now I need a new back tire (no burnouts on this one), new brakes, and new sliders, but hey it was fun.

When I got back (Monday about 3am) to Birmingham, I sat down had a coffee, chilled out for a bit, stayed up chatting and stuff till about 8am,  then decided to go for a little spin after I'd taken the soft panniers off, and she didn't start......I pressed the starter button, and nothing, no noise at all. Checked the fuses, ignition had blown, so I replaced it, and she stared. Put her back together, seat, side thingys. Had another coffee, and came back to start her......nothing, blown the fuse again. Anyway, put 
a 15 amp in, run out of 10 amp ones. Had a bit of a prod, and look around, the started motor terminal on the front of the bike, was so badly rusted. I guessed that was causing higher resistance, and blowing the 10 amp, the 15 amp seemed to be holding. Took it up to Motorcycle City, and they fixed her up and replaced all my fuses. Now she is cool again, but I thought you'd want to know. what did they do to the starter connection?

The only problem with the TT is now I'm back, I have to restrain myself. Oh well, there's always next year........

I may have mentioned having a go at sorting some unwelcome corrosion I've found appearing at the back of the rear brake torsion bar where some of the aluminium paint has fallen off! I wasn't too impressed as the bike's only coming up to 6/12 old and has just had it's 4000m service.

I bought it from and took it back to Marriott's in Birkenhead for it's servicing and the mechanic wasn't too surprised at my mentioning it. He asked me if I wanted him to sort the matter with Suzuki and he went on to order the part and said I could have it fitted whilst I waited once it was in. The service there has always been first rate and they don't treat me like an idiot for being new to biking and not knowing anything.

The point of this is to say that (1) get that torsion bar sorted on the warranty, and (2) use Marriott's if you're near enough and I doubt you'll be disappointed.

P.S. it might be helpful to list shops people have found worth another visit in the F.A.Q. section to help get the best from local services and also when away - worth it or too much hassle? worth it if people send emails with 'SHOP' in the title I'll put them altogether...

I would be interested to know if anyone else has had the following electrical problem.

I was riding along minding my own business on my "T" reg blue SV650S when I noticed all the electric's had failed apart from the engine and the headlights. I took the seat off and replaced the fuse and everything worked OK. Put the seat back and "pop" the fuse blew again.

On closer inspection the main wiring loom which runs under the left hand seat subframe tube had been worn by the left hand seat bolt and had shorted out. This could be a potentially serious problem as it could result in a fire or the engine failing at a vital moment depending upon which wire was affected. I consider myself lucky. 

The usual letter to Suzuki was written with the usual reply that they did not know of another occurrence so don't bother us with this.

My bike has done 6000miles and the last time the seat was taken off was when it was serviced back in March, about a 1000miles ago.

Even if it has not happened to anyone else before I would suggest that anyone with an SV makes sure the cable tie on the subframe is tight and to put a 4-5mm washer under the head of the seat bolt, or shorten the bolt. This just gives a bit more clearance and allows for some movement without the risk of chaffing.

This is the only problem I have had with my SV and I still love it to bits. 

Thanks for the excellent web site. It is a brilliant way to pool information and tips. There is nothing like learning from experience and with this web site you can learn from everyone's experience not just your own. and your information is now with the masses too......thanks..

I followed Brett’s instructions for carb needle shimming that were posted on the site. I can honestly say after doing it, it fixes that annoying little lean spot between 4,000 ~ 5,000 rpm and improves midrange/part throttle performance. Certainly a thumbs up for performance. I would definitely recommend it to the shade tree mechanic in search of tweaking the twins. It was a piece of cake to do. In fact I shot some photo’s of the process and also of ‘das tool’ to possibly help others with Brett’s instructions. My way of giving back to the site for the helpful info. 

My thanks to Brett for the info and Kevin for the medium. I should have the images on CD in a week or two and will let you know when they arrive so you can include them with Brett’s posting if you desire. Hopefully they come out good…. and could be added to the FAQ yep...send them in and I'll sort it...

I purchased my 2000 model blue SV650 last March and can't say enough good things about it. I have a tendency to research things that capture my interest exhaustingly and I was more than confident that the SV was an outstanding bike. I even posted the first review of the bike on www.motorcycleworld.com (unfortunately a text editor glitch reduced my review to 2 sentences - they sent gobs of freebies to compensate me - very nice people) and I have since received five inquiries from new buyers asking advice. I have referred them all to your site and I can honestly say that the availability of such a volume of information and support from your website has turned a couple of potential Bandit and Katana buyers into  SV owners.

The only options I've added so far are the flyscreen, tank bra, and gel seat. The fly screen from Suzuki is a nice addition. I went from riding a 1982 Kawasaki 750 LTD (still have it - restored) to a 1995 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 and being cruiser the seating is such that the wind isn't as much of a factor as on my naked SV. With the fly screen (about $68 U.S. through a parts warehouse I found in the back of Cycle World) I can ride at 70mph and when I slowly raise my hand in front of me I don't feel real wind resistance until my hand is almost chin level. I'm 5'-7" so obviously that will vary but it does deflect a good bit of wind. It comes with attractive aluminum mounts and allen head bolts to replace the stock headlight mounting bolts.

The tank bra I consider a must ($28 U.S.). I saw a pic of one from another posting and it was dealer installed according to the author. He complained of the wrinkles in it. Mine fits quite tightly and looks great. You should remove the tank mounting bolts, slide the band above where the bolt holes are (the bolt heads get in the way if installed) then snug the bra back and bend the attached tabs under the rear tank edge (with the seat removed of course). The seams of the bra when installed correctly with line up with the contoured curves of the tank where your knees rest. Be sure to remove it and let it dry if it gets wet or your paint will start to fade underneath. 

The gel seat I purchased was the carbon fiber covered seat (about $126 U.S.). I actually only notice a little difference. If I were to buy again I would get the plain gel seat and buy some black vinyl dye to make it match the black color of the stock seat. I think the carbon fiber cover takes away a little cushioning that the gel has to offer since it's a firmer weave. I also am starting to notice what looks like a delaminating in some spots over the carbon fiber. 

I also purchased a Tour Master tail bag which is very convenient. The bungees are very narrowed though so I bought some self-adhesive felt and cut small squares that I wrapped around the bungees to protect the plastic tail section. Previously use without the felt left little marks from the bungees which have become a permanent part of my bikes "character".

After I pay off the SV I'm going to buy an exhaust, either Two Brothers or Renegade. I figure by then it will make it seem like I have a new bike again as far as feel and sound is concerned. 

One last thing, I've come to appreciate my non-faired bike. I have yet to buy a pair of riding boots and wish I has already. A couple of times my boot laces have snagged on the pegs, never seriously causing a problem. Recently however when pulling into the back of my house my right lace got snagged on the rear-end from a '65 Mustang sitting there (gotta clear the clutter!). Needless to say I laid down my bike, first time ever, and wasn't going but 1mph if that. I couldn't hold up the bike with my right leg dragging behind as far back as the tail light (I can just picture it now...). Fortunately the bike only suffered two tiny nicks in the frame as the bike was wearing body armor....my body, underneath it. The moral of the story is I would gladly have traded a couple hundred dollars to have avoided it altogether. I faired much worse than the 
bike, OUCH! I now make a habit of tucking in laces until boots can be had.

Attached is an image from a recent excursion to the mountains. The bike is still way better than I am and I've been riding for many years. Love the site. It has armed me with information that has proven invaluable. 

P.S. (My dealer's service dept. has a unique respect for me thanks to the info. you provide. It seems I'm not the kind of customer they can lie to about things regarding recall info. and such. It was fun to see their expressions when I knew so much, and all thanks to your website.) ta.....the end.

Image 1

This weeks MCN has a comp-arison test between the Ducati 748 and the Tigcraft SV750S. We come out pretty bloody well!

I believe that Tigcraft no longer trade so you may be unable to buy this kit...I have no pricing anyway..

Thanks for the great site!! I thought others may be interested in my six days experience of ownership!!

I just picked up my bargain pre-reg Black SV650s from Carnells in Liverpool last Saturday - even adding in costs for flight and ferry it was much cheaper than buying in Northern Ireland. Over the week-end I did the slowest Cat and Fiddle run ever (new tyres, unfamiliar bike, lots or rain and near zero visibility) and had a great time on the A5 through Wales to the ferry at Holyhead. 

This meant I put over 400 miles on the bike in two days. As the first service was fast approaching I rang my local dealer and was told they could not service it for four weeks!! This would put me well over the  recommended mileage for the service so I rang Suzuki UK to see how my warranty would be effected. 

I was told that I should not leave the service that long and that while they could not recommend that I took the bike to another dealer this would NOT invalidate the manufacturers warranty as long as genuine Suzuki parts were used and all work was performed correctly. I thought others may be interested in this information. 

Yes it's me again , the same MARK that has access to the spares , this time I have a few notes to other owners / potential owners.

I took delivery of my unfaired y2k sv in may and would like to convey the following :-   

Shop around for price ( I paid £3,990 on the road from George White and they delivered it ) , it was the best deal but the after service is non existent . I am still waiting for the correct service book. Shop around for insurance ( Carol Nash charged me £134.03 for fully comp inc breakdown and legal cover ). Fuel consumption while running in is an astounding 75 MPG.

I had a chance to ride Russell ( from suffolk ) faired machine and he rode mine , we both agree that the unfaired is easier to ride on short / medium runs and seems to have quicker steering , very little difference in performance 5k revs seem to equate to approx 70 mph on both . The unfaired is easier on the arms and back but the wind tends to give more of a stiff neck. Both have clunky forks and mz4 ( low grip ) tyres.

Must say that after 3 years on a 748 Duke it is wonderful to have a bike I can use on country lanes.

I recalled that this past winter many folks posted messages regarding corrosion from road salts, etc. and Rhomar's salt neutralizing product just came to our attention.
We might give it a try but I'm not even certain if they'll sell retail. Worth a shot for you riders who venture out in winter! 

The Salt neutralizer ( I know it seems far away right now) for those of you who ride in the winter is from  http://www.rhomar-industries.com/

Although I just noticed their web site doesn't seem to contain info on their product called "Neutro-Wash". That would be the salt neutralizer. A quick e-mail to them should clear it up.

Anyone ever tried this stuff?

Hey this is Alvin with my Blue 1999 SV650. I wrote about a month ago about how my bike did experience an engine failure. I heard a snap and my engine ceased as I was riding a backroad. 

I took my bike to the local shop and they tore my whole engine apart and found out a connecting rod wore down so bad that it broke and it damaged some bearings in one of my cylinders. I had the bike for 1 year and 2 months, about 13,500 miles on it. They told me there was only a quart of oil in the engine when they took it apart...??? I change my oil every 3000 and even make sure its full?? 

Luckily Suzuki payed all 1500 dollars worth of parts including rods, pistons, crankshaft, bearings, etc.  Suzuki however did NOT pay the 900 dollars for labor the bastards. 

Currently my bike runs fine and smooth however after riding it, there was a minor leak of oil on the crankcase cover next to the rear brake pedal. I took it back and they re-sealed it with some goo. The mechanic told me that the SV's  O-ring on that plastic cover is designed poorly. It is very thin and doesn't seat well...TL's used to have the same problem. Now my bike runs fine but after going through this whole thing, I ended up with my SV after 2 weeks of waiting which sucked and now I'm 900 dollars poorer than before. 

Just shows how Suzuki likes to screw people by not paying for labor for a problem which was their fault. Sorry to hear the bad news and how Suzuki treated you...if it's any consolation I expect we would all suffer in the same way...hopefully though I won't have to find out.

I've just renewed my insurance on my SV. When I bought the bike, I bought the insurance as well. It was brokered by Motorcycle City, and the policy was supplied by Norwich Union. It cost me 280 UKP.

The renewal would have cost me 230 UKP, I guess that it had dropped because of another years no claims and the fact that I'm now 35. I happened to see an advert in Bike magazine for Bennetts web site doing on line quotes. I filled in the web form and got their quote and paperwork. They wanted 150 UKP for the same cover. So I went for it. The final policy came through today, and it's supplied by Norwich Union.

How come NU via Mc City is 80 quid more expensive than NU via Bennetts? because M/C see it as an additional revenue to their core business of selling bikes whereas Bennetts core business is brokering insurance and therefore they must be more competitive?? Doesn't actually explain why though I agree...

I guess that the moral of the story is to Shop Around. yes

Kevin, perhaps this is another FAQ that you could set up? Keep a list of people's details (age, NCD, approx. location, no names, otherwise you'll run into the data protection act) and what they paid and with who, so that other people can judge the going rate for themselves. Although it's very UK'centric I will post the data if people send it. 

I've heard the same rumors Brett has and funny how they haven't changed in over 40 years of riding. Different bikes; same problems, yada, yada, blah, blah. The rumor mill is indeed well oiled and still running smoothly.

Brett, you've answered your own question and Kevin's told you as well. RACING and all the hoonin' about you'll do in a life time are chalk and cheese! I'd love to hear from some experienced racers, but I'll bet if a race engine ever sees below 6000 rpm you're dead last! Break parts? HELL YES!!

The best advice then?
Pull on your helmet and go for a ride!
DON'T listen to your cam chains.
DON'T listen to your forks clunk when you hit a bump.
DON'T worry if you've got a bit of tarnish.
DON'T worry that if it breaks Suzuki will give a crap or you'll be sorely disappointed

Ride the thing and pretend you're Foggy with yer ass on fire! It's man-made and mechanical...if it breaks, it can be fixed!
Ride the bike for what it does for your soul and not as if it's irreplaceable art.
Certainly, maintain the machine in top condition but, once your on it...forget the thing is under you and just...ride!

Don't know if you show horror pics, but here's why I missed the ride out. OK...I accept...it is a pretty good excuse...

While driving into night shift alongside the Gareloch, I was taken out by a suicidal Bambi leaping from the bushes. Luckily it was only a small(ish) deer but it still took me straight down with a bit of a slide up the road. Apart from damaged ribs and some general bumps and bruises I'm in one piece, but my insurance company is worse off to the tune of £2500, major items being front wheel, fairing, radiator and exhaust along with sundry other bits and bobs. Still waiting for the wheel and getting very impatient 
to get back on. Perhaps I'll make it next year......

Image 1

I've just got the July issue of BiKE magazine (here in the UKL) with the SVS, Fazer, Bandit, Hornet test. I will post this information on the main page but until then there is this summary.... 

Overall results of testers: 

1st Fazer - score 80/100 - 81bhp 
2nd Hornet - score 77/100 - 82bhp 
3rd SVS - score 76/100 - 65bhp 
4th Bandit - score 68/100 - 68bhp 

Plus points of the SVS: 
sportiest looking, best colour scheme, best midrange, best chassis and suspension, lightest bike, smallest physically but did not feel it, best grab rail, easy to wheelie (if that's a plus point!?) 

Minus points of the SVS: 
signs of corrosion on exhaust, separate pillion seat felt too small therefore classed worst for larger pillion, brakes not as good as the Fazer (see previous forum posting from a few days ago), lack of power (see above figures). 

Overall comment: 
The SVS was the only twin in the test. The lack of power compared to the others was evident although the chassis/suspension was rated best (just above the Fazer). All liked the styling. It was agreed that in standard form the exhaust note is too quiet and doesn't sound like a 'proper' v-twin. There was not much to choose between the Hornet and SVS, the Hornet just scraping it by being more comfy two-up. The SVS was acknowledged as being best in the twisties and was classed as a superb bike, biased towards the sporty part of the naked middleweight spectrum. 

My reaction to the test: 
Reading the details was pretty much how I expected the results to be. One of the testers liked v-twins and therefore placed the SVS first in his list, the others complained of lack of top end power and went for the Fazer/Hornet. All liked the midrange punch out of corners and the sporty feel. It was accepted that there was room to improve the front suspension and fit another can/system and that the suspension on all the bikes was compromised in the name of cost cutting. All in all no surprises. The SVS is a cheap, fun, non-threatening, great handling, good stopping, fantastic looking v-twin middleweight that does have some minus points which can be addressed by throwing some money at it. If you choose not to do that then the SV (both models) are still great bikes that you will have *fun* on and is practical too....but then
again we all knew that anyway! 

Some figures: 

Top Speed (mph) - 123 
0-60 (secs) - 4.70 
0-100 (secs) - 11.0 
0-130 or max (secs) - 24.24 
Braking 70-0 (secs) - 4.18 
0-100-0 (secs) - 18.04 
Fuel Consumption - 45 miles per gallon 
Weight - 169kg 
Power - 65.3bhp (which seems less than normal?) 

I like BiKE magazine and it's now even more glossy and well designed (in my opinion) after recent changes. If anyone can't find a copy in the shop call 01733 324324 (or +44 1733 324324 if outside UK) and ask for Sales Ops. For subscriptions email subs@ecm.emap.com (12 issues in UK - £38.40). The magazine has some good pictures (and no, I'm not going to scan them, I'm probably infringing copyright by using the figures above as it is).

For any comments and views from readers see the Forum.

Just taken the 'Busa back !My butt was so tightly puckered, I think I've put a permanent crease in the seat !! I don't think that I've ever been so scared/excited in my whole life, and that getting back onto my SV would be a real big anti-climax.  Couldn't have been further from the truth. 

I went from just about hanging on the back of a monster, to being totally involved with a sweet handling, agile, lightweight riders machine. I enjoyed the Hayabusa experience, and would recommend it to anyone, but I'm glad to be back on one I can handle.

p.s. 120 mph in 2nd gear............  lol. I know I said I was not going to post general chit-chat on the this page but Stuart made me laugh and it's well to remember that maybe the SV is not as fast as a lot of other modern bikes but speed isn't everything (especially in the UK where the anti-speed lobby are gaining more and more influence in all matters, not just where it's an issue of safety). 

http://www.jhsracing.co.uk/  is the site for James Holland UK - racing parts

I don't know how many of you are on the SV emailer list, but I've heard a couple stories that seem disturbing. 

Most of the subscribers are racers - there have been 6 cases where the engine in the SV has detonated and blew the motor. There are theories on the cam chain tensioner, theories on stretched rods, some based on weak stock valve springs. 

What I'm asking everyone who avidly reads this website as I do - Have you heard of / experienced any engine problems that resulted in a blown motor or serious damage? I have heard of none and sustained very high rpm that is experienced within racing is not usually duplicated under normal road conditions hence I hope the answer is that there have not been blown engines as a result of non-race track action....we'll see..

I have a 99' model that was made in December of 98, which exempts me from the recall ( Another theory....) I just hope old reliable doesn't have a time bomb in the case, especially since my 1year warranty comes to term this month!  you get 2 years warranty with the SV, you do in the UK anyway. 

I've fitted a pair of the Tingate bars, which are very well made and seem to work out surprisingly well. The brake hose is a tad short, so I bent (ie. butchered) the end fittings to give a better angle, so that was OK, but I think I will get a new hose made up. I did a bit of a rush job, since I wanted the bike ready for a rally this weekend.

The bars make the bike feel a lot lighter to push around and easier to chuck around the street. It's also much more comfortable with a bit less strain on my lower back. It also makes it easier to sit up above the buffetting off the fairing, although I intend eventually getting a higher screen. 

I managed to get clearance to the tank and fairing, but it is a very tight squeeze, and like you say, I think a drop on its side will kill the tank. The standard bars have a locating bolt to stop the bars rotating, but I reckon a fall would bend the aluminum bars anyway. Moral of the story - don't drop it! Other mods include cutting off the switchgear locating knobs, chamfering the clutch and brake lever mounts near the bar welds to keep the bars as narrow as possible. The biggest problem for me was 
that I had to bend the steel tube on the end of the clutch cable to clear the top yoke. I managed to do it with a pipe bender, but it wasn't easy. I've done away with the bar end weights, but there doesn't seem to be any increase in vibration. If anything, it seems smoother. Maybe the weights are there to dampen (or amplify?) tank slappers. There's one way to  find out....

In all, it only took me a few hours and I think it's a worthwhile mod since we can't get the naked SV in OZ, and it doesn't seem to detract from its appearance. I'll send photos when I get the chance. 

Also remember that exhaust, tyre, for sale and fairing questions and comments will not be cross posted in 'Current Datahere so check out the other sections too.  

Kevin.

I still love your site and do my best to keep updated. But i have a problem accessing the archive. I use Opera as my web-browser and when i select a month, and press 'Go'  I end up with the same page again.(the month selection page)

I hope you care ;-)

P.S. I'd rather swap my SV for a Virago than start using MSIE !!!  and me...I use Netscape Communicator...

Sorry to have caused this problem by using a javascript drop down menu.....of course I care! As I always name the monthly archives in the same format then to see April 200 simply uses 'sv_apr00.htm' and for august 1999 use 'sv_aug99.htm' (I think). The file used for the current data will also now be in the sv_mmmyy.htm format but you should be able to see that OK.

So, in summary, don't use thre drop down menu if your browser doesn't support it, simply enter:

http://www.sv650.org/sv_mmmyy.htm (where mmm = month and yy = 00, 01 etc)

This weeks MCN had a buyers guide for the SV.

I think that they got some information wrong! Apparently the air filter is under the seat, and the rear spark plug is buried under the airbox! It also states that the camchain adjusters are automatic, and give no problems!

They must have changed all of this on my '00 SVS! ;-)  well.....there's nothing like accurate reporting and this sounds nothing like accurate reporting!!   how can you get the location of the airbox so wrong??

I've tried to look up the posting of Scott in the new 'forums' but have not found it, therefore I'm sending this by e-mail, hope you don't mind.

I think I've got a solution for Scott, who feels that the SV is too small for him to ride. Well Scott: I'm 2m3cm (6'8" if i'm right) and the SV fits me nicely. OK, after doing some mods that is. I moved the footrests back by some 6cm, and replaced the standard steer by an Italian 5 piece steer as used on Laverda triples in the eighties, also turned the steer-clamp on the upper fork-yoke by 180degrees. Together this resulted in a 10cm lowered and moved forward position of the steer.

I don't have a photo of my bike showing the result, but i've included a 'before' and 'after' pic of an SV I made on my computer before actually doing the mods.

Also I've included a drawing of the "rear-sets" I made (need two of them) out of 10mm stainless steel. (I know : overkill, but this material was available) BTW: sizes are in mm.Take off the original footpeg-sets from the frame, mount the home-made plates, then bolt the original set onto the SS plates. You will need an extended shift lever, and I've dropped the rear brake-light switch (don't use the rear brake anyway).Doesn't look professional, but works fine, and costs of are minimal.

PS: just received my BOS oval alu-sport exhaust system, still need to mount it, looking forward (a lot) to hearing and feeling the result, will also try the shim-'tric' in the carbs. I'll keep you posted.

Before Image / After Image

http://www.bikeguru.fsnet.co.uk

Brian from Tennessee here again. I was riding the other day and my friend took pics of me at 70mph. Here they are.... I didn't make it to Deals Gap this past weekend because the weather was so bad, but as I was driving back down from Ohio last night I saw about 100 bikes, they were probably coming back from the gap. I did go down there last week and I was riding with a Y2k R1, a Zx11 and a new black bird and because of the roads and how tight the curves are I dusted all of them. All they saw was my exhaust all day.

Sure they would catch up to me on the straits, but by the time they would get near me I was laying the bike over for another corner. It felt so good. I had a good time beating them. They thought I was some superbike racer or something, but the bike is so light and has so much low power that I was the man, well maybe for about 20 minutes. 

When we got to the end one of the guys said to me "Do you have your break lights disconnected?" All I said was "it's all about the rider" Just kidding, but the stopping power of the V twin is great..... I thought you guys and gals would like these pics.

Image 1      Image 2

http://www.sv650.org/pic3/page7.htm

http://www.sv650.org/moto2.JPG

I am an avid SVlover, extremely interested in the fender eliminators shown above. Do you know if they are the same and where they may be purchased. Unfortunatly we (brits in the states) dont have the same resources, I had a hard enough time getting a SV650S! All assistance is greatly appreciated and would be passed on to the other sv riders I know. thanks

Next Site | Skip Next Site | Random Site | Previous Site | Skip Previous Site
For information on the Suzuki web ring, click here.