Discussion
moanthebairns said:
always liked them fully faired, really like the sv1000, yum
yes that guy does look like me trying to do a jobby whilst on co-codamol
It sounds strange but I hated the sv1000 after loving this shaped 650. The 650 was really fun, handled relatively well and would catch 600cc inline 4 sports bikes out if they weren't properly in their power band. It did run out of steam quite quick but for a road bike it was a cracking little motor. It was comfy too. Due to this when I was looking at a 2nd bike I took my friends sv1000 to Whitby and back naturally assuming bigger engine must be better.... It was horrible. It felt really top heavy so it seemed to fall into corners, the extra power didn't feel a massive step up from the 650 and the riding position seemed different, for the worse. My wrists were broken after about 30 miles and that's after jumping off my gsxr 1000 at the time. yes that guy does look like me trying to do a jobby whilst on co-codamol
I wanted to like and buy the bike so much as I love the look of them but I just really didn't gel with them.
The 650 though I still love and would have one like the op's for a bit of fun.
Nice looking bike OP
Thanks for the advice guys, will take it on board.
Not been able to get out on it as much as I would have liked - 450 exclusively motorway miles doesn't count - so still looking forward to a proper ride out on it!
I am really enjoying it though; it's nice to have the presence and poke of a 'proper sized' bike. It's very fun on a deserted motorway in the small hours
Brakes becoming a non-issue now as I rely more on engine braking.
Not been able to get out on it as much as I would have liked - 450 exclusively motorway miles doesn't count - so still looking forward to a proper ride out on it!
I am really enjoying it though; it's nice to have the presence and poke of a 'proper sized' bike. It's very fun on a deserted motorway in the small hours
Brakes becoming a non-issue now as I rely more on engine braking.
The standard SV brakes aren't particularly great to be honest, at least compared to sports bikes made in the last 15 years.
A decent set of sintered pads (i.e. not counterfeit Goldfrens from eBay) makes a big improvement, and a set of braided lines will give a more solid feel to lever. It's worth checking out the calipers anyway, they are quite prone to seizing pistons if they've been used during winter etc.
You can get get conversion brackets to mount a set of four pot Tokico or Nissin calipers if you feel the need.
Apart from the brakes the single biggest improvement you can make to an SV650 is the suspension. Uprated springs and cartridge emulators for the front and a decent aftermarket shock or a 06/07 Kawasaki ZX10R rear shock will transform the bikes handling.
A decent set of sintered pads (i.e. not counterfeit Goldfrens from eBay) makes a big improvement, and a set of braided lines will give a more solid feel to lever. It's worth checking out the calipers anyway, they are quite prone to seizing pistons if they've been used during winter etc.
You can get get conversion brackets to mount a set of four pot Tokico or Nissin calipers if you feel the need.
Apart from the brakes the single biggest improvement you can make to an SV650 is the suspension. Uprated springs and cartridge emulators for the front and a decent aftermarket shock or a 06/07 Kawasaki ZX10R rear shock will transform the bikes handling.
With entry-sports bikes this age the in 2000 era (SVs probably use brakes from a 90s sports bike, I'd guess) the brakes are probably still pretty strong, but lacking in feel compared to the newer stuff. The brakes on my GSX-R feel a bit vague compared to the newer bikes I learned on, but they're more than capable of easily locking the wheels, or doing a stoppie, they just need a harder squeeze than you might expect. The newer bikes I've found to be much more feelsome, particular on lighter to mid braking loads, where you're shaving off speed rather than hauling the anchors on. I would imagine DG's SV has a lot more braking performance than he is aware of, but the recommendation of sintered pads and braided hoses is a good one, more feel never hurts.
Going to be watching this thread with interest. Congrats DG!
I'm enjoying my Nin 250. It's unbelievably good at filtering through small gaps. That said, I have been tempted by both the SV650 as well as the new RC390...
DG, any tips/experiences to share on moving up from a 'fast' 250 to a 'slow' 650?
I'm enjoying my Nin 250. It's unbelievably good at filtering through small gaps. That said, I have been tempted by both the SV650 as well as the new RC390...
DG, any tips/experiences to share on moving up from a 'fast' 250 to a 'slow' 650?
.blue said:
DG, any tips/experiences to share on moving up from a 'fast' 250 to a 'slow' 650?
More than double the power and three times the torque means it's a far quicker machine than the 250 Ninja, though it does have around 30kg more to drag around so it probably won't feel as nimble. They are easy to ride though and a lot of fun..blue said:
Going to be watching this thread with interest. Congrats DG!
I'm enjoying my Nin 250. It's unbelievably good at filtering through small gaps. That said, I have been tempted by both the SV650 as well as the new RC390...
DG, any tips/experiences to share on moving up from a 'fast' 250 to a 'slow' 650?
Thank you. I would definitely recommend moving up.I'm enjoying my Nin 250. It's unbelievably good at filtering through small gaps. That said, I have been tempted by both the SV650 as well as the new RC390...
DG, any tips/experiences to share on moving up from a 'fast' 250 to a 'slow' 650?
Positive:
- As above, although by no means a fast bike (far from it), 2x power and 3x torque means that if you are not in the mood, you can just get home without much fuss, without the need to rag the tits off it. Conversely, when you are in the mood, you can make a hell of a lot better progress and perform more overtakes. Indicated 140+ is achievable on private roads, compared to my best of 112 on the Ninja, also on a long private road.
- The rear shock on my Ninja was a bit f
ked, so this was always going to be a step up, but it is still a lot more plush. Having said that, it does like to stand up if you hit a bump mid-bend. This may be due to suspension requiring a refresh.- The controls - most notably the gear lever and brakes - feel a lot more 'chunky' and positive in feel. Maybe it is just me, but ergonomically, the SV works better and isn't designed for midgets. It's a proper sized bike. Due to having long legs, I was never quite happy with the position of the gear lever on the 250 even at its lowest settings, whereas it felt instantly right on the SV with no adjustment.
- The rear tyre is actually of normal width.
- About double the storage space. Now room for a bottle of water AND a disc lock, not either/or.
Negative
- It is certainly less manoeuvrable in very heavy London traffic. I would say for normal filtering, it is just as good, if fractionally wider. Only in heavy traffic where you sometimes have to go perpendicular to the traffic flow direction to get past cars, does the smaller steering lock hold you back relative to the 250.
- It uses more fuel. Dur. But we're talking a change from ~65mpg to ~57.
Aside from that, I need to get used to not just grabbing a fistful of throttle as you can on the 250 - on the SV, it performs a simultaneous wheelie/wheelspin, which can be unexpected. There's also a bit more engine braking.
Other than that, do it. You may find the insurance actually cheaper.
Happy to answer any other questions.
Deranged Granny said:
Thank you. I would definitely recommend moving up.
Positive:
- As above, although by no means a fast bike (far from it), 2x power and 3x torque means that if you are not in the mood, you can just get home without much fuss, without the need to rag the tits off it. Conversely, when you are in the mood, you can make a hell of a lot better progress and perform more overtakes. Indicated 140+ is achievable on private roads, compared to my best of 112 on the Ninja, also on a long private road.
- The rear shock on my Ninja was a bit fked, so this was always going to be a step up, but it is still a lot more plush. Having said that, it does like to stand up if you hit a bump mid-bend. This may be due to suspension requiring a refresh.
- The controls - most notably the gear lever and brakes - feel a lot more 'chunky' and positive in feel. Maybe it is just me, but ergonomically, the SV works better and isn't designed for midgets. It's a proper sized bike. Due to having long legs, I was never quite happy with the position of the gear lever on the 250 even at its lowest settings, whereas it felt instantly right on the SV with no adjustment.
- The rear tyre is actually of normal width.
- About double the storage space. Now room for a bottle of water AND a disc lock, not either/or.
Negative
- It is certainly less manoeuvrable in very heavy London traffic. I would say for normal filtering, it is just as good, if fractionally wider. Only in heavy traffic where you sometimes have to go perpendicular to the traffic flow direction to get past cars, does the smaller steering lock hold you back relative to the 250.
- It uses more fuel. Dur. But we're talking a change from ~65mpg to ~57.
Aside from that, I need to get used to not just grabbing a fistful of throttle as you can on the 250 - on the SV, it performs a simultaneous wheelie/wheelspin, which can be unexpected. There's also a bit more engine braking.
Other than that, do it. You may find the insurance actually cheaper.
Happy to answer any other questions.
Really useful - thanks. I've been enjoying my Nin too much to really "need" a change but will test out an SV when I get a chance.Positive:
- As above, although by no means a fast bike (far from it), 2x power and 3x torque means that if you are not in the mood, you can just get home without much fuss, without the need to rag the tits off it. Conversely, when you are in the mood, you can make a hell of a lot better progress and perform more overtakes. Indicated 140+ is achievable on private roads, compared to my best of 112 on the Ninja, also on a long private road.
- The rear shock on my Ninja was a bit f
ked, so this was always going to be a step up, but it is still a lot more plush. Having said that, it does like to stand up if you hit a bump mid-bend. This may be due to suspension requiring a refresh.- The controls - most notably the gear lever and brakes - feel a lot more 'chunky' and positive in feel. Maybe it is just me, but ergonomically, the SV works better and isn't designed for midgets. It's a proper sized bike. Due to having long legs, I was never quite happy with the position of the gear lever on the 250 even at its lowest settings, whereas it felt instantly right on the SV with no adjustment.
- The rear tyre is actually of normal width.
- About double the storage space. Now room for a bottle of water AND a disc lock, not either/or.
Negative
- It is certainly less manoeuvrable in very heavy London traffic. I would say for normal filtering, it is just as good, if fractionally wider. Only in heavy traffic where you sometimes have to go perpendicular to the traffic flow direction to get past cars, does the smaller steering lock hold you back relative to the 250.
- It uses more fuel. Dur. But we're talking a change from ~65mpg to ~57.
Aside from that, I need to get used to not just grabbing a fistful of throttle as you can on the 250 - on the SV, it performs a simultaneous wheelie/wheelspin, which can be unexpected. There's also a bit more engine braking.
Other than that, do it. You may find the insurance actually cheaper.
Happy to answer any other questions.
Out of curiousity were you ever able to wheelie your 250?
You'll test ride it and not want to go back I know what you mean though, they are great fun to ride. I just wanted more speed.
I was, yes. I found that due to the lack of power, it was best to dump the clutch at 8krpm in 2nd, and then it would get the front wheel up. Never really got good at them though! Not tried with the SV yet but have done a few small ones unintentionally. Would certainly be easier to do it on the SV if that's your game!
I know what you mean though, they are great fun to ride. I just wanted more speed.I was, yes. I found that due to the lack of power, it was best to dump the clutch at 8krpm in 2nd, and then it would get the front wheel up. Never really got good at them though! Not tried with the SV yet but have done a few small ones unintentionally. Would certainly be easier to do it on the SV if that's your game!
I had one of these about 7 yrs ago. Great little bikes.
If i fancied a twin, an SV would be on the list.
I love that blue colour too. It's a pleasure to polish!
I really enjoyed mine, right up until a some idiot walked right out in front of me on the way home and the impact caused my head put a big dent in the fuel tank! The fairing brackets just bent back into shape. Nothing cracked. They're tough little things!
If i fancied a twin, an SV would be on the list.
I love that blue colour too. It's a pleasure to polish!
I really enjoyed mine, right up until a some idiot walked right out in front of me on the way home and the impact caused my head put a big dent in the fuel tank! The fairing brackets just bent back into shape. Nothing cracked. They're tough little things!
dapearson said:
I had one of these about 7 yrs ago. Great little bikes.
If i fancied a twin, an SV would be on the list.
I love that blue colour too. It's a pleasure to polish!
I really enjoyed mine, right up until a some idiot walked right out in front of me on the way home and the impact caused my head put a big dent in the fuel tank! The fairing brackets just bent back into shape. Nothing cracked. They're tough little things!
Jesus! How did you manage that!?If i fancied a twin, an SV would be on the list.
I love that blue colour too. It's a pleasure to polish!
I really enjoyed mine, right up until a some idiot walked right out in front of me on the way home and the impact caused my head put a big dent in the fuel tank! The fairing brackets just bent back into shape. Nothing cracked. They're tough little things!
I had a 2001 naked for 4 years and 40,000 miles, a cracking bike in all weathers....but I could never get the brakes above 'adequate' despite braided lines, sintered pads, rebuilt callipers and fresh fluid 
As Loon points out however, the engine braking more than makes up for it, I actually found myself sitting up and using the rear brake when slowing for roundabouts without touching the front... Given how much effort is needed to change the rear pads however, maybe that isn't the best plan....
I then moved up to an SV1000 which I've had for about a year, and so I can give you a decent long-term comparison....it's not a bigger version of the SV650 but a very different bike. It's enormously capable but very annoyingly doesn't /feel/ as fast as you're not having to push so hard to extract the same speed. Part of the fun of the 650 was leaning it over which it did in a heartbeat, and feeling like you were extracting as much lean as Marquez, then touching the pegs down, moving your weight over, and doing it again. It may not have been fast, but it FELT it.
The 1000 will do that happily...if you're prepared to do it all at a greater speed. Wider tyre, greater speed required to get all the way to the edge of the tyre (but more potential for black lines). What the 1000 does better IMO is munch miles. Long distance schleps are much more comfortable (I did Rotterdam to Hungary in a day last month). It also has better and more instantaneous power delivery, more torque, builds revs a lot quicker...and a has a disastrous range due to having the same size tank as the 650
I absolutely funting love it though, as it's still hustle-able through the corners, can be ridden lazily or flat out with equal ease, and with the addition of a Power Commander has a decent power output and drinks less.
Sorry for the hijack OP, congratulations on the new bike, she looks like a peach!
Cheers,
Tom
As Loon points out however, the engine braking more than makes up for it, I actually found myself sitting up and using the rear brake when slowing for roundabouts without touching the front... Given how much effort is needed to change the rear pads however, maybe that isn't the best plan....
I then moved up to an SV1000 which I've had for about a year, and so I can give you a decent long-term comparison....it's not a bigger version of the SV650 but a very different bike. It's enormously capable but very annoyingly doesn't /feel/ as fast as you're not having to push so hard to extract the same speed. Part of the fun of the 650 was leaning it over which it did in a heartbeat, and feeling like you were extracting as much lean as Marquez, then touching the pegs down, moving your weight over, and doing it again. It may not have been fast, but it FELT it.
The 1000 will do that happily...if you're prepared to do it all at a greater speed. Wider tyre, greater speed required to get all the way to the edge of the tyre (but more potential for black lines). What the 1000 does better IMO is munch miles. Long distance schleps are much more comfortable (I did Rotterdam to Hungary in a day last month). It also has better and more instantaneous power delivery, more torque, builds revs a lot quicker...and a has a disastrous range due to having the same size tank as the 650
I absolutely funting love it though, as it's still hustle-able through the corners, can be ridden lazily or flat out with equal ease, and with the addition of a Power Commander has a decent power output and drinks less.
Sorry for the hijack OP, congratulations on the new bike, she looks like a peach!
Cheers,
Tom
Deranged Granny said:
dapearson said:
I had one of these about 7 yrs ago. Great little bikes.
If i fancied a twin, an SV would be on the list.
I love that blue colour too. It's a pleasure to polish!
I really enjoyed mine, right up until a some idiot walked right out in front of me on the way home and the impact caused my head put a big dent in the fuel tank! The fairing brackets just bent back into shape. Nothing cracked. They're tough little things!
Jesus! How did you manage that!?If i fancied a twin, an SV would be on the list.
I love that blue colour too. It's a pleasure to polish!
I really enjoyed mine, right up until a some idiot walked right out in front of me on the way home and the impact caused my head put a big dent in the fuel tank! The fairing brackets just bent back into shape. Nothing cracked. They're tough little things!
I kept the bike upright...just. Front fairing bashed in. And the impact of him coming up over the top of the bike forced the chin part of my helmet into the fuel tank, creating that dent. The force at 25 mph is quite amazing. I was cautioned and breathalised, etc. Ambulance came and went. I was left by the side of the road with a slightly bent bike, wondering how i'd get home.
I never did find out what happened to that chap. Presumably he's ok.
The SV was always a great bike though. I once got 68 mpg out of a tank. The only time it let me down was in torrential rain where the front cylinder started to misfire, which on a twin makes for an interesting ride!
Edited by dapearson on Friday 8th August 22:10
dapearson said:
That is why you'll never get me wearing a flip-front helmet. Pedestrian ran across the road between a car and a van that were queuing up to some traffic lights. I filtered past them and hit him as he appeared in front of the van that was stopped to my left. I hit him. He went up in the air and landed on the kerb to the right. Bone sticking out of his leg. Blood everywhere.
I kept the bike upright...just. Front fairing bashed in. And the impact of him coming up over the top of the bike forced the chin part of my helmet into the fuel tank, creating that dent. The force at 25 mph is quite amazing. I was cautioned and breathalised, etc. Ambulance came and went. I was left by the side of the road with a slightly bent bike, wondering how i'd get home.
I never did find out what happened to that chap. Presumably he's ok.
The SV was always a great bike though. I once got 68 mpg out of a tank. The only time it let me down was in torrential rain where the front cylinder started to misfire, which on a twin makes for an interesting ride!
If the van & car were 'queuing up' at some traffic lights they must have been still or nearly still. How fast were you filtering past in order to hist & throw a person onto the curb? Surely you don't filter at more than 5-10mph past other vehicles?I kept the bike upright...just. Front fairing bashed in. And the impact of him coming up over the top of the bike forced the chin part of my helmet into the fuel tank, creating that dent. The force at 25 mph is quite amazing. I was cautioned and breathalised, etc. Ambulance came and went. I was left by the side of the road with a slightly bent bike, wondering how i'd get home.
I never did find out what happened to that chap. Presumably he's ok.
The SV was always a great bike though. I once got 68 mpg out of a tank. The only time it let me down was in torrential rain where the front cylinder started to misfire, which on a twin makes for an interesting ride!
Edited by dapearson on Friday 8th August 22:10
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