View Full Version : Change of handlebars on SV?
Hi Guys! I'm new here. Only just found this; was using the U.S version never knowing this one existed :D
Anyway, I've been on my SV for about four weeks now. I love the bike but can't seem to get used to the handlebars (I was totally upright on my old bike). I'm a 5,6" female. I get a lot of pressure on my palms esp in traffic when you're on the clutch non stop. Sometimes end up getting neck pain too. Should I get higher bars? I've hear of convertibars in the U.S but they are blooming expensive. Any suggestions?
Hi, welcome to the forum. i'm guessing you have a SV650S with the clip ons? You have a couple fo options-buy clip ons that are raised, or do a naked bar conversion. Both options cost a pretty penny, but there are bargains to be had on ebay and other sites.
What year is your SV?
Yeah sv650s with clip ons. it's 2006. do you reckon I might get used to it? Wanna do a little road trip in the summer so need to get it sorted
Spank86
07-06-12, 06:57 AM
Depending on how much riding you're doing 4 weeks isnt a lot of time to adapt to a new bike.
Although if you're planning very long trips higher bars will definitely ease the arm pressure.
Very true. I've been madly busy so not had time to ride lots. Just around London and Dorking and Hampshire a couple of times. After next week I'm going to have tons more time so will go up to Cambridge and see how it goes. But generally yes, I want to do a fair bit of trips so must get comfy :)
What sort of prices am I looking at to change the bars? Is it a complicated job?
dizzyblonde
07-06-12, 08:53 AM
Hi, welcome to the forum. i'm guessing you have a SV650S with the clip ons? You have a couple fo options-buy clip ons that are raised, or do a naked bar conversion. Both options cost a pretty penny, but there are bargains to be had on ebay and other sites.
What year is your SV?
THIS, is not your first option....scaremongerer :smt019
Hi there, what you need to do is make sure all your levers are ergonomically aligned. This means loosening off the controls ie the bit that the clutch and brake lever are mounted on. Two black bands with indies and starter, curvy has two bolts IIRC. Make sure when you place your palms on the bars, your wrists, and elbows are in a straight line with your fingers on the levers. Move the controls to where this happens, then tighten the bolts back upand i BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR IN A couple of trips your pain has subsided.
I can't ride on upright bars as I have medical conditions in my shoulders. Clip ons are more comfortable for me.....but only when I have done the simplest of adjustements ;)
yorkie_chris
07-06-12, 09:01 AM
Naked/high bars conversions are ok but can foul fairings and stuff.
I get a lot of pressure on my palms esp in traffic when you're on the clutch non stop.
Traffic? Open throttle :)
rictus01
07-06-12, 09:14 AM
I see you're London based, as Lou says making the best of the available adjustment is the first (and free) thing to do, if you're not sure what you're doing, come to Soho one Friday evening (details at the top of the Soho section) or drop me a PM and we'll sort something out.
Cheers Mark.
Welcome, if your out in the Hampshire area people of the GM are out most weekends.
I have had similar problems and have found that adjusting the levers as Dizz mentioned really helps with the wrist and palm ache. My neck and lower back ache is better as my muscles have got used to riding again but it's still there after over a hour in the saddle. Give it time and tweak the ergonomics a bit before splashing out on a bar conversion.
yorkie_chris
07-06-12, 10:07 AM
Not to forget proper riding technique helps a lot, grip the bike with your legs, let your stomach muscles do the work of holding you up. Don't slouch onto the bars, it naffs up the handling and hurts your arms.
dizzyblonde
07-06-12, 10:08 AM
Get a tank bag......slouch your b00bs on that....works wonders when your stomach muscles have been slashed in half ;)
Jayneflakes
07-06-12, 11:45 AM
Hi and welcome to the forum.
I struggled with pain from the clip ons, but because I am a bit broken I ended up going down the bar conversion route (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=157076). This is great for me, but it is not for every one, especially as the work involved was most enjoyable! ;-)
I would adjust your levers first and see how you get on.
aaron020873
07-06-12, 01:33 PM
You could try a set of stomp grips, I found that they helped with arm ache etc.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Also consider a lowered Sv saddle. Its only a 1 cm drop but it puts your weight a bit lower moving your weight a bit further back so more weight on your **** and less on the wrists.
Shawthing
07-06-12, 06:52 PM
What sort of prices am I looking at to change the bars? Is it a complicated job?
All good advice.
Give it a while.
If you do then want to go ahead you are looking at ~£150 to £250.
http://www.topyokes.com/comfort_kit_+_handlebars/307
or for something a little less drastic
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=176399
What are stomp grips?
How much is a new saddle? Is it comfy? Cos even the existing one isn't all that great. The saddle on my old bike was much more comfortable. I'm used to it now but when I first ever sat down on it, it felt rock solid :D
Wow, those handlebars are pricey... and not the best looking either :)
Hi and welcome to the forum.
I struggled with pain from the clip ons, but because I am a bit broken I ended up going down the bar conversion route (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=157076). This is great for me, but it is not for every one, especially as the work involved was most enjoyable! ;-)
I would adjust your levers first and see how you get on.
Is this the same as the post below? The one piece business? You look comfy and upright it the pic
Those raised ones look good and much cheaper
I need to come to this Soho meet up. Is the adjustment quite straight forward? What tools do I need? I am pretty clueless when it comes to techie stuff. Quite a novice
Jayneflakes
08-06-12, 05:48 PM
Is this the same as the post below? The one piece business? You look comfy and upright it the pic
If you are referring to the post below mine, that was for higher clip on bars.
My riding position is super comfy, the work involved though was a lot. I also changed my brake and clutch lever to adjustable reach ones, because I have quite small hands and could not reach the standard ones as well. My top yoke is a Naked SV one that I had machined down to fit aftermarket risers and the bar is a motocross bar so is nice and wide, which makes the steering on the bike very light. I have the clutch cable from a V-Strom, custom made throttle cables, custom made brake hoses and a modified wiring loom. If all of the bits were sat on the bench and ready to fit, I would imagine it would be about four hours work just to refit it all. If I was to modify the loom again, I would disconnect the plugs and take the switch gear off, it is much easier this way. In all, it was a brilliant adventure and one day when I can afford to blow a grand on toys, I shall be doing a front end conversion all over again for better forks! I fecking love my bike and she was worth all of the hard work.
:thumleft:
dizzyblonde
08-06-12, 06:17 PM
I need to come to this Soho meet up. Is the adjustment quite straight forward? What tools do I need? I am pretty clueless when it comes to techie stuff. Quite a novice
See the two bolts to the right of the indicator switch on the controls....and the two bolts to the left of the headlight switch and start button?
Thems the ones you need to slacken off to adjust the levers, then tighten back up when done :D
http://images.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0306_zoom+2003_suzuki_sv1000s+dash.jpg
Ah simple. But if you bring them closer, won't they be at a funny angle? Since you're not bringing them fwd in a straight line but turning them a few degrees... :O
Jayne! Sounds like a lot of work! I'm a total newbie to this! Would never do this kind of work LOL
Is there a way to make the clutch a bit looser too? I get such pain in my palm when I'm on and off the clutch in heavy traffic...
dizzyblonde
08-06-12, 06:59 PM
Like I said, make sure your fingers rest on the levers, and then make sure your wrists and elbows are in a straight line, if they aren't bring the levers forward or back to suit this.
On the levers themselves there is a dial with 1-5 on them, changes the hand span from bar to lever. Now I really can't remember which is hard tough bloke setting, and girlie poof setting, but you can adjust those too ;)
The clutch also gets a bit of used to.....you need time to build up the guiders in your arms. Once muscles and tendons get used to using it, your forearm will grow like popeye, and you won't notice so much!
dizzyblonde
08-06-12, 07:03 PM
Hold your hands in the air as if you were holding the bars, move your wrist down, and it will stretch the back of your hand and cramp the under side of your wrist. to an uncomfortable position. Tilt it too far backwards and the back of your wrist will suffer.
Now, hold your arm perfectly straight out forwards and your fingers......no strain....thats what adjusting the levers does.
What set of tools should a beginner like me purchase?
dizzyblonde
08-06-12, 07:15 PM
You should have a tool roll under your seat. All of the tools in there are useful for minor stuff. BUT the tools are made of cheese, and should be replaced bit by bit with something a bit tougher.
I've got one of these, quite handy
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_16 3049_langId_-1_categoryId_255215
And I got one of these,,,,,,I live in it! However, I got mine on special offer, so was much cheaper. Look out for bargains in Halfrauds.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_24 1771_langId_-1_categoryId_255215
A good set of spanners maybe...?
ALLAN keys, a must, a good strong set.
Oh and a big socket for adjusting your chain.
ok... I could do with a garage too! :D
Jayneflakes
08-06-12, 07:32 PM
The other option that you have is find a mate on here who is local to you who can help, I am sure that the Soho bunch are a friendly enough to give you a few pointers. Just give them a winning smile and get them to teach you. Learning by doing under the watchful eye of another person is a great way to do it.
If all else fails, take a blast down the motorway and come to Somerset, I am always happy to help when I can! Just make sure that you are not scared of Owls first! ;-)
dizzyblonde
08-06-12, 07:38 PM
ok... I could do with a garage too! :D
SO could I :D
Tools live under the stairs, bikes live in cramped shed or outside :(
As Jayne says, some of the Sohoers would be happy to help. Rictus, hes great.....you do the work, he watches, and tells you what to do...that way, you learn, and hes on hand if you can't do what he says.
You have a shed? My bike lives on the street :( ...and it's been knocked down twice in one week too :'( found it lying on the side in the morning
dizzyblonde
08-06-12, 07:57 PM
hmmmm yeah, shed....may as well be outside, they are less likely to rot!
The ZZR lives outside and has faired better than my Raptor, which had the tank replaced a couple of months back, it got chicken pox coz its so condensated in the shed it got under the paint work :(
Who keeps knocking over your bike? I'd be sitting up all night and waiting to lamp the feckers!!!
Well, it has been suggested the wind + cover may have caused it to fall by itself but it wasn't windy either of those nights plus it fell away from the stand. And then to top it up last saturday I thought I'll park it the other way round in case it's a certain car that keeps pushing it over... so I parked facing downhill instead. It was wet and slippery...I left the bike in neutral (DUH!!!)... started chaining it when I see it roll forward, stand folds under and....down it went! Massacre! Gear shifter smashed, indicator smashed and clutch lever broke off... couldn't even ride it to a garage in this state! Luckily got someone who can sort it for me otherwise I'd be buggered! Ordered parts on ebay which only just arrived due to the long bank holiday! All this in addition to me actually falling off of it in the first two weeks I had it doing something realllyyy stupid! Getting frame sliders mounted too now! I just hope this is my share of bad luck for a while!!! :D
dizzyblonde
08-06-12, 08:18 PM
Covers have been known to randomly carry bikes in the opposite direction of their stand, especially if they are clipped underneath to form a nice balloon :smt101
When its windy here, I spend all day in and out of the house catching the damn things.
Bad luck on your start to biking, I'm sure you'll have many more hiccups along the way, I think we all have those 'doh' moments. I've had a few fairing scars from falling over in potholes(don't ask) knees twisted from being pinned up against the next door neighbours back door(don't ask) being upside down under my 125 in a neighbours back garden(don't ask) sliding down my street on my head(don't ask)..............:oops:
Ufff... so not just me then LOL
I was getting a bit depressed! I think I'm being punished cos I never dropped my first bike :D
Now I'm getting the frame sliders, I reckon I'll be ok! But best to be cautious! Those little repairs add up to a tidy sum! Not to mention wasting more money on a bus than I would on petrol.
I did ask for cctv but don't know if that will get me anywhere. police have more important things to do. But I tell you my heart sank when I discovered it in the morning lying down. You know how it is, it's your baby! And I was on my way elsewhere I had to pick it up wearing flip flops (not best for stability when you're lifting 170kg).
Gonna probably park elsewhere anyhow just to be on a safe side...
dizzyblonde
08-06-12, 08:33 PM
FLIP FLOPS?????? :smt037
.......you're one up from me then :) I've had Suzy about 7 years......and I can't lift her off the floor, tried stood in a pothole full of water over my boots(failed) I tried lifting my old SV after sliding down the road on my head, but I failed miserably, man down the street helped!
Dodgy shoulders and back is my excuse(and I'm sticking to it), I've seen MissyBurd, who is much more dainty than me, lift Thump up off the floor outside my house.....you two are well hard in my book :thumleft:
:D :D
I'm into body building. It helps :D lifting having things is my hobby
I'm still laughing about your landing on your head comment.... were you injured??
By the way, those sliders look mahoosive! I hope they don't annoy me/get in the way...
dizzyblonde
08-06-12, 08:52 PM
No, only my pride :(. Its was a stupid 10mph off I kick myself about, a total one off.
My head just bounced it seemed to land first and I found myself sliding on my head in slow motion towards my spinning bike ...oops!
Theres a great big reminder scraped in the pavement outside my grans flat though :lol:
I lift my OH's weights, but I'm not supposed to, its not good for me apparently. . .but shhhhh I never said that ;)
Have you got motosliders or R&G ones?
what's r&g? I have no idea... this is what I bought: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180884822480#ht_2379wt_1023
Most duh moments happen at slow/no speed... LUCKILY FOR US ALL ;D
andrewsmith
08-06-12, 10:32 PM
Firstly How Doooo
I'd have a play and go say hello at the Soho meets
All good advice.
Give it a while.
If you do then want to go ahead you are looking at ~£150 to £250.
http://www.topyokes.com/comfort_kit_+_handlebars/307
He has a sort of reputation on this forum, and others by all accounts.
For crash protection you want to be looking at items like this. Don't go beyond R&G and motosliders as they are proven
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/R-G-Suzuki-SV-1000-K3-K5-Crash-Protectors-CP0123SIBL-/220744833000?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item33656ad7e8#ht_585wt_826
that's the same as what I bought isn't it?
andrewsmith
09-06-12, 08:37 AM
very similar
maviczap
09-06-12, 12:06 PM
that's the same as what I bought isn't it?
very similar
Er no, size wise yes, but not the same when it comes to the overall design
The motosliders use a long threaded rod that goes right through the engine mounts and doesn't bend in a crash, the slider takes the hit.
The R&G's use 2 points to fix to, which isn't as good as the motosliders, but are strong. They don't require any cutting of the fairing lowers, unlike the motosliders, which is why I went with R&G's
Which is why you pay a bit more for the motosliders & R&G's
Your slide only relies on that single bolt, and it'll get mangled in a spill.
But some crash protection is better than none.
As for different handlebars you could get helibars or Gilles Vario bars or similar, which will raise your hands to relieve the pressure on your palms. I've got Gilles Variobars, with 60mm risers, great comfort. You can pick them up on ebay, although you might have to buy the specific clamp size for SV forks, but they are available.
acting_strange
09-06-12, 12:40 PM
Just to come back to handlebars....my curvy had the set of higher clip on fitted but I still found a lot of palm pain.....but then I adjusted the bar angles, actually swinging them out towards the front and have found it much nicer on longer rides...went to Donnington and back the other week 90+miles and had no trouble at all.....so its worth fiddling with the bar angles and lever angles a bit before making any big decisions...
aaron020873
09-06-12, 09:11 PM
What are stomp grips?
How much is a new saddle? Is it comfy? Cos even the existing one isn't all that great. The saddle on my old bike was much more comfortable. I'm used to it now but when I first ever sat down on it, it felt rock solid :D
Stomp grips are rubber pads which stick to your tank, they have rubber studs on and make gripping your tank with your knees easier and therefore helping to reduce pressure on your arms. As others have said make sure your levers are in the correct position first.
Spank86
10-06-12, 12:27 PM
With regards to the clutch if you do a lot of heavy traffic clutch work and you don't feel you have a particularly strong grip it might be worth considering getting some grip strengtheners like climbers use.
Hmmm, interesting point. But the thing is, I think my grip is rather decent. I do body building so I lift (and thus grip) very big weights :)
It's the pressure on the tissues under my thumb that get really sore.
Sliders installed now... ufff!
yorkie_chris
10-06-12, 09:34 PM
That is commonly from either too much weight on the bars from technique, or poor adjustment of levers. A few degrees can make a big difference.
Not sure I understand this clutch use in traffic though... there's always a gap to go for even if you have to make it yourself :-P
I'm very laid back and patient... I don't try and squeeze into every gap around. I tend to sit back and wait. Esp if I'm tired (which I very often am), I'd rather take it slow.
Spank86
10-06-12, 10:12 PM
I suspect from what you're describing all the symptoms may come to the common cause of incorrect lever position and that getting that set up right will sort it.
If they are position wrongly, you may be twisting your hand against the bar as you pull the lever in and I'm sure you know that's a good way to get sore hands/blisters.
Covers have been known to randomly carry bikes in the opposite direction of their stand, especially if they are clipped underneath to form a nice balloon :smt101
When its windy here, I spend all day in and out of the house catching the damn things.
Bad luck on your start to biking, I'm sure you'll have many more hiccups along the way, I think we all have those 'doh' moments. I've had a few fairing scars from falling over in potholes(don't ask) knees twisted from being pinned up against the next door neighbours back door(don't ask) being upside down under my 125 in a neighbours back garden(don't ask) sliding down my street on my head(don't ask)..............:oops:
I don't believe this!!! I just had another fall!!! Little residential road, going slowly, slipped on something (it's been raining).... next thing I know my head hits the ground and bike spins on the road....
yorkie_chris
12-06-12, 05:45 PM
I don't believe this!!! I just had another fall!!! Little residential road, going slowly, slipped on something (it's been raining).... next thing I know my head hits the ground and bike spins on the road....
Oops.
Analyse what problem was, "slipped on something" is too easy to explain, why did you not see it, why where you asking for so much grip that you could not recover the situation... etc.
People who say they crashed for no reason will crash again for the same one...
I genuinely have no idea. I went back to check and the pothole doesn't look that bad even tho it was filled with water at the time. Don't know, maybe there was something on the road. I really don't know. I was riding on a straight road, next thing I know I'm flying like mad. It was a really violent spin; even my frame slider broke off
Sorry to here about your droppie, but at least your not injured, that's the main thing.
Back to pain in wrists, thumbs etc...
I have been back to biking for about 6 weeks now (I think) and was getting the same problems you describe with hand pain. This is what I found
Adjust levers = 30% less pain
Try to concentrate on keeping my arms loose and light on the bars while gripping tank with my knees = about 35% less pain
Sitting with my crotch about 3 inches back from the tank rather than 1 inch = about 45% less pain ( this puts you in more of a crouch but that in turn takes weight away from your arms)
Stomp grips = about 75% less pain. No mater how hard I gripped the tank in my textiles when I hit the brakes I would slide forward and take weight on my arms. With the stomp grips I can fully apply the brakes and still keep my hands very light and relaxed on the bars. Brilliant.
Riding with the balls of my feet on the pegs = 90% less pain. This gives me an awesome feeling of stability as it brings your knees up and forward and I feel like I am really locked onto the bike. I can have my arms super relaxed on the bars and just need tiny pushes on the bars to tip into corners.
Was on the bike for 3 hours today with very minimal pain to my thumb area.
Obviously this might not work for everyone but it's the things that I have found to work.
Did you point the levers lower down or higher up?
I'm finding I get neck pain too.
I do employ all the recommended techniques i.e. bending elbows, loosening grip, gripping the tank, balls of my feet on the pegs etc but I just cannot get comfortable. Yesterday I went down to Box Hill and was really uncomfortable :'(
sooo frustrating!
Naked/high bars conversions are ok but can foul fairings and stuff.
Traffic? Open throttle :)
How do you mean they can foul fairings?
I'm starting to think if my neck hurts too, adjusting the levers won't be sufficient. I may just have to have higher bars.
What's easier and cheaper to do, higher clip ons or one of those full bars?
What's happening with the Soho group? I requested to join ages ago but haven't been accepted yet...
Spank86
18-06-12, 06:55 AM
How do you mean they can foul fairings?
when you turn the wheel the bars can bang into the fairings before reaching full lock.
What's happening with the Soho group? I requested to join ages ago but haven't been accepted yet...
just post there anyway, I dont think it matters.
Shawthing
18-06-12, 09:04 AM
What's easier and cheaper to do, higher clip ons or one of those full bars?
Easier cheaper is probably going to be the raised clipons (with only bars and brake lines to change) but does not give anyway near the riding position change that the full comfort it will give. Was OK for me at 5'11" but as you say you're 5'6" you should seriously consider the full comfort kit as best option.
what do you mean full comfort kit? the full bar conversion?
SoulKiss
18-06-12, 04:19 PM
What's happening with the Soho group? I requested to join ages ago but haven't been accepted yet...
You have to apply to join?
Don't remember if I ever did :)
Just go in there, post, read the sticky about where we meet, come along.
There's no list - you should see some of the people we let turn up :p
Spank86
18-06-12, 04:30 PM
If you go to user cp, then look on the left hand bar there's a 'group memberships' option with all the regional groups in it.
Not sure quite what it's for and when I've asked in the Guildford forum nobody answered.
Yeah I clicked ask to join...
rictus01
18-06-12, 04:36 PM
What's happening with the Soho group? I requested to join ages ago but haven't been accepted yet...
You have to apply to join?
Don't remember if I ever did :)
Just go in there, post, read the sticky about where we meet, come along.
There's no list - you should see some of the people we let turn up :p
I wouldn't worry to much, the group thing is only as important as you want it to be, I belong to none of the groups, but was one of those to setup the Soho group and have attended most of the SE groups from there outset at various times.
Cheers Mark.
Shawthing
19-06-12, 11:45 AM
what do you mean full comfort kit? the full bar conversion?
Yep. New topyoke with risers and renthal bars or similar. longer front brake lines and clutch cable.
I might come to the soho meet this friday. Who's going?
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