Archive 2

COMMENTS AND INFO

"Glad to hear that you finally got hold of the SV, with a bit of luck the weather should be ok for running it in. I saw on your site that you had a couple of questions about the bike:

The lights are different for the UK market - both are on together - somewhere in the manual it says what countries have single lights for low and high beam.

The seat is firm and seems too hard for the first 50 or so miles of a trip and then is just right for a full tank (150 miles without being a problem) and you can just get straight back on after filling up.

The gearbox was a little clunky on mine to start with, especially when it got hot (no false nutrals but sometimes it wouldn't change gear) but this disappeared once it was run in - it is also worth putting some grease on the gear change linkages.

I have also found that the problem I had with the slight weave on corners has been cured by softening the rear suspension one notch (half way between the standard for the SV and the S) so if you have the same trouble (depends on how many big mac's you eat!) (I eat loads!!) it is worth trying. I tried to stifen it up a couple of notches first but it made the bike very twitchy.

Jock"

Headlights - I guessed it must be a country set-up thing when Laurent said below he only has one headlight lit - you'd have thought by now that Europe would be one large common market with equal regulations (and prices!!).......

"First, sorry for my bad English : I'm french but I hope that the SV650 owners will understand me anymay... I haven't read any french comment on your site... Am I the only french happy SV650 rider ??? Eh oh, les
"Frenchies", on se réveille !!!

For the moment, I haven't enough time to write a complete comment on my own SV650S (a black one) and I'll try to do it later (some interesting things to say...). But I've 2 answers to your lastest post :

1) At the beginning, I met the same troubles with neutral points between 5th and 6th but now (1300 km) everything seems to be OK except that 1st is still hard to get from 'normal' neutral point.

2) On my SV650S (a French so European one), only one front light is on (the left one) but I'd prefer the both on at the same time...

That's all for the moment. Your site is very helpfull ! I'll post another mail as soon as possible...

Bye."

"I now have 1300 miles on mine and the motor has started to loosen up some and I have begun to run it up to redline. Wow, does this bike pull hard at the top end! I don't have any problem with the tires, but then I'm in So. Calif where it's not been below 65deg.

I changed the mirrors for a set of aftermarket rectangular ones. I also changed the bars for a set that are about 1-1/2" wider on each side. Together the combo allows good rear view. I did have to replace the front
brake hose to do it though as the stock one was 3" too short. I've also lost that grab rail that I think is so ugly on such a good looking bike.

The initial fuel mileage was between 40 and 42MPG, but now that I can use the motor harder it has dropped to 38-39MPG. That's the price to pay for the performance. the motor was at first a bit noisy [rattles, tapping,
growls] but now has quieted down considerably. (yes, it is a bit noisy and others have confirmed this too - good to know it quietens down)

Has anybody done an exhaust can only change? This motor should sound great through a un-noise challenged muffler.

Does anyone know what the alternator output is? I'd like to put a high power headlight lamp in but don't want to overload the system.

I'm really looking forward to this summer and the chance to do some Duc hunting, this bike is the perfect weapon for it! Anybody in the L.A. area wanting to ride please e-mail me off list to get together."

It looks stunning in the flesh, sounds great (if quiet) with standard can and riding position is more comfortable than my previous CB500S although the seat is harder and, I expect, not too comfortable for longer runs. The gear change is standard Suzuki slick although I have found a few false neturals between 5th and 6th, I'll adjust the chain and see if that helps, it's probably just me getting used to the new bike.

Handling is a revelation, the bike tips in with a slight push on the bars and inspires confidence.

I've bought some Oxford panniers and the attaching device fits okay under the pillion seat but does push the soft luggage into the rear indicators.

I've covered the starter motor in grease in an attempt to stave off deterioration of the finish but I expect to fight a losing battle! I saw some pictures of the bike launch in Teneriffe where only one of the headlights was on while the other was off. On my UK model both lights come on together and go off together. Is this a Europe only thing - just wondered?

I'll update again when I've got more miles down (100 only so far).    Kevin.

23/03/99 - I'm getting definite surging between 3000-5000rpm, especially when going more slowly (town work). You can feel the bike 'twitching' as if it pulls a little then backs off, it does this rapidly and the ride is not smooth. There is no other problem and the engine pulls hard and instant when asked to do so.

Is this an ignition or carb balancing problem? I'll get dealer to investigate at first service.  Kevin.

29/03/99 - I adjusted and greased the gear linkages and cleaned and lubed the chain and now get no false neutrals. did 70 miles in dark the other night, lights are good and give a wide spread of light. I would like more penetration on main beam. Anyone know max wattage of bulb it will take before risking damage to wiring?

"My initial impressions are that the bike is really comfortable, the mirrors are vibration free, the left one has a clear view, and the right has a hell of a view of my shoulder! That's OK though. There seems to be a little slop in the driveline but it might just be at matter of getting used to the feel of it.

I can sense the power waiting to be used but I can't wind her up for 500 miles and it's killing me. I had it up to 70 (which is about the limit staying under 5000 rpm) and it was very smooth. It only felt like I was doing around 50. I rode a friend's 1982 Suzuki gs550 and just doing 60 felt way to fast. He's giving me some grief because he's now a Harley man, but I'm very happy with what I bought.

The blue is fantastic. It has some metallic in the paint, which looks very nice. The red is just solid. I'll update you when I get some more riding time under my belt".

"I managed to get out on mine on a WARM DRY day for a change, I suppose that was summer! I've Just increased the preload on the back end as I found it was pogoing when I was right over in 70ish corners,
this is probably down to the lump of lard on top rather than any problem with the bike!

The engine is still improving and the top-end (RPM) tightness is starting to go now it has done 1200 miles.

The tyres are the only real complaint I have - I don't know if anyone else has changed theirs for something sticker - if they have found something that suits the bike it would be good to know".

"I have sold my VTR1000 to get started into road racing. I have purchased a Yellow Canadian model SV650SX from a dealer in Ontario, Canada. I friend from Buffalo,NY USA will be road racing a US model and we began to talk. He works at a Suzuki dealer and the technicians have just come back from training on the SV and were told the US model has a higher output engine than the Canadian model. I wonder if there is some truth to this rumor?? I would have thought the motors were identical. I have heard the Canadian SX model will have a
close ratio gearbox also. The obvious Canadian model differences from the US model are:

1) TL1000 style front fairing
2) Clip-on handlebars
3) Gauge panel similar to TL1000
4) Higher rearset peg height (about 3/4" to 1")

He has found several compatible parts from late model GSXR600s. We will probably approach Penske or Ohlins for rear shocks. If any one knows more about the differences in Canadian models to US models, put up on the site.

Thanks,
Mike Faville"

"Just thought I'd let everyone know that the fuel light appears to be quite acurate. I ran mine from a full tank and after doing about 155 miles the light came on solid, I filled up and it took just over 14.5 litres to fill up. So that means that it had just under 1.5 litres left.

I don't think 48mpg is too bad."

James - you got 155 miles before the light came on, I take it this is running in milage because I wouldn't have thought you'd get that many miles during 'normal' riding once past the run-in period? Let me know if you can...thanks.

"I was just checking your site for updates. Saw some of the questions  and thought I'd answer a few:
(questions from Chris)

The gearbox is wonderful. I've had a Bandit 1200 and it was nice, but this one is smooth, does that nice snick-into-gear that Suzuki has a good reputation for. As for finding neutral at lights instead of first, I
haven't had any more problems than I did on the B12 or on the Seca that I had before it.

Is it any good for women? I'm 5'6", with a 33" inseam, my husband is about an inch taller and has about a 31" inseam. I can flat-foot it, he can't.
I'd say any woman over 5'4" should be able to handle it readily, but for women under 5'4" and guys under 5'6", it's a comfort zone thing. Chris, your wife will love this bike. It's great, easy to handle. One reason
that I got it to replace the B12 is because the B12 required WORK at times. This bike is easy and very confidence-inspiring. Buy one for each of you.

What we've been doing with my bike:

Current Status: It's past break-in (over 700 miles). It is nice at 6000rpm, but at 7000 it starts to really pull and just floats along. It really does practically steer itself, not to mention that it loves to go over at a wonderful angle into turns. And that V-twin is a girl's best friend from 7000 to redline.

I've ridden it the last few Saturdays. On the 27th, we rode 160 miles. At about 40 miles, my butt said "what is this hard seat thing??", but it went away after about 10 miles. It was wonderful, I kept it above 6000 most of
the time. I've had it over pretty well before that, but I got the tires over quite respectably during this ride. LOTS of bugs became a semi-permanent part of my jacket and helmet during the trip.

On March 6, we rode over 100 miles, harder than the week before because Martyn didn't have a passenger on the Guzzi. Lovely bike. BUT...it was a very very windy day. Whenever we went through a break in the trees where there was a crosswind, the bike scooted from the light weight and the wind.
The tires weren't phased by the wind, but it rattled me at first. Same issue with the seat at about 40 miles, but it went away again. I definitely need a fairing, tho, bracing against the wind made my arms sore
for a couple hours afterward (went away that night).

We're going to the Blue Ridge's in April, I should be doing at least one good-length ride a weekend until then, and whenever else I get a chance to ride.

Also:

The Suzuki-brand SV Tank Bra is in. I've got one. It's cut so the "Suzuki" on the tank is not covered, and looks pretty good. It was an easy fit, too. It's black, with an embossed SV on it.

Sharon"

"It may not have the groin-grabbing get-up-and-go of the four-cylinder multis, but it wins hands down when it comes to handling and looks"

"While the SV is not as fast as the Fazer or Hornet, its turn of speed is still more than adequate on the road and the 90-degree Vee's low-rev thud is an enticing alternative"

"The Suzuki's handling scores high marks. It turns and tracks through corners with the agility of a race replica...On the twisting roads of Tenerife, where the SV was launched, it was light and flickable"

He also said there is a hint of vibration through the seat at top speed(125mph) but hey, it's good for your circulation.

I wouldn't be too bothered about vibration at 125mph - concentrating on not hitting anything would be higher up my list of priorities!!

"I just picked up the newest (April) issue of Motorcyclist magazine and they did a small review of the SV650. I'll give you a couple of quotes the writer had on the bike. Basically, in a test ride, the author (Gregory V.   Mcquide) said

"I flicked Suzuki's new for 99 v-twin SV650 up a tight mountain road and watched its big brother- a TL 1000R - fall farther and farther behind in my mirrors. Where the big bike tiptoed cautiously, the sv650 screamed away at 10,000 rpm and never looked back".

As far as the mirrors go, the author thought they were slightly cheesy looking but well placed and buzz free.

Overall, the magazine review had nothing but good to say about the bike. In another paragraph the author states,

"Midrange is not this v-twin's strong point; cracking the throttle open below 7000 rpm produces usable but less than exciting acceleration. Keep it spinning between 7000 and the 10,500 rpm red-limiter, however, and the SV leaps forward like a rabid terrier, snapping up cars, cruisers, and bits of road like ratty rubber chew toys"

Cool... I'll keep you posted when I pick mine up.

Mark"

Thanks for that Mark.

"Hi Kev,

Managed to make the trip (528 miles there and back) on Thursday / Friday - still chipping off the ice!!!!

The bike went well on the Thursday cruising at 80 (ish) into a strong headwind with no problems. I fitted a Scottoiler just before I set off - I couldn't find anywhere decent to put it as I was a bit pushed for time so it has ended up under the pillion seat, if anyone knows a better place to put it (keep it clean!) then let me know.

The trip back on the Friday was a bit of a nightmare as it rained, snowed or hailed for the first 170 odd miles and managed to freeze bits I didn't know I had! The SV had it's first problem with carb-icing (or at least I think it was that - it may have been salt/crap & water in the electric's) after about 100 miles of grief. This wasn't a
problem if you kept it above 3000 rpm but made starting difficult and it would lose a cylinder if you dropped it below that making the slow speed stuff difficult.

The symptoms disappeared once it had dried out / warmed up a bit. The fairing was a godsend as once above 75 it manages to keep the wind off your hands and at least some of the worst of the wet stuff away from the rest of you (feet excluded). The radiator pipe is also a good hand warmer!

Running in is now out of the way and the engine seems to have enough go in it for loads of laughs once things dry out. I have only managed to get out on it a couple of times when it's been dry and it certainly goes round the twisties with no trouble. The finish on the rest of the bike is holding up at the moment although
the road salt and the tank bag have managed to scuff the paintwork (BUM) so I will have to do something about that.

Jock."

"My name is Nick Walther from Holland and just started riding my new motorcycle
Ive stopped riding 6 years ago cose family planning and bought a house, so no room or
finances to keep riding. But now when everything is stabilised, i bought me a SV 650 S
in the color blue, i really like the looks of and and it drives great.
I'm still breaking it in and have about 350 kms on the clock, due to bad weather i'm not riding as much as i would.

I'm thinking of some small modifications on the bike, like a race muffler (hope i don't get trouble with my neighbours), a cover on the duo seat, placing smaller turnlights and removing the grabend.

I would like to ask if anyone knows if there exist a muffler for under the seat (Ducati like)
cose i would like that really much, if it is technicaly possible of course.

A digital design I've made will i send with this mail, hope you like it, but i will understand that some people
hate it

Please forgive me for the bad grammar and spelling, my english isn't that much.
Great site, keep on doing the good work and i will send you some photo's when I've made some.
Nice to see other SV owners over the world who enjoy this great machine."

See that design here (177K)!!

LOWER FAIRING (right hand):

FRONT INDICATOR (right hand):

FRONT BRAKE LEVER:

MIROR (right hand):

SILENCER:

£92.94

£24.71

£30.34

£41.21

£543.26

STANDING 1/4 MILE:

FUEL CONSUMPTION - AVERAGE:

FUEL CONSUMPTION - BEST:

FUEL CONSUMPTION - RIDDEN HARD:

TANK RANGE:

13.2s @ 109mph

38mpg

44mpg

32mpg

133miles

"Just thought I would let you have my latest findings:

The MEZ4's are completely useless when cold! I have dropped 3psi out of the front tyre in the hope that the extra movement would generate extra heat and it has helped a bit but you have to be VERY careful with them until they are warm as they don't give much feedback. I will probably change the front for a MEZ3 shortly (unless the weather improves!) as the 4 is more a sports touring tyre than a sports and I don't think the SV has enough weight to work it hard when the ambient temp is low. The back is fine as it does manage to get some heat during normal running.

The general finish is fine but a couple of areas are suffering on mine:

The starter motor case,
the rear wheel adjustment plates.

The finish on these is very thin and seems to disappear in about 30 secs! I have covered them in grease for now but will look around for a better solution.

The engine is just getting better and better as the miles add up and the gearchange problems have almost gone altogether, this only happens now when the engine is hot (i.e. if you have to wait at roadwork's etc.) and as soon as it is back to normal it is fine.

I am planning on doing a 600 mile trip next Thursday so I'll let you know how it goes (that should finish off the running in - HOOORAAAAAAAY!!!!) and how comfy it is over longish trips.

Cheers"

"It is necessary for the site to generate less than 25Mbytes of data transfer to non-Demon hosts every day during the last 7 days of a calendar month. If your site was moved during the last 7 days of this month, then next month will be used for this calculation. When your usage does drop in this way, your site will be automatically moved back on the first day of the next month".

I do not pay for dedicated web space with Demon and can not offord to do so. I will try to resolve this situation and will keep you updated.

I also plan to redesign the web when I have some spare time so that it appears more professional and slightly less "home-brew" (which it is!!). If you have any ideas or suggestions for the revised web please let me know.

Thanks,

Kevin.

"I complained to Suzuki that we ain't got the SV650 in California ... their reply was delay is always occasioned by having to fit California specified EPA components to the "SV650X". You may want to include this new designation in your searches.

I think they're deliberately confusing the issue because there's been a humongous outcry, "Why can't we have the fairing in the USA"?

They do say "Most Suzuki dealers across the United States have already received the allocated shipments of the SV650X," so the X is not just California, or they're really SNAFU'd.

I think I'll wait a year myself"

"Here is some more info that I have been sending out to interested parties:

The bike is great! And there was almost no trouble getting it into the US.
All that is needed is a letter from Suzuki Canada stating that it meets all DOT and EPA regs, which it does. The letter must state the VIN # of the particular bike. Just have the dealer pre-arrange it.

The Canadian models are the SV650S, with the fairing, clip-ons, rear-sets, and remote master cylinder. The paper work allows licensing the bike in the US but, you will have to pay sales tax when you do. However, there is no duty on bikes below 700cc!

The bike is very smooth and feels powerful, though I haven't revved it much yet. It handles great and the seat is very comfortable. I just heard that one dynoed at 69hp at the rear wheel! I would hurry though, the dealer
said they were already sold out through March.

Best regards"

"You asked several questions about the sv650s on your website. Here is some
more info.

- running in period is: stay below 5000rpm for the first 800km then stay under 8000rpm for the next 800km. First service at 1000km and then each 6000km.

- seat is reasonably comfortable. I've been riding for six hours today and that was ok. You can change position and that helps a lot.

- The bike is rather small and feels a bit like a toy bike. But it has lots of power and is very easy to handle. Lots of fun to ride.

- mirrors are large but not very useful since they are too close to the center of the bike. I cannot see the cars right behind me and that worries me a bit.

- For now fuel consumption is about 5 litres per 100km. But that's for the first 650 km so that hardly counts.

- There is no gas valve/gauge/whateveryoucallit. You have to trust the yellow light that starts flasing when you have 3.5 litres left and stays lit when there is only 1.5 litre left.

- I've got an alarm build in in the storage compartment. That leaves only room for the manual (paperback size) and the toolkit. Not much.

- Side stand is no problem, bike won't start when sidestand is out.

- Last remark, the bike really looks gorgeous and has a beautiful sound. Everyone loves it.



-Maarten"

It's a pity to hear the mirrors are not much use. I'm 6' 1" and have trouble with my CB500S mirrors at the moment, seems like I can expect worse to come.....

"Thanks for your site. It helped me quite a bit with my decision to buy an SV650. I have had mine for about two weeks. It is red and appears to be a great bike. This is my first real bike and fits my 5'4" frame like a glove. It handles really well and looks awesome. Haven't gone fast due to break-in period but I can sense power just waiting to be unleashed. For those interested this is the break-in schedule for the bike:

Initial 800 km (500 miles) Below 5000 r/min
Up to 1600 km (1000 miles) Below 8000 r/min
Over 1600 km (1000 miles) Below 10500 r/min

Thanks"