GSXR Front End - why?

[SV Mad]

Can someone explain to me the point :confused:

I get that the brakes and the suspension (improving the handling a bit) will be better, but a good rider on an SV could easily out-perform an average or poor rider on an SV with a GSXR front.

But if you can afford to change the whole front end why not just sell the SV and use the money to buy a GSXR? Or better still a TL1000R.

[markmoto]

of course a more skilled rider will always beat a less experienced one on the same bike even if the less experienced rider is on a slightly better handling bike, alot of people do the mod because the sv is a great real world bike with a fantastic engine and chassis and with better suspenders its a very capable machine that is all anyone ever needs on the road plus upside downies look the nuts, gsxrs are great but i feel that they are abit much for the road, kind of like using a sledge hammer to crack a nut, ive owned all sorts of bikes over the years but its back onto a 650 for me because it does everything i need it to do and they always bring a smile to my face.

[amnesia]

My conversion thread is here...

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=113203

...read the first post and that tells you why I did it. Others may very well have their own reasons.

[maviczap]

My conversion thread is here...

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=113203

...read the first post and that tells you why I did it. Others may very well have their own reasons.

My reasons are very similar, although one more for me was the mechanical challenge of swapping the front ends over.

Mines unique, as are all the other converted Sv's, each is different in their own way, even though the parts being used are the same

Plus TL1000's are heavier and are a totally different beast in the handling & power department.

GSXR's are probably easier to ride fast, than TL's

[Cymraeg_Atodeg]

I had my original forks bent by trying to avoid an old guy pulling out on me, so, I was given the choice; fit OEM SV1000S forks or "upgrade" to GSXR forks. Well, the SV1000S forks cost more to buy, so, why not improve the handling and look for the bike and upgrade the front end?

So, that is the reason I did it. If I had the choice I would do it again.

Also, a GSXR is an IL4, so, wanted to get the handling, but, keep the v-twin torque

[yorkie_chris]

Because you can

[Bibio]

because i'm short and as woman keep saying every inch counts.

plus it turns a good bike into a fantastic bike. GSXR ppppfffttt keep it. the only bits i want from a gixxer is the front :-)

as others have said the SV is a real world bike.

[Nobbylad]

Because you can

\\:D/

[Steve_God]

For me, I could already ride the SV fast, and keep up with very experience riders on Supersport thou's on twisty roads, however the one area that I felt the bike was lacking was in braking.

I had already done the Brake Caliper upgrade to a 4-pot using the adapter bracket, and while it was an improvement, I just reinforced how spongey the front forks were, and when I braked hard, how much dive in the forks had to give first before I could get any serious bite into them.

Since changing, braking is FAR improved, as the suspension is much stiffer and required much less dive to give braking that I was happy with.

Hope that helps :)

[mikerj]

Because the SV is a brilliant bike which is let down by very poor suspension. A GSXR is a totally different bike to an SV, and TL's are either old and decrepit or old and expensive and not that brilliant anyway. Sorting the suspension on an SV allows you to use more of the bikes potential and simply makes it a nicer bike to ride (no more clunking and bottoming out forks).

To be honest, I'm confused as to why you don't see the advantage in improving it? Have you ever ridden a bike with properly sorted suspension?

[hardhat_harry]

How many small capacity V-twins are there out there?

The SV has bags of character is resonably light and upgrading the front end makes it more of a V twin sports bike.

I dont want an IL4, I cant afford to buy or run a Ducati, I dont need 1000cc, only leaves a Cagiva or upgrade the SV.

[richwill68]

Because you can

'Nuff said!;);)

P.S. Gixxer suspendies are of a higher quality and really bring out the best in the sv frame. Transforms it from bargain bucket to real world useable for little outlay (unless you want to go for an expensive set-up of course). Overall, ride, handling and braking are noticeably better and only add to the charm of the sv.

P.P.S. Because you can.;)

[johnnyrod]

An Sv with good forks is a much better ride than a TL. The forks are crap, but the real key is confidence. A good front end will give you the confidence to push it a lot, the stock one just doesn't do that. Good riders will almost always get away from poor ones regardless of the steed, the first trackday hammers that home fairly quickly!

[SV Mad]

Cheers all, I get it. In no way will ever get a bike to the limit where I need better brakes or suspension so will take my leave and shut up....I admit it does look cool though.

[Nobbylad]

So you never ride over potholes or undulations in the road deep enough to make your front end 'clunk'?

[Bibio]

Cheers all, I get it. In no way will ever get a bike to the limit where I need better brakes or suspension so will take my leave and shut up....I admit it does look cool though.

for me its a matter of comfort and safety. like you I will only ever use about 60% of the bikes 'full' potential. but the difference in a fully sorted SV is so good that it inspires much more confidence. the biggest difference is the smoothness and lack of blurred vision at higher speeds. to fully understand the difference you would have to ride a 'sorted' SV.

[mikerj]

Cheers all, I get it. In no way will ever get a bike to the limit where I need better brakes or suspension so will take my leave and shut up....I admit it does look cool though.

You really don't need to ride to the bikes limit to appreciate better suspension - it's not just about going fast. Good suspension will also improve comfort and safety.

[yorkie_chris]

it's not just about going fast.

But that's the most important bit :smt050