sv front end feeling a bit soft

[loonytoon]

Ive had my sv for about 8 months now im getting quite used to it but im finding the front end a bit soft an unplanted.
its a 2001 svs standard asfar as im aware possibly looking for some uprated springs.
any sugestions?
cheers
Ben

[andrewsmith]

How much history do you have on the bike?
There is a good chance it needs a refresh (new fork oil and seals)
Also how much do you weigh?

[TamSV]

New oil makes a difference if it hasn't been changed for a while and it's a pretty good bang for your buck. If the seals aren't leaking I'd leave them be TBH.

I changed the oil on my standard SV and noticed an improvement. Then I got Hagon progressive springs and got a further improvement - again good value for money in terms of improvement vs cost/difficulty. The "clonk" is still there but the front is much better behaved and I'd say it's plenty good enough for commuting and for a bit more spirited work. Some favour linear springs over progressive but I've not tried that so can't really comment.

The cheapo Harley emulators with linear springs get a good write up on SVR.

The GSXR front end is another step up again in performance but for more cash and alot more work.

[Biker Biggles]

How old is the tyre,and has it got the right amount of air in it?

[TamSV]

How old is the tyre,and has it got the right amount of air in it?

Ha, good point. :) The org suspension obsession strikes again. :)

[andrewsmith]

Ha, good point. :) The org suspension fetish strikes again. :)

Edited for you!

[yorkie_chris]

Nothing wrong with a bit of perversion so p*ss off! :mrgreen:


Springs and oil are a good upgrade, so are emulator or full cartridge upgrade. Leave seals alone if they don't leak.

[loonytoon]

well i have tried raising the tyre pressure an lowering it to see if it made much diffrence which it didn't.
as for history i dont really have much on it at all.
the seals all seem fine no weeping.
my weigh is about 10st not alot at all which i know is part of the problem.

i think a fork oil change may be my first choice then go from there