Any advice most welcome to a new rider........
Discussion
This is my first posting on this board, but I am looking for some information from those in the know........
I passed my test last March and finally purchased an SV650s K4 at the end of July 2004, and now 8000 miles later my heart is telling me to get a quicker sports bike, but my head is telling me that I haven't reached the limit of the SV yet and should hold onto it for another year and hone my riding skills.
After months of thinking about this my head has won (and so has my girlfriend - for now!), and I am going to keep the SV for another year.
A mate at work has suggested to get a new exhaust fitted as it will provide some extra power, and therefore make it more fun (and seem like a new bike!), and also I have been thinking for a while that the increase in noise may tempt the cars to move out of my way when I am in traffic.
I have a few questions that I would like to get answered first before deciding whether to do this, and if so what exhaust system to go for.
1) Will a replacement exhaust invalidate the warranty?
2) Do I need to inform insurance company? Should I expect an increase in my premium?
3) Which exhausts are legal/illegal? What is the penalty for having an illegal exhaust (I have 9 points already from driving, and can't take the risk of more!)
4) Which system will provide the biggest power increase? Will this power increase cause any damage to other bike components?
5) Which system fits my needs the best from the points above?..........
Any advice most welcome.........
Thanks
I passed my test last March and finally purchased an SV650s K4 at the end of July 2004, and now 8000 miles later my heart is telling me to get a quicker sports bike, but my head is telling me that I haven't reached the limit of the SV yet and should hold onto it for another year and hone my riding skills.
After months of thinking about this my head has won (and so has my girlfriend - for now!), and I am going to keep the SV for another year.
A mate at work has suggested to get a new exhaust fitted as it will provide some extra power, and therefore make it more fun (and seem like a new bike!), and also I have been thinking for a while that the increase in noise may tempt the cars to move out of my way when I am in traffic.
I have a few questions that I would like to get answered first before deciding whether to do this, and if so what exhaust system to go for.
1) Will a replacement exhaust invalidate the warranty?
2) Do I need to inform insurance company? Should I expect an increase in my premium?
3) Which exhausts are legal/illegal? What is the penalty for having an illegal exhaust (I have 9 points already from driving, and can't take the risk of more!)
4) Which system will provide the biggest power increase? Will this power increase cause any damage to other bike components?
5) Which system fits my needs the best from the points above?..........
Any advice most welcome.........
Thanks
Fats25 said:
This is my first posting on this board, but I am looking for some information from those in the know........
Welcome....
Fats25 said:
increase in noise may tempt the cars to move out of my way when I am in traffic.
More importantly, it'll stop numpty pedestrians from trying to fling themsleves in front of your machine (if I had a pound for every....
Fats25 said:
4) Which system will provide the biggest power increase? Will this power increase cause any damage to other bike components?
No, you'll just be letting the engine breath more easily (and will lose mpg as a consequence)
>> Edited by barry sheene on Wednesday 30th March 20:12
I had advanced training bought for me for Xmas, I think it was IAM. However when I went to book the dates with my vouchers, they would not accept me due to having too many points on licence.
I will keep an eye out for track days though..........
>> Edited by Fats25 on Wednesday 30th March 20:23
I will keep an eye out for track days though..........
>> Edited by Fats25 on Wednesday 30th March 20:23
Fats25 said:
1) Will a replacement exhaust invalidate the warranty?
Depends on the exhaust. You can either buy a can 'not for road use' which will be noisy, or buy a road legal one. I would recommend finding out from local bikers how fussy the local constabulary are if you are seriously considering a race can.
Fats25 said:
2) Do I need to inform insurance company? Should I expect an increase in my premium?
Many (most) insurers want to be notified if you 'modify' your bike. Read your policy to see what they class as a modification.
Fats25 said:
3) Which exhausts are legal/illegal? What is the penalty for having an illegal exhaust (I have 9 points already from driving, and can't take the risk of more!)
Think it's usually either a rectification notice or a £30 fixed penalty. No points, but I'm not 100% on that.
Sorry, can't answer the last 2 as I don't have an SV, but my TL really loves the Micron cans I fitted. Very tasty. I got them from the insurance company when some muppet opened a car door and hit me while I was filtering. Free cans...
I would suggest that, since you have 9 points already, a loud exhaust may not be the sensible option. Do you really want to draw more attention to yourself? IMO, the BiB are less likely to give you a lecture and send you on your way the more offences you have obviously committed.
PS Welcome
>> Edited by MrsMiggins on Wednesday 30th March 22:11
Fats25 said:
I have a few questions that I would like to get answered first before deciding whether to do this, and if so what exhaust system to go for.
1) Will a replacement exhaust invalidate the warranty?
2) Do I need to inform insurance company? Should I expect an increase in my premium?
3) Which exhausts are legal/illegal? What is the penalty for having an illegal exhaust (I have 9 points already from driving, and can't take the risk of more!)
4) Which system will provide the biggest power increase? Will this power increase cause any damage to other bike components?
5) Which system fits my needs the best from the points above?..........
1- In theory- yes
2- Yes inform them, premium shouldnt be affected
3- There are race cans- illegal but sound great!
or road cans- legal, or now there are road cans which you can take a baffle out of the end & make a race can. Standard cans on SVs make them sound as interesting as lawnmowers & race cans shoudl be compulsory.
4- Dunno, most end cans are similar in power gains- i.e on the SV dont expect any, but on full systems you can gain a few horses. On carb'd bike you really needed the carbs tweeked or dynojetted to take account of the can- not sure if its fine with Fi or if you have to also get a power commander thingy.
I'd say if ya fancy keeping the SV spend money on suspension & training, if you've ever seen how well bennyboy goes past the "all the gear & no idea" crew on trackdays on his race SV- only standard power but race suspension, it will blow your mind just how well a litle 70 odd bhp bike can be made to go- admitidly that is with a crazed lunatic aboard
there is a also a £12 coin that can be fitted to SV's that open the injectors properly (they are restricted by default)
illegal cans are great, they unrestrict the engine, which has been detuned to cope with harsh EU emission rules. You might need a retune of the ECU, see the dealer.
i GAINED mpg by retuning...
an SV will be HARDER to ride, and reach the limits of than a sports bike. They arent designed to be pushed hard.
take a 20 min test ride on something sportier at your local dealer, and basically just see for yourself how much easier it is to ride. If you hate it, you will have your answer.
your riding limits are more likely to be lacking than the bikes; get yourself a police training day
www.bikesafe.co.uk
illegal cans are great, they unrestrict the engine, which has been detuned to cope with harsh EU emission rules. You might need a retune of the ECU, see the dealer.
i GAINED mpg by retuning...
an SV will be HARDER to ride, and reach the limits of than a sports bike. They arent designed to be pushed hard.
take a 20 min test ride on something sportier at your local dealer, and basically just see for yourself how much easier it is to ride. If you hate it, you will have your answer.
your riding limits are more likely to be lacking than the bikes; get yourself a police training day
www.bikesafe.co.uk
Thanks for the info - think I will save the money on the new exhaust (for now at least!)
I will invest the money in some sort of advanced training, not sure what yet but will start to do my homework on various places.
Any additional reccomendations than those already given are most welcome - as with all new riders I think cornering/leaning are where I need the most improvement - and I don't just mean cornering/leaning quickly, I mean at all speeds..........
Have already booked myself in for a wheelieschool day, but don't think that will improve my road-riding!
I will invest the money in some sort of advanced training, not sure what yet but will start to do my homework on various places.
Any additional reccomendations than those already given are most welcome - as with all new riders I think cornering/leaning are where I need the most improvement - and I don't just mean cornering/leaning quickly, I mean at all speeds..........
Have already booked myself in for a wheelieschool day, but don't think that will improve my road-riding!
The limits of the SV are massively high although the suspension is somewhat lacking as standard, even for road use it's a little underdamped (bouncy). The chassis is superb though. If you're looking to go faster through the twisties then I'd recommend new suspension. Ohlins do a new rear unit for around £400. Maxton can sort out the front end for around £270. That includes revalving and makes a huge, huge difference to the front end of the bike. The feedback through the bike is transformed completely.
As for your questions. I can really only answer question 4. There are many good exhausts out there and really it comes down to what noise you want it to make. The power gains can be felt since the standard exhaust is a little restrictive although it certainly won't get you anywhere near 600 supersport power.
The most incredible sounding exhausts in my opinion are made by Hindle. They sound far fruitier than anything else at the race meets. However, if you fancy a more rounded Ducati-esque sound then Renegade are better.
If you're around the South East, I'll be racing at Lydden this weekend. I'm number 6 minitwin.
Oh and with 9 points, the last thing you need is a 600!
As for your questions. I can really only answer question 4. There are many good exhausts out there and really it comes down to what noise you want it to make. The power gains can be felt since the standard exhaust is a little restrictive although it certainly won't get you anywhere near 600 supersport power.
The most incredible sounding exhausts in my opinion are made by Hindle. They sound far fruitier than anything else at the race meets. However, if you fancy a more rounded Ducati-esque sound then Renegade are better.
If you're around the South East, I'll be racing at Lydden this weekend. I'm number 6 minitwin.
Oh and with 9 points, the last thing you need is a 600!
Hi there,
I used to be involved with the IAM, so will help if I can. Generally, the IAM lets you take the test with up to 6 points on your licence, but everything in life is negotiable.
In my experience, the IAM is the only advanced organisation that doesn't accept people with lots of points. The other advanced lot generally don't ask how many points you've got before you start training.
Check out the various options in my reply on this thread:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=164423&f=74&h=0
If you have the money, I'd recommend a couple of days with one of the better professional trainers like RideDrive, Mac or Rapid Training. You'll be safer and miles quicker
RideDrive's OCN course is probably the best value and most comprehensive training, so might be the very best bet. Also, Rapid Training have some superb individuals as instructors and would also give you a good couple of days. To really improve and increase enjoyment, I'd recommend doing more than one day, with a gap in between to practice and let things sink in.
Hope this helps.
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Saturday 2nd April 11:04
I used to be involved with the IAM, so will help if I can. Generally, the IAM lets you take the test with up to 6 points on your licence, but everything in life is negotiable.
In my experience, the IAM is the only advanced organisation that doesn't accept people with lots of points. The other advanced lot generally don't ask how many points you've got before you start training.
Fats25 said:
I will invest the money in some sort of advanced training, not sure what yet but will start to do my homework on various places.
Check out the various options in my reply on this thread:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=164423&f=74&h=0
If you have the money, I'd recommend a couple of days with one of the better professional trainers like RideDrive, Mac or Rapid Training. You'll be safer and miles quicker
RideDrive's OCN course is probably the best value and most comprehensive training, so might be the very best bet. Also, Rapid Training have some superb individuals as instructors and would also give you a good couple of days. To really improve and increase enjoyment, I'd recommend doing more than one day, with a gap in between to practice and let things sink in.
Hope this helps.
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Saturday 2nd April 11:04
[quote=bennyboysvuk]The limits of the SV are massively high although the suspension is somewhat lacking as standard, even for road use it's a little underdamped (bouncy). The chassis is superb though. If you're looking to go faster through the twisties then I'd recommend new suspension. Ohlins do a new rear unit for around £400. Maxton can sort out the front end for around £270. That includes revalving and makes a huge, huge difference to the front end of the bike. The feedback through the bike is transformed completely.
As for your questions. I can really only answer question 4. There are many good exhausts out there and really it comes down to what noise you want it to make. The power gains can be felt since the standard exhaust is a little restrictive although it certainly won't get you anywhere near 600 supersport power.
quote]
I agree. Spend your money on some quality rear shock, and if you're feeling flush have the front forks revalved and fit better springs (or progressive ones). I had an sv before my CBR600f, think I still prefer the power delivery of the little twin, it just runs out of steam at the top. Your sv will hold its value well, get out there get some sticky tyres and do some track days, and show the bike polishers what a little twin can do on track, you'll be loving it esp. with decent suspension, remember it's not how fast you can go but how little you slow down for the corners!
Wouldn't bother with an exhaust, they're too noisy and will turn you paranoid wondering when plod are going to pull you over, and you'll stop twisting the throttle with such gusto for fear of turning up the 'volume'. It also involves cutting the exhaust, which isn't ideal either.
Keep it, it's better than you think.
As for your questions. I can really only answer question 4. There are many good exhausts out there and really it comes down to what noise you want it to make. The power gains can be felt since the standard exhaust is a little restrictive although it certainly won't get you anywhere near 600 supersport power.
quote]
I agree. Spend your money on some quality rear shock, and if you're feeling flush have the front forks revalved and fit better springs (or progressive ones). I had an sv before my CBR600f, think I still prefer the power delivery of the little twin, it just runs out of steam at the top. Your sv will hold its value well, get out there get some sticky tyres and do some track days, and show the bike polishers what a little twin can do on track, you'll be loving it esp. with decent suspension, remember it's not how fast you can go but how little you slow down for the corners!
Wouldn't bother with an exhaust, they're too noisy and will turn you paranoid wondering when plod are going to pull you over, and you'll stop twisting the throttle with such gusto for fear of turning up the 'volume'. It also involves cutting the exhaust, which isn't ideal either.
Keep it, it's better than you think.
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