View Full Version : New owner, New Questions (NOT) !
Hiya guys!
I know that these questions have been answered in some form or the other previously in other threads but mine has a bit of a twist to it; I’ve outline them below, in brief and would appreciate it if you could provide valuable feedback on these topics! It’s a Suzuki SV650 K9 Sport (2009, 8k miles) with a Yoshimura Tri Oval exhaust system and USD forks.
1. How do I communicate for dirt cheap with my pillion behind me? Budget: £30
2. I need a new visor for my HJC IS-16 helmet. I’ve searched high and low but the only ones I found off eBay were for £35 and I don’t want to pay that much. Budget: £10
3. I only just bought my bike last week. Done 300 miles on her already. But I have a nagging problem. The owner told me, as I was taking her away, that since it had custom USD forks, the locking cylinder would not lock. That does not make sense, but at that point, I had already paid and completed the paper work so there wasn’t any going back. I was hoping someone could throw some light on this?
4. I think that the front brakes are always engaged just a little bit – I can hear a rubbing noise when I wheel the bike around. What can I do about this?
5. The back brake lever doesn’t have any free play so when I rest my foot on it, ever so slightly, the brake engages. And for long journeys, this is difficult to control as it means I can’t rest my foot on the pegs. I can feel it at about 30mph. What can I do about this?
6. What kind of mileage can I expect from her?
7. When I throttle off, the engine slows down really REALLY fast, so if I’m at 70mph, 6th gear, & close off, it starts slows down BADLY. Without a head or tail wind. This happens in any gear. The engine pulls the bike down really bad. So it’s a bit strange to ride in traffic because of coming to a gradual slow stop, I need to keep revving as the bike decelerates too, too quickly. What can I do about this? Or is this how the bike is made?
8. Can I use Mobil Super S 10W-40 Semi Synthetic Motor Oil for my bike? If no, why? The manual recommends JASO MA and this oil meets that standard. I know Sid Squid said that to use a known brand, so Mobil is ok. It does not specify for motorcycles so the question.
9. Is the fact, that using diesel oil for motorcycles is safe, true?
10. I’m horrible with directions and need my GPS talking to me all the time. Right now, I have it on my phone, plug in ear phones and ride. But there is a lot of noise from wind and this is really bugging. What can I do about this? All my vents are closed. HJC IS-16 helmet. Link is :
Amazon_01 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/HJC-IS-16-TYPE-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET/dp/B001RLHFCM)
Amazon_02 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/HJC-SPECTOR-MOTORBIKE-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET/dp/B004TQAB28/ref=sr_1_7?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1343083630&sr=1-7)
11. Is £7.50 for a K&N oil filter worth it?
12. How much will a good full service cost me? As the last service was done in Oct 2010 at 4k miles.
13. Where can I dispose of oil that I change at home?
14. Where can I buy a cheap funnel from? Any specific type?
15. I see battery chargers on eBay. Do I need one?
Thanks in advance guys! Looking forward to finding answers for these questions!
Much appreciated! :grin:
Hiya guys!
I know that these questions have been answered in some form or the other previously in other threads but mine has a bit of a twist to it; I’ve outline them below, in brief and would appreciate it if you could provide valuable feedback on these topics! It’s a Suzuki SV650 K9 Sport (2009, 8k miles) with a Yoshimura Tri Oval exhaust system and USD forks.
1. How do I communicate for dirt cheap with my pillion behind me? Budget: £30
With a cheap comms unit. Shop around.
2. I need a new visor for my HJC IS-16 helmet. I’ve searched high and low but the only ones I found off eBay were for £35 and I don’t want to pay that much. Budget: £10
Shop around.
3. I only just bought my bike last week. Done 300 miles on her already. But I have a nagging problem. The owner told me, as I was taking her away, that since it had custom USD forks, the locking cylinder would not lock. That does not make sense, but at that point, I had already paid and completed the paper work so there wasn’t any going back. I was hoping someone could throw some light on this?
You probably have a different top yoke to standard so the steering lock doesn't engage and probably never will. Use search to find what people with the same forks/yoke have done. It'd help if yo ucould find out what forks have gone on the bike. Common conversions use GSXR forks with different yoke solutions.
4. I think that the front brakes are always engaged just a little bit – I can hear a rubbing noise when I wheel the bike around. What can I do about this?
You'll probably hear it on any bike. It's the pads ever so slightly touching the disc but without any real pressure. It's also possible that the brakes need a service but I'd ask someone in the know to let you know.
5. The back brake lever doesn’t have any free play so when I rest my foot on it, ever so slightly, the brake engages. And for long journeys, this is difficult to control as it means I can’t rest my foot on the pegs. I can feel it at about 30mph. What can I do about this?
Don't rest your foot on the brake lever. It's a brake lever for braking. The foot peg (rest) is the place to rest your foot.
6. What kind of mileage can I expect from her?
100,000,000 miles if taken care of properly. If you meant fuel economy, I haven't had an SV for a while but guestimate between about 130 -160 miles to a tank.
7. When I throttle off, the engine slows down really REALLY fast, so if I’m at 70mph, 6th gear, & close off, it starts slows down BADLY. Without a head or tail wind. This happens in any gear. The engine pulls the bike down really bad. So it’s a bit strange to ride in traffic because of coming to a gradual slow stop, I need to keep revving as the bike decelerates too, too quickly. What can I do about this? Or is this how the bike is made?
The SV is a twin, which means it has 2 cylinders instead of a more typical 4. Because it is a twin you get a lot of engine braking. It's a characteristic. It's also possible there is something wrong but I'd say it's unlikely (Unless your foot is on the rear brake ;))
8. Can I use Mobil Super S 10W-40 Semi Synthetic Motor Oil for my bike? If no, why? The manual recommends JASO MA and this oil meets that standard. I know Sid Squid said that to use a known brand, so Mobil is ok. It does not specify for motorcycles so the question.
I have no idea. I've always put motorcycle oil in motorcycles.
9. Is the fact, that using diesel oil for motorcycles is safe, true?
See above.
10. I’m horrible with directions and need my GPS talking to me all the time. Right now, I have it on my phone, plug in ear phones and ride. But there is a lot of noise from wind and this is really bugging. What can I do about this? All my vents are closed. HJC IS-16 helmet. Link is :
Amazon_01 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/HJC-IS-16-TYPE-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET/dp/B001RLHFCM)
Amazon_02 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/HJC-SPECTOR-MOTORBIKE-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET/dp/B004TQAB28/ref=sr_1_7?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1343083630&sr=1-7)
Custom ear plugs that allow ear phones to be used. Otherwise see if HJC make a whisper kit for making your lid less noisy.
11. Is £7.50 for a K&N oil filter worth it?
No idea.
12. How much will a good full service cost me? As the last service was done in Oct 2010 at 4k miles.
It depends who does it. I get mine done for free because I do them. Shop around.
13. Where can I dispose of oil that I change at home?
Your local tip/dump.
14. Where can I buy a cheap funnel from? Any specific type?
Wilko, Hein Gericke, Tesco, anywhere. Or cut the top off a bottle. Simples.
15. I see battery chargers on eBay. Do I need one?
Unless you're not going to be using your bike frequently then probably not.
Thanks in advance guys! Looking forward to finding answers for these questions!
Much appreciated! :grin:
Please excuse my short sharp answers but that is a lot to ask! You seriously need to practise searching for stuff.
Have fun and take your foot off the brake unless you're braking. It's not a wise thing to do.
:)
Bordtea
23-07-12, 11:43 PM
Jesus.
4. I used to think this aswell, but seems its just the noise that they make, wouldn't worry.
5. I think you can adjust the freeplay fairly easily, look in your manual or haynes.
6. How long's a piece of string? If the engines cared for then they can last for bloody miles, was recently a pointy up for sale with something like a 116k on the clock, and they very regularly make it past 70k.
7. SVs have ALOT of engine braking, you just have to get used to it. I find that I barely ever need to touch my actual brakes whilst road riding.
11. Yes
13. Local tip
Jesus.
He he. That's exactly what I thought.
5. You can of course adjust the brake pedal down so it's out of harms way and you need to make a positive decision to use it.
appollo1
24-07-12, 12:36 AM
1. How do I communicate for dirt cheap with my pillion behind me? Budget: £30
as already suggested shop around
2. I need a new visor for my HJC IS-16 helmet. I’ve searched high and low but the only ones I found off eBay were for £35 and I don’t want to pay that much. Budget: £10
worth paying to have a clean and clear visor so your vision is not impared - shop around
3. I only just bought my bike last week. Done 300 miles on her already. But I have a nagging problem. The owner told me, as I was taking her away, that since it had custom USD forks, the locking cylinder would not lock. That does not make sense, but at that point, I had already paid and completed the paper work so there wasn’t any going back. I was hoping someone could throw some light on this?
Sorry can't help with this
4. I think that the front brakes are always engaged just a little bit – I can hear a rubbing noise when I wheel the bike around. What can I do about this?
try the spit test on the disc after a short run to see if it is hot - best to spit on it than touch in case you burn yourself. brakes may need servicing
5. The back brake lever doesn’t have any free play so when I rest my foot on it, ever so slightly, the brake engages. And for long journeys, this is difficult to control as it means I can’t rest my foot on the pegs. I can feel it at about 30mph. What can I do about this?
don't rest your foot on the pedal that is what the pegs are for.
6. What kind of mileage can I expect from her?
if well maintained and looked after hundreds of thousands of miles i would think
7. When I throttle off, the engine slows down really REALLY fast, so if I’m at 70mph, 6th gear, & close off, it starts slows down BADLY. Without a head or tail wind. This happens in any gear. The engine pulls the bike down really bad. So it’s a bit strange to ride in traffic because of coming to a gradual slow stop, I need to keep revving as the bike decelerates too, too quickly. What can I do about this? Or is this how the bike is made?
v twin will slow down a lot quicker. also with the possible problems with your brakes maybe they are rubbing and slowing you down very quickly - see above for spit test
8. Can I use Mobil Super S 10W-40 Semi Synthetic Motor Oil for my bike? If no, why? The manual recommends JASO MA and this oil meets that standard. I know Sid Squid said that to use a known brand, so Mobil is ok. It does not specify for motorcycles so the question.
no idea i will let a more experienced person answer that one
9. Is the fact, that using diesel oil for motorcycles is safe, true?
no idea i will let a more experienced person answer that one
10. I’m horrible with directions and need my GPS talking to me all the time. Right now, I have it on my phone, plug in ear phones and ride. But there is a lot of noise from wind and this is really bugging. What can I do about this? All my vents are closed. HJC IS-16 helmet. Link is :
Amazon_01 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/HJC-IS-16-TYPE-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET/dp/B001RLHFCM)
Amazon_02 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/HJC-SPECTOR-MOTORBIKE-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET/dp/B004TQAB28/ref=sr_1_7?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1343083630&sr=1-7)
11. Is £7.50 for a K&N oil filter worth it?
no idea i will let a more experienced person answer that one
12. How much will a good full service cost me? As the last service was done in Oct 2010 at 4k miles.
shop around or do it yourself
13. Where can I dispose of oil that I change at home?
most local recycling centres have the facility for you to dispose of used oil
14. Where can I buy a cheap funnel from? Any specific type?
most hardware, pound, cheap shops or depending what it is for make your own with a used clean drinks bottle
15. I see battery chargers on eBay. Do I need one?
always handy to keep the battery on a trickle charger as opposed to a battery charger
@Monkey:
1. What should I look for? Motorcycle communications unit? I can't buy bluetooth or new helmets, so what brand should I look for?
2. You say shop around for visors. Is there a specific store online that you mean? I don't fancy going into a physical store, and I've scoured the internet for a cheap visor for this model, but i can't find any! (reasonably priced). Could you tell me where you get your stuff from please?
3. Yes, you’re right, the “steering lock doesn't engage and probably never will”. That’s what he said! Lol! I asked the previous owner. He bought it off a dealer like that, and based on hearsay, it could be Gsxr forks. Will having pictures help?
4. Will do
5. Yes, but my toes are on the lever. My heel is on the peg. And since it’s a lean forward stance, how I can not rest my toes?!?!
6. Sorry – when I meant mileage, I meant fuel economy. MPL. Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind.
7. Ok, this means that I need to get used to the increased engine braking. But that makes it feel less fuel efficient, doesn’t it?
8. Ok
9. Ok
10. Ok
11. Ok
12. Shop around HOW?
13. Ok
14. Ok
15. Ok
Thanks!
@Bordtea:
4. OK
5. Ok
6. I meant fuel efficiency, sorry! MPL or KmPL
7. I agree! Makes it seem very thirsty though. Are they?
11. Thanks - ordered for it!
13. Copy that.
@appollo1:
2. Where do I shop?
4. Brilliant idea, thank you!
12. I don't know how to service bikes! Apart from the basics like oil and filter changes.
13. Ok.
14. ok.
15. Noted.
Bottom line: Need to pointed in the right direction for a visor, ear plugs and comms unit. Need to adjust the rear brake lever for free play, do the spit test, finalise on the oil, and find out about the yoke and fork combination.
Will post back as I do these!
Biker Biggles
24-07-12, 01:45 PM
5 Your heel shouldnt be on the peg.You should ride with the balls of your feet on the pegs and your toes will then be nowhere near the brake pedal.Where do you put your left foot?It must be difficult to change gear up the box if your foot is stuch on top of the gear lever.
Mate, where do I start. A lot of this you will absolutely figure out.
Rear brake - you can adjust the lever down depending on the type of rearsets you have (in general most are adjustable). However, you have just mentioned one of the things you will eventually learn. For better control and movement on your bike, you should get used to sitting on the balls of your feet. Its feels akward and sometimes difficult but you'll get use to it or adjust the pegs to suit. By doing this you will find it easier to manouver around the bike (especially when cornering at speed).
Engine braking - Try out another V Twin and then an I4 to get a feel for the difference. Better yet try another SV and compare to your own. The should feel the same as far as engine braking goes. If not then as some suggest it could be a problem with brakes.
Comms - You probably won't find something suitable with this budget. No point getting something cheap that doesn't work effectively or is uncomfortable. Why wouldn't you want to go into a physical shop?
Wind noise - I have a different (cheap) suggestion. Use a balaclava over your ears/earphones. This will reduce the windnoise (not eliminate). You can pick one up for as little as £2. Otherwise, as suggested above.
Fuel Eff - Depeding on how you ride, up to 46 MPG in my experience. And no, lots of engine braking doesn't mean less fuel efficient. In fact its not bad compared to some I4's. There is a chart somewhere online. Or do a search SV650 Fuel Efficiency.
5 Your heel shouldnt be on the peg.You should ride with the balls of your feet on the pegs and your toes will then be nowhere near the brake pedal.Where do you put your left foot?It must be difficult to change gear up the box if your foot is stuch on top of the gear lever.
Oh!? I must say, that isn't very comfy. I only assume that position when cornering!
Left foot is the same as the right, on top of the gear lever after I hit 3rd/4th in the city. On the motorway, after 6th, it just stays on top, ready to down shift. :confused:
@Runako:
Rear brake - Will google how to change them. As you said, it is awkward for me as on all my previous little commuters, this is how I rode. It was more comfy in city traffic and on the motorway. Sometimes I get a sharp pain in my left or right pelvis where my leg joins my torso, when I have my leathers on. It goes away if I change my position or straighten out my legs. So i only use the ball of my feet when I corner. And I don't do much of high speed cornering as I'm still getting used to the bike, but will keep it in mind, ta!
Engine braking - OK, will try them out. Now I only need to find someone with an SV. :D
Comms - I suppose so. Oh well. Guess that will happen next year then.
Noise - I use a balaclava along with my in-ear headphones from sony. I can hear the music/directions fine, but there is still a lot of wind at 50mph +.
Fuel Eff - Thanks for the bench mark. Is that an average or highway commute? Will try to reach that. Will try finding that chart.
Question : The best way to clean my bike!?
Purity14
24-07-12, 02:58 PM
Im thinking about asking my girlfriend to make me a sammich.
Im thinking a Ham & Cheese, but i'm not sure ive liked them in the past but people have told me there are better things. - What can you suggest?
BUDGET: £2.40
Also, are tesco sammiches better than asda ones, im thinking of leaving my girlfriend she thinks im weird and cannot think for myself, so i guess ill just get a new one.
Ive heard blonde ones have more fun in the bedroom, what do you guys suggest?
BUDGET: 1x cinema trip per week, and a sitdown meal for two somewhere nice every fortnight.
Blondes/brunettes, depends on the model of girl. Don't forget, some blondes are brunette as standard and vice versa. I think your budget is a bit low unless you don't mind a less than good quality girlfriend.
keith_d
24-07-12, 03:30 PM
Im thinking about asking my girlfriend to make me a sammich.
Im thinking a Ham & Cheese, but i'm not sure ive liked them in the past but people have told me there are better things. - What can you suggest?
BUDGET: £2.40
Also, are tesco sammiches better than asda ones, im thinking of leaving my girlfriend she thinks im weird and cannot think for myself, so i guess ill just get a new one.
Ive heard blonde ones have more fun in the bedroom, what do you guys suggest?
BUDGET: 1x cinema trip per week, and a sitdown meal for two somewhere nice every fortnight.
Excellent de-rail.
1) In the south of England they are called sandwiches. You will need to replace the reg/rec before you can upgrade from sammiches to sandwiches.
2) Unfortunately, Femaleacid is out of your budget range. You'll have to stick with Mrs Palm a bit longer.
To get the thread back on track:
- You should only use motorcycle oil in your bike because the additives in car oil may adversely affect your clutch (unless you're riding a Ducati in which case your clutch may adversely affect your bank balance).
smarty0121
24-07-12, 03:47 PM
Buy a paddock stand for the rear so the bike does not lean and it will help when lubing the chain/cleaning the rear wheel plus many other things, rince the bike so you get debris and muck off your bike (you may need some brushes on tuff grime) degreaser will remove tuff muck too, then wash with a bike cleaner and a sponge on the fairings (make sure there is no grit or any thing left on the bike as it may scratch fairings/tank) Dry off and polish
Spank86
25-07-12, 06:46 AM
1. How do I communicate for dirt cheap with my pillion behind me? Budget: £30
Try shouting in a lower register, they'll hear you better over the sound of their high pitched screaming.
5. Yes, but my toes are on the lever. My heel is on the peg. And since it’s a lean forward stance, how I can not rest my toes?!?!
Duck foot.
Your 'heel' shouldnt be on the peg but if you dont like riding on your balls (;)) you can ride with the the arches of your feet on the pegs and tip your feet outwards slightly so the toes don't point straight forward but rest alongside the brake lever.
@Spank86: Yes, that makes a lot more sense for me as I don't like to waste time (in case of an emergency) bringing my foot forward and then engaging the brake. I want it to be instant. Split seconds count, we all know that. That's good advice, let me try it! Cheers!
Haha you will learn soon enough ;) Just have fun man and ride as much as possible.
Hi
Number2 dont bother trying to buy a visor search for the helmet I bought a second hand helmet just for the visors (helmet, black visor, clear visor,and carry bag £20 ebay)
RST
Im thinking about asking my girlfriend to make me a sammich.
Im thinking a Ham & Cheese, but i'm not sure ive liked them in the past but people have told me there are better things. - What can you suggest?
BUDGET: £2.40
Also, are tesco sammiches better than asda ones, im thinking of leaving my girlfriend she thinks im weird and cannot think for myself, so i guess ill just get a new one.
Ive heard blonde ones have more fun in the bedroom, what do you guys suggest?
BUDGET: 1x cinema trip per week, and a sitdown meal for two somewhere nice every fortnight.
Reeder would be proud
here is your prize
http://filmenglish.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/cardboard-box.jpg
Hi
Number2 dont bother trying to buy a visor search for the helmet I bought a second hand helmet just for the visors (helmet, black visor, clear visor,and carry bag £20 ebay)
RST
I have the HJC IS 16. The cheapest I can find on ebay is £26.
And nothing else anywhere! MOAN! :smt019:smt072
@Spank86: Yes, that makes a lot more sense for me as I don't like to waste time (in case of an emergency) bringing my foot forward and then engaging the brake. I want it to be instant. Split seconds count, we all know that. That's good advice, let me try it! Cheers!
It's very rare to require an emergency rear brake. Typically the benefits of riding on the balls of your feet far outweigh any reaction speed issues. In fact you can change gear faster from the balls as you can go either up or down the box in and "emergency".
Lots of good advice on here so worth listening to it rather then determining that what you are doing is the best way. There is lots of experience on here and much has been gained the hard way. Entirely up to you you can listen or ignore but more often than not the advice you get on here is good so well worth listening to.
Spank86
27-07-12, 09:16 AM
Another suggestion is to meet up with other bikers and go to any cafes you know, that way you can get a look at exactly how they're doing it.
Not everyone's doing it right, but everyones dealing with the same 'problems'.
@Mark: I definitely will, don't worry! I'd rather believe what you guys say than some random american kid on youtube. Lol. I have been trying the balls of my feet now and the boots are brand new, so I guess its a matter of time. Another thing I noticed is that after I change a gear, it remains stuck in that gear, cos my boot is still pushing the lever up and I don't realise it until I try to change again cos I can't feel the lever being pushed up on thru my boot.
Again, this maybe because the boots are new.
@Spank: Will DEF have to try you advice, how's the best way to go about it?
You need to adjust your pedals or have someone do it.
Spank86
28-07-12, 07:37 AM
The easiest way is to look on the forum for which of us are having meet ups in your area, we're a friendly bunch on the whole and it's pretty rare new members get killed and eaten.
Failing that a quick search for biker meets : http://www.thebikerguide.co.uk/bikerfriendlymeetingplacescafespubsworchester.html
Or just asking in whatever section of the forum you're local to.
(Madlanders I'd imagine?)
How do i find out? I'm in Worcester, West Midlands. Oh, btw, I just CANNOT find a replacement visor for my HJC IS 16 helmet. What can I do?!? Where else can I look? I've scoured the internet, atleast a dozen online stores.
HELLLPPPP!
Also, if an oil meets SL specifications ( I understand that if its SL, it means that its backwards compatible and encompasses SJ, SH, SG, SF) but not the JASO T903 MA specs for my SV (its a MB), then I just cannot use it right?
If oil has been lying in a bottle for 5 years, can it be safely used?
There is a section on this forum for the Midlands section (wittily called the Madlanders) LITERALLY two clicks away from this very webpage.
With regards to the oil question, please ask yourself; what is oil?
I am well and truly spent with this thread.
Geodude
29-07-12, 09:44 AM
Try popping into your local bike shop in person (not internet) that stock HJC and ask (if you haven't already) if they or the hjc sales rep could find you one, sometimes they can do wonders. Also could try ebay as there is a few on, but from korea mostly. http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=is-16+visor HTH :D
Thanks for All the responses guys, monkay, smarty & the rest.
You guys have helped quite a lot!
Thanks again!!!
markc123
07-08-12, 07:25 AM
http://www.racevisors.co.uk/categories.php?p=331&c=103&#ptop
Your helmet takes a HJ-09 visor. Plenty on the internet to buy.
They just ain't a cheap one.
How can you tell that they match? Personal experience I'm guessing!?
Thank you, found a few on eBay as well. :)
markc123
08-08-12, 07:39 AM
How can you tell that they match? Personal experience I'm guessing!?
Thank you, found a few on eBay as well. :)
Pretty much all the useful information in the world can be found using google :-)
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=HJC+IS-16+visor - 4th link was racevisors.
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